AT&T considering joining the Google Open Handset Alliance

The hype and hoopla surrounding Google (NSDQ: GOOG)’s entry into the mobile space has fizzled out somewhat. Google’s Open Handset Alliance (OHA) announcement was huge, there’s no doubt about that – but as far as staying power, that announcement has already hit the back-burner.

AT&T (NYSE: T) is looking to fire up the hype-machine again with AT&T wireless chief Ralph de la Vega’s announcement that Big Blue is considering joining the Android-supporting OHA. AT&T’s entry into the OHA would mark the carrier’s intention to sell handsets with the Linux-based Android mobile OS.

If AT&T were to join the OHA, smaller carriers like Sprint (NYSE: S) and T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) USA could get shafted out of their open-handset advantage. Larger carriers like Verizon (NYSE: VZ) and AT&T are notorious for locking down their handsets to only run code sanctioned by the carrier – Sprint and T-Mobile’s participation in the OHA would have given them an edge against the larger incumbents by offering innovative handsets to their subscriber-base. But, if AT&T ships Android-based handsets, we could see an even larger gap between the top US carriers and smaller (relatively) outfits like Sprint, and T-Mobile.

[Via: Electronista]