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Amazon is experimenting with offering its own wireless network to provide internet to its customers, reports Bloomberg.
Citing ‘people with knowledge of the matter’, Bloomberg states that Amazon tested the network in California, the home of its Lab126 research centre, using spectrum from satellite communications company GlobalStar. GlobalStar is currently pursuing legislation to convert 80 per cent of its spectrum to terrestrial use.
Amazon isn’t the first web-based company to consider expanding into offering web access. Google has built support for fibre-based broadband services in 17 American cities, and has attempted to claim wireless spectrum from communications companies. Starbucks recently recruited Google in order to provide Wi-Fi in its coffee shops.
Last year Amazon was also reported to have considered producing a smartphone.
Amazon’s experimentation with wireless internet doesn’t come as a surprise. The company already offers the free 3G service ‘Whispernet’ with compatible models of its Kindle e-readers, which allows customers to purchase and download books, as well as providing free internet surfing via the Kindle’s experimental web browser.
The already popular online retailer has only continued to grow in popularity, with sales jumping by over 25 per cent to $61 billion in 2012, and Amazon’s stock doubling in the last three years.
