GSM pioneer George Schmitt of Omnipoint speaks:
gsmnewsreel.com
>> GET OFF THE FENCE, GEORGE
Over the years, George Schmitt of US operator Omnipoint has built a reputation as one of the industry's most outspoken participants. Speaking yesterday, ten years after having first addressed a GSM World Congress audience, he was as forthright as ever.
Over the years, George Schmitt of US operator Omnipoint has built a reputation as one of the industry's most outspoken participants. Speaking yesterday, ten years after having first addressed a GSM World Congress audience, he was as forthright as ever.
Perhaps his most controversial moment was a message to equipment suppliers to cease their opposition of GSM in certain markets. Schmitt wasn't explicit with examples of such opposition, but made it known that he felt loyalty to the GSM standard above all others was the least that should be expected of industry suppliers. Quite how such a demand sits with the open market philosophy that the industry is always seen to support is anybody's guess.
This did not prevent Schmitt from shifting to an anti-interventionist stance as he warned against the dangers of governmental and regulatory meddling in industry affairs. Whilst he conceded that the GSM world is not without its internal struggles he urged delegates to keep any disputes private and suggested that the industry was more than capable of policing itself. The GSM industry has no need for bureaucratic outsiders, he said.
Schmitt called for equal privacy in the treatment of customer data and location information. "In a sense we are Big Brother,"he said, smiling. "Our networks have their electronic eyes on everyone with a GSM handset...practically pinpointing our subscribers' every move to within a couple of metres. It's important that we use this power for good."
In another dig at the manufacturers, Schmitt modified his famous borrowed acronym 'God Send Mobiles'. He offered everyone the chance to take away a badge bearing the prayer: 'God Send GPRS Mobiles'.
Whether or not you actually agree with everything George Schmitt says, you have to enjoy watching him speak-there was certainly no-one asleep during his presentation. <<
- Eric - |
