Mobile music should, in theory, hold something for everyone, with new distribution channels for record labels, bandwidth-intensive downloads for 3G operators, increased functionality and higher profit margins for handset manufacturers and instant downloads of must-have songs for consumers.
With so much positive potential, what could possibly have caused problems?
Greed, in short, or too many groups fighting over a share of the value chain.
The launch of the iTunes- enabled Motorola Rokr E1, arguably the biggest mobile music event of the year, was indicative of the many squabbles to come.
Operators feared being left out of the value chain by a phone that did not enable over-the-air downloads. Apple feared erosion of its lucrative iPod business and limited the Rokr's capacity. Motorola was left with flattened Rokr sales, and customers ended up with nothing close to what they wanted.
Two Asian operators are further evidence of the kind of faction fighting to come.
