Good points, Michael. Also, consider: G* is also intended to provide service beyond existing wireless. (Yikes! That's its primary purpose!) Your numbers, and Mr. Baker's, don't make any allowance for (1) Fixed terminals in places where no phone service is available (Did I hear you mumble, "China"?), (2) Marine uses ("Commercial fishing boats"?), (3) Land-based mobile uses such as travelling salesmen, and truckers.
My neighbor is owner and head salesman of an insurance agency. He spends 3 days a week on the road. From our spot 12 miles from Manhattan he will on any given day travel 100 miles in any direction. How good do you think the cellphone coverage throughout that territory? In fact, it's not bad--one of the most complete networks in the US. But, there are still significant dead spots. And, frequently (during rush hours) the cell network is full. This is a guy who has to run his business from his car. There is no "status" involved in his decision. It makes good business sense for him to make sure he is in touch all the time. Oh, and btw, he's already a $300+ per month cellphone user.
Last I heard there were 20,000 P/C insurance agencies in the US. Then, we have all the other industries that have people riding around the country to see their customers.
Best,
John |
