vB Easy Archive - The Open Handset Alliance and what it means for providers

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The Open Handset Alliance and what it means for providers
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Posted by: protectyaneck

I was just wondering what improvements or changes would have to be made to the networks of mobile providers in the Open Handset Alliance. How would members networks differ from non-members networks and what advantages would be possible by using a members network as opposed to using an unlocked handset on a non-members network?

Posted by: FL1134

Nothing. The phones are designed to standards. You choose the phone, the coverage/network, and bandwidth (3G, etc) needed.

Posted by: protectyaneck

so there would be no difference from the users perspective using an open handset on t-mo compared with at&t, for example?

Posted by: FL1134

It will be different only to the extent of different networks. ATT has 3G so internet browsing/etc go faster vs Tmobile. Tmobile requires certain frequency bands for 3G that may never be supported by an Android phone. Nothing special has to be done to the network. Think of it like going from AOL/Compuserve to dialup/cable/dsl where the data is going over the same phone lines but you just get the application freedom.

Posted by: protectyaneck

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL1134

Tmobile requires certain frequency bands for 3G that may never be supported by an Android phone.

since t-mobile is part of the "alliance" wouldn't that mean that 3g android phones would come out equipped to operate on t-mobile's 3g network (if it ever gets turned on) as opposed to at&t's?

Posted by: FL1134

No one knows yet. Instead of the carrier dictating what phones will sell the market will do that. If people want an android handset that supports tmobile's 3G frequencies, then a manufacturer will build one.