Pocket View

For dramatic effect and to express my own frustration, I originally titled this column: "The Hijacking of Windows Mobile Why Everyone Hates the Phone Companies." However, this essay is really about the conflicting desires of parties, who for their own self-interest, must work together. It is not about evil empires or bad intentions.

The phone companies (also referred to here as "operators" and "carriers") provide the wireless network infrastructure, the backbone of the early 21st century's anywhere communications. In the U.S., almost the entire Windows Mobile ecosystem has become dependent on and subservient to the operators. That ecosystem includes Microsoft, device manufacturers (OEMs), independent software developers (ISVs), accessory makers, knowledge companies (Web sites and this magazine), Enterprises (large institutional users), and, of course, the end-user.

The challenges the operators must face

Let's first look at the world from the phone companies' point of view. Cingular, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and other operators must do the following:

• Recoup billions of dollars required to build the infrastructure necessary for voice and fast data connectivity.
• Provide predictable, reliable service over huge geographic regions.
• Partner with smaller carriers in order to provide universal service.
• Test and certify every phone operating system that runs on its network.
• Test and certify every phone that runs on its network.
• Test or somehow make sure third-party software does not strain or damage its network or contribute to support costs.
• Protect against malicious attacks.
• Support millions of users, keeping technical support to a minimum.
• Track usage of millions of customers, honoring terms of a variety of plans in order to create accurate monthly bills.
• Conform to federal regulations.
• Compete with the other phone companies.
• Determine how to incorporate or compete against technologies such as VoIP, WiMax, satellite, and any new technology that could potentially devastate their investment.
• Figure out how to effectively interact with the many elements in the Windows Mobile ecosystem.