WSJ: Google to launch wireless network as soon as Wednesday with pay-by usage model

Google’s oft-rumored U.S wireless service could be unveiled as early as Wednesday, according to a new report from The Wall Street Journal. The report corroborates earlier rumors that the key selling point of Google’s network will be that users will only pay for the amount of data they actually use each month.

Google’s wireless network is expected to be based on the existing infrastructure of Sprint and T-Mobile and will allow users to seamlessly switch between the two, as well as WiFi, depending on what offers the best connection at any given moment. Google’s Sundar Pichai confirmed earlier this year that the company has been exploring the possibility of launching an MVNO. The service has reportedly been in the works for more than two years.

Last week, images of an alleged companion app for Google Wireless emerged, showing that users would only pay for the data they used in a given month and that any excess data would also be able to rollout over to the next billing period. Previously, The Wall Street Journal has reported that Google Wireless will only be compatible with the Nexus 6, although that has yet to be confirmed. The leaked screenshots of the app showed that the Nexus 6 will be the only device available via financing on Google Wireless, however.

Google launching an MVNO makes perfect sense and would give the wireless industry the shake-up that it needs. All we’re waiting for now is an official announcement by the company itself…