Motorola snubs 3G handset initiative

According to Michael Carroll, editor of Mobile Handset Analyst, "Motorola's strong support for the [previous] EMH initiative means its decision not to take part in 3G for All is a major blow to the GSMA's ambitions."

EMH was the GSMA's 'Emerging Mobile Handsets' initiative in 2005. Motorola probably made around $32 million by winning the tender for both previous EMH handsets.

The problem is that 3G handset chips aren't cheap enough yet. The cost of production for a 3G handset probably won't fall from $150 currently to $55 until 2008.

If anyone does bother to accept the challenge, the GSMA will announce the name at 3GSM Barcelona in February 2007. µ

L'INQ
Mobile Handset Analyst