KLP,
When we comment on broadband, the large category includes wireless. It seems that That would be the next step in the evolutionary chain of events in data delivery/exchange. The broadband market potential is huge but it can be divided into segments, each serving a specific purpose. More established forms such as T1 lines bring faster delivery modes to the office, DSL and cable bring broadband into the home. Wireless brings it anywhere.
In the home setting, cable will probably be the standard for individuals and families performing everyday tasks. Although there is a significant amount of infrastructure buildout needed, the concept is familiar and acceptable to most people.
Wireless allows much more freedom as far as portability. It is not the location that becomes the delivery address so much as it is the device used. As devices become more sophisticated, wireless communication of larger data becomes possible. Now, we commonly use cell phones for voice and even fax data, but the US penetration is small compared to that of other countries around the world. One reason for that is the availability and stability of our existing telephone system. Brazilians or Filipinos, for example, have an unreliable phone infrastructure and those who can afford it rely on wireless communication much more.
The market for wireless will undoubtedly expand tremendously, but I still think that cable-based delivery of data will be more prevalent for the near future. Children doing homework or families performing tasks at home don't rely on the portability factor that wireless offers, and wireless delivery of large data is in its' infancy.
Each will offer tremendous opportunities for growth in the future. The Vulcan Ventures investment in Metricom/Ricochet can be looked at several ways....as a "hedge" by investing in multiple types of data delivery with a future that is still unclear about what the standard will be....or as a far sighted view into what will most likely be a successful data delivery/exchange system when hardware technology catches up.
Either way, for the next several years it would appear that each is a good place to park some cash. GNET may participate by using it's StockSite, SI and IQC charts. PA has invested in ECNs also and this could be tied in. Wireless delivery of financial and business based data seems more likely in the nearer term.
Comments are welcome........
HeatherN |
