Post on G* positives (via LOR yahoo thread)
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Ark Bill...
by: pharmacon2k
19508 of 19518
After enjoying cell service since 1984, and MOT long range pager service before that, I think I know a little
about what a relative joy G* service canand will be.
With current systems, I have to say that I'm totally unimpressed with Sprint PCS service. The phones cut out
from time to time, the zones are oddly limited, and their pricing is all over the place. Prices at the retail stores
are about $20 over mobile mall booths, which are still $20 over direct purchase over net or phone, not to
mentoin the Ni vs. Li batteries... what a mess. And their service pricing is borderline deceptive.
Voicestream is weak, small, and forces roaming charges upon its subscribers.
Nextel is just plain weird. I still don't see total national network operation. Their claims of total North
American access have yet to be confirmed as far as I know.
ATT Wireless is pretty good actually, but they're TDMA. Outdated but stable. One rate, but a little more
expensive. Definitely more stable, and still the best pick overall, but off the mainland, you have about 1/2
mile marine range, and then nothing until you get to HI.
Global communication will be such an improvement. Consider calling friends and/or business associates in
the Bahamas (or FL, GA, SC) after the hurricane(s). That could take a while. With no power, cell power
may be short lived.
Ever pay GTE too much for an Airphone call. I think I actually have a registered Airphone number. I got one
some time back, but I never used it... I have, however, used the Airphone. And how about a phone from a
boat. If I had total communication access, mcbbs in the sky, etc... Well, I'd surely spend more time on the
sea. Documents via pc fax, web forms, dv-cam rt negotiations... cyberstar integration through G* lines. I'm
sure the price can be dealt with just fine. Think about it... programmers right out of college bill $150 / hr. to
type code, rookie lawyers take 150-200. What's an hour on G*? without a bulk pricing plan, maybe $75...
and it's tax deductible anyway. It's a business expense for sure. I know I'm currently discussing implementing
G* phones in my environment... that's only a few hundred phones. Consider a couple of major corporate
clients. Then consider the low pricing and average consumer access... I think we're sure to see good
subscriber growth.
If only 200,000 to break even, and nearly 6.8 billion in the world (of which maybe half could use a phone if
they could pay for it and power it up), and maybe only 1 billion can actually have access if they can get the
funding, and within that only 5% could maybe secure the funding... well...
I don't know... 50 million subscribers capable? 200,000 seems easy to get. G* max is maybe 7 million.
That's a calling for G*-II (probably not even being considered outside of the intial development sessions until
after T-9, Cyberstar, and Skybridge).
That's why BLS said on CNBC (almost 2 years ago), and maintains today, that there is plenty of room in the
market for players like IRID, ICO, and others still.
Only 3% of the US population is needed to reach G* max capacity.
G* pricing, in relation to entry-level cellular in 1983, is 1/2 the price from back in the day, offers more, and
is capable of being afforded by about 10% of the US population. 10% US = 25 million to 27.5 million.
What about Canada? What about Eurpoe, Asia, Mexico, South America, Africa, Everywhere else...
Come on, can anyone really even think for a moment that we're not going to get 7 million subscribers. Forget
2002 for 2 million, and end of 00 for 1 million... This thing has been basically sold out since it was planned.
Reaching time dated goals for subscriber growth will be easy.
I'm so sick of all this nay saying and discounting of the vision, the business plan, the CEO, mgmt., all of it.
This is not pie in the sky. The numbers speak for themselves.
Posted: 9/14/1999 8:39 pm EDT as a reply to: Msg 19505 by ArkansasBill |
