Mobile plans will become more flexible, expert predicts

Mobile data pricing plans will become more flexible as more 3G-enabled phones enter the market, a technology expert has predicted.

Ovum anyalst Craig Skinner told ZDNet UK's sister site ZDNet Asia that data and voice charges will reach a point where price plans for both will be similar. It will then be easier for telcos to provide a universal data plan, he said. However, before telcos evolve to this charging model, they will need to begin consolidating their customers' multiple data plans into a single bill, he added.

Skinner explained that many companies do not have such services yet as it will take some time for telcos to develop the IT capability to dynamically manage data usage. According to reports, Toronto-based operator Rogers Communications already allows its customers to link multiple devices to a single data plan.

For more on this ZDNet UK-selected story, see Service plans to evolve with increasing Web-connected devices on ZDNet Asia.