With the introduction of “mMode,” a new service by a carrier is now providing customers with access to games, messaging services, and additional features on their mobile phones for a monthly fee. Customers interested in using this service will need to purchase one of four phones available, priced between $79 and $200.

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mMode, which is the U.S. version inspired by the popular i-mode from Japanese carrier DoCoMo, marks a shift for U.S. carriers who are looking to offer more than just faster wireless Internet access on their new phone networks. The reception of mMode could influence the types of services other carriers choose to provide to their customers. For instance, Sprint PCS is gearing up to launch a high-speed phone network soon.

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While U.S. consumers traditionally use their phones primarily for voice calls, the trend in Europe shows a significant volume of e-mails exchanged via mobile phones. Despite this, the forecast for the U.S. indicates a much lower volume of exchanged messages. Wireless analysts like Alan Reiter are doubtful that mMode will significantly increase the usage of mobile data services in the U.S., noting that there are no quick fixes to alter consumer behavior.

Experts such as Keith Waryas from IDC raise concerns about AT&T Wireless’ billing methods for the mMode service, particularly billing by the number of kilobytes downloaded. Customers can purchase a monthly data allowance, with usage calculated and rounded up to the nearest kilobyte daily. While this practice is becoming more common among carriers with new networks, some customers may find it cumbersome and potentially expensive.

AT&T Wireless defends its billing approach, stating that it aligns with industry standards and is comparable to how voice minutes are rounded up by most carriers. Andrew Willett, AT&T Wireless’ vice president for data services, believes that the impact on customers from the billing method will be minimal and not a significant concern.

mMode is currently available in select cities where AT&T Wireless has completed building its new phone networks based on the GPRS standard. The company aims to expand this service nationwide by the end of the year. A similar service in Japan has garnered a substantial subscriber base of 28 million users.

FAQs

  1. What is mMode?

    • mMode is a new service offered by a carrier that provides customers with access to games, messaging services, and additional features on their mobile phones for a monthly fee.

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    What phones are compatible with mMode?

    • Customers interested in using mMode will need to purchase one of four phones offered by the carrier, with prices ranging from $79 to $200.

  3. How does mMode differ from i-mode?

    • mMode is the U.S. version of the popular i-mode service offered by Japanese carrier DoCoMo, signaling a shift for U.S. carriers towards offering more than just faster wireless Internet access.

  4. What are the concerns regarding mMode’s adoption in the U.S.?

    • Some analysts are skeptical about mMode’s potential to increase the usage of mobile data services in the U.S., citing consumer behavior and billing practices as potential hurdles.

  5. How is data usage billed for mMode?

    • AT&T Wireless employs a billing method that charges customers based on the number of kilobytes downloaded, with usage calculated daily and rounded up to the nearest kilobyte.

  6. Is the billing method for mMode common in the industry?

    • AT&T Wireless asserts that their billing approach aligns with industry standards and is comparable to how voice minutes are rounded up by most carriers.

  7. Where is mMode currently available?

    • mMode is accessible in select cities where AT&T Wireless has completed the construction of its new phone networks based on the GPRS standard.

  8. What are the future plans for mMode’s availability?

    • AT&T Wireless aims to expand the mMode service nationwide by the end of the year, following its initial rollout in select cities.

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    How does the subscriber base of mMode in Japan compare to the U.S.?

    • A similar service offered in Japan has accumulated 28 million subscribers, showcasing the potential for significant adoption of similar services.

  10. Will mMode impact the services offered by other carriers?

    • The success or failure of mMode could influence the types of services that other carriers choose to provide to their customers in the future.

  11. What are the main features of mMode?

    • Customers can access games, messaging services, and additional features on their mobile phones through the mMode service for a monthly fee.

  12. How can customers sign up for mMode?

    • Customers interested in using mMode can sign up through AT&T Wireless by purchasing one of the compatible phones and selecting a suitable data plan for their usage needs.

Summary

The introduction of mMode by a leading carrier provides customers with a new way to access games, messaging services, and additional features on their mobile devices for a monthly fee. Modeled after the successful i-mode in Japan, mMode represents a shift in the U.S. carrier landscape towards offering more than just wireless Internet access.

Analysts are cautious about the adoption of mMode in the U.S., pointing to potential challenges in changing consumer behavior and concerns over the billing practices employed by AT&T Wireless. Despite these reservations, AT&T Wireless remains confident in the service’s potential and industry-standard billing methods.

Currently available in select cities with plans for nationwide expansion, mMode aims to replicate the success of its Japanese counterpart, which boasts a significant subscriber base. As the mobile landscape continues to evolve, the impact of mMode on consumer preferences and the services offered by other carriers remains a topic of interest. For those interested in experiencing the benefits of mMode, signing up through AT&T Wireless is the first step towards accessing this innovative mobile service.

Source: https://anytimesoftcare.com
Category: Internet