Quack

(this can also be found in the Communications Alliance March 2007 Newsletter)

The Telco Gospel, Chapter 1. In the Beginning, there was Long Distance Resale. And the Resellers saw that the margins were generous, and that arbitrage opportunities abounded. And the Customers saw that discounts were available, and flocked to the Resellers like the seagulls. And the Resellers enjoyed the simplicity of selling everything at a mark-up. And the Regulator saw that it was Good.

Yes, it was good back in those days. (more…)

A couple of recent news items have me thinking about a possible further trend in bundling. Those Masters of the Universe at Google (mental note: write another piece about how they have changed the world) are going into the business of selling office-type applications through their Google Apps portal (also here). Are Microsoft shaking in their boots? Hard to tell.

They already have ways of selling their applications on a hosted basis. (more…)

Some fascinating research has appeared on my desk (well, actually on my screen, and that sits on my desk) regarding ARPUs in the US, which are bucking the trend and have statred rising. (more…)

My new friend, Michael the telemarketer, called me with the latest offer from Telstra. For just $99 per month, I get service & equipment included, plus as many (more…)