Amazon may be about to become an internet service provider in Europe, a report has claimed.
According to The Information, the retailer is considering offering internet services directly to customers through its Prime subscription service.
Europe, the publication says, is in Amazon's sights as several countries and firms within the EU already give other companies access to their internet infrastructure. In the UK, for example, BT is required to offer access to its Openreach infrastructure to rivals. In Germany, Deutsche Telekom also makes its network available to other providers.
This precedent would allow Amazon, or any other firm, to buy or rent internet capacity, which it could then sell to customers. In July, BT, at the behest of regulator Ofcom, said it would give its broadband business more independence to avoid splitting into two companies.
"A person briefed on the matter" told The Information that a move into the ISP market would mean Amazon could bundle internet connectivity with its video streaming services offered through Prime. "A US offering would be tougher to pull off as US regulators don’t require cable operators to open up their networks to rivals," the publication wrote.
The move may never happen, however, and Amazon told WIRED it does not comment on rumour and speculation.
If Amazon did offer internet services, this would build on the ever-expanding range of features available to those who pay £79 for the annual Prime subscription. Since it launched, Amazon has introduced Prime Music, Video, twitch, and unlimited photo storage to subscribers.
Prime members can also take advantage of fresh food deliveries.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
