Marketing fodder for Neo: FCC presentation

[Ian Stirling]

David Pinto wrote:
> Expect the large carriers to do whatever they can to prevent from open
> platforms to gain market share. One of their biggest concerns is turning
> from *Cellular Service Providers* into *Wireless Network Providers* (which
> is exactly what Neo will catalyze). There are suggestions being currently
> made in the cellular industry to start charging a premium for accessing
> certain URLs from cellphones (e.g., Skype :)), as well as other mid-evil
> times ideas.
> 
> There are about 180 wireless providers in the US
> (http://www.ctia.org/research_statistics/index.cfm/AID/10202). One way of
> getting traction is with the smaller MVNO, which will see the Neo/OpenMoko
> as a business opportunity rather than a threat. 

It all depends on the terms of service of the upstream connection of the
MVNO. If the real networks they are hosted on can impose conditions on 
the virtual operators, then smaller operators are only helpful until the 
larger companies react.
Of course, this may raise competition issues, and inspire legal action, 
which could go very wrong for the larger companies.
They may simply choose to raise the prices to virtual operators.