Hello,
I know you guys do not like analysts but this is just a suggestion. Perhaps one could learn a bit from the the Eurotelcoblog:
eurotelcoblog.blogspot.com
Think of the implications of using a 3G, 801.whatever, WiMax, Ultrawideband, cable, DSL or any connection and plugging into a free VOIP service like Skype?
I just made free phone calls via the Skype network from Eastern Europe to people in California. My only cost was the WiFi connection, via Orange, - which I happened to bill to my hotel charge - and that was 16 Euros for 24 hours. I could have made unlimited calls via the network!
Motorola has announced a deal with Skype (there are others):
skype.com
The implications of this "free" technology are staggering. It is totally disrupting the telecosom and there is little doubt in my mind that it is having a huge impact all the way down the chip food chain. What's most interesting about this is that Intel has limited experience in this arena.
Have to say, all this hype reminds me of a comment that Jim Morgan, former Chairman of Applied Materials used to make years ago during speeches to investors, "Everyone wants to make a phone call."
Sitting in the back row, per usual, the same thought always popped in my head when I heard him say this, "Yes, they do. But at what cost?"
Carl
infras.com
P.S. I agree with the comments here that say WiMax is totally over-hyped:
wimaxnetnews.com
No matter how you cut it, there will not be much margin in supplying this equipment - especially if it facilitates a service that is essentially free (Skype or Bitorrent or.... you name any of the others). I am firm believer that business models in the chip sector need to change. |
