Is this the way data services are going to go in the US? Charging not by packet of data, but by type of content that is being transferred? If this allows the carrier to reduce cost for data used in music downloads, I could see how it would be advantageous. But being someone who would just use raw data that isn’t carrier-hosted content, I hope it’s not used to jack UP my type of data costs!

IDEA Cellular, a leading mobile operator in India, and Nokia (NYSE: NOK), the world leader in mobile communications, have launched Nokia’s Intelligent Content Delivery System (ICD) solution on all IDEA’s mobile networks across India. The Nokia ICD solution enhances IDEA’s mobile packet core network capabilities and enables it to connect both prepaid and post-paid subscribers to data services and charge them according to the value of traffic and content. This makes IDEA India’s first and only operator to charge differentially for data services, thereby increasing its revenue streams. . Nokia ICD solution allows IDEA to provide data services, such as downloadable ringtones, music, games, browsing, streaming, MMS and content based SMS, to both prepaid and post-paid customers and charge for them differentially.

Regardless, I can’t wait for the day where I’m posting something like “Carrier adopts reasonably-priced unlimited mobile data plans with pricing tiers based on speed.” We won’t truly win until mobile data is treated like cable or DSL.