The GSM Association (GSMA), which represents 650 operator
members serving more than 1.25 billion customers across 210
countries and territories, said last week that it would undertake
immediate review of alternative DRM solutions.
Its concern is the current licensing programme proposed by the
MPEG Licensing Authority and others who own relevant patents,
including Sony and Philips, for use of the Open Mobile Alliance's
(OMA) DRM 1.0 standard.
Speaking on behalf of the GSMA's Board, CEO Rob Conway
described the regime as "impractical, excessive and
short-sighted."
MPEG LA proposed a 'per device' fee – which GSMA members call
unreasonable and excessive; and a 'per transaction' fee – which
they describe as unworkable.
Craig Ehrlich, Chairman of the GSMA, said operators would have
no option but to take their own routes toward implementing
proprietary DRM solutions. However, while such solutions may have
lower licensing costs, they would ultimately introduce problems for
customers when roaming, changing networks or exchanging content
with other users.
Therefore, the GSMA Board has begun a review of all credible
alternative DRM solutions and their license conditions on the
market today, so that a recommendation can be made to the Board and
the membership as to those solutions that best meet the needs of
the market, industry and consumers.
The GSMA is inviting proposals from all DRM solution providers
by 11th April 2005.
