Cell service providers: the end is nigh?
Posted on June 15, 2008
Filed Under All, Technology |
Aaron Vronko hinted at this in our interview last Thursday: once a mobile device has IP access, do you really need a cell phone company in the loop? Especially our current batch of providers, mostly former landline companies that completely missed the IP turn in the technology road. Few of these companies, seeking to recreate the monopolies - and profits - they once had in a regulated world, have endeared themselves to customers with their abusive contracts, intentionally confusing ’service’ plans et al.
Once ubiquitous wireless IP service is available (from, say, cell phone towers), users just need fast, dumb pipes. Indeed, you could look at 2G and 3G networks as slow, dumb pipes where AT&T, Verizon et al. have been able to shackle customers with locked phones and own-your-soul contracts. I would be looking over my shoulder, were I a cell-phone service provider, especially if a new administration brings with it a more consumer-oriented FCC…
Comments
2 Responses to “Cell service providers: the end is nigh?”
Leave a Reply
> Once ubiquitous wireless IP service is available
Sure, and there’s the rub I think. I’m a bit ill-informed about the whole thing, but it took a decade or two, and a lot of cash, to set up the cellular networks, right?
I’m not saying ubiquitous wireless IP can’t be done, but you’d need the cash, the technical know-how, and the will and wit to counter whatever lobbying and dirty tactics the cellular guys threw at you.
I hope it happens.
[...] Aaron Vronko has not only already got ahold of an iPhone 3G, but he’s taken it apart and published a HOWTO guide. You’re a braver man than I, Aaron… [...]