During Mobile2Market session at this MDC we have asked Orange, why, oh-why, has Oranged locked their MS Smartphone powered phones - the Orange SPV - so that users cannot run any freeware software, but only this software that is certified/signed with Orange. Why do they lock Orange SPV phone, while at the same time they are marketing and selling not-protected Symbian phones!?
The first answer, that came to their mind was “because we can”. Then there was discussion about “protecting users from malevolent software” - that is somehow in vain because after all they are selling also totally-unlocked Symbian phones! Later on, during discussions it came out that actually it is business issue: they are locking their phones because otherwise, it would be not beneficial to their business! [msmobiles.com]
After my initial “Duh” reaction I am left wondering: What is the business incentive?
The code signing programs from GeoTrust and VeriSign do not appear to be carrier-specific, so it seems doubtful that they would provide a kick-back on signing events. Maybe they’re paying Orange to include their root certificates, but if that is happening those fees will surely dry up as more carriers launch SmartPhones and the balance of power shifts to the signing authorties (bundle our certs or lose access to our pool of signed applications).
Code signing doesn’t provide monopoly rights to Orange’s software distribution channel, signed code obtained from other sources can still be installed.
What am I missing?
