The whole article is interesting as it talks about some of the compromises that they've had to make (e.g. using EDGE rather than a true 3G network, power requirements, etc.) but what particularly intrigued me was when they started talking about 'any time, any place, any device' networks and services.
Far too many people see the various wired and wireless technologies as competitors locked in a 'winner takes all' battle to the end. The view that we have at NextPhase Wireless (which is being echoed here by both Apple & AT&T) is that the technologies are complimentary, and that hybrid solutions enable richer functions and capabilities. Not all of the pieces are in place yet (seamless, real-time switching between networks & techologies, the underlying micro-payment systems to make sure everyone gets paid), but the iPhone offers a glimpse of what is on the near-horizon.
WSJ: To clarify on your comments about Wi-Fi handsets: Were you saying, Randall, that this phone will eventually evolve into that kind of device that does seamless roaming on Wi-Fi and cellular, or are you just saying there will be many more Wi-Fi devices?
Mr. Stephenson: This phone is the first device that truly kind of breaches that gap. You have a device they gets you true six-megabit broadband speeds on Wi-Fi connectivity. You get the mobility aspects of traditional cellular-type technologies. It begins to let your mind wonder. Once you have those kinds of speeds of a wireless handset … it just opens up a whole new world to what can be done on these wireless devices.
Mr. Jobs: A few years ago, the perception was that the large operators viewed Wi-Fi as potentially an enemy. And I think quite the opposite is now the case. Wi-Fi is viewed as a friend.
Mr. Stephenson: Absolutely -- in fact Wi-Fi is just an enhancement to your existing wireless capability. I have this perspective that the more wireless we become, the more wireline we become. The deeper you push these wireless capabilities the more you're relying on the underlying wired transport which is a much faster, high-capacity transport. And Wi-Fi just takes that to the nth degree. You could not have thought of VoIP on a wireless handset until you start thinking about Wi-Fi capabilities on these handsets. That doesn't intimidate us at all. I think it's a very nice enhancement to an existing service.
1 comment:
looks like they stole your slogan....perhaps you should copyright it. in regards to the specturm posts, could you provide some detail on processes and time for acquiring certain frequencies? thanks.
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