Ben: Word of warning. Having watched Gent's Vodafone, it would not be at all unususal if the CTO of Verizon is completely unaware of Gent's Vodafone's plans to take over Verizon Wireless.
Note that the "story" came supposedly from Vodafone management in London.
Vodafone's method of operation in the past has relied heavily on surprise and fast action.
And Vodafone has a goal of a worldwide network which Gent controls completely and absolutely. In that context the current Verizon Wireless partnership does not, repeat not, meet Gent's style or his goal.
Remember that Gent took Airtouch away from Bell Atlantic and he is very capable of taking Verizon Wireless away from the renamed Bell Atlantic - now Verizon.
And he might very well enjoy doing just that.
As for technology, he seems to have no interest in it.
Therefore the CTO's statement is probably accurate. But he may have a surprise in store. As may we all.
In any case, the 1x and 1xEV-DO will be installed by Verizon Wireless in current spectrum.
But after that, suggest we not be too surprised what occurs.
If Gent's Vodafone thinks its direct bottom line interest is to swallow Verizon Wireless, I predict it will do just that. And that is regardless of the FCC or the Congress or the Administration. Gent will find a way.
But we have a couple to years to watch perhaps, but perhaps 6 months.
Again though, what Gent wants, Gent gets. That is history to date. So the only question will be what does he want now besides total control (which he always wants) and how long will he wait to make his move toward that.
It is nevertheless highly probable that he cares nothing about technology except as a means to an end, money and success. That may well mean CDMA 2000 if that is what would produce that result, and he might, just might, see that. But if so, he has to deal with "Europe" which will go to the wall for UMTS.
Very much hope I am wrong on Gent's goal of control (including Verizon Wireless), but there is considerable evidence of Gent's lust for power and his willingness to do anything, anything at all, to gain that - for the good of Vodafone of course. <G>
Comments?
Best (well, hoping for the best still)
Chaz
PS Qualcomm wins regardless but the US customer may need to rely on Nextel for a nationwide 1xEV-DV network, not a renamed Vodafone wireless after Verizon Wireless is absorbed into Voadafone. |
