Here's a rumor courtesy of Tech Crunch:

We've heard from a good source in the mobile industry that Google may be preparing to launch its own branded mobile network in the UK in the next few weeks. If our source is accurate, Google will become a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) via a deal with UK mobile phone company O2.

I've resisted the Temptation of writing about the Google Phone rumors, but not about this. That's because Google launching its own mobile service makes a lot more sense. The only thing causing doubt is the fact that Google is supposedly trying out what could be a landmark service in the UK, not in their own backyard.

While Google features a lot of different technologies under its banner, one constant in its business model is the free service supported by advertising. And smartphones and PDAs are the final frontier of advertising, since companies know their marks customers carry around their gadgets anywhere, meaning greater accessibility.

If the rumor is true, Google is probably looking for a new advertising venue, and to attract more advertisers into its highly successful program

While mobile advertising has yet to find mainstream success, Google probably thinks it can succeed where so many have failed. Will Google really become a mobile operator and start offering mobile services for free? Only time will tell, dear readers. So look for further updates from The Smart PDA. And thanks to Tech Intelligence (a fellow member of Creative Weblogging) for the heads-up.