Move over Carrier subsidized phones...

A few days ago, I received an e-mail from Sharper Image promoting their line of unlocked phones. Yes folks, Sharper Image.


I am a big fan of unlocked phones since it gives me the freedom to switch devices, carriers and get service outside of the US (except Korea where they are CDMA).

I wonder if this is a sign that the the floodgates are starting to open for US consumers to finally embrace unlocked mobile devices as Europe has done for years. I don't think this is the end of carrier subsidized phones and I think there are lots of consumers who are willing to commit to long term plans for a cheaper phones. But this could be a sign that consumers will start to consider the mobile device and the wireless service independently.

With Sprint getting hosed recently, GSM is grabbing more marketshare with AT&T and T-mobile. I'm not convinced Verizon "opening up" their network will really have any impact other than giving them positive press.

So what does this mean? First of all, I think we'll start to see more feature rich devices available directly from device OEMs. We are already seeing this from companies like Nokia and Apple. The carriers are an important player in the entire wireless ecosystem but their hold over the device OEMs will diminish. There will be innovative features released in partnership with Device OEMs and there'll be less control from the carriers to dictate what gets on the device or not.

But I think we are still far off from having a free-for-all, open web on the mobile device. The Gphone (if we ever see it) and iPhone are a start. The Android project will be interesting. But for the most part, I don't see an opportunity for a small guy to hit it big on Mobile independently without partnering with a carrier, handset OEM or a big big media company.