Mobile Network Alternatives

Good read (albeit a little disjointed) over at Open Gardens re: alternative mobile networks. Fish gives a broad overview of the 2 key types of mobile networks, Wi-Fi and WiMax. The article contains much postulation on what customers really want and/or expect — what type of network will succeed; though in this the point seems to be lost.

The final statement struck me as naive and, well, silly.

In my view, the winner will be the customer and the customer will define and decide what exactly they mean by a mobile network and whether it will succeed.

In my mind, the customer does'nt really decide, the customer is given, sold. That's what customers are by definition — sold. The product with the most coverage and accessibility is going to prevail. Even if that products coverage is garbage, and is not all that accessibile, because getting into this business is so expensive. The telcos already in place will decide.

Or maybe I'm just being cynical. I hope so.