General and SprintNextelChris on 30 Apr 2007 10:25 am
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….
April 2007
We have entered a time that is different than any other period in business. Today, the power of the consumer is unprecedented. No longer can a company push down a message to the world. Today, it is a two-way conversation. One that can lead to building powerful brands and loyal customers.
The recent news about skype intimidating a blogger surprised me. Especially considering the way Skype represents themselves at conferences and in Washington. At the recent VON conference in San Jose, Niklas Zennstrom provided a quite rosy view of the company. Ironically, they are pushing a petition at the FCC to force carriers to open up their networks for any device to access the network or allowing any application to be downloaded on the phone. Although Skype has been clear that they will not allow the same type of open access on their application.
With regard to social media, I think Skype blew it here. It seems that they had an active advocate who both promoted and at times criticized Skype. It didn’t matter and the lawyers have put the blogger on notice. Skype should ask Michael Dell about embracing subjective criticism on the internet or Netflix’s Reed Hastings about engaging a blogger and turning them into a powerful advocate.
The wireless industry has a great opportunity to join the conversation and learn from consumers. Skype’s decision to silence criticism is a big step in the wrong direction.
dish disclosure – our firm represents CTIA and opposes Skype’s petition to enforce Carterfone rules on wireless.
General and SprintNextelChris on 27 Apr 2007 01:03 pm
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…
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.
GeneralChris on 25 Apr 2007 02:44 pm
texting could harm your writing skillz…
Ireland’s State Examination Commission is concerned that text messaging is ruining written language.
Stay tuned on this development. I expect Congressional hearings soon.
GeneralChris on 24 Apr 2007 03:30 pm
mobile mixer – MoMeMo event last night in VA…
Ashley and I attended our first MoMeMo event last night in Virginia. MoMeMo has clubs all over the world, and if you are interested in hearing from folks developing content for the mobile internet — this is your community. It was a great evening.
Last night’s focus was on the most popular mobile internet destinations – weather, news and sports. Accordingly, the meeting was headlined by presentations from Chris Brozenick (WeatherBug), Matt Jones (Gannett) and Will Buss (Sprint). Chris mentioned that three key features were necessary for delivering mobile weather: (1) Simplicity – access to the weather must replicate internet experiences, (2) Relevance – information must be accurate and (3) Safety – this is a next generation emergency broadcast system. Weatherbug receives data from 8000 locations and has 2000 stations between DC and Boston. Matt discussed how Gannett is evolving their traditional media experience for the mobile web. Gannett is the parent company of USA Today. With regard to USA Today, Matt stated that they have identified 3 business lines: (1) the mobile website that is sponsored by ads, (2) short codes in the newspaper and (3) mobile games like Sudoku. Will covered the sports angle and discussed what Sprint is looking to do in that space. He touched on their original programming, partnerships and sponsorships. He also touted “Draft Central” on NFL mobile (via Sprint).
As I mentioned, we enjoyed the reception and met some talented wireless folks in the region. I look forward to future MoMeMo events and working with these folks to grow wireless broadband.
GooG looking to extend internet dominance to wireless
For many internet users, Google is the starting point of the internet. It is where your internet experience begins. Accordingly, their dominance in search (around 70% market share) and leverage in advertising continues to grow. With wireless broadband in its embroynic stages – in terms of take rate – Google is looking to extend their dominance in this sector. There is an absolute opportunity here for Google and I have no doubt they will execute in this space.
GigaOM reports that Google is looking to hire some wireless expertise. As the article mentioned, whether this is to help develop a phone or to pursue other opportunities (muni or whitespaces) in accessing the internet remains to be seen.
Overall, I think this is good development for wireless broadband. We need more folks talking about accessing the internet via phone / device. A rising tide lifts all boats…
Advertising Age reports that Marc Lefar, Cingular’s Chief Marketing Officer, has resigned.
Lefar successfully led the marketing efforts on integrating AT&T Wireless (into Cingular) and has kept the carriers’ perception in the same league as Verizon Wireless.
In any event, I have a few marketing thoughts for AT&T -
(1) Don’t fix it when it’s not broken -
The Cingular brand is powerful and the under-25 demographic has developed an attachment to it. The AT&T brand connects with a demographic that is not going to do much more than use voice and (maybe) text. Data ARPU growth and usage is critical for future wireless success. Developing loyalty with the under-25 demographic will be key to selling more services.
(2) Law of the Ladder –
One of the best marketing books is the 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing. One of the laws is this one. Basically, consumers see products as rungs on a ladder. Verizon Wireless has a solid network perception in the industry (a top rung). Cingular is a rung below but has made great progress over the years. What was AT&T Wireless’ network perception before it was bought — not good. I think that by going back to AT&T – “Mobility” or “Wireless” takes the brand back in time.
(3) Keep the Orange –
It is clear that the Cingular brand will be shelved. However, AT&T should incorporate some orange on its wireless venture. It has value!
With the iPhone set for release in June, Cingular has generated some incredible buzz for this product. Now is not the time to confuse consumers and junk a successful brand.
GeneralAshley on 20 Apr 2007 03:01 pm
Per my post yesterday, there is a great article in today’s New York Times about the need for emergency SMS alerts on college campuses and in other communities. It’s great to see that some campuses are ahead of the curve in implementing some of these life-saving technologies…
I’ve written previously on the difficulty college administrators have when trying to reach students in emergency situations. As a recent college graduate myself, I know that the campus rumor mill can sometimes be more reliable than sluggish administrative emails. My senior year at Georgetown, I lived about 15 minutes from most of my classes- so when I came to campus, I usually stayed there for the day. With few public computers on campus besides those in the library, I generally only checked my e-mail in the morning and in the evening. For me, e-mail was an extremely inadequate method of conveying time-sensitive information, but it was still the method of choice for the school.
This week’s events at Virginia Tech have shed light on the need for more effective means of alerting college students, faculty, and staff of emergency situations. College campuses are unique environments. Most are isolated bubbles of suspended reality that serve to simultaneously shield us from both the angst of adolescence as well as the responsibility of adulthood. They are safe communities meant to foster growth, introspection, and individuality. The confidence and trust cultivated in these environments can breed a sense of complacency for issues of personal safety, for students and administrators alike. Continue Reading »
GeneralChris on 18 Apr 2007 11:09 am
The Mobile Diner opened its doors about four months ago. Since that time I have really enjoyed participating and learning from those who have been pioneers in blogging. Ashley and I both hope to contribute to the conversation.
One of our favorite bloggers – Steve Rubel – has incredible insights regarding the intersection of technology, PR and marketing. On that note, there is an interesting conversation occurring on his blog now and I encourage diners to check it out. However, I have seen Steve insinuate on a few occasions that blogs have peaked and the room is filled. I couldn’t disagree more. Continue Reading »
GeneralAshley on 16 Apr 2007 05:13 pm
The Mobile Diner sends its heartfelt regrets to Virgina Tech and the families of the students and faculty members there. The tragedy they suffered today was devastating and unprecedented, and we wish those at the campus all the best in coping with and eventually recovering from these events.
As with most tragedies like this, the news media coverage has been predictably redundant and sensationalized, with few actual information updates. However, one thing that has been evident is that, for better or worse, mobile devices have irrevocably changed the way situations like this are covered and conveyed to the public. Many of the pictures used in today’s coverage were taken and sent by cell phone, and CNN has dubbed its many citizen contributors “i-Reporters.”
Of course, more importantly, mobile devices allowed students involved in this event to connect with friends, families, and authorities and report on what was occurring. Facebook.com has also become a communications resource; a group called “I’m ok” was created by students today to let each other and entire networks of friends know that they are alright.
As reporters on all things wireless, it is important to step back and acknowledge the real social implications of having mobile connectivity in times of crisis. Like I said, we wish those at Virginia Tech all the best in coping with this tragedy.
GeneralChris on 15 Apr 2007 12:38 pm
I don’t usually blog on the weekends but this report from The Independent was quite interesting. For those folks who are allergic to bee stings – an extra cell phone may be good preventive medicine…
Cingular and General and SprintNextel and T-Mobile and Verizon WirelessChris on 13 Apr 2007 04:06 pm
A Green Opportunity for Wireless…
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.
CTIA and Cingular and General and SprintNextel and T-Mobile and Verizon WirelessAshley on 12 Apr 2007 04:14 pm
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.
Subscribe to our feed