Cellphone User Rights Considered Harmful

Via Cory, phone consultants say user rights are a bug:

New mobile devices based on a version of the Symbian OS are a serious threat to mobile operator revenue streams, according to consultancy Mako Analysis. Savvy users can use devices running on Symbian's Series 60 operating system (OS) to completely bypass a range of services that are normally charged for by their mobile operator, the UK-based consultancy warned on Monday. While the threat is currently minimal, the loophole has the potential to cause major headaches for operators.

Open handsets let users choose their applications, which have to compete on pure value. Sure lock-in is nice for sellers -- until buyers bypass the locked-in route altogether. Companies who take the path Mako recommends are just clearing the way for others to listen to their (former) customers.

Posted by Wendy at June 01, 2004 05:24 AM | TrackBack