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UnderstandingthePipesandSwitches 7 - 17 Oct 2011 - Main.DiegodelaPuente
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I found Eben's lecture last class on the basics of what comprises the internet helpful, as well as his discussion of why the phrase "network neutrality" doesn't capture well the relevant technical and legal dynamics. | | | I think youre right about ATT and T-Mobile's merger. T-mobile has the cell towers, and ATT has the customers. Also, in theory, T-mobile competes with ATT (and Verizon). Practically speaking, I don't think T-mobile competes at all. They are well behind in the handset department. We all know how their sidekick venture worked out. Further, lets say ATT raised their phone plan prices by 10 a month. Are people going to leave for T-mobile? No, probably not. They won't want to pay a penalty fee of 170+ for breaking their contract, buy a new device, and sign a new contract. Plus, T-mobile has a reputation of having service thats not the best, and far from it. So, practically speaking, I really don't think anyone is going to leave the big 2 for T-mobile. However, it is theoretically possible while T-mobile still exists. The justice department might be worried that if the merger happens, the practical reality will become actual reality. It might make ATT customers happier in the beginning when their service becomes immensely better. But that will open the door for ATT to hike up prices. Especially with new Android and iOS devices coming out, people will be ready and willing to stick it out with Verizon and ATT. Sprint is not in the picture as they dont have the iPhone....yet....but they will. But, its tough to say Sprint, like T-mobile, is going to have a huge effect on the big 2
-- AustinKlar - 23 Sep 2011 | |
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Please find below a link of an article published today in the New York Times about an agreement between wireless companies and the FCC to inform mobile consumers about the excess in the use of voice, text or data services.
The government is trying to demonstrate that it cares about mobile customers, but what it is really doing is just helping itself and the mobile industry by providing additional tools in order that mobile companies can win future claims regarding this matter, because now the consumers are going to have the burden of proof of the correct use of the service.
I had to acknowledged that giving information about the usage of the service to mobile customers is not the best way to avoid this and similar problems as I stated in my previous comment, on the ground that this type of solutions are given regarding the ancient view that customers are supposed to pay excessive bills even though less costly alternatives are possible with new technological advances.
Wireless Users Will Get Alerts on Excess Use
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/17/technology/fcc-and-wireless-carriers-agree-to-alerts-to-fight-bill-shock.html?_r=1&ref=technology
-- DiegodelaPuente - 17 Oct 2011 | | |
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