How Would Sprint Bankruptcy Affect Kindle?

You may have heard from the government officials and some economic experts that the economy is bouncing back, but a whole lot of experts argue that many other large companies will be in danger of going under before it is all said and done. Audit Integrity recently released a list of corporations that could go bankrupt within the next year. And you’d be surprised which companies made the list. The list contains a few top companies but they don’t get any bigger than CBS and Sprint. Audit Integrity, which manufactured the list, has made a few arguments why these companies will struggle to avoid bankruptcy, but it’s hard to read too much into the report. That considered, what if it were all true. What happens if Sprint files for bankruptcy tomorrow?

Amazon Kindle uses Whispernet to help you connect to Amazon, download books, and even surf the Internet. The service is based on Sprint’s network, so you could see why Amazon could be concerned if Sprint goes under. While I don’t expect the company to disintegrate and go dark, it’s still a concern to Amazon officials. Especially considering the fact that iRex, Sony, and Plastic Logic have all found partners in Verizon and AT&T. But could Amazon finally start charging for the service? Considering that Amazon has considered subscription plans in the past and even reserves the right to discontinue the wireless service, Sprint going out of business doesn’t seem to be the ideal situation. 

Amazon provides wireless connectivity free of charge to you for certain content shopping and downloading services on your Device. You may be charged a fee for wireless connectivity for your use of other wireless services on your Device, such as Web browsing and downloading of personal files, should you elect to use those services. We will maintain a list of current fees for such services in the Kindle Store. Amazon reserves the right to discontinue wireless connectivity at any time or to otherwise change the terms for wireless connectivity at any time, including, but not limited to (a) limiting the number and size of data files that may be transferred using wireless connectivity and (b) changing the amount and terms applicable for wireless connectivity charges.

The good news is that Sprint will probably be around for a while. And even if it does file for bankruptcy, I don’t see any reason the company can’t continue to operate. Besides, we are not even sure how accurate Audit Integrity’s predictions are. CBS, for one, has found Audit Integrity’s claims to be “absurd.”

Your take: should Amazon consider partnering up with AT&T or Verizon?