Almost all technological platforms face a conflict between innovation and control, and cell phones are certainly no exception. Cellular carriers argue that they need to preside over the hardware in order to provide better, more integrated services to customers, and many have indeed invested billions of dollars in comprehensive service networks.
So will the restrictions supported by the major U.S. cellular carriers eventually start to unravel? It's arguably already happening, albeit in extremely small steps. Not only are unlocked phones easier to buy in the U.S. market than in the past, but unlocking services--the companies that unlock your carrier-provided GSM phone--are starting to appear in malls and other mainstream locations, a sure sign that demand is increasing.
Hybrid phones that are capable of operating on non-cellular networks--such as Wi-Fi or eventually WiMAX--also might force carriers to shake things up, as they run the risk of losing business to such technologies. The biggest threat, however, likely comes from third-party manufacturers with established brand loyalty, such as smaller cellular carriers that support GSM-friendly unlocked phones and combine unlimited minutes and low prices.
Consumer advocates counter that innovation stems from choice, and that opening up the marketplace to broader competition will lead to a variety of new phone features, better communication between phones and related accessories, and a wider price range.
So will the restrictions supported by the major U.S. cellular carriers eventually start to unravel? It's arguably already happening, albeit in extremely small steps. Not only are unlocked phones easier to buy in the U.S. market than in the past, but unlocking services--the companies that unlock your carrier-provided GSM phone--are starting to appear in malls and other mainstream locations, a sure sign that demand is increasing.
In addition, international business travelers are returning to the United States with satisfied tales of using prepaid SIM cards in Europe and Asia, thus spreading the unlocked gospel bit by bit. If these and other consumers continue to demand more and better options, it's possible that cellular carriers eventually will open things up.
Hybrid phones that are capable of operating on non-cellular networks--such as Wi-Fi or eventually WiMAX--also might force carriers to shake things up, as they run the risk of losing business to such technologies. The biggest threat, however, likely comes from third-party manufacturers with established brand loyalty, such as smaller cellular carriers that support GSM-friendly unlocked phones and combine unlimited minutes and low prices.
