Despite philosophical beliefs in openness, innovators need to consider constraints. SIM, SMS, differences between countries, public safety, and other constraints affect the search for openness in mobile communications. Bubley goes into detail about two major categories of constraints – radio spectrum issues and public preferences. Advocates of openness want to use bits of radio spectrum without being beholden to the monopolist service providers. However, regulators and technical constraints make this more difficult than it might seem. But the small steps being taken toward a more open use of radio spectrum bring some hope.
An even tougher difficulty is the Normob – the normal mobile user. Bubley discusses what typical users want in their mobile communication and conversely, what does not matter to them. Innovators cannot ignore user traits and psychology. Bubley concludes with his opinion about what will be the Trojan Horse that forces openness to the mobile space.
Dean Bubley is the Founder of Disruptive Analysis, an independent technology industry analyst and consulting firm. An analyst with over 16 years’ experience, he primarily specializes in mobile, wireless, networking, and telecoms fields, with further expertise in certain aspects of the software and semiconductor sectors. His present focus is on wireless technology, especially the evolution of mobile device architecture & software, fixed-mobile convergence, IMS, wireless VoIP, shifts in service provider value chains, enterprise mobility, in-building technologies, femtocells, spectrum policy, wireless broadband, and the integration of cellular and WLAN technologies.
He was formerly an equity analyst, covering communications and software stocks with the UK arm of investment bank Robert W. Baird. Prior to that, he spent eight years at UK research firm Datamonitor, where he co-founded the company's Technology business unit and held the titles of Chief Analyst and Director of Consulting. Mr. Bubley has extensive experience in both published analytical research and bespoke consultancy, and has regularly spoken at industry conferences and events. He holds a BA in Physics from Keble College, Oxford University.
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