2008 marked the end for many a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), most going under in a
flood of bankruptcies or getting
consumed but their parent networks. It sure seems like no company in its right mind would want to wade back into that graveyard, but Zer01 is thinking differently, pledging to launch a new network within a network next month at
CTIA 2009. Its services will be provided by AT&T, but it'll undercut the competition with a combination of a $69.95 monthly unlimited voice and data plan and a complete lack of contracts, as well as unlimited international calling (to 40 countries) for just an extra $10. What's the catch? The company will rely on a VOIP application for routing of
all calls, and right now that app only works on Windows Mobile. That'll be a roadblock for many, and given AT&T's somewhat limited (and generally
flaky) 3G data coverage we're a little concerned about call quality, but just the same can't wait to see how this one turns out.
[Via
Unwired View and
PC Magazine]
posted Mar 13th 2009 7:59AM
Withpout a doubtr this is technically the future for cell phone services. Only question is: Are the 3G services of AT&T really technically robust enuff to allow for a decent quality of voice and how can a third party algorithm do away with latency in a wireless providers network?
Can some tech people comment?
If this is true, this is a potentially game-changing development. This is truly unlimited data - even if it's tethered - and SMS are finally treated as what they are: little packets of data. The company says it has some proprietary algorithms and defragmentation engines to deal with latency, and connectiviy to connect even over EDGE and GPRS connections. So, if what they say is true, this is a footprint that's as big as AT&T and T-Mobile.
But, but but ... As much as I want to believe this, it does sound a little too good to be true. The beta should be in April though, and I'm trying my hardest to get in on it. Plus, you'd have to think the carriers will cut this off if they could - and I think they have no legal obligation to provide connection to a third party.
At the very least though, this could bring some prices down.
Like Marin said, they have proprietary technologies which allow VoIP on GPRS and EDGE without sacrificing call quality. (Only time will tell if the quality is actually good.) And, like the website and article says, they only run on Windows Mobile now but will soon support BlackBerry, Symbian and jailbroken iPhones. But alas, it does seem too good to be true.
I've worked for a national master agent/distributor working directly with many MVNO's (Movida, Virgin, OMobile, Boost, Aamp'd, Helio, Total Call) and it doesn't matter what type of great service plans they come out with, if they have no marketing to back up their brand and overall program they will go no where. Many of these MVNO's come out with very specific and niche programs thinking their distribution will be enough marketing for them. Wrong! If their margins suck and airtime processing rates suck no distributor will have success with it.
They have one advantage, they will be under the GSM network so consumers will be able to pick up their SIMs but again, if they can't get their name out in the industry, they will go no where.
I've spoken with a number of MVNO's who wanted to come out with unlimited international/domestic calls through a VOIP process. It's obviously possible but I'm certain there were glitches.