Microsoft joined hands with NTT Communications regarding Xbox, meaning that Microsoft will be charging money to consumers via communications carriers. This appears to be a new approach that Microsoft never tried with a personal computer. You have to pay to use an i-Mode phone.
People have to pay for communications.
The reason why Microsoft charges money from communications fee is because the business model is different from that of personal computers. All the products in the world is either subsidized or non-subsidized. PC hardware and TV are not subsidized, so the hardware price includes development fee, etc. This is the subsidized model. I'm interested in people rather than the various devices.