[BC] Our Worst Nightmare - on the way

[WBRadiolists at aol.com]

In a message dated 09/21/2008 9:49:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
richwood at pobox.com writes:

> Remember that folks with iPhones use the data service for many other 
>  things, as do I. I certainly wouldn't pay the extra $30 for data just 
>  to get "radio" on my phone.

Of course not... but how many folks can (or want to) afford that service at 
present rates?

If it was bundled with most "standard" cell phone plans *at no additional 
cost*, then "everyone" (that has a cell phone) would have it, and then we'd be 
talking about significant numbers. The fact it has a relatively significant 
additional fee would turn-off many potential "casual" users to the idea. Thus, the 
actual numbers of people with it remain relatively low.

It would be interesting to see just how many "regular" cell phone users would 
be willing to pay that much extra. It would also be interesting to compare 
the numbers between present "regular" cell users and those with "unlimited" data 
service, and of those, how many use it to listen to streaming 'Netcasts.

>  The point is that it isn't a futuristic 
>  prediction. It's already here and the data service is unlimited. 

True, but don't forget that when ISP's say "unlimited" , they don't *Really 
Mean* "unlimited". Don't some (most?) of the wireless providers cap it 
somewhere in the low gigs per month?

>  David Pogue showed it being done on one of his geek segments on the 
>  History or Discovery channel. He had the phone audio through his 
>  radio via Bluetooth.

That's pretty cool... but how did it sound? Like IBUZ at less than 48Kbps? ;)

Willie...