Rumor: Google, Apple, Intel to buy Sprint?

Making the morning rounds today is the rumor that Sprint is on the verge of being gobbled up by an interesting triad: Google, Intel and Apple. Each have their own motive and tons of cash to dump into Sprint and establish a new paradigm for tech companies in the telecom world.

So why the interest in the “3rd tube” that is WiMAX? Access to mobile broadband allows each company unique opportunities which are now only dreams. Here is what each have to gain:

Google: With last weeks announcement of the Google Mobile OS, it is clear Google wants to get their OS -and more imporantly, their ads- in everything on every carrier. By jumping into this game and winning the 700mhz space, they get their wish of open phones and open networks, bringing their OS onto AT&T and Verizon networks.

Intel: Intel invested $600 million into Clearwire in a deal that would have created demand for Intel chips. With WiMAX spinning aimlessly at the moment, their participation would protect that investment.

Apple: Sitting on too much cash and making investors nervous, Apple could see an immediate and leading roll in WiMAX devices, like the iPod touch. Apple’s involvement would help create a whole new niche of internet devices that could carry the torch of high sales long after anyone remembers the iPod.

All rumor for sure, but an interesting line into the future to be sure.

Read: [GigaOM]