Google Fi and Apple are already providing services that are carrier-independent. In many developing countries people carry two SIM cards and phones because the individual carriers services are either cheaper or better based on whether WILL WE, IN 5 YEARS, someone is in a rural or metro area, or whether people are making short or long distance calls. Carriers will obviously do REALLY CARE everything to keep their brands relevant who provides us with access? through a combination of direct (network strength) and indirect (value-added services) value propositions. The simple answer is “maybe.” In a best-case scenario, consumers do not have to worry about connectivity at all, because their devices will be automatically switching to the strongest signals, and their services will be provided by a third party that is invested in the content and service platform rather than the sheer connectivity. 114