I have avoided UK network operator 3 since their inception due to the fact that they don’t allow access to Internet content outside their own network. This "Walled Garden" has meant that many companies also haven’t even gone anywhere near 3.

As from the middle of September 2005, 3 allow access to mobile content via their ‘Mobile Web‘ service. What more, it’s only £2.50/month for up to 5Mb. It had to happen. 3 no longer has the advantage of being the only UK 3G operator and has arguably squandered the opportunity.

However, there’s a catch. It only includes sites that 3 has deemed are a high enough quality and are suitable for mobile. Sites will be added over time as people request them and they get reviewed.

So where do I go to add a new mobile web site? How long will it take to get reviewed? Where does this leave innovative http (non-browser based) applications that send and receive pictures and video? How does 3 expect to continuously review thousands of sites to ensure they remain of an acceptably high standard? How much does it cost when you exceed the 5MB? I have a feeling 3 still don’t get it.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 12th, 2005 at 11:35 pm and is filed under Mobile, Network Operators, 3G. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.