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A number of mobile operators, including Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel in the U.S., are reportedly in discussions with Google to include applications from the search and advertising giant on the mobile phones they carry.

While it is well known that Google plans to make a major push into the mobile arena, what isn't known, exactly, is to what extent.

Is it simply about new applications for cell phones and smartphones? Are they planning to introduce some new mobile services? How about a new smartphone operating system with software to directly access Google properties like Gmail and YouTube as well as an open API for third-party developers? Or, perhaps Google is in the process of developing a Google-branded mobile phone or smartphone?

Whatever the answer is, the rumor is Google will reveal it before the end of this month.

Google's entry into the mobile phone market wouldn't just be a challenge to the iPhone, but to all smartphone and cell phone platform vendors, such as Symbian, ACCESS, Microsoft, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung and RIM.

Then there's Google's plan to commit at least $4.6 billion to bid on the Federal Communications Commission's upcoming wireless broadband-friendly 700MHz spectrum auction. If Google succeeds, it could become a direct competitor to all telephone companies, wireless and landline, as well as the cable industry, setting the whole telecommunications industry on its ear.

See here for more on Google's talks with Verizon Wireless and here for its discussions with Sprint Nextel.