Verizon Opens Network

This is big news. I think the biggest implication of Verizon opening up its network is a way for brands to reach consumers in a consistent fashion. For business to be able to expand their presence into mobile in a true sense. Already Sprint and ATT have opened their networks to 3rd party applications such as Google Maps, Microsoft Live Search and upcoming V-Enable's Mobile411 application.

As as for 411 is concerned, successful services, today, use little to no technology: dial a number, get some voice automation and an operator. The reason services such as FREE-411, 800-Yellowpages etc did not add a enhanced component of a rich phone user experience is inconsistency of the experience across networks. Now that top 3 carriers will allow access to applications, expect rich 411 experience to follow.

Customer service and banking are examples of services that can vastly benefit from open network access. Imagine not having to listen to voice prompts to get to a specific customer service department Or being able to type your AA mileage number and see automated options on the screen.

-D

Radiohead

I read the WSJ article about how Radiohead is letting users bid for their own price for their new album "In Rainbows" via their site and thats the only way to get it. Then just today i read a blog that users can bid for $0 and still get it, does not matter how much you bid, you get the album. Quite interesting. So I big $5 and after tax, paid $7 for the full album! I could have bid $0, but i respect Radiohead, they are awesome. I did want to bid $12, but wanted to see if the blog i read was true, and it was..!

Radiohead's site did collect some information about me, now its time to see if I am bombarded with marketing messages or not. If i am, i'll update this blog post.

I guess this is one way to fight piracy. Quite innovative Radiohead.

so long,
D

Google launches Mobile initiative

By now you have read the below "

Google Inc. announced today an ambitious alliance with 33 handset makers, wireless carriers and other technology companies to create low-cost mobile phones based on "open" technology standards. "

D's comments> We have all been waiting for open cell phone platforms for a long time. As noted by various articles, Europe (with Symbian penetration) is way ahead of US. In US, we have access to Windows Mobile handset base, Palm and upcoming iPhone SDK. Those make up around 5-6% of the total phone base (though growing)

Readers should note that it takes a couple of years for handsets with any new major platform to get significant penetration. So if Google OS starts shipping mid next year, it will be at least 2010 before we see 10% of US handsets on it. Any new open platform is welcome news as it ads on to current 5% base, but the caution is: total base will not exceed 20-25% by 2010 with all open platforms included. So when startup companies are projecting new business from Mobile, take into account these factors. WAP/Java/BREW will continue to be the majority of the business for next couple of years.

The key for Goog will be to get its OS on low end handsets that make majority of the phones. The challenge there would be: an OS can only be as good ass the hardware it comes with: such as GPS, Screen size, Keyboard etc.

MetroPCS drops Leap Wireless deal

Metro ditches bid for Leap

MetroPCS Communications Inc. announced it dropped its proposal to merge with Leap Wireless International Inc., following Leap's disinterest in the deal. "MetroPCS has not been able to engage Leap in meaningful negotiations regarding MetroPCS’ merger proposal," Metro said. "As a result, MetroPCS today announced that it is withdrawing its merger proposal."