AT&T dreams of single smartphone OS, will probably keep dreaming
by Darren Murph 
posted Dec 5th 2008 at 5:23AM
Okay, so we fully understand that it would make life a lot easier on AT&T if every smartphone on its network used the same operating system, but we're not so sure we like the idea of losing the whole "ability to choose." Speaking at the Symbian Partner Event in San Francisco, AT&T's Roger Smith (director of next generation services, data product realization at AT&T) reportedly stated that he wanted to "standardize on a single operating system for AT&T-branded smartphones as part of a dramatic consolidation of its mobile platforms over the next few years." Given the location of the speech, it's no shock that Symbian was named "a very credible and likely candidate" to be that system, and for those questioning the iPhone, he was quick to point out that said mobile is simply a third-party device tapping into AT&T's technologies. Honestly, we're not sure how to take this seriously -- is he really saying he's willing to alienate RIM and / or Microsoft in order to only sell Symbian-based handsets? Doubtful.Update: An AT&T spokesman pinged up with an important followup to this -- click on to read the whole thing.
"We have no plans to standardize on one platform for our smart devices.
We want to give our wireless customers maximum choice – in innovative devices, applications, operating systems, and more. One way to maximize customer choice is to begin to reduce fragmentation in the wireless OS environment. That is why we are a member of the Symbian Foundation.
That fragmentation puts a heavy burden on wireless carriers, handset makers, and especially apps developers, who have to create for multiple operating systems and sometimes for multiple versions of the same operating system."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Adam @ Dec 5th 2008 6:49AM
Seriously...how do these types of people come into power? You don't see Comcast or TWC trying to make everyone use the same computer OS to get on their network. There is always going to be multiple OS options to choose from when buying a cellphone. The wireless telcos need to realize that they are nothing more than a pipeline.
flooty333 @ Dec 5th 2008 8:17AM
Actually, its kinda obvious from his statement that he's ONLY referring to "ATT BRANDED SMARTPHONES" for which he wants to standardize the OS.
ie. ATT Tilt, Fuze, etc.
And he confirms that by saying that iphone wouldnt conflict since it is a "third-party device tapping into AT&T's technologies".
Which would mean Rim would be in the clear as well.
His statement seems very clear to me.
PH0ENIX @ Dec 5th 2008 8:22AM
No love for Android? Come on!
MidnightDT @ Dec 5th 2008 8:56AM
sounds like a good idea to me, I hope they do it.
fyreblazer @ Dec 5th 2008 10:08AM
Seriously? Symbian as the standardized OS on AT&T phones IN THE USA?! If they want people to switch over to T-Mobile for choices then go for it.
Joseali @ Dec 5th 2008 12:54PM
AT&T is a carrier not and a OS provider, then they need to deal with OS ecosystem.
Who? @ Dec 5th 2008 1:07PM
Amazing. No one can read. Third paragraph:
"The consolidation effort is focused on a completely AT&T-branded smart phone, distinct from the iPhone and other products that may use AT&T’s network, Smith said in an interview following his speech."
That's not just iPhones, that's every smartphone on the market today that uses AT&T's network. AT&T doesn't have any self-branded smartphones. The Fuze is the HTC Fuze. You can say what you want about the Tilt, but it's HTC and we're talking about the future, and the Fuze is not ATT branded.
Get a grip, guys. And maybe some reading glasses, too.
drannan @ Dec 8th 2008 9:10AM
HTC Touch Diamond branded by AT&T, is an AT&T Fuze..
Who? @ Dec 8th 2008 11:54AM
Sorry, wrong. First, it's a Touch Pro. Second, it's called the HTC Fuze.
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-details/?device=HTC+FUZE(TM)&q_sku=sku3090226
Nawaid @ Dec 6th 2008 1:57AM
um guys
why did you guys post a basic phone (Nokia 2610) with a article related to smartphone OS's?
that makes NO sence
maybe a no cross across Blackberry OS, Windows Mobile, and Android logos and then a :-) on the symban logo or something but seriously, not this