Nokia loses carrier billing for US Ovi Store launch
by Chris Ziegler 
posted Apr 28th 2009 at 3:49PM
Nokia needs to pull out all the heavy artillery -- major device launches, carrier support, impressive software, and a seamless user experience -- if it wants the Ovi Store to succeed on a grand scale, and by all accounts, they're serious about making that happen with the recent integrations of MOSH and WidSets. Here's the thing, though: for many, direct carrier billing could be a big part of that "seamless user experience" thing, and recognizing that, Nokia had planned to offer it from the get-go in the US (along with eight other countries) when it launches next month. That's now been called off for the States for an undisclosed reason -- carriers around here are notoriously finicky in their relationships with manufacturers and we wouldn't be surprised if it all came down to a few heated boardroom discussions with the big wigs -- but whatever the cause, users will need to roll with a less-integrated payment option to start. Of course, alternatives from RIM, Apple, and Android aren't offering carrier billing here either -- but this was a cool opportunity to get a leg up, so here's hoping they end up getting this one worked out.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
iLoveApple @ Apr 28th 2009 4:44PM
This is proof that Nokia is the best company in the world.
iphoneizdabest @ Apr 28th 2009 5:34PM
Uh, I strongly disagree. You need to get your head checked.
ALBGunner04 @ Apr 28th 2009 6:02PM
Look these iBots strongly disagreeing with each other.
ALBGunner04 @ Apr 28th 2009 6:24PM
Hopefully this Facebook app they're planning on launching with the Ovi Store is actually a Facebook app. The Facebook app they have up at Download! is just a link to m.facebook.com.
boss-hogg @ Apr 28th 2009 6:53PM
Iphone ......Yawn
Al @ Apr 28th 2009 7:28PM
USA and Canada have the worst carriers. Always preventing us from having nice things.
Tor Slettnes @ Apr 29th 2009 1:38PM
Naah, they just expect you to pay for it.
People in many places on the globe would kill for AT&T Wireless service, with $15/month unlimited data AND the option to get a free phone. (Granted, you may not want their crap, you may want to get an unlocked one anyway, just as you would right now...).
Oh shure they have a few drawbacks (such as charging for incoming SMS, non-standard frequency bands, and a touch of arrogance) - show me a place/carrier that doesn't.