Al, definitely going! This will be my first shareholders meeting and am not only very interested in what they say, but their body language and speech inflections as well. My family and I have a lot of moola tied up in Nextel so I want to get the best possible read on what is/is not happening. I'm pretty good at reading people.
Of course, they will accentuate the positive accomplishments they have made in a very short time, but will have to address some of the concerns you, I, and others have. Regarding your questions, I'll give you my take, FWIW:
1. PR. Except for increased advertising, it needs to be upgraded (i.e., Conference Calls to tout accomplishments).
2. Plan is working fantastic in terms of growth (IMHO). Need to address quality of transmission concerns which is being talked about more frequently nowadays. Can't let T woo away customers because this becomes a common problem that is not quickly remediated.
3. Positive cash flow. Hope to hear by second half, as predicted.
4. Borrowing money. They definitely will for national and international
buildout. Does not concern me although I know it is a major concern of yours,and others. To me, more capacity and more users = more revenue (I'm not an accountant so I reduce it to simple terms).
5. MOT radios. New one ready soon, which I understand will be outstanding in every respect and have additional capacity's. Existing models - some have glitches but are replaced. I've always had an uneasy feeling about MOT being the sole supplier, even though Arnie thinks they are a premier company (note: I respect Arnie's opinion!).
6. Nokia radios for Nextel. Doubt that Nextel would break its ties with Motorola for a competitor's radio. MOT has an almost 25% stake in NXTL, and somewhere they probably have an exclusive written in. So the question is probably academic. (Note : Nokias arrangement with T has a limited exclusivity on both models they will supply to T. They can/will sell to competitors).
7. Arnie a shareholder. GIVE ME A BREAK! (VBG)
Bernie, waiting patiently for Nextel and oil drillers to go Up UP UP, and away! (It's gonna happen guys - ya gotta believe) |
