October 1, 2008 at 13:13Google patent replaces contracts with operators for mini-auctions
Google is preparing to redouble efforts to open the wireless industry. Larry Page recently talked about the FCC and its successes (rather, their absence) in the fight for unoccupied radio frequencies (see another article about this), and a recently published Google patent details a plan that can give the wireless industry an easy way to open its services to everyone potential customers and compete with other operators for prices and coverage.
Now mobile devices can switch between networks of various operators. Wi-Fi devices can connect to hotspots, if available. For example, T-Mobile devices can already automatically switch to T-mobile-run hotspots, offloading the cellular network. This is a step in the right direction, but Google wants to make a real breakthrough in this area.
In short, Google suggests the following. A telephone (or other device) polls the nearest access points and receives from them a list of the provided services with prices (voice, VoIP, data transfer, etc.). After that, the device independently (or with the help of the owner) determines the services of which operator is most advantageous to use at this point. An additional plus is that at the point the operator can be disconnected from the “bidding” - for example, if his channel for this point is fully occupied. Additionally, the system includes the ability to transfer micropayments.
To implement such a scheme, there are several problems, one of which is the love of operators for fixed tariff plans, which not only provide the company with stable income and customer loyalty, but also are quite simple and understandable for users.
However, many companies are already moving in the right direction. The T-Mobile hotspots already mentioned, Verizon’s “ open access ” and BYOD (Bring your own device) plans are slowly opening the walls separating wireless access operators.
Now mobile devices can switch between networks of various operators. Wi-Fi devices can connect to hotspots, if available. For example, T-Mobile devices can already automatically switch to T-mobile-run hotspots, offloading the cellular network. This is a step in the right direction, but Google wants to make a real breakthrough in this area.
In short, Google suggests the following. A telephone (or other device) polls the nearest access points and receives from them a list of the provided services with prices (voice, VoIP, data transfer, etc.). After that, the device independently (or with the help of the owner) determines the services of which operator is most advantageous to use at this point. An additional plus is that at the point the operator can be disconnected from the “bidding” - for example, if his channel for this point is fully occupied. Additionally, the system includes the ability to transfer micropayments.
To implement such a scheme, there are several problems, one of which is the love of operators for fixed tariff plans, which not only provide the company with stable income and customer loyalty, but also are quite simple and understandable for users.
However, many companies are already moving in the right direction. The T-Mobile hotspots already mentioned, Verizon’s “ open access ” and BYOD (Bring your own device) plans are slowly opening the walls separating wireless access operators.