[Chapter 619: Huge Orders]
European partners got some gains in the big cake of digital communications in Japan, but it really can't compare to the situation in the United States.
To some extent, these orders help reduce the trade deficit between the two countries. It's all about having both imports and exports; that's the way to go.
Including the terminal equipment, this is a super big order worth tens of billions of dollars. To say no one is envious would be unrealistic. The scale of operations in Japan is only so big, and the quantity needed by the U.S. would have to multiply several times at the very least.
"Damn it, have those experts finished their research? Testing, testing -- others have already successfully commercialized their products, and you're still testing."
"Sir, Ericsson and Nokia aren't affiliated, and combined with our Siemens, this is just a quagmire."
Things often play out like this; the boss can be indifferent. However, if something goes wrong, that falls on the subordinates.
Europe's analog mobile communications are still in the early stages. Whether it's the coverage area or the number of users, they're not even in the same league as the U.S.
"Do you guys who went to Hong Kong have an assessment report?"
"We have it, sir. Their promotional efforts are quite substantial. Currently, mobile communication fees are only slightly higher than landline rates. They've even come up with prepaid phone cards that don't require a monthly fee. Our personnel calculated that they're bound to incur losses."
"Losses? Are they idiots? Do they have any idea how much of an advantage they have in this bidding? Let those so-called experts blow some wind, and if we don't catch up, we'll just be collecting patent fees. By the way, this damn phone -- take it back and redesign it; what a piece of junk."
...
Things aren't peaceful in Europe, and the same goes for the U.S. Damn, it's like a get-rich-quick scheme overnight. Motorola is already quite wealthy; do they need to be this outrageous?
What? Nearly 40% of the market share isn't under a public company. Who did this? No way -- we must split off the public listing. And that CPU department should be spun off too. These idiots don't even realize that the two most profitable projects are both this way.
People are always like this; they never suspect their problems or look at things as they truly are.
For the Motorola board, there's no way they can make baseless claims. If you push someone too hard, you better believe they'll go solo.
William White has a Bell Labs and isn't bothered at all. You have to know; Motorola's patents are not even close to Bell Labs.
They even know that Bell Labs is already developing the next generation of digital mobile communication standards. If faced with such a competitor, can Motorola really win?
Don't be fooled by the old guys messing around in the boardroom; once core interests are involved, the Galvin family will surely be the first to be discarded.
"Split off the public listing? Sure, next year. You can talk to the Galvin family. I don't want to disrupt the company's growth; however, if they have the capability, I don't mind selling shares."
"Alright, sir, the Galvin family's probably the one most wanting to maintain the status quo. If the company's power balance tips, those big sharks won't hold back."
"Ha, wealth creation is never just about capital operations. If the Galvin family loses their power, the Star Wars project will definitely flounder. Tsk tsk, all the early investments will have gone down the drain."
...
This thing called a mobile phone has only been around for a few years. How did it develop into this? Looking at the big phones in their hands, a group of Wall Street elites were quite speechless.
It's just a phone, right? Damn it, it runs out of battery after a little use. Plus, the connection isn't even that clear. For such a thing, it has such a massive market.
"Tony, is this maybe a Ponzi scheme? Those junk bonds have already skyrocketed."
"Hey man, have you been to Los Angeles?"
"Duh, who hasn't? I took my daughter to Disneyland last week. And you know what? Disneyland today is nothing like it used to be."
"Damn it, Tony, Disneyland's great. Unfortunately, the stock prices have skyrocketed. What I'm trying to tell you is that in a small area, digital mobile phones are already being used. As a matter of fact, if you stay at the White Center, you can use this thing. It feels like, compared to our junk, this is from a different era."
"David, are you sure? By the way, where did you buy it?"
"I have an uncle who's a chef at the White Center. Damn, that guy's income is ridiculous."
...
While digital mobile communications in the U.S. aren't commercialized yet, there are always resourceful people around. In fact, companies are already planning to take the plunge. Once the relevant licenses are approved, they'll jump into action right away.
So, testing in smaller areas is more convenient. This digital mobile communication is different from the current big phones. Don't be fooled by a little text messaging; it's simply not the same.
Paging machines receive messages but still need the operator. This gadget requires no middleman at all. Most importantly, it's not free.
William White isn't interested in the GSM licensing war. Although expectations are high, it's currently all losses; if this thing is too ridiculous, it will provoke a strong backlash.
In a sense, this kind of action encourages monopolies. Time and again with licensing auctions, there will come a day when most small companies will be wiped out, replaced by those with substantial capital.
Of course, the current companies aren't pushovers either. You're essentially untying that group of little Bells; do you really think we don't know.
At this point, splitting telephone and telegraph companies seems more like a joke.
Lowering communication costs?
That's impossible. If you're capable, go use carrier pigeons. The initial split just turned one monopoly into seven -- that's all.
Now suddenly you want to pick up cheap deals in mobile communications? That's a firm "no." Other competitors can join; as for you, just go buy from the market.
...
"Nastassja, you look stunning today."
With a roll of her eyes, Nastassja Kinski replied, "I want to be the producer."
"Ha! You really have an eye for this -- there's quite a bit of benefit in it. But they keep talking about red sofas, and I've never tried one. Am I missing out?"
"Pfft, Hollywood doesn't have those things anymore."
William White looked skeptical; he couldn't believe it. Damn, what was that fat guy's name again? Didn't he publicly say that he could sleep with any Oscar-winning actress he wanted?
"Are you sure? What I heard was different."
"Red sofas? Let you try one today."
"Ugh, damn it, these are new pants. Goodness, I believe it; this thing might really be gone. If there's still any left, those old guys definitely need to arrange for an ambulance ahead of time."
"Stop dragging, hurry up! I've been feeling empty for a long time."
"Alright, as you wish."
William White didn't mind the position of a producer. Since Nastassja Kinski wanted it, she could have it. She was a strong-willed gal, having gone through so much and still romantically inclined towards this dirty Hollywood.
*****
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