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To: ronho who wrote (110102)	1/1/2002 3:27:39 PM
From: ronho	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 152472

In Europe, Cell phone sales runs out of steam. Same ole GSM/GPRS same ole just doesn't sell new phones in Europe. Mobile phone firms braced for slump Source: The Herald - Glasgow Publication date: 2001-12-31 EXPECTATIONS of a slump in the sales of mobile phones over the Christmas period will be confirmed in figures to emerge in coming weeks. Industry sources suggest that net new subscribers could be around one-and-a-half million in the final quarter of 2001, against 5.7 million in the same period in 2000. The fall will come as little surprise as the market is now thought to be saturated, with 75% of the British population owning a mobile phone. In recognition of this, operators have greatly cut down on their marketing expenditure and are concentrating on raising revenue per subscriber. The end of the sales boom will actually be to the companies' financial advantage in the short-term, as it will mean less money going out on handset subsidies. The cost of acquiring a new subscriber can be as much as (pounds) 100. Operators are also trying to increase the proportion of their subscribers which are on contracts rather than pre-pay. This provides steadier revenue flows and promotes higher usage. About two-thirds of new customers are opting for contracts whereas a year ago some 90% of sales were pre-paid sets. Subsidies for these has been cut back drastically, particularly by the biggest players, Vodafone, Orange and Cellnet. Text-messaging has been heavily promoted by operators to subscribers as a way of increasing their revenue and as a prelude to the many services which will become available when third-generation (3G) technology comes into use. Operators have paid billions for 3G licences but service launches are likely to be heavily restricted by shortage of handsets. Vodafone is still saying it will launch by the end of 2002, but this is unlikely to be directed at the mass market. Orange will not launch until 2003 and mmO2 (the re-named Cellnet) has said it does not expect widespread availability of sets until well into 2003. Some operators may also be dragging their feet over the investment in 3G networks required in view of their current financial position and uncertain take-up of 3G services. Publication date: 2001-12-31

To: ronho who wrote (110102)	1/1/2002 3:48:25 PM
From: Neeka	Respond to of 152472

It is unfortunate that this article doesn't give us a clue as the the success of these tests other than data rate speeds. Seems they are exceeding expectations? It would be nice to read a more thorough report. I know Ramsey posted something over on the other thread, and I need to print it out then spend some time wading through it. Thanks for the post. M