About a year ago I read a quote by then-CEO of Vodafone Arun Sarin that carriers cannot remain dumb pipes. In the last two years an innovative computer hardware manufacturer (Apple) and an equally, perhaps more, innovative software developer (Google) have invaded the mobile space and wrested control away from the prior powers (hardware manufacturers such as Nokia, Motorola and carriers such as AT&T).

So, what are the chances of Vodafone joining the elite duo of Apple and Google? Perhaps there is a segment of the innovation pie that Vodafone can contribute to. But does it have the capability? A re-branding is a marketing move, not a change in business model. I doubt that Vodafone can really do much… time for the McKinseys of the world to do a “strategy study” for Vodafone ;)