The Issue Of 3G Content

This is an article about 3G technology, but you can’t talk about it without discussing content…one question about moving to the next generation of mobile technology HSDPA, “is there really a benefit to creating higher-speed 3G networks before the other issues have been thrashed out? For one thing, operators must resolve the tension between the original closed-content model (also called the walled garden) where the operator controls all of the content, and the more internet-friendly open model”.
It’s also difficult for third-party content developers to get a look in on portals. Jim Wadsworth, chief marketing officer at micropayment service provider Simpay, said “We have tens of content providers asking to get on our portal and we turn them away. We know we are losing business, but we do not have the bandwidth or the virtual shelf space.”
“The tension between walled garden and open services will resolve itself naturally, says Bakhshi. The walled garden model will work up to a point but eventually will have to come down. As phones begin to offer both 3G and Wi-Fi access, switching automatically between the two depending on which services are available in the area, operators will no longer be able to trap users within a managed portfolio of services.”

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