The upcoming version of Google’s mobile operating system Android will include USB tethering and have the availability to create ad-hoc WiFi networks.
With the help of USB tethering users would be able to use their phones as modems and connect them to a lot of devices. This will delight the users but would also upset a lot of mobile operators who charge money for such services. O2 charges a minimum of £10 per month for the service which includes a 3GB of bandwidth. The spokesperson said that its data tariff for iPhone has no limits and they would enjoy a lot more than 3GB data transfer.
The mobile operators are not worried about the tethering service much what is bothering them is the introduction of ad-hoc wireless network. It will open avenues for voice over IP (VOIP) applications like Skype and Fring which need WiFi connectivity to make calls. But with android’s latest offering they will work through other subscriber’s hotspots and would eliminate the need for mobile operator’s voice service. This would hit the operator’s revenue hugely.
Looking at the attitude of mobile manufacturers like Sony who do not show a very welcoming attitude towards upgrades it seems Nexus one could be the first to upgrade itself to android 2.2.
It is expected that Google will continue to launch upgraded versions of android’s mobile operating systems. The next version might bring up something more unexpected and against the interests of mobile operators. Google should not forget that the operators play an important role in Android’s growth and should not annoy them.
