Unlocked Phones to be Liberated
For years, wireless companies have controlled which devices are compatible with their networks by forcing device manufacturers to place software locks on them. In 2014, we see consumers getting access to a greater variety of unlocked phones due to major developments in 2013.Carriers such as AT&T and T-Mobile are encouraging consumers to bring unlocked devices to their networks. They are now offering new service plans that give consumers the ability to take their phones with them when they switch carriers.
This comes as an agreement has been reached between the major mobile US phone companies – AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile – and the Federal Communications Commission that makes it easier for consumers to unlock their mobile devices once they are paid off.
Though the agreement is voluntary, it still means that carriers have committed to unlocking customers’ phones once they are paid off or their service contract has concluded. Again, this hints at a greater variety of unlocked phones entering the marketplace in 2014.
Samsung Reigns Supreme
Samsung’s domination of the mobile market will continue in 2014. In 2013, they launched numerous best-selling smartphones including multiple versions of its Galaxy Note, which have been welcomed by consumers.Samsung is taking full advantage of the Android’s growth outside of the U.S. marketplace. This combined with its healthy relationships with device carriers, strong distribution channels, and varied price structure will ensure the company’s continued domination.
Continued Carrier Consolidation
The past year saw many carrier consolidations as AT&T bought up Leap Wireless, T-Mobile acquired MetroPCS, and Sprint was purchased by Japan’s Softbank. The new year sees a continuation of such consolidations. For instance, Sprint is rumored to be putting together a deal to acquire T-Mobile, which isn’t so far-fetched as the latter’s parent company, Deutsche Telekom, has not been shy about its desire to exit the U.S. telecom market. |
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Other deals are likely in the works. Satellite TV provider Dish Network is looking to buy anybody, especially after its failed attempt last year to purchase Sprint and Clearwire. Furthermore, Dish is likely to be the only bidder on wireless spectrum in the H block auction in January.
The company has been amassing wireless spectrum for a couple of years now, and this could be the year that Dish moves to build its own network or hops on the bandwagon through the acquisition of another player.
Better Value for Your Wireless Plan
In 2014, we are likely to see more pricing options become available from mobile carriers. The past year already saw such a trend in the form of the plan created by T-Mobile last March. Now, AT&T is poised to offer its own value-added plan.A new Mobile Share plan provides an incentive to customers who use an older phone or bring their own unlocked device with them to the network. The reason for such a move from carriers is twofold: more people have smartphones these days, and 4G LTE networks offer greater capacity at a lower cost. This makes it almost necessary for carriers to focus on returning value to their customers.
LG vs. HTC
2014 sees LG’s popularity growing while HTC’s star begins to dim. LG’s introduction of some high-end devices in 2013 has occasioned resurgence in the company’s popularity. Unfortunately, despite releasing an acclaimed smartphone in 2013, HTC also reported its first financial loss.The problem HTC faces is the fact that it is a small company amidst a band of giants. LG has the capacity to compete as it has multiple business lines and deeper pockets than HTC, which focuses exclusively on smartphones. This could be the year that sounds HTC’s death-knell.
JessicaAbout the Author:
Jessica is a freelance journalist who loves to cover technology news and the ways that technology makes life easier. She also blogs at FreshlyTechy.com. Check her out on Twitter @TechyJessy.