Sprint Strongly Considering Android

Sprint isn't quite ready to commit to releasing an Android-based device, but it seems very close to it.

This carrier is looking into whether a device based on Google's new mobile operating system would grow its customer base by bringing in new subscribers.

Kevin Packingham, Sprint's VP of products and devices, told seattlepi.com, "We've just got to make sure our customers are saying, 'If you had a phone like this, man, I would really be more interested in Sprint because of it.' "

If the decision is made, Sprint says it can have a device on the market within a year.

More about Android

Android is a new consumer-oriented mobile operating system. It was created by Google with input from a variety of companies who have joined the Open Handset Alliance. Not surprisingly, Android is strongly tied to Google's online services, like Gmail and Google maps.

The first device based on it, the T-Mobile G1, debuted in recent weeks in the U.S. and the U.K.

It's not known when, or if, the other top U.S. carriers will release Android-based models. AT&T's CEO has said his company is at least open to the idea of phone running this OS, but it's the exclusive carrier of the iPhone in the U.S., so it's unlikely to offer what's seen as the iPhone's top rival. And Verizon has joined the rival LiMo Foundation.

Related Articles:

• Motorola Going to Focus on Android
• AT&T Taking a Wait and See Attitude Toward Android
• T-Mobile G1 Review