Android: Kogan's phone proves the point

Ever since Google announced the Android intitiative, I am convinced that this open source mobile phone operating system will fundamentally change the telecommunications landscape. It only took a couple of months for the first proof of this to appear on the market.


The Kogan Agora is a phone that is manufactured in China and is only available on-line. It retails for a meagre $192 ($256 for the pro version), instead of the $500-700 price tag that is attached to other smart phones.

Now what is so special about this device? For the first time, an unknown manufacturer can address the world market without needing to go through a partnership with an operator. Consumers can buy the device just like any other electronics appliance, without the need to commit to a tariff plan from a mobile operator.
This is a big change from the predominant subsidised model. It will create a new market of affordable, open phones that can be used on any network. The mobile operator will need to focus on its core task: managing and selling the mobile network. And consumer electronics resellers can start to take up mobile phones in their catalogues.

Open source mobile phones announce the fall of the subsidised handset model. And at the same time, the start of mobile phones as consumer electronics which are under control of the end user. A good thing, if you ask me.