Colin Gibbs in RCR News observes:
In-Stat last week touted a new study with the observation that “Competition in mobile video could threaten mobile operators.”
Duh.
Carriers are on the brink of devolving, falling swiftly from telecom behemoths to armies of plumbers ensuring data moves efficiently through their dumb pipes.
The In-Stat study found that place-shifting devices services from Sling Media and Orb Networks are already finding their way into carriers’ walled gardens, and established TV broadcasters are considering free-to-air mobile video that would compete with both the network operators and partners such as Qualcomm’s MediaFLO. Meanwhile, users are generally uninterested in the video stuff that can currently be found on carriers’ decks, the market research firm found.
But it’s not just third-party video providers that are giving carriers nightmares. Some new threats have appeared on radar screens in just the last few weeks:
- Apple not only introduced the Wi-Fi-enabled iPod Touch, it launched a Wi-Fi storefront for its iTunes service. To add insult to, well, insult, Steve Jobs announced a deal with Starbucks that provides free access to the iTunes store when in the coffee chain’s outlets. That Wi-Fi connection, of course, is provided by T-Mobile USA.
- Nokia outlined a surprisingly ambitious move to connect directly with consumers on both cellphones and computers. Nokia’s Ovi, as the Finnish company dubbed its initiative, will serve as a single brand under which Nokia will offer everything from full-track downloads to mapping data, games and social networking offerings.
- The FCC has introduced new rules for the upcoming 700 MHz auction, leading to speculation that either—or both—Apple and/or Google will launch branded wireless services.
Some operators are positioning themselves by forging alliances with high-profile partners. Verizon Wireless is sacrificing its singularly-branded mobile music service, opting instead to join a cross-platform triumvirate with MTV Networks and RealNetworks. And Sprint Nextel has cherry-picked Google to power features for its WiMAX network slated to come online next year.
But the smartest tack for carriers may be making sure their pipes stay smart . . .
