GPS BN: My last question is a bit off topic, but I think it makes sense to ask about it: what about Google and its free turn-by-turn application? Do you think it will dramatically change the business model for navigation developers?
RR: You know, I believe operators are satisfied with their turn-by-turn applications. There is plenty of money made in that space so I don’t see them giving this business away to Google.

GPS BN: OK, but the first to bring Google in was Verizon Wireless which has been historically the one making the biggest business with mobile navigation; so - even if they badly want something to compete against the iPhone - it is strange to see them at the forefront of “free navigation”?
RR: I think you nailed the whole point here: their biggest problem today is the iPhone exclusivity owned by AT&T, so I believe they made the calculated risk of killing a bit of their VZ Navigator revenue against finding a real competitor to the iPhone. Really I don’t think the Droid with Google Maps Navigation shows a significant trend for Verizon and others. Carriers are going to some great lengths to offer their own app store. Even T-Mobile announced they are going to have a T-mobile branded Android store. I don’t thing carriers want to have a separate Android Market they cannot control.

GPS BN: Rich, thank you very much for this interesting insight and see you in San Jose early next month for the Nav&Loc conference.
RR: Thank you for having me.