Mobile Diner® where wireless and washington meet….

Earlier this week, Chris provided a brief bio on himself, following the advice of Chris Brogan.  As the other member of the Mobile Diner team, here is my quick sketch bio-

The thing most people know me for is – being a research and marketing assistant at Capitol Solutions.

The people I associate with most are – my amazing friends, couldn’t do it without them. 

People who have influenced my life are - undoubtedly my parents.  I’m also always amazed at how much I learn about myself and life in general from my younger sister.

One challenge I took and overcame was - coming on as a contributor to Mobile Diner.  With all of the bright people contributing quality content in this field, it is a challenge to compete, but I love it, I enjoy the spirit of collaboration and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be involved!

My early years, before you probably got to know me were – right now.  I’m 22, so my career is just starting off.  But I’ve spent the last year developing my understanding of telecom policy and learining about the opportunities and challenges in the wireless industry.

You might not know this but – I’m a rabid fan of the Eagles and Hoya Basketball. 

I’m passionate about – women’s issues.  I spend alot of my free time volunteering for an amazing organization that does alot for women in need.

In the next year or two I hope – to still be learning and growing at the rate I am today, and to still be surrounded by bright and motivated people!!

Bookmark to:

Interesting and very thought provoking op-ed by Neil Henry, a former Washington Post writer, currently a professor of journalism at the University of California at Berkeley.  He is very passionate about his profession and is clearly troubled by the latest announcement by the San Francisco Chronicle to cut 100 jobs.  With traditional media’s business model disrupted, he ponders the fate of “old media.”

Henry’s piece made me think about my own participation in new media and whether I consider myself a journalist.  I have seen others in the blogosphere discuss whether or not they feel they are a journalist.  Accordingly, I want to state very clearly that I am not a journalist… 

I know many journalists in DC from many different publications (Wall Street Journal, National Journal etc.).  These folks are talented writers who have been educated in their trade.  My participation in this medium is to join the conversation and mind-share with others.  I believe by colloborating with others – everyone wins.

This is mobile diner’s 100th post.  In such a short time, I have met many great people that I never would have met.  I also have learned a great deal.  The road ahead looks exciting and I thank you for making this a special place.

Bookmark to:

Chris Brogan asked folks to provide a quick bio of themselves. I learned a great deal about Chris and really enjoyed getting to know him at VON… Here’s my quick sketch bio –

The thing most people know me for is — as a passionate advocate for the wireless industry…

The people who I associate the most with are — positive people. There’s nothing better than being around folks who love and enjoy life.

People who have influenced my life — my parents, some of my former professors, Howard County Circuit Court Judge Louis Becker and my first boss – former Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich. With regard to Governor Ehrlich, he was a great mentor and I appreciate the time he spent with me at the beginning of my career.

One challenge I took on and overcame — Area code exhaustion is always a concern of regulators. California went from 13 area codes in 1997 to over 25 in 2003. 310 (Beverly Hills) was nearing exhaust and one lawmaker was pushing a CPUC initiative to do a wireless number take-back and institute a wireless only area code. This would have forced wireless consumers to give back the “310″ to get a wireless specific area code (if you saw Swingers – you know what a big deal a 310 code is for status). We reached out to consumers who called the FCC and the lawmaker to state that they did not want this technology specific overlay. Those in favor of the wireless take-back capitulated and consumers won. I was pleased to lead and coordinate this initiative.

My early years before you got to know me — I started working at Eddie Bauer (part-time) after graduating from college.

You might not know this, but — I was a three-time all Patriot League lacrosse goalie at Lehigh University. I doubt I could save a beach ball now!

I’m passionate about — the wireless industry. I enjoy working with and learning from talented people everyday.

In the next year or two, I hope to — bring consumers closer to the wireless companies that serve them. Industry can do better. By listening to their needs we can build strong relationships and offer better products – ultimately, earning their trust.

Bookmark to:

I’ve written before about the green opportunity for the wireless industry.  Accordingly, it was nice to see this post on CNET regarding Motorola’s solar cell device.

Could this be the next hit for Moto? 

Bookmark to:

A frequent conversation topic in the diner has been the role of the internet and the affect on campaigns.  While discussing the impacts, we have often remarked about the Republicans’ failure to communicate and connect on the internet.  The Washington Post took a closer look yesterday.

Michael Turk, a Vice President at NCTA, stated that “Republicans are losing the web.” I think Michael was being judicious in his assessment.  The problem for the party is that its hard to lose the game when the Repulicans are not even on the same playing field as the Democrats.  Using a baseball analogy, I would say the Democrats are in the majors and the Republicans are in the minor leagues.  It is not even close.

Yes, Minority Leader John Boehner is twittering but he is an exception.  Most candidates put a page up on MySpace.com and throw some videos on YouTube.  However, it just looks like window dressing.  Accordingly, I don’t think this will be an effective tool for connecting with voters until the medium is actually embraced(for instance, engaging before you are actually running for office).  For some lawmakers in Congress, how can you embrace social networking in campaigns when you voted to put restrictions on it in the 109th Congress?

Analogous to companies that are looking to the internet to connect with consumers, politicians must do more than just dip their foot in the water.  I share Mr. Turk’s view that it will probably take another cycle for the Republican establishment to realize the power of community building on the internet.  

Bookmark to:

Last week, Verizon Wireless launched ESPN Mobile on its V Cast service, which will provide most of the features intended for ESPN’s failed MVNO run.  At virtually the same time, Qualcomm announced that it is planning to launch LifeComm, an MVNO that will be centered on healthcare and fitnesses functions and services.  This raises the question- what makes a content-based MVNO succesful?

There is a huge market for sports programming and entertainment- NFL Sunday Ticket and MLB’s Extra Innings offer some of the most valuable programming available today.  But content alone was not enough to translate demand for sports programming into demand for a sports-based wireless service, and ESPN Mobile was quickly dropped.

On the other hand, Amp’d Mobile and Helio having gotten off to a slow start, but are starting to better establish themselves, each having had an ARPU of over $100 in 2006.  While their consumer bases are still quite small, the combination of devices with unique features (like buddy tracking) and desireable content available on these operators are very appealing to those in the 18-24 demographic that can afford them. 

Personally, I think Qualcomm’s MVNO has potential.  Like Amp’d and Helio, LifeComm has more of an interactive ’lifestyle’ play than simply a content play, and combined with devices uniquely tailored for healthcare-related functions, it too could develop a small but loyal market, especially as Americans gradually become as comfortable with the concept of MVNO’s as many abroad have.

So, I pose the question, what do people think makes an MVNO stick, and what makes one flop?

Bookmark to:

Jonny Goldstein termed Washington “the District of Communications” a few weeks ago. There really couldn’t be a better description for this place.

As we know, the venture capitalists are out in Silicon Valley and Boston. The entrepreneurs are in California and the go-getters in New York. However, the policymakers are here in Washington and most telecom / tech companies have a presence in DC. If you are an executive of one of these companies you are trying to steer your company through a perfect storm of elements – rapid advances in technology, mega-competition and regulation. It is that third element of the storm that I am involved with everyday. Continue Reading »

Bookmark to:

Lehman Brothers will hold their Worldwide Wireless and Wireline Conference in NYC later this month. The conference will take place at the Crowne Plaza from Wednesday, May 30 to Friday, June 1. They have an outstanding list of speakers from the telecom and technology sectors. Accordingly, I look forward to attending the conference on Thursday and Friday.

With regard to the wireless industry, Lehman will be convening a spectrum panel on Thursday morning. Attendees invited to speak are – George Alex (CFO, NextWave Wireless), Carolyn Brandon (VP, CTIA), Jonathan Cohen (Partner, Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP), Charlie Townsend (CEO, Aloha Partners) and David Taylor (Founder, Capitol Solutions). David has had a unique career in government and will provide insight on how governmental decisions (CBO, OMB, Congress) affect license valuations.

Stay tuned for more details on the W3 conference…

Bookmark to:

Ed Markey (D-MA), Chairman of the Telecommunications and Internet Subcommittee, held a hearing this morning on his draft broadband mapping and data collection bill.  The witnesses at the hearing were Larry Cohen (President, CWA), Dr. George Ford (Phoenix Center), Steve Largent (President, CTIA), Walter McCormick (President, USTA), Kyle McSlarrow (President, NCTA), Brian Mefford (CEO, Connect Kentucky), and Ben Scott (Policy Director, FreePress).  Once again, Chairman Markey had a great panel and all the witnesses generally agreed that the major thrust of the initiative (improving the FCC’s current methods) was a step in the right direction.

With regard to wireless, Mr. Largent (CTIA) discussed identifying all levels of service offerings.  In that manner, you could derive more value from the broadband map and get a “more textured picture” of the range of available services.  Walter McCormick (USTA) supports public/private partnerships but does not believe the definition of broadband needs to be redefined.  The current draft would amend the Telecom Act (1996) to define “high speed” as broadband connections with 2 mbps downstream and 1 mbps upstream.  By mapping everything (broadband inventory) you can get a better picture of what consumers have. Continue Reading »

Bookmark to:

I have no desire to climb Mt. Everest.  However, switched.com reporter Evan Shamoon reports that Rob Baber plans to tackle the highest mountain in the world and make a call when he reaches the summit.  A base station in nearby China has clear line-of-site enabling the call.  No doubt – from the highest peak in the world – we can hear you now… 

Bookmark to:

With a Republican debate scheduled for tonight in South Carolina, I was curious about how the Presidential candidates were doing with social networking websites like mySpace. Accordingly, I checked out techPresident, and saw that the gap was Clinton (71,172 friends) and Obama (70,974) over 2 to 1 to John McCain (31,193). Senator McCain led Romney by more than 12,000 friends on the Republican side. Ashley and I look forward to watching this develop over the campaign. We both believe that this demographic will be more influential to the outcome in 2008 than any other Presidential campaign..

However, my interest was piqued by former Senator John Edwards (D-NC) latest tech initiative in 2008 campaigning. Michael Whitney (techPresident) reported that Senator Edwards has set up an SMS short code – following an ad placement in the Washington Post opposing the war – where folks can text “Iraq,” enabling potential supporters of that cause an opportunity to connect to the campaign.

Not only is this reporting by techPresident outstanding, but I share Michael’s view about the exciting step that the Edwards campaign has taken with wireless…

Bookmark to:

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…

Bookmark to:

Chris played in the third annual “Bad Beat on Cancer Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament” at Union Station earlier this week.  The event was emceed by Phil Gordon, and was very well attended by telecom folks. 

Chris played a great game, and was the last to be eliminated from his table (by Congressman Chris John (D-LA)).

All in all, it was a great event for a good cause!

Chris with Congressman Chris John

Phil Gordon, emceeing the event

Bookmark to:

The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on the future of video this morning. As I mentioned earlier this week, Subcommittee Chairman Ed Markey (D-MA) put together a great panel.

The first observation I would like to make is Mark Cuban wore a suit. Once again, Mark Cuban wore a suit. On that note, at a break in the action, I mentioned to him that I lost a bet due to his attire choice. He laughed and mentioned that he was glad it fit after all these years. Mr. Cuban not only looked the part — his testimony was sharp as well. Continue Reading »

Bookmark to:

At the FCBA Chairman’s dinner honoring Kevin Martin a few weeks ago, the Chairman mentioned “a la carte” in his speech on a few occasions, and at a recent hearing in a House Appropriations Subcommittee, the Chairman brought up the topic frequently during Q&A.  It is not a secret in the District of Communications that the FCC Chairman is in favor of “a la carte.”  Honestly, who isn’t for “choice”?

The problem with mandating “a la carte” on the cable industry is that it is not needed and will actually do harm to those it is intended to help.  Technological advances will soon make this conversation irrevelant and changes in viewing habits are happening sooner than you think.  Steve Jobs is betting on it.

Choice for consumers is getting better everyday.  With DVR’s, folks can watch what they want and when they want to watch it.  More content is becoming available on the web for viewing as well.  Furthermore, young folks are not watching TV anymore.  They are on the internet watching more content created by new innovators.  The internet makes a la carte moot.

Mandating a la carte doesn’t just hurt consumers.  It will really hurt channels that folks would never consider buying.  History Channel, Animal Planet.  I like those channels.  Occasionaly, I’ll watch a show.  Would I consider purchasing the channel outright?  Absolutely not.

We are in the midst of a paradigm shift.  Many companies are starting to realize it and are evolving their business models.  Accordingly, the role of the FCC should be “do no harm.”  Although “a la carte” looks tasty, its a recipe for disaster.

Dish Disclosure – Comcast is a client of our firm.

Bookmark to: