Jordan O'BrienAmazon could be gearing up to launch broadband services in the UK and Europe, with The Information reporting that the company is considering offering its service ‘at cost’.
In the UK telecommunications is open to competition, with BT forced to give access to its network – something that is unprecedented in the US, where cable companies have a monopoly on network infrastructure. This is reportedly one of the reasons Amazon is planning to roll-out its ISP plans in the UK and Europe, instead of its homeland.
The Information claims that as part of its plans, Amazon hopes to bundle its Prime subscription service with its broadband offering – allowing the company to ramp up the number of people subscribing to its video streaming and one-day delivery service.
Under the plans, Amazon could sell broadband for the same cost that it pays to access the network – with the company hoping to make back its margins with its retail operation instead.
It’s not just the UK that has piqued Amazon’s interest, the company is reportedly looking at other European nations that offer similar access – including Germany.
Unfortunately, it may be a while until the service gets off the ground. According to The Information the plans are only ‘high-level discussions’ at this stage, rather than solid proposals. It’s thought that the company isn’t interested in building its own network however, all but ruling out a launch Stateside.