Mark, that's an Atlanta utility co., if memory serves me right. I don't recall the name. (The Southern Co.???) They're not a threat to NXTL as their appeal is limited and, as you say, regional. The notion that others may enter NXTL's direct connect arena is not new but by the time someone else can offer it, NXTL will be Big Blue to 2-way users. MOT has been the 500 pound gorilla in 2 way dispatch for decades and, with their mastery of iDEN, will continue to be. NXTL-MOT, a marriage made in investor's heaven, will win out. Actually they already have won but the losers are unwilling to admit it yet. When NXTL gets bought out 2-3 years hence for megabuck$, we'll look back and wish we'd mortgaged the house, eaten more hamburgers (from Jack In the Box) and less steak. There'll be plenty of time for gourmet dinners in 2000.
Arnie |
