Nokia loses carrier billing for US Ovi Store launch
By Chris Ziegler 
posted Apr 28th 2009 3:49PM
posted Apr 28th 2009 3:49PM
Nokia needs to pull out all the heavy artillery -- major device launches, carrier support, impressive software, and a seamless user experience -- if it wants the Ovi Store to succeed on a grand scale, and by all accounts, they're serious about making that happen with the recent integrations of MOSH and WidSets. Here's the thing, though: for many, direct carrier billing could be a big part of that "seamless user experience" thing, and recognizing that, Nokia had planned to offer it from the get-go in the US (along with eight other countries) when it launches next month. That's now been called off for the States for an undisclosed reason -- carriers around here are notoriously finicky in their relationships with manufacturers and we wouldn't be surprised if it all came down to a few heated boardroom discussions with the big wigs -- but whatever the cause, users will need to roll with a less-integrated payment option to start. Of course, alternatives from RIM, Apple, and Android aren't offering carrier billing here either -- but this was a cool opportunity to get a leg up, so here's hoping they end up getting this one worked out.
This is proof that Nokia is the best company in the world.
Uh, I strongly disagree. You need to get your head checked.
Look these iBots strongly disagreeing with each other.
Hopefully this Facebook app they're planning on launching with the Ovi Store is actually a Facebook app. The Facebook app they have up at Download! is just a link to m.facebook.com.
Iphone ......Yawn
USA and Canada have the worst carriers. Always preventing us from having nice things.
Naah, they just expect you to pay for it.
People in many places on the globe would kill for AT&T Wireless service, with $15/month unlimited data AND the option to get a free phone. (Granted, you may not want their crap, you may want to get an unlocked one anyway, just as you would right now...).
Oh shure they have a few drawbacks (such as charging for incoming SMS, non-standard frequency bands, and a touch of arrogance) - show me a place/carrier that doesn't.