This report describes a radical new approach for mobile content services. OpenMobile would be a third-party developer programme using internet-style thinking that would represent a step forward as large as that taken by Japan’s NTT DoCoMo when i-mode was introduced in 1999.
Executive Summary
Mobile Content Services: The Original Theory
Disappointing Results
Change Coming
Operator Response
OpenMobile
Introduction
Mobile Content Services: Traditional Approach
Operator’s Compete by Developing an Own-branded Service Portfolio
Suppression of Externally-produced Services
Defacto Gatekeepers
Implications
A Period of Change
Nokia
Analogue TV Spectrum Re-farming: U.S. 700MHz Auction
Mobile Operator Initiatives
Analysis: Is the Old Way Sustainable?
Rationale
Operational Considerations
Human Resources
Historic Results
Management Commitment
Alignment with Wider Trends
Summary
Way Forward: OpenMobile
Outline
Detailed Description
Existing Approach
Proposed ‘Open’ Approach
Developer API: Example Features
Privacy and Security Considerations
Technical Approach
Underlying Business Model
Existing Competitive Trends
Building Value into the ‘Mobile Broadband’ Proposition
OpenMobile Would Strengthen an Operator’s Competitive Position