Google may be preparing to become a carrier

There is some potentially huge news popping up out of Spain, as reports suggest that Google is doling out its own SIM cards to employees in what could be the first step to it launching its own carrier in the country.

Technically, this would be what is known as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator or an MVNO, as Google would likely purchase airtime from a carrier at a wholesale rate and then resell it under its own branding. We have seen this model burn out in the United States, as Disney, ESPN, Helio and Virgin Mobile all tried the MVNO game before either dying or selling to a major carrier.