It's no secret that increasing demand for data over mobile networks has hit carriers. The unlimited packages they used to offer customers have, in many cases been replaced by less generous alternatives.

Attempting to halt usage through charges will only last so long, however, and UK operator O2 has claimed the associated costs that come with delivering data to handsets should not just to endured by consumers and carriers.

Spreading the cost

Speaking at a broadband-focused eForum in Westminster, O2 chief executive Ronan Dunne said steps should be taken to spread the burden between customers and content providers alike.

"If consumers alone are paying, it's hard to see where the incentive is for content providers to use networks efficiently," said Dunne.

"Competition will help us ensure that democracy does continue to thrive on the internet, even if we do have to manage traffic. Networks can't under any economic model presume to have unlimited data capability. Part of the solution is to move away from 'one-size-fits-all'."

Data derby

It's O2's belief that, on both sides, data is seen as an unlimited commodity rather than something to be valued.

If content providers were charged in the same manner as consumers, they may be more inclined to moderate their service, offering a more efficient system.

Where the line would be drawn between the big boys and smaller outfits remains to be seen, however. Developers fostering any high capacity Noalways on social games in the future, for instance, could fall foul of any supposed charge on web-based companies.

[source: ZDNet]