I was finally able to listen to the CC.
(I had to use the international number 619-812-6450, code 12396544. It helps a little to view the sides from the web site concurrently)
One of the strangest experiences of my life.
It wasn't like a "normal" analyst CC, there were regular reporters there that, most likely, had never heard of Global Crossing before. Fittingly, the presentation was astronomical in scope and, consequently, shallow on particulars. (Hey, many they don't really have a plan.<G>)
It definitely allows the company to expand its concept.
There was almost no mention of the wholesale aspect of the company, the thrust of the presentation was the greatly enhanced variety of products and services that the combined company be able to offer to address the estimated $1 trillion global market.
The combined company will have significant cash flow to expand the global network into the continents labeled "Growth" on slide 22. There is tremendous opportunity out there and this merger will enable the company to seize a larger portion of it quickly. Bob Annunziate still plans to expand city to city connectivity internationally beyond the
announced network, both though building and acquisition.
Bob was really excited about slide 26, "World's Largest DLEC," showing, among other things, US West serves 10% of the US population, but has 40% of the nation's DSL subscribers and 30% of the nation's local frame relay ports.
There was a lot of talk about the entertainment services over VDSL. They mentioned that US West is just starting to roll out something called "Choice TV." Maybe Frank C has more information on this, but from what I could tell they can provide (actually working now in part of Phoenix) 167 channels of Digital TV, phone service that interacts with TV and "high speed" Internet access over 4,000 feet of copper. (sounds kwel so they put that in the GSP stock)
There was some talk about increasing the wireless offerings. Anyone know anything about USW or FRO's wireless operations? That Web Phone thing seems interesting.
The 12 Web Hosting/ Distribution Centers, in the top 2 or 3, are growing at over 100% per year. That rate, of course, will increase as they are expanded to include application hosting and other services worldwide.
There was a mention towards the end of the Q&A that Global Crossing had signed an agreement for 100 miles of fiber in metro New York Sunday night. Interesting, too bad there were no details given.
The general theme seemed to me to be that terms like LEC and RBOK were obsolete and that the future will be ruled by Global Service Providers.
May the Force be with us. We're gonna need it. |
