Making mobile better

Wireless Week has a feature on International Calling. Mark Lowenstein looks at how Americans see the downside of Roaming. Thus the story is written with an American eye which ask why have the networks dragged their feet on services.

The issue is that some carriers make 40% of there profit from Roaming charges whilst on 10% of the volume comes from International calls. With such a high margin only regulation will see the situation change.

As we return from our vacations those who are contract will discover just what it cost to take our phones away with us. I for one have discovered the variable cost of UMTS data roaming whilst in Europe this month in my efforts to follow the third Ashes test. All I can say is that I wish that France Telecom stop dragging their feet on the roll out of Freemove which should see a lowering in Roaming costs in an effort to compete with Vodafone.

Nokia & Kineto to work together on UMA

Kinto Wireless and Nokia have signed an agreement to work together on Unlicensed Mobile Access.

Nokia will use Kinto's technology to allow networks to build networks similar to the BT Bluephone that brings Fixed and Mobile networks together. My observation is just where is the need for such technology?

With the current tarrifs available from a mobile network it is difficult to see the case for cost reduction. As for improved network coverage, we could move towards picocells to connect to the network rather than use a VoIP based solution. I am sure that both Kineto and Nokia can make a case for use to buy the technology but I cannot see just what the market it is!

BT plans a portal for its mobile customers

New Media Age reports that BT has asked Content companies to bid for its new Portal. No details are yet available but NWA says that it will compete with the likes of VodafoneLive and Orange World.

Now I can remember that we have BT Mobile to thank for "Surf the Mobile Net" when they controlled Cellnet. I just hope that those involved have learnt from their experiences, otherwise we could expect something quite horrendous! Wonder if Yahoo! will responder to the bid request as a way to get further coverage in the mobile space.

Mobiles for Social Change

The Guardian has a great piece on how the rise of Mobile phones in Africa is effecting change. The latest Peer-2-Peer mobile payment scam is that you buy a pre-paid scratch card and text the code so that some one else can use the credit!

This allows for users to pay "taxes" without having to meet someone face-to-face.

Just wonder how long it will be before the 419ers send my a text message offering me millions via pre-paided credits?

Another reason why SIMPAY was a good idea and the Networks should get on with making M-commerce work, guess I should have another coffee with the GSM Association guys and see if they might make something happen.