FEATURE: Open Handset Alliance: The new way forward for mobile?

With the announcement of the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) led by Google and more than 30 key industry players this week, the launch of the first truly open and comprehensive platform for mobile devices is now on trial. Ted Cohen, chair of the Mobile Entertainment Forum (MEF) Americas board, asks if by focusing so heavily on the technology players, the alliance is missing a crucial part of the industry.

Open Handset Alliance: The new way forward for mobile?
By Ted Cohen

The Open Handset Alliance stakes its claim as the pathway to creating a new attractive industry environment focused on supporting innovation. By doing this, we are told that it will make it easier to bring new, innovative applications and services to the mobile market, providing consumers with a better experience. At first look, this will benefit both operators and consumers. Operators will have the flexibility to customize and optimize specific carrier-branded services and user interfaces to allow them to generate increased ARPU. For consumers this platform intends to provide easier access to the most relevant information, content and innovative services.   

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