Year-End Loose Ends

Fragments and fleeting thoughts of the year gone by As another year draws to a close, I'm clearing my desk and cleaning up loose ends. In that spirit, here are some fleeting thoughts that have never made it into a full-blown Views, but continue to cross my mind.

- In 1983, I was sure cellular would be a short-lived enigma. I figured it would fizzle after the few elitist types who were willing to dole out $3,000 for bulky handsets and spotty coverage had been tapped. Likewise, the then-all-powerful landline community was glowering. Thank goodness, I wasn't right about that. However, I have been right about satellite service. Even as new business plans emerge, I still don't see it.

- I have a 2-month-old nephew whom I met over the Thanksgiving holidays. It occurred to me that he'll grow up believing wireless-phone service is the main telecommunications medium, not landline service. Likewise, as I held that sweet bundle of joy, I realized the inevitable day would dawn when he looks at me in sudden amazement, and exclaims, "You used a rotary-dial landline phone when you were a little girl?"

- Research in Motion CEO Jim Balsillie predicts that "wireless wallets" soon will replace passports, credit cards and eventually money. You bet there's huge potential and opportunity there. However, coverage will have to become flawless, especially because of the monetary aspects. I sure don't want to be in a caffeine-deprived line of patrons ready to pay for my Starbucks coffee and have a dropped call or no service. "Hey, I'd love to pay for this, but I can't get a signal."

- For the last two years, the Wireless Review staff has participated in a week of wireless. We shed our landline phones and only use wireless at home and work. Sort of a litmus test of wireless' true full-time capability of fulfilling our needs. I've never participated. Why? I have no service at my house. In fact, I have no service in my yard either. If I want to use my wireless device while at home, I have to walk across the street or two houses up to my left or right.

I understand black holes. I understand my "no service" problem isn't going to rate very high on a carrier's coverage-concern list. In light of that, I won't be participating because I have no desire to be cut off from civilization while in my home.

- My maternal grandmother was predominantly Polish. Although it's now politically incorrect, I have heard and been amused by Polack jokes. Not so long ago, I felt as though I were the perfect Polish joke in action. When landline service crashed at my house, I needed to contact Ma Bell and make some other personal calls. It was too cold to stand outside my house. So I got in my car and drove up the hill. On this 2-way country road, there's only one place to pull over and park. It just so happens to be under a big cellular tower. Hey, at least my quality of service would be good. Shortly, my neighbor drove by, looked at me, then looked at the tower, as if silently saying, "Poor thing doesn't have to go to the cell site to make a call."

- Here's my latest wireless pet peeve: My voice mail gives me an audio alert when I have a message ... as long as I am in Kansas City. However, if I'm roaming, I get nothing. This bugs me because there are at least three major carriers claiming nationwide coverage. If I can use my phone no matter where I am, why can't those features perform the same as well?

- When Lucent's stock hit $40 earlier this year, I figured it had bottomed out from last year's high-flying $90+. However, in the last two months, it continues to disprove my theory. As I wrote this, I checked the stock price: $16.33. The company will have to make some serious management changes in order to right this ship. I feel like one of the night watchmen on the Titanic as it bears down on that dastardly iceberg. The adjustments have been made, but will that big ship be able to clear the deadly obstacle in time? As Lucent is one of the industry's biggest-named vendors and most polished bellwethers, I find myself watching it in horror and murmuring, "C'mon. C'mon."

Best wishes to you and yours for a happy and safe holiday season. May 2001 bring you happiness and prosperity.