Forum: When will UK mobile operators make the return on Premium SMS more appealing?

Link: General – When will UK mobile operators make the return on Premium SMS more appealing?

For premium SMS to become a real revenue stream UK mobile operators need to reduce their ludicrous cut on premuim SMS. We all know it’s a numbers game but in my opinion taking 40-50% of premium SMS revenue is preventing companies from investing further in premium SMS services. With such high outpayments going to mobile operators services like “PayForIt” and “PayPal for mobile” are becoming increasing popular where payments are heading back to debit/credit cards.

The question is:

1) Does anyone think premium SMS outpayments at likely to change at any point in the future?
2) What mobile billing methods are going to succeed?
3) Does Google have a mobile payment system in the works?

I remember reading that all UK operators decided to waiver charges for all premium SMS charity donations made for the Tsunami appeal back in 2005. Can anyone validate this story and has this been the only instance where mobile operators have not taken their cut?

Nasser posed this question on the SMS Text News forums. Have you got a perspective?

Update: See Nick Ris of MX Telecom’s response at the above link — he’s written a comprehensive answer to Nasser’s questions. Thanks Nick!