T-Mobile USA to launch mobile apps developer program

T-Mobile USA said that next week it will debut the beta version of its new T-Mobile devPartner Community [1] program, promising third-party mobile applications developers an easier and more efficient channel to do business with the operator. Speaking with FierceMobileContent during the CTIA Wireless IT & Entertainment event in San Francisco, T-Mobile USA director of product development for mobile apps and partner programs Venetia Espinoza said the T-Mobile devPartner Community model will enable developers to market their apps directly via the carrier's deck, with software creators earning at least 50 percent of revenues and possibly earning as much as 70 percent, as well as the right to determine their own premium download pricing. Beginning next week, the devPartner site will provide developers with rate cards and click-through agreements outlining the standard business arrangement with T-Mobile USA. The carrier will also offer developers technical support, apps trials and a virtual lab.

While T-Mobile USA lags behind its rivals in respect to data ARPU [2], Espinoza said the company's subscribers have shown a high propensity to download mobile applications. She declined to address rumors that T-Mobile USA will launch its own virtual application storefront in the mold of Apple's iPhone App Store, but did admit the success of the platform inspired its new emphasis on fostering improved developer relations. "Apple created new energy around the development community," Espinoza said.

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