David Pinto wrote:
Expect the large carriers to do whatever they can to prevent from open
platforms to gain market share. One of their biggest concerns is turning
from *Cellular Service Providers* into *Wireless Network Providers* (which
is exactly what Neo will catalyze). There are suggestions being currently
made in the cellular industry to start charging a premium for accessing
certain URLs from cellphones (e.g., Skype :)), as well as other mid-evil
times ideas.
There are about 180 wireless providers in the US
(http://www.ctia.org/research_statistics/index.cfm/AID/10202). One way of
getting traction is with the smaller MVNO, which will see the Neo/OpenMoko
as a business opportunity rather than a threat.
It all depends on the terms of service of the upstream connection of the
MVNO. If the real networks they are hosted on can impose conditions on
the virtual operators, then smaller operators are only helpful until the
larger companies react.
Of course, this may raise competition issues, and inspire legal action,
which could go very wrong for the larger companies.
They may simply choose to raise the prices to virtual operators.
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