Many handset manufacturers bet against it, notably Samsung and LG. Now, many of the U.S.-based and European wireless carriers are behind it. They're building hybrid networks, using 3G networks in urban areas and using Edge in rural areas.
Were it not for data services, most carriers would be reporting negative ARPU.
By the time we get to 2006 or 2007, there will be a ton of new service providers offering wireless voice and data, ... It's too late to think about the number of carriers shrinking. Five years from now we'll be looking at another wave of consolidation.