Quote:But mobiles are a con. ...
Couldn't agree more with you! Text messages have recently gone up to 12p on some networks' PAYG tariffs. They pretend that they're trying to give us something by offering bundles! The fact is that having a bundle puts you in a corner whereby you need to use so many texts to cover the cost of the bundle else it's a waste of money, which is going into their pocket!
Also, let's not forget that an SMS is only a few hundred characters. Compare that with GPRS prices and you can see what a rip off it is! We're talking a few pence (if that) to send these messages in reality.
As for talk plans, most pay monthly (contract) tariffs charge you as much as PAYG when you go over your inclusive minutes. Charging less wouldn't encourage people to go onto higher tariffs, so that's why they do it. Also, contracts include a handset, so if you don't want a new phone every 12 months, then you're wasting money.
Add to that the fact we have four (2.5G) networks in this country! If we put
our money into one network infrastructure we could increase the coverage no end, as well as reducing the number of base stations in built up areas.