Hi NY Stew,
Can you please briefly discuss these issues?
1. Conflicts with cable operators was inevitable. That was the reason the company struck a deal to carry data over the paging network (as well as the benefits of 2-way communications down the road. True?
2. It was my understanding that implementation of the paging network was to begin in the first half of 2000, with 2-way communications beginning sometime in 2001. Ia this still accurate, as far as you know?
3. Are potential technical issues delaying deployment; is the process on-track as far as you know; and won't the paging system eventually make any blocking, such as the likes of Time Warner's a moot point? At least from a technical standpoint, in that customers should still be able to receive their data, via the paging network?
4. Does the claim customers are not receiving their data, one way or the other, imply there IS a delay in Gemstar's plan to provide data over the paging network? Or does it simply reflect the fact deployment is being accomplished incrementally, and certain areas will have to wait for the data, until the system comes online in their particular market?
Thank you, appreciate any input on the matter.
Regards. JB
P.S. Frankly, I have a totally different theory, one that flies counter to the ideas above. I believe GSMT is truly concerned ANY favorable resolution, of ANY potential issue, might be used as ammunition by ANY party that wishes to de-rail the merger process.
I think the company may be temporarily willing to accept being perceived as a rabbit sitting in the middle of a road, frozen in place as it stares at the headlights of on-coming traffic.
Although less than enjoyable, difficult to accept, and hard to consistently follow, the company may silently take just about any beating, EXCEPT for issues involving potential patent infringement, in an effort to provide no ammunition others might use to de-rail the merger process.
In fact, if my assumption is correct, the approval process might actually BENEFIT in taking this course of action, since it creates the impression they are NOT a monopoly, with legitimate vulnerabilities, regardless of whether or not this is the case.
I think Henry is smart enough to do what is best. If he is indeed following this course of action, he will also have demonstrated just how committed and focused he is on making his visions for the business become a reality. Accepting embarrasment to ensure success is a pill most could never swallow ... I would guess his wife is a strong person, who as necessary provides strategic words of wisdom. |
