What people hate about their mobile phone service, and what it means for the iPhone
A recent survey by InformationWeek has coome up with six things that drive mobile phone users nuts. iTnews has reported them, but what might they mean for the iPhone?
1. Disabled features
The iPhone is feature heavy, and you can bet that Steve Jobs talked tough to get his way with the iPhone.
There's little point having amazing functionality if the network provider decides to disable features for the sake of security, or (more usually), revenue protection.
The first-generation iPhone doesn't appear to have VoIP capabilities 'out of the box', but if a third-party app is allowed on to it that provides such a function, might it be disabled. Don't forget that Apple is potentially revenue-sharing during the entire contract period, so they may also have a vested interest in protecting revenue.
2. Phones locked to work on only one network
This one is going to hurt Apple. Sources talking about a European network partner have suggested that Apple will "realise its mistake" and open up the iPhone. I think it needs to.
People don't like being tied to a single network, and as our survey suggests, only one in four people would be willing to swap network to get the iPhone.
If you think individual phone handsets have reputations, mobile network operators have bigger reputations.
3. "Walled garden" internet access
I hope that this isn't an issue for the iPhone. With all the hype surrounding its advanced interface and Internet capabilities, any capping or restriction on what can be accessed will make it a joke.
4. Unreliable service
Presuming that the iPhone itself is a solid piece of kit - and we have no reason to believe otherwise - reliability will come down to the network provider. Unfortunately, the iPhone could be hurt if it sticks to one provider, and that company screws up.
5. Incompatible products and services
This can apply to a whole range of services, including the type of network access, software, and accessories.
Lack of 3G in a European iPhone may qualify as an issue, despite our survey suggesting it's not that important to people.
6. Can't use cell phone as a laptop modem
I'm not sure that this will be an issue for the iPhone, which is designed to work as a standalone smartphone with Internet access. Having said that, it would be very cool to be able to use your laptop with the iPhone when out of a Wi-Fi coverage area.
The single network issue is a worry for iPhone success, though there are enough people who will buy one regardless to make it a success. Moving forward, Apple need to open up the iPhone to the wider market.
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