Google is reported to be entering the cell provider space with a deal that will establish the tech giant as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO.)

The Information claims that the new service will be called “Nova”, will operate on both Sprint and T-Mobile’s networks, and that the project is led by longtime Google executive Nick Fox.

According to the report, Google is attempting to be creative with plan pricing by experimenting with “communication apps.” It’s not clear exactly what they are, however it may be something related to Google Voice and the use of VOIP to make calls.

By establishing an MVNO, Google would be able to control all aspects of a users mobile experience, expanding from its current base of software and hardware to the actual mobile network their devices run on.

The idea of Google becoming a mobile phone service provider isn’t fanciful: it already offers internet services such as Google Fiber, and with Project Loon it want’s to offer data services across the world.

Google also unsuccessfully bid on wireless spectrum licenses back in 2007 – 2008, although Google’s new bid to become a telco in 2015 seems like a bolder move.

A launch of the service is said to be likely this year.

image courtesy: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg