Mobile Diner® where wireless and washington meet….

Are you a leader or a poser?  There’s a big difference.

Free Press is a leader in the interactive universe.  They cultivate and organically grow their communities.  By utilizing digital tools early and often, the Free Press team has built a machine that can deliver results.  Last year, they took on Comcast, leading an effort to urge the FCC to rebuke Comcast for its network management practices.  They won.

Early this year, Free Press began beating the drum for the FCC to stay the course and open a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on open internet regulations in the wireline and wireless spaces.  This effort mobilized thousands of letters, blogs and tweets on the topic.  Once again, they won.

Free Press has become a juggernaut in the District of Communications.  Although, I don’t always agree with all of their public policy positions – I love the strategies they use to raise public awareness and influence policymaking. Continue Reading »

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December has been a busy month.  Accordingly, I apologize to mobile diners for the stale food the last few weeks.  Rest assured, I’m cooking up some stuff for you in 2009 and look forward to the many conversations ahead.

In the interim, here are a few nuggets that might be of interest:

SPRINT Press Conference at National Press Club –

Sprint will be holding a press conference tomorrow morning to give folks the 411 about their network preparation for the big inaugural festivities next month.  I’ve seen estimates of 5 million people (that is 10X our population) in DC for the big party and I can tell you that our wireless networks in the district were not designed for that many folks.  Kudos to Sprint for getting the word out to consumers on their efforts…

One additional note, this a good opportunity to remind our fellow Americans that we still do not have wireless service for everyone in the Metro.  However, the good news is that language that will set the course for wireless infrastructure improvements to Metro was a part of the Rail Safety Improvement Act that was signed into law by President Bush in October.

After many different roadblocks over the years, on the horizon, is wireless connectivity for everyone!  In the interim, since the law was just signed in October, you will only have access underground with a CDMA phone (if you have Sprint you will be roaming on Verizon).

Mobile Monday DC –

Mobile Monday DC is back in action tonight.  On the menu is a further look at “Electioneering in the Mobile Age.” Speakers for this evening include: Kevin Bertram (CEO, Distributive Networks); Michelle Mayorga (mobile program manager, Rock the Vote); Cyrus Krohn (e-Campaign Director, RNC); Scott Goodstein (external online director, Obama campaign)…

It should be a great event!

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A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing noted author Nate Wilcox in a video for Mobile Future.  Nate is the co-author of Netroots Rising: How a Citizen Army of Bloggers and Online Activists is Changing American Politics.

With the convention season in full swing, Nate’s interview is timely – as he discusses the impact of mobile integration (particularly texting) that has uniquely characterized this 2008 election process.

Nate is currently a senior strategist at the Alexandria, VA based WebStrong Group.  Some highlights of his extensive political career include work with the campaigns of John Kerry and Ann Richards,
and a role as the Online Communications Director for Governor Mark Warner’s Forward Together PAC.

Update – We wanted to give you some additional info on Nate’s Background, for a full bio please click here.

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The snow is falling and if you participate in the District of Communications, you are probably at the FCBA’s Chairman’s Dinner. I decided not to attend this year.

With regard to the dinner, I will definitely miss seeing and catching up with everyone in the telecom business. However, I will not miss Chairman Martin’s attempt at comedy this evening. Perhaps, everyone will attend late and inconvenience him as he does the hard working folks at the FCC at recent open meetings.

Here’s some additional rants from the kitchen -

Verizon & Openess – A bunch of folks are making a big deal out of Verizon’s announcement. This was not a shocker because this is part of the evolution of the industry. at&t and T-mobile have been showing signs of it with dual mode phones as well as T-mobile and Sprint supporting Android (Google’s Linux-based open handset platform). I expect at&t to join the cause too…

Sprint’s woes – Verizon’s move really hurts Sprint. As many know, Sprint has been bleeding valuable subs for many months. Verizon’s move will make it that much easier to leave.

Sprint’s got other problems too. Their 800 MHz reband effort has been a disaster. That initiative has proved to be more costly then originally estimated and is taking alot longer to execute. The company also has no CEO and they recently canned their WiMax partnership with Clearwire… With forty percent of their current subs predisposed to leave — the future is not bright.

New Venture – The name of my new business (drum roll please) — Tin Can Communications ™. It is a very exciting time and I really appreciate all of the support from the mobile dining community.

On related note, I plan on having a launch party after the holidays and all readers of the blog are invited!

This post was edited.

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  I was in Ann Arbor this past weekend for the Michigan game.  After watching the Wolverines dismantle the Irish, we grabbed dinner downtown.  As I pondered the impact of the Wolverines victory – whether they are getting better or Notre Dame’s just really bad – my friend tells me that USC is losing to Nebraska.  I figured he was just checking scores.  However, he gives me his Treo and I’m suddenly watching a live feed of the USC game!

My buddy was using his Sprint Treo and watching mobile TV via his Slingbox.  Slingbox is a service which allows you to watch your “home” programming on a device of your choice (computer, mobile phone).  On this note, I know this is a dilemma for carriers that are trying to promote their own offerings. 

The key question – do they allow this service to grow and have it potentially cannabilize their own service?  My answer is yes.  Streaming Slingbox is not cannabilizing this opportunity –  it is growing a market that does not exist. 

As many folks know, wireless carriers are hoping that Mobile TV is going to generate revenues in the near future. However, at this point in the game, it is really hard to tell if consumers are even interested in such a product. In fact, I have not heard any buzz about mobile TV at all.  That doesn’t mean there is no chance of success.  Consumers weren’t clamoring for text messaging a few years ago but that has turned out to be a quite profitable and growing revenue source.

There is potential for the product but carriers have some current limitations.  For instance:

Lots of folks don’t have handsets that are capable of viewing tv broadcasts.

Only a few select cities are offering the service. 

Only a small percentage of new handsets are equipped with video capability.

Those challenges will be addressed sooner rather than later.  However, in the interim, let consumers enjoy and promote this service.  Both carriers and consumers will reap the benefits.

Will YOU tune in?

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Over the weekend, I enjoyed reading a story about Wall Street Journal columnist Walter Mossberg in the New Yorker.  The article details how he got started with the tech column and also provides an inside perspective on a recent product review of the Sprint / Samsung phone the “UpStage.”  I also liked the thoughts of those who have a strong voice in the blogosphere – Peter Rojas (cofounder, Engadget) – on his column.

Enjoy…

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The Wall Street Journal did a story today on T-mobile and their game plan for Wi-Fi.  As many wireless enthusiasts know, T-mobile has been rolling out Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the country (most notable in Starbucks).  I enjoyed the article because it focused on the opportunities that are available to T-mobile and not the rhetoric about licensed spectrum versus unlicensed spectrum.

With regard to Wi-Fi, it has often been noted, that once deployed, this technology would be bad for the carriers.  The reason given - that minutes of use will disappear from the cellular network.  The argument would continue that other companies will enter the market and wireless carriers would be doomed…  Absolutely not!

This is a good development for consumers and spuring wireless broadband.  Connectivity for the consumer will be solid and the operator will be saving capacity!  About 60 percent of mobile calls made are fixed and indoors.  If I can offload traffic off the network, I can continue to grow my customer base without worrying about the network deteriorating.  I can also promote more data options.  This strategy also allows other opportunities for T-Mobile.  For instance, small to medium sized businesses (smbs) will be a sure target for T-mobile.

T-mobile is not the only company evolving.  As we know, Sprint will offer Wi-Max as their next generation strategy.  AT&T has more hotspots than T-mobile and spectrum in 2.3 GHz to deploy Wi-Max (if they want).  Verizon Wireless is pursuing FMC (Fixed Mobile Convergance).

Consumers don’t care how they access the internet (or how the call is enabled).  3G, Wi-Fi or Wi-Max are tools for the carriers to utilize.  Each carrier will choose how to incorporate a technology that works with their business plan.  In this new world of mobility and broadband networks the only sure thing - the consumer is in charge and has a computer in their hand…

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Five years ago, the FCC considered eliminating the analog requirement on wireless carriers. At that point in time, I was at AT&T Wireless and we were advocating to policymakers and regulators to end the government mandate. FCC Chairman Michael Powell did not take action and AT&T Wireless was bought by Cingular the next year. Spectrum capacity problems were one of the reasons that AT&T Wireless put itself on sale.

USA Today recently did a story on the issue.  Accordingly, here’s five reasons to keep the sunset date on track (Feb 2008) and unshackle the wireless carriers: Continue Reading »

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I recently discussed viewing Rocketboom on Andy Carvin’s cellphone.  Andy has a Sprint Treo and it looked great.  Jonny captured it on video.

This is the future…  Enjoy….

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I attended a DC Media Makers meeting at the 4Ps in Cleveland Park on Wednesday night. As always, the food and the conversation was quite enjoyable.

DC Media Makers is led by Andy Carvin, Jill Foster and Jonny Goldstein. Their goal is to build a community of folks in DC who want to create content for the web and mind share. I have really enjoyed learning about vlogging from these pioneers and glad that they believe in the mobile diner’s cause – bringing consumers closer to the wireless companies that serve them. On that note, Jonny conducted a brief interview regarding our efforts.

With regard to wireless, we talked alot about the future of wireless broadband and the deployment of next generation networks. As many diners know, I believe that not only will consumers want to enjoy downloaded video but will want to upload video too. We decided to test Sprint’s broadband delivery of Rocketboom (on Andy’s Treo) which took less than 10 seconds. It was great watching Joanne on the “third screen.”

It is an awesome group and if you are in as Jonny termed the “District of Communications” and want to contribute — please join us.

This post has been edited to include Jill Foster of DC Media Makers…

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Verizon and Sprint have announced the launch of the 8830 Blackberry which has funtionality across the pond.  I think this is a fantastic development and great for consumers of these companies who will now have the opportunity to take their gadgets abroad.

Because GSM is the dominant standard overseas, you were out of luck with Verizon and Sprint because they utilize CDMA technology.  The playing field has been leveled because this blackberry is eqipped with CDMA/GSM functionality.  Although they will offer the same device, the plans they are offering are quite different with a key distinction being Sprint’s decision to unlock the handset overseas.  Once you switch sim cards for the local number you will enjoy cheaper (voice) rates but lose your data connection.

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The wireless industry has been an active participant in recycling and protecting the environment.  However, you would never know it. 

After painfully searching, I did find that all four national carriers have some sort of FAQ sheet on recycling (Cingular, Sprint, T-mobile, Verizon Wireless).  I just can’t figure out why one of them has not embraced it to build a competitive advantage.

News Flash — Green is in….  Ask Honda and Toyota about what a green reputation can do for your business.  Ask Al Gore what it can do for your career.  Besides making an effort to be a good corporate citizen it can be a way to attract consumers.  Accordingly, there is a huge opportunity here for a carrier to be an industry leader. 

Earth Day is on the horizon.  It would be great time for a leader to emerge and derive all the benefits/value of green.

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Some people just can’t get a break. 

At their LA show last September, CTIA announced the launch of the Text 2Help initiative.  Text 2Help allows customers of participating carriers (Alltel, AT&T, Boost, Dobson, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless) to donate $5 to the Red Cross in natural disasters just by texting the word “GIVE” to the number “2HELP.”  A $5 charge is added to the customer’s next wireless bill, and 100% of the donations go to the Red Cross for use in disasters like Katrina. 

Sounds good, right?  A little corporate philanthropy going a long way for a good cause…

Not according to the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.  FTCR has written a letter condemning the program as a profit scheme masquerading as a fundraiser devised by the carriers, based on the fact that standard text messaging fees still apply for all donations (although some have apparently waived the fees).  The New York Times picked up the story yesterday, adding some unfortunate negative publicity to the program.

Should the carriers have waived fees associated with donating to a charitable organization?  Probably.  But I think FTCR is missing the point here. 

Say 200,000 people were to donate $5 each through Text 2Help in the aftermath of the next major natural disaster.  That would yield $1 million for the Red Cross.  At roughly 10 cents per text, the seven carriers would make a collective profit of $2000 from the text messages, averaging less than $300 each.  (That is assuming that people have not purchased unlimited texting plans, which many have.)  SMS revenues for 2006 were $15.2 billion $5.6 billion.  Text 2HELP revenues are just a drop in the proverbial hurricane for the carriers, and it is a shame that such a worthwhile program should attract such criticism simply becaue it was launched by the carriers.

Update: This post has been edited.  

Full Disclosure on the dish: Our firm represents CTIA, Verizon Wireless, and AT&T.

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An Amendment to H.R. 401 - Metro Authorization legislation – has been delayed until after the Easter recess.  Specifically, the amendment would mandate that WMATA allow access to wireless carriers to upgrade or install their equipment in the Metro.  The amendment authors are Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Tom Davis (R-VA) ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

The Metro authorization bill (H.R. 401) would provide $1.5 billion to operate and upgrade the subway.  The amendment to the underlying bill would allow all carriers the opportunity to serve consumers underground.  Currently, if you are a GSM subscriber, you will not have wireless service in Metro (unless you have a GSM phone that has analog and those are rare).  Verizon Wireless is currently the only operator that provides service.  Sprint users and those that still have TDMA phones can roam on Verizon’s network.  

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We all know Sprint is bleeding valuable consumers to at&t and Verizon.  We also know their reband with public safety is taking longer and could be more costly than originally estimated.  However, I believe if Sprint can weather this storm and regain confidence from consumers – their future could be bright.

Sprint’s 4G plans center on WiMax and they will utilize 190 MHz of spectrum in the MMDS band to deliver the service.  This spectrum covers 85 percent of households in the top 100 markets.  Sprint also benefits from an existing PCS infrastructure that sets up quite well to overlay WiMax and they have capital committed to the initiative.  As Barry West, Sprint’s CTO, stated at CTIA’s show in Orlando “we are the 800-pound gorilla.” 

I like Sprint’s vision for wireless broadband.  I would have liked it even more if they had implemented and executed this strategy a few years ago.  However, it is imperative that they get their churn under control.  When I was at AT&T Wireless, our customer base was growing but the quality of the network was diminishing.  We had a capacity problem.  Suddenly churn became a real issue (because we couldn’t get more spectrum or chop the cells up for reuse any more) and a negative perception of our services became viral in the market.  Sprint must stop the loss of their valuable postpaid subscribers or the benefits of delivering a cheaper bit and faster broadband will never reach its full potential.

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