Roland Tanglao's Weblog

Yup, cheaper and faster wireless data is one of the bottlenecks to mobile data services.

Another is carrier control over the installation of third party applications into handsets - some carriers block Java installs unless they have a commercial relationship with the application provider. In a way, this would be a bit like my ISP preventing me from installing Skype on my PC. Except that the carriers are often subsidising the handset (whereas ISPs do not normally subsidise PCs). So you can understand why they might feel they deserve to have some control over what apps I use on my phone - especially ones that use their network as a bit-pipe, potentially competing with their own core services (voice & messaging). However, this doesn't encourage innovation.

The European operators are typically less controlling than their N. American counterparts, and allow 3rd party apps to be installed on their phones. Occasionally they insist on "fair use" - even T-Mobile in the UK (which has pioneered flat-rate data and network openness) recently announced it would take steps to block use of 3rd party VoIP and IM / text-over IP services on its network.

Also just wanted to publicly thank Roland, Boris and the other guys I met in Vancouver for their excellent hospitality and stimulating company. Great seeing you all!