Orange And O2 Boycott Nokia N97 Over Skype Integration
Wow, it seems like some UK networks are mad at Nokia for adding web-based chat client Skype in the new N97, so much so that they are considering not to sell it. At all.
The Nokia N97 is set for a June launch, and is set to be their flagship device for 2009. The choice to embed the VoIP system, which allows for free voice calls over a wireless network, has been seen as a direct opposition to the revenue structure of telecoms companies like O2 and Orange, who see most of their money from people making calls. Unsurprisingly, they aren’t impressed with this.
O2′s official line was: “We are currently working with Nokia to understand their Skype service and the business model around it.” Sounds like business-speak for “We are going to punch Nokia in the kidneys for cutting us out of the money party…we’re finished if all phones had this as standard!”
Funny how some companies push for more integration and web usage – seen beautifully with 3′s award-winning INQ1 phone – whilst others want to maintain the old guard of making money off minutes and texts.
Perhaps because 3 likes you to accrue those 3G data charges as much as possible? If this deal works out badly between Nokia and the networks, then the N97 might find a very happy home on their data hungry network.
Source: Nokia N97 Blog
[...] This is not, however, an exclusive deal, with 3 rather aspiring to have all mobile operators embrace this data driven change in direction, rather than their adverse reaction to Skype and VoIP in general at present. Remember the ‘Skype embedded in Nokia N97′ announcement? The backlash was severe. [...]
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[...] remember only too well the lather that retailers got into over Skype being available on the N97, so much so that they had to backpedal and remove the app to [...]
[...] to Nokia for attempting to put the consumer first, but as the Skype on N97 boycott proved, the networks have the capacity to play hardball when it suits [...]
[...] N97 would have Skype pre-loaded at 2009’s Mobile World Congress, O2 and Orange retaliated by boycotting sales of the smartphone in their stores until the Finnish manufacturer stepped down and released the handset without [...]