Google and Hutchison Whampoa, the owner of  Three, are reportedly in discussions towards a deal that will allow Americans to use their phones abroad at no extra cost.
The two are discussing a wholesale access agreement that would become an important part of Google’s planned attempt to shake-up the US mobile market with its own network.
It is understood that Google aims to create a global network that will cost the same to use for calls, texts and data no matter where a customer is located. By linking up with Hutchison, it could gain wholesale access to mobile service in the UK, Ireland, Italy and several more countries where the Hong Kong conglomerate owns mobile networks.
Sources said Hutchison was a natural partner for Google in the plan, because it has also sought to eliminate roaming charges for Three customers.
Sources said Google was has no plans to to offer a mobile network to British consumers and is unlikely to for the foreseeable future. The European telecoms market is relatively competitive and roaming charges are already on their way to being abolished by regulators.
Google and Three declined to comment.
