Ask A&I » mobility

Verizon to allow unlimited skype calling over 3g starting next-month

bob — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:10:41 +0000

It’s starting… Why they have been resisting this is a testament to perhaps an outmoded record-company-fighting-an-iTunes-model type of thinking. If you can retain your data revenue and force the traffic over someone else’s network like a Starbuck’s, Panera Bread, or even your home wi-fi connection, why not do it?

Granted, there will be some kinks in the early stages like spotty adoption by network providers, some bad apps initially and some other limitations, but this is coming folks. (See my original post about Android and iPhones as SUVs for a more complete reference to this post.)

By adding network access options such as wi-fi, it will create pent-up demand for a whole new set of devices. Wi-fi hotspots will compete for your cell signal in order to sell you more with ads for free access. It’s just a matter of time before everyone figures out how to make money.

Remember, they can’t force you to make more calls, but they can lure you onto the web alot more with all that glitters… and that’s where the next cash cow is.

Click here for the story: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/16/verizon-to-allow-unlimited-skype-calling-over-3g-starting-next-m/

RIM (BlackBerry) Now Acknowledges Wireless Data Demands Is An Issue

bob — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:32:20 +0000

File this under, ‘Be Careful What You Ask For’. BGR, as always, holds nothing back. I love this site for mobility info. Check out this article: RIM’s Mike Lazaridis wants manufacturers to limit your data usage . RIM’s CEO suggestion that the key to the growing burdens on wireless data networks is to handle it at the device/user level. Here’s BGR’s response: ‘…It’s called actually having a wireless data network that can handle the things consumers and businesses want to do on their phones, and it’s called planning…’

I wholeheartedly agree. Network providers don’t build networks to offer outstanding service; they build them to add new users and more importantly – revenue. User satisfaction is a happy coincidence. No? Compare the network maps of rural America with low income demographics and metropolitan areas where the cost of living is sky high. Network planners try to stay one half-step ahead of subscriber churn. It’s only when they start to see a shift in users that they budget their build outs.

It’s going to get real interesting when the vectors of net neutrality, Internet access, and user expectations finally come together in critical mass.

Android and iPhone OS: The SUVs of Wireless?

bob — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:48:45 +0000

Your wireless data options are soon to be both more diverse and expensive. Why? Apps and capabilities are creating a usage shift from voice to data on phones. The mobile operating system /device landscape isn’t evolving; it’s morphing.It won’t be long before the complaints voiced about AT&T’s mobile network will be repeated across all mobile network providers as downloading huge chunks of data will far outpace voice calling. T-Mobile’s ‘Skype’ strategy could prove to be the model of the future. Actually I don’t mean Skype specifically, it will be variations of VOIP over Wi-Fi to where users can piggyback on alternatives to cellular networks.

Apps and robust mobile OS’s have changed the definition of what a cell phone is. Our clients are now seeing about a 90/10 split between BlackBerrys and standard cellphones. Data will have to become a premium and voice could be just thrown in. The revenue stream is richer in data and the case can easily be made that wireless providers can and will charge more as they try to keep up with the bandwidth demand. And while new standards, ala ‘4 G’ networks are in the works, you don’t honestly think they won’t look for opportunities to up the ante just a little bit each month?

I’d say kiss goodbye the days of $30 and $40 unlimited plans and look for things like $30 50Mb, $40 250Mb, $50 1G plans and unlimited data plans reaching as high as $60-80. There are already some options out there similar depending on the provider. My point is we will soon see wireless bills rise about 10-20% or even more over the next 2 years. We’ve developed a taste for big and brawny with heavy dose of ’statement’ devices we flash around. Android and Apple OSx have opened the door and not only is there no going back, I would expect Palm, Windows and RIM to only add to what you just need to have in your hand.

Of course I could be wrong…

UPDATE: This was announced on Friday, Jan 15th.

Look, there apparently is already plans for plans. Check this from ABC New/Money:

The latest moves in a long-running pricing competition between the nation’s wireless carriers is not just leading to lower prices for some customers: It also shows that data use is becoming an increasingly important service for mobile carriers as they look to new sources of revenue from customers dependent on mobile access to e-mail and the Web.

In fact, with the latest round of changes, both companies are requiring more customers to buy the data plans used to access the Internet and check e-mail on high-end mobile devices.

Don’t be deceived by the lowering of the one for the other. This is about the increasing significance of data and I expect there to be more changes as the impact of Android-enabled devices will start to be felt.

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AT&T: iPhone Users Drive Up Data Network Usage – Duh

bob — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:46:07 +0000

AT&T apparently has woken up and recognized the impact smartphone users – especially iPhones – are having on their wireless data network. See W. David Gardner’s piece in today’s InfoWeek; even PBS’ Nightly Business Report mentioned it. Incredibly, those pesky iPhone users are sucking up all the bandwidth in places like New York and San Francisco. Uh, guys, remember all those ads that said, ‘there’s an app for that’? Didn’t it occur to anyone in the room that the unprecedented proliferation of iPhones and all its capabilities would have a proportionate Internet demand?

As an iPhone user who really enjoys its functionality and actually gets good performance; I’m really not interested in AT&T’s network congestion problems or what causes them. I pay my bill on time and don’t want to hear any whining about how 3% of the users consume 40% of the data usage. I simply bought what you advertised. (Technically, they were Apple ads, but remember that whole exclusivity thing?) Your job is to make sure it works. It all part of the bond you have with your customers. DO NOT try and blame me for your success. If you didn’t see this coming that’s your fault.