PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

VIDEO: Leak Tips Google Wireless Details

 & Antonio Villas-Boas Junior Analyst, Consumer Electronics

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
LOOK INSIDE PC LABS HOW WE TEST
65 EXPERTS
43 YEARS
41,500+ REVIEWS

A Nexus 6 firmware update potentially sheds some light on Google's upcoming wireless service.

As reported by Android Police, the update includes new apps that provide a glimpse into what Google might look like as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).

An app with the codename Tycho will reportedly be the central command for Google Wireless, where you'll have control over your service's settings and options. That's not overly exciting, but when you dig into the fine print, it appears that customers will be charged on a per gigabyte basis rather than paying a set price for a monthly data limit, like many current carrier plans offer.

It seems unlikely that you'd be penalized for going over your purchased data limit as you'll be able to purchase more from the Tycho app, and any data you haven't used will be rolled over into the next month or period. It also looks like all calls to U.S. and Canadian numbers will be free. And despite rumors to the contrary, international calls may incur small fees, similar to what Google Voice currently charges.

Google Wireless will reportedly provide cellular service by tapping into Sprint and T-Mobile's networks.

Watch this episode and more in our What's New Now playlistSubscribe for daily updates, and follow PCMag on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

About Our Expert

Antonio Villas-Boas

Antonio Villas-Boas

Junior Analyst, Consumer Electronics

Before becoming PCMag’s Junior Consumer Electronics Analyst, Antonio graduated from Colgate University with a BA in History where he, upon writing his nine millionth essay, never thought he would ever write ever again, especially for a living. After working in PR and sales, Antonio realized his knowledge and passion for technology far exceeded normal levels, and, ironically, writing about it was one of his few outlets. He decided to take a risk and go on his own. He started his blog, TonyVsTech.com, and was freelancing tech related articles for major tech outlets, namely producing how-to tutorial videos for TheUnlockr.com. After making his own way to CES in 2014, he heard PCMag’s call for a new Junior Consumer Electronics Analyst, and answered it with gusto. He still can’t believe his job is to review cool tech and gadgets at an awesome tech publication.

Read full bio