Last week UK 3G Mobile operator 3 UK unveiled its new prices for 3G data to its phones. While the more excitable elements of Planet Mobile were in given over to gasps of ecstatic delight, more sensible elements were somewhat more sanguine.

Kate Fehr…

There is a fair use policy, although it seems reasonable, oh, and you can only sign up for six months’ minimum service and through 3’s high street stores. And why oh why will the handsets and service only be available AFTER Christmas and how soon will there by more. There is also the old adage that the definition of a pioneer is one who is found with the arrows in their back. Nevertheless, this move by 3 will strike fear into the hearts of all mobile operators who have fought so hard for so long against open Internet access for subscribers that would reduce them to bit pipe status. The distant rumble of tumbling bricks will get louder and operators must concentrate on how they can make the best of the situation instead of trying to shore the garden walls up. Their role as a payment mechanism is a terrific advantage, for starters, that they could put to greater and more profitable use, including attacking the growing and hugely damaging problem of revenue leakage. Perhaps they could use some of the redundant bricks?

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