AT&T cell application hits snag

[Collin]

Here's an interesting news article from the Jamaica Observer AT&T cell application hits snag (http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Business/html/20030325T210000-0500_41566_OBS_AT_T_CELL_APPLICATION_HITS_SNAG.asp )

The last paragraph of the article I am not sure I understand at all:

"AT&T attempted to deepen its investment in Jamaica last June when it was the sole bidder for the fourth cell licence being auctioned by the government. Its offer though unknown was below the reserve price of J$815 million or just more than US$15 million, set by the government."

Is this to say that - they are now reapplying?

[Chris]

It appears to me that this article is somewhat confusing. The caption refers to their cell application, yet the body of the article primarily focuses on their domestic carrier licence application. I thought that these were two separate licences. Huh?

And then as Collin points out, the last paragraph refers to their bid last year below the reserve price. Does this mean that they've increased their bid? ???

[pradere]

Can 2.6m population really support 4 networks?
Do we really need another network with another standard to contend with?

[Chris]

Can 2.6m population really support 4 networks?
Do we really need another network with another standard to contend with?


I guess these guys have done their market research and the answer is YES. I hope they bear in mind though that Jamaica tends to break all the rules when it comes to marketing and market research ;)

[pradere]

this is true.

[Collin]

I guess these guys have done their market research and the answer is YES. I hope they bear in mind though that Jamaica tends to break all the rules when it comes to marketing and market research ;)


Chris,

If we break all the rules as it relates to marketing and research.... can we not therefore expect to break the rules of "expectations"?
Your market research says that the economy can take a 4th license... ok... it would therefore be expected that the populace will embrace this "entity" correct ? at the end of the day the little man who answered "yes" on the survey has no money to pay for that service.... not by choice but because times just hard.

Is this not the reality?

[pradere]

Times always hard in Jamaica but we still buy all the gadgets nonetheless.

[jamrock]

I say let them come in.

The fittest will survive and the least efficient will disappear. That is the best way to ensure we get the best service.

[Chris]

Interestingly, I was discussing this topic with some friends and they were saying that anybody less than a "brand name" mobile provider like AT&T or Verizon will not have a chance against the present big two (C&WJ + Digicel).