While not everything is rosy in the PCS world-what with a couple bankruptcies, some layoffs, downgraded and stagnant rollout plans-the industry, in general, has made terrific inroads in a short time. A strong economy and cheap pricing plans certainly have contributed to how quickly this nation has accepted wireless technology at 1900 MHz.
Further good news comes from a Robinson-Humphrey survey earlier this month that noted that PCS and cellular companies are calling off the price wars, which could give PCS players a chance to actually make a profit.
Even as analysts forecast a gloomy picture for those carriers that have yet to launch service, it is interesting to note that even industry insiders are surprised at how successful PCS launches by then-unknown companies have been. For its PCS special report, RCR asked some industry executives to answer the question, “What has surprised you the most about PCS?” While I expected certain execs to “spin” their answers, I also believe that many in this industry did not expect PCS service to be so readily accepted.
The PCS industry still has hurdles to overcome, questions to answer and profits to make. But it is making good headway.
…By the time you receive this newspaper, my beloved Broncos will either be sporting new Super Bowl rings on their hands, or that other team will have won. (Either way, I will no longer be wearing this garish blue-and-orange nail polish. It seemed like a good idea at the time).
The wireless industry has proven all season long that football fanatics are part of the wireless audience it wants to reach. Sprint PCS is the official wireless provider for the NFL. San Diego Mayor Susan Golding declared Super Bowl Week Qualcomm Week. And Qualcomm Inc. and Nokia Corp. took out million-dollar ads that aired during Super Bowl XXXII.
Certainly, as the nation’s most-watched sporting event, wireless companies are savvy to gain instant brand awareness by advertising during the Super Bowl. In fact, in its news release, Nokia touts “millions of dollars in advertising sells a lot of phones.”
So now the question moves to next year: Qualcomm already has reaped brand awareness benefits from hosting the Super Bowl, L.M. Ericsson will undoubtedly host a Super Bowl at its new stadium in North Carolina. Let me put in my bid with wireless manufacturers: The Broncos need a new stadium, strike now while the iron is hot.
