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Microcap & Penny Stocks : FRANKLIN TELECOM (FTEL) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Judith who wrote (22688)	12/6/1997 5:37:00 AM
From: Bill France	Respond to of 41046

Wow! That's pretty powerful. Gotta read it a few more times. Maybe print it out. Bill

To: Judith who wrote (22688)	12/6/1997 7:36:00 AM
From: topwright	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 41046

Judith, your synopsis of events would lead one to a foregone conclusion, unfortunately, just like a book, it is difficult to interpret by only reading the jacket cover. Many of us, including myself have with unrelenting fervor, besieged Franklin's staff with an ongoing barrage of questions about all the projects you have chosen to feature. In many instances I feel that the intent was good, but the implementation left something to be desired. But you might want to ask yourself, did they serve a useful purpose? As I stated, I too had many questions as to the desposition of pre-announced services, alliances, and projects underway. Seems, most all the shelved or de-emphasized projects were service oriented. Several of which brought revenues with them, generating a cash flow (see last earnings report) while serving as a testbed for more focused objectives, mainly FNET and the equipment that FTEL was developing. It is my belief that from the outset, many of the service-side entities had tremendous potential, but required more human resources then Franklin was able to commit. In other words they bit off more then they could chew, especially in light of the key devolopments on the equipment side of the equation. Since the end game is, and always has been, to develop a vertical telecom enterprise, the time came where Frank had to prioritize their energies and resources. It seems to me that Frank made a brave, bold, executive decision by drawing the reins in, and focusing on those areas of the company that would realize the highest profit margins. If those projects that got shelved served their purpose as a testbed for the end game while bringing cash flow into the company, then thank your lucky stars that they served their purpose and aided in the present day potential that looks to be very promising. Sure, you can respond by saying it sounds like more of the same, or are we hearing just more unfulfilled expectations. But that is what seperates pessimists from optimists, and if you feel uncomfortable, then it should be reflected by where you decide to place your hard earned money. What ever your choice, I certainly wish you the best, and thank you for your efforts to bring honest considerations to this thread. RB

To: Judith who wrote (22688)	12/6/1997 9:23:00 AM
From: wombat	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 41046

Judith: I thought your post was well put together and shows well the macinations of a newbe You give all of us an opinion to chew on. Allow me to give you an opinion as well as it relates to what we are all interested in-- a home run: What we have currently is the absence of a major player that would seemingly glue the entire program together and solidify the opportunity for very large sales volumes and subsequent profits. Might that MAJOR be currently involved in antitrust clearances and be unable or unwilling at the present time, to give the monopoly policeman anything else to chew on? Thx for your post. Rick

To: Judith who wrote (22688)	12/6/1997 10:36:00 AM
From: elk	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 41046

Judith, I think that what you are seeing with Franklin's focusing on the Tempest is striking while the iron's hot. There are many in the fire, but when all are glowing red and one is white hot, you have to go with that. The other services and deals that were mentioned are still active, as far as we know, but they will stay in the fire while we build around them. Many of these deals seem to be that once the rest of the pieces are in place, these will fall in properly. I don't think we have actually changed from Frame Relay, to Satelite, to ATM. I think we have established a presence for ourselves in each of these technologies and feathered our bed, so that whatever the future brings we are prepared for it. Many others will not cover their bases, these types of announcements should make you rest easier, not cause stress. When you see a company with enough vision to understand that one year from now there may be a better way to do things, you have to love the fact that they are aware of evolving technologies and stand poised to utilize whatever comes down the pike. Now the Internet Cafe, Red Herring and other types of deals are intriguing for the future, but in a different light. ICP, or Internet Content Providers, are going to grow by tremendous amounts in the next 10 years. These will take time to realize their potential; however, they are equally important to the future of this company. FTEL has displayed what technical capabilities it's hardware is capable of delivering to ICP's. Did the NetWaves site come via Red Herring or the IC? If so is that a failure in your opinion? Movies are in the future of the Internet, but as of now, it is still in it's infancy. The studios are just now starting to explore the advantages and possibilities. It's taken this long because until recently the technology was not capable of delivering the payoff that is needed. Do not think however that studios will rush into getting their movies out through this means. They take everything slowly and cautiously. Look how long it has taken them to fully embrace DVD. The FTEL press releases that you have listed are very consistent in a few catergories. Leading edge technologies, large big money technically savvy partners and customers and an eye to what the future brings. Your list shows a balance and insight in the company that I challenge you to find elsewhere in this industry. We have opened many streams of revenue. Which one do you select first? I would pick the one most likely to turn into a raging river, while letting the others grow at their pace. Some of these announcements are not going to recognize big returns for a while, because they are AHEAD of the game. One thing that comes through loud and clear from the PR's you have assembled, FTEL will be there, no matter what the game of the future is and they'll be there first! Ask yourself what you beleive the future of technology and the Internet will be. If you do not see any of FTEL's services and technology in that future, you should not invest in them. I however see them as covering as many bets as they can and find that positive, whereas your take seems to be negative. Seems difficult for me to understand that, but I am an optimist and only invest where I see positive happenings. Evan

To: Judith who wrote (22688)	12/6/1997 5:00:00 PM
From: Seth L.	Respond to of 41046

Judith thanks for the warning but I read your post anyways.gggg. First off your concerns are well thought out and researched. I for one was always excited about the fact that this company was well diversified. I feel that they still are. True that some programs and services have been identified as a cash hole. We are still a small company after all, and funds have to be diverted and used to the best interest of the companies financial well being. All the programs are not scrapped For Example ,DigXpress is been put on the back burner. Maybe after a year or 2 they can attack the satelite approach with more resources . I can go on but the bottom line is that IMO all our eggs are not in one basket. IMO its just that this particular basket is ready for launch and revenues wait for no company. So why not focus on the entity that will be the catalyst for the rest of the products to feed off of. Thanks for the post. Seth

To: Judith who wrote (22688)	12/6/1997 5:32:00 PM
From: Martin P. Smith	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 41046

Judith Good post with good questions. However I would like to point out that the message mentions FX Product Development This refers to The Franklin Express (FX) NOT the FXO product line ( Tornado, Cyclone typhoon ). FX is the Franklin half of the Digital Express venture. As far as I am aware the majority of the hardware line is not affected by this presidents message. Most of the hardware on the Franklin product page ftel.com is used in POP setup or for corporate internet access. These products are complete and in production. The sales emphasis may be on the DVG but if that is where the money is going to be made then so be it. Franklin has moved itself into a postion where it is providing a range of products to spit DATA across the internet. Franklins product line is focused on DATA managment VOICE is one part of that. In your summary you state "My interpretation is that FTEL went from Frame Relay, to satellite, to ATM, and from hardware and internet application and services to now a "telephone company". My concern is what will the direction change to next year" I take the first half of the sentence as a positive. Franklin are supporting the standards of the market place. Please note we STILL support Frame Relay and Sattelite Frame is predominant at this point ATM is likely to become major. Addressing the second half and I don't wish to sound negative but have you read the Business plan for FNET. The second half of the question exactly reflects the Business Plan. FTEL provides the HARDWARE and FNET is an internet provider and Telephone service provider. I agree that it is a shame to see FX deemphasized at this time. However FTEL and FNET need to focus on what will grow both companies in preperation for the IPO of FNET. MArtin Smith

To: Judith who wrote (22688)	12/6/1997 7:57:00 PM
From: rd greer	Respond to of 41046

Judith, your post was accurate, thoughtful, and well-put together. I thank you for the time and energy it required to provide such a concise recap of the past year and some. I must tell you, were it not for the DVG potential present HERE and NOW; the $7+ Mil institutional money in the coffers; and the current state of the OTHER issues highlighted in the past, I would re-think my FTEL position (as I do everyday). And then I got my Internet phone call! It was as good as ALL the other SI-denizens had proclaimed! But I ask myself this: Is there any other technology by any other company in any other sector with the potential to totally reshape a significant line of business cash flow as FTEL's Voice over the Net phone-to-phone? All packaged together (hardware, patents, software, etc.) by one company? Franklin currently has limited financial and personnel resources -- IF DVG is as I think it is, then ALL those limited resources will be rapidly taken care of -- and IF this works as written in the plan, those other developments and programs you highlighted will be comfortably bedded in gold-spun straw-matting awaiting the big, rich companies to call and ask to be a part of them. And they'll already know the company name and number. To think where this development could go (risk) is worth considerable (reward). rd

To: Judith who wrote (22688)	12/7/1997 11:02:00 PM
From: Craig McNeill	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 41046

Judith, good post. Several thoughts: 1) Company just got $7m in financing. Whoever provided this money probably asked the company to focus its energies on its most profitable opportunities. Thus the reorg and focus on telecomm. 2) Frank has planted alot of seeds. Some sprouted and some didn't. Nothing wrong with diversification as long as a company doesn't try to overextend itself or burn all its cash. And when one of those seeds starts to grow like a beanstalk, a good businessperson needs to cut and run with that great idea. Other ideas/projects might have great merit, but may require resources and attention which could be better spent elsewhere. 3) I think many of us were optimisticaly hoping for stronger revenues this quarter end. But I think the numbers merely reflect the course Frank has stated in his President's message. The other ventures were not panning out as planned (and clearly some of the news releases were meant to generate press & capitalize on a particular situation, eg. AOL). Frank has only recently posted his message to shareholders, but IMHO he's had the company on this course for a number of months. Thus, a lack of follow-up on cerain other news items. 4) Don't lose faith and continue to share your thoughts...they have provoked some good discussion on this thread. Thanks. cm