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Technology Stocks : Loral Space & Communications -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Rocket Scientist who wrote (5831)	4/22/1999 5:51:00 PM
From: Valueman	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 10852

I don't know the replay, but here are some highlights: Schwartz--original estimates from both outside research and internal work said 30 million potential market, those that want service, son't have service, can't get service in a reasonable time, and can pay. They now estimate that to be 40 million. Partners service 100 million cell subs right now. Testing going good on authorization, billing, roaming, handoffs, etc. There are issues that need to be addressed of course, but nothing to slow rollout. Software for ground system and handsets working well. He expects the $600 million to be the last money to be raised publicly. Although they will need more $$$ for general purposes after the commercial start, they have ways around that like vendor financing(I personally think this is a load of crap, but what the hell--ask the employees if they will paycheck finance!) TESAM--building and testing 6 gateways--France, Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, Columbia, Turkey, distributing service in 31 countries, not as TESAM, but through 2 to 8 local service providers/telcos in each country. Expect little roaming, very little international traffic, with most in country, and 5-8% regional. They have been validating market projections with the locals since 1995. Already have an ad budget, will advertise in each area as it is ready for service, and closely integrate it with G. In France, 1 to 2% of cellular base will use G. They have bought 60,000 terminals. They will be short on phones on day1(bummer). I'll post more highlights later-gotta run.