The debate over device subsidies is part of a tug of war between mobile operators, Internet companies and phone makers seeking control and profits in the wireless industry.

WSJ: IPhone's Crutch of Subsidies

In the long run, sales of digital-music tracks purchased over the internet and revenues from mobile-phone ringtunes, may bring growth back to the industry.

ECONOMIST: Buying music can be highly profitable

Like the rest of the mobile phone industry, Deutsche Telekom has been hit hard by the growing popularity of internet telephony, as peddled by eBay's (nasdaq: EBAY - news - people ) Skype, which has seen customers moving away from conventional technology.

FORBES: Trouble At The Top Of Deutsche Telekom