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Steve Jobs wanted an Iphone only network
THE LATE FOUNDER of Apple, Steve Jobs had aspirations to build Apple's own wireless network using unallocated bands of radio spectrum, for Iphones only.
According to Network World, Jobs was going to use unlicensed parts of the spectrum for WiFi rather than work with existing mobile operators.
Wireless industry expert John Stanton, chairman at venture capital firm Trilogy Partners claims to have spent a fair amount of time with Jobs between 2005 and 2007.
Stanton made the comment while speaking at a Law Seminars International event in Seattle. He said that Jobs "wanted to replace carriers", adding, "He and I spent a lot of time talking about whether synthetically you could create a carrier using WiFi spectrum. That was part of his vision."
According to Stanton, although Jobs had given up on the idea around 2007, he still managed to have a major impact on wireless operators.
"If I were a carrier, I'd be concerned about the dramatic shift in power that occurred," he added.
This is because Apple, and now Google's Android, offer software and services that take revenue streams the mobile operators otherwise would have gained.
Stanton also said that the network operators should give innovative mobile phones and services a chance rather than going with the bigger and more established players. µ
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I use WiFi on my iPhone 4S every chance I get. If I could find a WiFi based VOIP app that would allow me to make free calls while on tour in Europe, I surely would. with a WiFi VOIP app, who even needs cell service? I don't personally care about making the carriers rich. I don't work for them or personally know anyone who does. My take on that is that the upper level execs at the carriers are rich enough.
All vitriolic comments aside, S.J. had a point. Yes, it would take the revenue streams away from the carriers, but lets be honest. In North America we pay amongst the highest for data plans only to get shafted in speed, quality, amount and privacy. The charges that cell phone carriers hand out for their "service" (and I use that term lightly) borders on, nay, is criminal.