Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login
Is Google Voice a Threat to AT&T (Pogue's take on the fiasco)? (nytimes.com)
2 points by terpua on Aug 7, 2009 | hide | past | favorite | 1 comment



Of course it's a threat to AT&T.

It removes any trace of their lock-in. It elevates profit-rich features out of AT&T's grasp. Google could switch the 'last mile' to VoIP, and unlike Skype, it would be marketed, promoted and popular.

With Google Voice & voip, a mifi-type device + iPod touch is an iPhone with (essentially) unlimited minutes from anywhere to anywhere in the world, (essentially) unlimited texts and a feature list that makes AT&T's look quaint. For $60/mo. Today.

Google Voice threatens the commodification of wireless services to a simple data plan. It's something everyone knows is coming, but the carriers assumed they had more time to take profit and develop their own services.




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: