Cyclists on 4,500-Mile Trip to Maintain Continuous Phone Coverage Through Remote Areas
G* identifies another niche market - marathon pedal bikers. Given the unique attributes of a bicycle (ie, no roof) the G* phone in its current configuration is a perfect fit. We should have the entire marathon pedal bike market wrapped up in no time - all six or seven a year.
Now, the 50 million (WAG here) automobile drivers who would love gap coverage must pay a $1000 premium for a hands free kit, or drive with the G* phone hanging out the window, or just leave the thing in the glove box. I guess that group is too big to be "niche" and hence shall be ignored. Cool. I love a marketing department that's not just stupid, but courageously, relentlessly, and aggressively stupid.
FWIW, a recent conversation I had with a G* tech indicated Q may not be without sin in this arena. Apparently G* USA has been asking for accessories to make the phone more user friendly, and Q has been none too responsive.
Additionally, according to this same tech, Vodafone is very happy with roll out and is hitting its numbers. They are "on plan" and quite comfortable with long term prospects. An interesting aside was that Vod's "plan" and Bernie's stated targets were not in same book, much less on same page.
Finally, again from same tech, the "vertical markets" though small, produce huge mou's. Those who have a business need for the phone use the thing and pay little attention to cost. These, of course, are businesses that have no cheaper option. Monthly bills in the $5000 range are being generated. Again, no indication as to raw number of users in this category, but the implication was that the mou's per user are way over the top in the vertical markets targeted.
One last observation. To be fair about the "gap coverage" scenario I continue to harp upon, it will require (in addition to an easily attached roof top antenna) a single sat/cell number to become reality. This particular tech had been given that project some time ago and according to him the single number solution will be available, but I didn't get a time frame. They are still pushing Q to produce a roof top antenna as well, but again no time frame. The remote antenna option (always available with I*) led to a discussion of the I* drag on G*. According to this tech they have many potential users who say "I need 50 sat phones, but since I already own 50 I* paper weights, send two G* phones and I'll pick up the rest when I'm sure you'll be around awhile." I won't belabor here how easily this could be addressed by marketing (can you say free phones for first 6 months?!), nor how inherently stupid it is to charge a potential $5000 a month user big bucks up front for the phone.
I appreciate this opportunity to vent. I feel better now :>)
Pierre |
