This promotion of a long time BS associate (1992) coupled with the tone of remarks during the cc suggest to me that BS is hunkering down in anticipation of some rough weather. I agree he is secretive and obstinate in hs approach. I also understand his annoyance to some extent. His accomplishments with G* to date are, in my opinion, nothing short of remarkable. The sats are up, the phones work, a very complex infrastructure has ben built. To a great extent, these accomplishments have also been achieved and, to some extent, revealed at his direction and control.
The wild card is demand. Over this he has no control. Furthermore, I don't think he'll be able to control the disclosure of that information as it becomes available. Mou's will be revealed by the sp's in all their glory, or modesty, as the case may be. For reasons already discussed, early returns will likely be quite modest. This entire phase of G* is now squarely in the control of the sp's. I expect things will become uncomfortable in the board room.
To a great extent, he's done all he can do. He's driven us the length of the field and put us in position for the winning touchdown. It's up to the sp's to get the ball into the end zone. this sports metaphor gratuitously inserted for Maurice who finds them quite enlightening, I understand
This is exactly where we were headed before the first satellite was launched. If you personally believe as I do that sufficient demand exists (and I know of no sure way to judge this) then you should be comforted by the fact that the most experienced providers of wireless minutes on the planet are prepared to exploit that demand. The participation of the sp's has always been, for me, a very large plus.
In short, whether you like or dislike BS's style, it really doesn't matter much at this point (his style, that is). It's no longer his game to win or lose.
Pierre |
