It seems that the handset manufacturers are now the brand of choice for people upgrading, not the networks.  With Apple insisting on revenue share, and Nokia launching their content and application platform, Ovi, there seems to be something of a power shift happening.  The confidence of the manufacturers is steadily increasing reducing the power of the networks to dictate handset user interfaces, colour schemes and access to content. 

Carphone Warehouse offer interim 9 month upgrades as they see the folly of 18 month contracts.  In this industry, the rate of change is accelerating and customers do not want to be seen with last year’s fashion.