I was recently pointed to an article about Google's continued experimentation in the mobile segment, in this case by pre-allocating mobile bandwidth for its employees. To briefly summarize, as a virtual network operator, Google issued SIM cards to staff supported by third-party network infrastructure -- purchased in bulk rather than on a per-use basis. While not always a viable business model, the approach in this case underscores the centrality of the Web as a communications platform.
It's hardly remarkable to note that competition among mobile operators will continue to be fought out in bandwidth pricing and squeezing margins out of flat-rate services. (The previously "lucrative" SMS space of inflated margins is barely worth a consideration, in the long term.) Increased bandwidth demands and price cuts are already coming up against the physical and technical limitations of existing networks...in fact, they have been for some time and will continue to do so.
