International man of mystery

What is it about an enigmatic, reclusive and press-shy telecom figure that his every business move commands so much ink? Must be his unparalleled technological and investment savvy - along with billions of dollars.

Craig McCaw says very little publicly, yet he has become one of the quintessential telecom icons of the past decade, if not the past two. He has grown almost legendary, to the point where his actions speak the volumes that he himself does not.

The result is an ever-growing, global communications network cache, complete with wireless, local, long-haul and satellite components. But unlike carrier ventures that rely primarily on the acquisition of established businesses, McCaw is more apt to either shore up flagging ventures by injecting human and technological expertise or build from the ground up and add value by forging new relationships.

Competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) Nextlink Communications, currently the golden nugget in the McCaw crown, is an example of the latter. After quickly establishing itself as one of the country's most significant CLEC operations, Nextlink struck a deal with Level 3 Communications that added a long-haul component. Then the carrier expanded its access options by topping off its own local multipoint distribution service licenses with those of WNP Communications, adding a significant spectrum store for connecting the broadband last mile.

McCaw's backing generally is taken by the industry as an endorsement, probably because his track record is so good. After he sold McCaw Cellular to AT&T in 1994, McCaw re-entered wireless by sinking millions of dollars into Nextel Communications. He now is widely credited for taking that company from rags to riches.

The most important of McCaw's multiple undertakings generally can be identified by the person in control. McCaw has accrued a circle of capable insiders throughout the years - many of whom came out of the McCaw Cellular ranks - and is known for dispatching them to run his various ventures. The most recent example is Dan Akerson, who led Nextel for several years, left to join McCaw briefly at Eagle River Investments and then was sent almost immediately to the top spot at Nextlink.

Given the obscurity and diversity of his interests, McCaw's next move is always difficult to peg. Suffice it to say that where there is a promising new technology niche or a venture that has the potential to meld networks together, the shadow of McCaw probably will be there.