... i've been programming up a music store that sells non-DRM FLAC, Ogg Vorbis and MP3 alongside the CDs. The independent record labels have been very receptive the the idea of no DRM - helped a lot by Apple ignoring them in the UK. We've only got a few labels online so far but will be adding many more in the next few weeks.
You can't find a cost per Mb because you can't use their network to get full internet access. It has been advertised as "coming soon" on their web site since the network launched (and even then it isn't clear what is "coming soon") but no sign of a start date. It's a shame because you are right that that would be a big market. It was the reason I thought about buying a 3G handset but I'll wait until it works. You can access email and their own conent but it is a walled garden at the moment.
Sounds like the Chinese government are learning from the experts. Take a standard. Modify it a bit. Use your monopoly (whether commercial or state) to make everyone use your version. The US justice system has made it clear it is okay to behave this way so why shouldn't the rest of the world?
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... i've been programming up a music store that sells non-DRM FLAC, Ogg Vorbis and MP3 alongside the CDs. The independent record labels have been very receptive the the idea of no DRM - helped a lot by Apple ignoring them in the UK. We've only got a few labels online so far but will be adding many more in the next few weeks.
You can't find a cost per Mb because you can't use their network to get full internet access. It has been advertised as "coming soon" on their web site since the network launched (and even then it isn't clear what is "coming soon") but no sign of a start date. It's a shame because you are right that that would be a big market. It was the reason I thought about buying a 3G handset but I'll wait until it works. You can access email and their own conent but it is a walled garden at the moment.
Sounds like the Chinese government are learning from the experts. Take a standard. Modify it a bit. Use your monopoly (whether commercial or state) to make everyone use your version. The US justice system has made it clear it is okay to behave this way so why shouldn't the rest of the world?