The advent of 3G could reverse the tide, as operators use the additional capacity to provide unique services, like advanced instant messaging, location-based services, and other multimedia offerings. More important, this is a source of new revenue for the carriers. This is akin to extinguishing a fire with gasoline, in our opinion, because affordable access will result in more network traffic. It's worth remembering that Verizon Wireless intends to go public later this year and, one can assume, will try to put its best foot forward to investors by juicing subscriber levels. What the American carriers should learn from the popularity of iMode and SMS is that customers want something more than just cheap minutes.
Any carrier can offer that.
In our view, operators should develop personalized services, and customers will follow. Read Morningstar's full analyst reports on all of the stocks mentioned in this article free for 30 days. Todd P. Bernier does not own shares in any of the securities mentioned above. Inc. All rights reserved. Please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .