thread: about 6 months ago, I posted info from the WSJ to the effect that an I* handset would cost $3,000 and a G*handset would cost $750. I concluded that it was game, set, and match for G* almost on handset pricing alone, never mind call pricing.
Much to my surprise, a Q* company insider who had been monitoring the thread came back with the following info: sorry, pal--ain't that easy. The MARKET will determine how much an I* handset/G* handset sells for and therefore we'll know that "when you can buy [one or the other] at Radio Shack.
He said, by implication, virtually the same thing for call pricing.
This is not to demean our discussion, but only to say that future prognostication can only get you so far. I come out with cheaper is better, most other factors being approximately equal. I continue to believe that G*, as an overall cheaper system, can withstand market pricing competition 'better' than I*.
But WE SIMPLY WON'T KNOW TILL MID-99 OR THEREABOUTS and are therefore left to place our bets/educated guesses. Which management will execute better, which technology looks more reliable to implement, which customer service (call quality, pricing), and last but not least, aggregate demand for satellite LEO telephony.
Bonds for those wishing to sleep at night; stocks for the rest of us. Mike Doyle |
