Development

"There are two major different techs in the cell phone biz (gsm and cdma), and very very few phones that can do both. The problem is simple: If the system were to change so you can buy any phone and hook it to any network, the cost of handsets would skyrocket."

It's interesting that if you look at dvd players and recorders, there was a similar situation with 2 different types of formats (dvd+r and dvd-r). How did technology adjust to this, they started making dvd players that can play both formats and these new players are at basically the same cost as what the other players use to be at. I bet it would almost be impossible for you to buy a new dvd player that plays only one type of format...perhaps this could take place in the cellular industry too. And the demand and competition will keep costs down (just my opinion).