The iPhone is about to end its monogomous relationship with AT&T in the next few months, as Verizon prepares for their own iPhone release. And that brings up an interesting question. In an increasingly commoditized phone market, how do you stand out as a wireless provider?
For instance, if in a few years, I can get any phone I want through any provider, it becomes solely a low cost game, doesn’t it? And at that point, what will prevent the low cost carriers from also becoming the big ones?
It’s interesting to consider the opportunity, or lack thereof, for cell phone providers, as retailers like WalMart start entering the market. They need to find their niche again. Is it app-based partnerships? Is it expanding their offering? Or is simply a dying industry that will die a slow painful death?