Compared with defining-and keeping-the same wireless strategy over the years, gambling is beginning to look like a sound way to sock some money away for retirement.
In today’s frenetic telecom environment, it increasingly is difficult to decide which strategy to pursue.
Should a telecom carrier try to be all things to all people, or concentrate on one or two areas where that carrier excels?
Should a carrier try to be biggest, thus assuring itself a strong market share, like SBC Communications Inc.?
Should a carrier only target the high-end customer, like AT&T Corp.?
Should a carrier pursue a niche strategy like Omnipoint Communications Inc. and hope that some day a bigger fish will notice-and buy-your operation?
Paging? PCS? CLEC? WLL? LMDS? MSS? International? Domestic? Top 50 markets? Rural areas? Two-way messaging? IP platform? LAN with wireless link?
These all are options for today’s wireless players. And more than a few companies have wavered on their wireless strategies at some point, whether it is to peek into a new area or a full-fledged exit from one part of the business only to enter it again.
Witness this week’s announcement by BellSouth Wireless Data, which launched BellSouth InterActive Pager Service using its dedicated mobile data network. This is the same BellSouth that two years ago sold its MobileComm subsidiary, at the time the fourth-largest paging carrier in the United States. (I know, I know, BellSouth will say there is a huge difference between these two operations. Nevertheless, messaging is the core strategy.)
The same day, AT&T-furthering its plans to get out of the paging business-announced it will sell its NPCS license, one of two bought four years ago via McCaw Cellular Communications Inc. for $160 million.
Vanguard Cellular is expanding its paging presence.
Nextel Communications Inc. is trying its hand at the long-distance business.
U S West Inc. sold its paging business only to resell that same service from the company that bought its paging business. U S West also sold its cellular offerings to buy PCS licenses in roughly the same areas.
Craig McCaw is leaving no telecom stone unturned, spreading a little money everywhere.
Throw out your five-year plans for your wireless business. The industry is moving too fast. A five-month plan seems to make more sense.
