In BOL's episode #818, it is said that Google describes a vision for an open wireless world, one in which mobile devices are no longer married to particular cellular service providers. Typically, in the United States, when someone buys a phone, he has to sign a contract that prevents him from using that phone with more than one provider for a predetermined amount of time. The customer will encounter no such requirement when purchasing a laptop, which can be used to connect to the internet through any service provider at any time.
The Google patent for “Flexible Communication Systems and Methods” contends that cell phone users should also have the freedom to connect through various networks and methods, and that the communication service they choose at any particular time and location should be determined by competitive market forces. To understand how it will work, think this way--you could make phone calls and browse the internet on your smartphone via WiFi when at home, Verizon when downtown, and perhaps AT&T when out in the countryside.
In a way, the iPhone has already given us a taste of what this would be like. Now, what if this choice was available when on-the-go, and that you had five service providers to choose from instead of just two. It is not hard to imagine that the competition would lead to lower costs and better service. More precisely, you would not get stuck with a poor-quality carrier after moving or traveling to a place that has poor coverage.
For many customers, who are not satisfied with their phone carriers, yet can not quit it because of legal obligations, Google's patent can give them hope and in an advanced world, we believe that's the way it should be done.
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2 comments:
This Google patent would certainly increase competition. The competition in the industry now focuses on increased technology dealing with the cell phones. The companies now focus on offering the most technologically advanced phone.
With Google's patent, companies would move to increasing their network quality. Companies do focus on networks now, but this would become the focus. When consumers are able to use any phone they choose, the quality of the network becomes the deciding factor.
Companies would also look to lower costs by not having to invest in new phone technology. All in all, we believe this would be a good move for the consumers.
Group 1
It is a very interesting comment, however, we are confused as to who will be doing that. It is stated that Google patented for the "flexible communication Systems and MEthods", but what we don't understand is why would google patent it, what can they do about it? sell the patent to different carriers? Anyhow, the idea seems to be very good, and it would definetly take some frustating moments out of everyone's life since in some point or another everyone has encountered 'no bars' or no signal. The problem is the logistics as to how this would work. There will be major opposing on the side of the carriers since this patent can and will bring more competition to the market thus lowering prices for consumers, but it will be for the best of everyone since then you can choose like they said, whatever carrier is working best at the moment.
It is a good idea, but we are still wondering, Google?
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