Mobile Data A Rip-off Says E-mail Software Vendor

E-mail software company OpenHand Software has become “so exasperated by trying to sell its mobile data service through operators that it came to the conclusion they have a vested interest in selling overpriced data contracts”…which may indicate they’re a bit slower on the uptake than most people…
OpenHand claims it keeps its tariffs down by charging per use rather than for a package, and by pulling data across the network rather than pushing. Carriers will obviously try to get the most out of data as voice revenues drop and the service becomes commoditized, but data prices will have to fall at some point.
RCR Wireless News reports that mobile messaging in the US is growing, doubling from 2003 to 2004 and is predicted to account for 10% of total wireless service revenue by 2008, when messaging as a whole will produce $16.4 billion for US operators according to research firm analysis. SMS revenue in 2004 was 5% of total revenue for US operators compared to 16% for European operators and 22% for Japan, but the US is closing the gap…
In Zimbabwe mobile phone users are sending a lot of SMS jokes to “spread some laughter”. It’s a ‘cute bunny’ story with a twist — political jokes are common but rarely sent outside a trusted circle of friends in case the sender lands in jail for breaching tough security laws that were introduced three years ago in the face of political opposition to the Mugabe government…

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