I have wondered earlier what will be the fate of carriers in the U.S if the software giants decide to take on the carriers. Imagine for just providing the band width for voice communications, which is but a miniscule portion of the mobile experience of a consumer, they charge a hefty licensing fee.
It appears that my words are coming true or at least the carriers are pushing the soft ware giants in to what might be a new battle which will ultimately lead to a new mobile experience for the consumers.
Take the latest tangle. We have written about Google Voice earlier. Now Apple has no doubt acted at the behest of AT&T. Apple has gone ahead and disallowed Google Voice on the iPhone. Google Voice is not yet a Voice over IP but I am sure and hope that it will be one day.
By going ahead and disallowing Google Voice on the iPhones AT&T has demonstrated that it is not interested in running any fancy apps on its carrier.
For the moment Apple has gone along with AT&T. Because as on today there are other apps available at the App store.
But I reckon the day is not far off if these carriers continue their high handed behaviour and continue rub the Software giants the wrong away, these giants will decide to take the business of communication in to their own hands.
Honestly I am waiting for that day.
