There are two basic categories of service from the operators perspective in terms of IP networks: subscribed services and 'over the top' services. The operators control QoS and thus can operate their networks to provide higher levels of service including higher bandwidth, low latency and jitter connections, use of optimized codecs/drivers, etc. needed for VoIP. IPTV, video conferencing and other communications where QoS is important. if two operators have roaming agreements, then part of the authentication header information used to connect to a roamed network will include their home network identification and account identification/User ID information. The agreements for premium subscribed services could be driven over the top to what the roamed network offers: they may not have an agreement to supply NFL football or some other subscribed service directly. The IP network can deliver whatever content that fits digital rights and roaming agreements... but that is not to say that because the raw capability is provided that a user will be able to gain access or use it with the same assured QoS level. This is similar to the Internet: you can subscribe to paid services from whomever you choose. But Comcast and other bb suppliers can provide higher level of QoS for use of subscribed services on their cable network. The courts have ruled that cablecos can't restrict lawful access to content and over the top services but they can provide higher Q0S to their own subscription services.
How this works out in roaming agreements is not as easy to determine: there are countries where 3G roaming charges are very high because the telecommunications in those countries is regulated to be less competitive and allows high roaming charges. What looks very likely for WiMAX is that a basic level of roaming service will be provided in most regions.
This issue goes to how the converged industry will be structured going forward. Wireless BB using WiMAX or LTE ==> 4G will become more universally applied including embedded into cameras/camcorders, gaming systems as well as multi-purpose Smartphones. To make these attractive, the cost for embedding into devices has to be lower, including lower IPR which helps reduce chip and other costs, and subscription plans have to include ability to connect up using multiple open devices. The threatening part of this outlook is that operators will have to provide more bandwidth at lower per bit cost and fewer restrictions. The attractive part of this scenario is that users clamor for more choices and are willing to pay up for more convenient, better software, and more tailored content and services. I know of many applications, gaming and location based search, advertising and micro-payments for example, that users have shown a willingness, in fact pent up demand for, ability to connect via a single service wbb agreement. The overall basket of goods and services that operators will be able to offer will become much larger. But they can't offer them up without being competitive with other providers, including open Internet services.
I did a recent study of Nokia that I included in Maravedis' WiMAX & LTE World-Wide report. Nokia is an interesting case analysis because they are transforming to meet the needs and push the envelop for the new IP wireless network environment. I have to break off from much more posting because I have lots of research and writing to do but will check back this week. |
