Mobile operators have defended their
decision to block mobile VoIP services over
their networks.
Last month, it was revealed that Vodafone and Orange had blocked
contract users from using the Truphone VoIP application on the new
Nokia N95 phone.
The N95 is designed to give users the ability to make free or
cheaper calls when in the range of a Wi-Fi hotspot, using services
such as Truphone or
Skype.
But a consultancy representing the mobile operators has defended
the move. Ray Tarling, head of mobile content delivery at Alpheus,
said, “Mobile operators invest in providing a reliable and
extensive mobile network. They also heavily subsidise handsets,
which provides a customer base for new technology providers, like
Truphone, to target.
“In this environment, VoIP players could be viewed as trying to
freeload at the operators’ expense. Players like Skype or Truphone
do not pay anything towards the costs of handsets or network
operations, yet they make gains running their services across these
networks.
“Operators can’t be criticised for charging for data, and there
have been substantial price reductions in the past few months. If
companies such as Truphone wish to subsidise their own unlocked
handsets, that option is open to them. Additionally, some
operators, such as 3, do have plans that include VoIP
services.”
Similar battle lines were drawn when mobile operators started to
block third party mobile websites via the first WAP services to
appear over GSM networks.
Their “walled garden” approach - designed to make sure potential
premium content, advertising and retail revenue stayed with them -
was criticised, and eventually the operators allowed their users to
access most external websites on their phones.
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