T-Mobile USA is to abandon the traditional operator portal and replace it with an open app store.
MocoNews says the operator will make the deck – and virtually all of T-Mobile’s handset range – available to almost any developer. Its report suggests developers will submit their applications online, and that they will be presented in order of popularity with no editorial interference from T-Mobile. The revenue-share will be based on how much the application uses the network. For example, a streaming video application would take more than a simple download.It’s an interesting move, similar to the one mooted by Verizon Wireless some time ago (which is still yet to happen). And don’t forget T-Mobile was an early and enthusiastic member of Google’s Open Handset Alliance and is expected to launch an Android handset this year.
T-Mobile is the US’s fourth largest carrier, with just over 30 million subs.
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