Dragonfly, like a typical west coast technogeek, you're buying into the hype that surrounds you. It's rather obvious that you know quite little about cellular technolgy - though you may THINK you know a lot. Let's clear some things up:
1. I've never stated that CDPD has speed. And coverage isn't great either - at least not good enough for most users initial expectations. However, it certainly has better coverage than you think - definitely better than Metricoms'. And in your neck of the woods, it's a LOT better than Metricoms - I've used it a lot there. In fact, I've even used it with a Metricom user sitting next to me, and found CDPD better in terms of coverage - this was while on my way up to the San Juan islands. I don't use CDPD any longer (changed jobs) but when I did use it, and traveled with it, I was able to use it in almost every big city I traveled to. I did consider using MCOM, but decided against it since I could only use it in a few cities
2. CDPD does not cost $50+$0.05 per KB. it's FLAT rate. Check out AT&T's pricing.
3. I guess since you're stating that the telcos are not behind CDPD you're stating that AT&T, Bell Atlantic, GTE, Ameritech and SBC don't qualify as telcos. They're not behind it in a really big way coz. the technology needs to be improved (I'm not denying it) and also coz. they a rather preoccupied with fighting their battles on the wireless voice front.
4. The reason it's difficult to get cell sites in towns is coz. many of the great sites have already been taken - it's more a real estate issue than a 'permission' issue. And today's cell sites are disguised so well, you don't even realize they're cell sites.
So, the next time you decide to get on your soap box, get your facts and issues right. This way, you'll spew less crap. Also, get some actual experience dealing with the marketplace with such products and business issues. Might actually make you a better person - but I guess in your case, any change could only be for the better. |
