Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Count on AT&T finalizing T-Mobile purchase
In case you were wondering whether the Feds will let AT&T buy T-Mobile from Deutsche Telekom, this story from Edward Wyatt of the New York Times should put any doubts to rest. Bet on AT&T, even though some regulators have been talking tough about the merger.
Why?
Well, first there are the cupcakes. As part of its lobbying effort, AT&T supplied regulators with a stream of cupcakes (apparently there’s no rule that says you can’t). But, Wyatt reports, there are more important considerations, even, than the cupcakes.
They aren’t about competition, bandwidth, or dropped iPhone calls. AT&T is one of the biggest corporate spenders in the U.S., and it employs one of the best lobbyists, James W. Cicconi. So, again, whatever is said between now and the final merger, you can pretty well count on Ma Bell getting her way.
So, you can look at it from an idealist’s point of view and be outraged that a giant corporation will be able to lock down a huge chunk of the wireless marketplace, restricting consumer choice. Or you can look at it this way: At least AT&T isn’t an oil company.
But then again, oil companies pretty much get their way all the time, too.
Why?
Well, first there are the cupcakes. As part of its lobbying effort, AT&T supplied regulators with a stream of cupcakes (apparently there’s no rule that says you can’t). But, Wyatt reports, there are more important considerations, even, than the cupcakes.
They aren’t about competition, bandwidth, or dropped iPhone calls. AT&T is one of the biggest corporate spenders in the U.S., and it employs one of the best lobbyists, James W. Cicconi. So, again, whatever is said between now and the final merger, you can pretty well count on Ma Bell getting her way.
So, you can look at it from an idealist’s point of view and be outraged that a giant corporation will be able to lock down a huge chunk of the wireless marketplace, restricting consumer choice. Or you can look at it this way: At least AT&T isn’t an oil company.
But then again, oil companies pretty much get their way all the time, too.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
World Affairs Journal - Anchors Away: American Sea Power in Dry Dock
World Affairs Journal - Anchors Away: American Sea Power in Dry Dock
America has drifted away from the successful strategy that has kept us in a dominant military position for the past 100 years, the judicious use of sea power combined with effective strategic alliances with key nations on the ground. Instead, we're overstretching our Army in land wars.
America has drifted away from the successful strategy that has kept us in a dominant military position for the past 100 years, the judicious use of sea power combined with effective strategic alliances with key nations on the ground. Instead, we're overstretching our Army in land wars.
Who Needs Apple When Google Charges Less?
Who Needs Apple When Google Charges Less?
Apple may have decided to soak publishers for a ridiculous 30 percent of the money when they sell subscriptions for their content through Apple. Google has come up with a slightly less absurd 10 percent payment system.
Apple may have decided to soak publishers for a ridiculous 30 percent of the money when they sell subscriptions for their content through Apple. Google has come up with a slightly less absurd 10 percent payment system.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Hey Magazine Publishers, Don't Blame Apple
Hey Magazine Publishers, Don't Blame Apple
Magazine and book publishers believed when the iPad came out that it was the magic tablet that would allow them to replicate their old business model. But that business model is dead, and it will be sharp entrepreneurs, not incumbents, who benefit from new social and mobile technology, as I point out at Portfolio.com.
Magazine and book publishers believed when the iPad came out that it was the magic tablet that would allow them to replicate their old business model. But that business model is dead, and it will be sharp entrepreneurs, not incumbents, who benefit from new social and mobile technology, as I point out at Portfolio.com.
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