DISQUS

Shouldn't each mobile operator have to provide a free service where you can find out the price of a call before you make it.

For PAYG the billing systems must be almost real-time so this must be possible.

I have been caught out by some numbers than are from Manx Telecom (Isle of Man) that do not count as normal mobile numbers.

I definetely agree with the sentiments in this article ... and I am suprised at the contents considering that Ewan wrote it.

I tried lots of apps with an S60 phone and unlimited data plan and basically found none of them compelling enough or integrated enough to make me want to keep using them.

I see two problems:
1) Operator control
2) Integration of the software on a phone

The operators have spent so much money that I just can't see them letting go very much.

1) I think it was mentionned that for MobileMe Apple are installing kits at the Telcos. How else does a developer send a notification to wake up a phone so that it doesn't need a permanent battery sapping 3G link?

How are developers going to get reasonably cheap access to location info? (this might get solved when every phone has a GPS)

Will operators become more open with IMS systems? I doubt it.

Without these types of services the applications you can offer are more limited.

2) I hope that Android manages to show what can be achieved when add on apps are first class citizens. I don't think that dumb data pipes to the internet are enough for a properly open system. Something like Opera mini shows what a great job a reformatting proxy can do but it doesn't integrate with the rest of the system. The google mail app is quick and usable but it doesn't do proper push mail.

There may be some shining examples of great apps but it just doesn't make a compelling system at present.

Three have a good offer for existing contract customers of 1/2 price for an initial 18 month contract (and staying half price afterwards) e.g. 7.50UKP for 3Gb/month

Haven't taken advantage of this yet but it is tempting. It could even replace paying Virgin Media for broadband at home.

See http://www.three.co.uk/personal/products_servic...

There is already a last FM client for Symbian S60. It requires Nokia internet radio and python.

See info from this thread:
http://www.last.fm/forum/21717/_/355112

The python app is here:
http://blastfm.cvs.sourceforge.net/blastfm/