New Google Phone would challenge US carrier model

The long-rumored Google Phone appears to be coming, but with no carrier partner in the US. This is a very different strategy than most other phone makers employ, and may force the carriers to live up to their word when it comes to welcoming any and all devices to their networks.

How will the carriers react if there are suddenly large numbers of Google Phone users sucking up their network resources? (On a paid subscription, of course.) It won't be like AT&T, which dug its own grave with the data-heavy iPhone—if cell carriers begin to see serious Google Phone usage, they may be a little more willing to push for higher data prices to make up for the phone that isn't doing its part to bring in more customers on an exclusive contract. Then again, if they choose to go that route and charge more thanks to their own "open to all devices" stance, the Federal Communications Commission may not be pleased—the organization has been leaning towards heavier regulation of the mobile industry to make it more competitive and "fair" to customers.