Is a boost in mobile data usage a double edged sword?

[Tomo3000]

The boom in mobile data usage is a double edged sword for the cellular operators

Is a boost in mobile data usage a double edged sword?

 

[grok]

Operators have become victims of their own marketing and pricing models, which advertised “unlimited” data usage for relatively low subscription charges.

You talk about mobile data then quote ADSL products .. or have I missed the mobile operator's unlimited packages?

 

[Wayned182]

I assume he means on devices like the iPhone and Blackberry's, where Data is free... ?

 

[ike]

I assume he means on devices like the iPhone and Blackberry's, where Data is free... ?

on the blackberry it's "free" for R59/month. and besides, that is ably subsidised by the rest of the population at a "measly" R2/Mb . noone would spend the kind of money they spend on marketing if they were not making super-profits.

and if you think about it, most of the traffic remains sms, which they charge at about R1000/Mb, considering the per cost of 60c/sms. and i dont think that traffic costs them a thing...

 

[Wayned182]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not agreeing with the Article, I was just explaining what I thought he must be talking about, I think mobile data is still a complete rip off, R180 for a 500mb bundle (where ADSL is closer to R10 for 500mb)

And I wouldn't have thought that the data used by those devices would be enough to have such a negative impact on the entire system....

 

[getafix33]

What frikken mobile broadband boom. The only reason I have a mobile data bundle is because I am renting and don't have a phone line.
R289/gb is so 2009

 

[acidb]

What frikken mobile broadband boom. The only reason I have a mobile data bundle is because I am renting and don't have a phone line.
R289/gb is so 2009

That's why wirelessg is more attractive, or you could go for the newer mtg ripoff.

 

[krycor]

This can't be for Sa, there has been stagnation with prices vs international price decreases so if we paying a lot the mentality of getting as much as you can will continue till price fixes normalise data usage.. Not normalise usage for current overpriced prices which give them ample to expand etc

 

[BruceA]

I don't think this article is about SA. In the US there are big problems with AT&T's service 'cos there are too many users with 'all you can eat' data contracts, and in some cities (New York, LA, San Francisco) the 3G service can't cope.

 

[Nefertiti]

I assume he means on devices like the iPhone and Blackberry's, where Data is free... ?

The blackberry service is soo slow (or its not working), I dont see how people can abuse it. I dont get my R60 worth to be honest.