And I believe in.....

In order to understand my post, I believe it is good to read this article first: http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/08/technology/iphone_carrier_subsidy/

I agree with most of the points made by this article but one point that the author does not hash out is the lock-in period and ARPU generated by new subs over a period.

When an operator sells the device, he/she essentially sells a 2 year service along with it (which of course comes with early termination fee and what not). Therefore by subsidizing the most wanted handset in the market they lock you in for at least 2 years. Now in order for the subscriber to be profitable for the operator they need you to hang in there with them for a period of 4 years or so. Hence by providing the latest handset at a low price point they actually help themselves in long run.

Yes, in a shorter time frame, it does affect the EBITDA but in long run a new subscriber sticking with the operator is lot more profitable. I would like the author of the article to work on ARPU from an individual new subscriber, who buys iPhone - say from Sprint or ATT or VZW - and a two year contract and ends up sticking for another 2 years thereafter - assuming he also buys another subsidized iphone after the first 2 years. I bet ARPU would still look good….

There is a dent in EBITDA because of iPhone subsidy but believe me it is absolutely worth it for the operators in long run!

My wife and I, we have tough time keeping up to date with our DFW Metro. Not only because the information is scattered all over the web but also, we are not sure what all sources we should be looking at!

Though we have figured out a solution.

The question is, do you have a similar problem? Lots of my friends whom I talk to seem to have the same problem.

Share your thoughts, experiences….

Yesterday I was talking to a good friend of mine Derek Kerton (Great guy - knows the industry in and out) about Tablets and how cheap they are now-a-days. We discussed the overall tablet market and our conclusion was that tablet market is a bubble. Just too many tablets out there that do not solve any pain in the market.

Tablets (iPad, Galaxy Tab, etc) are mainly used to consume media. I have seen majority of people carrying laptop and tablet in the meeting (along with the cellphone). Essentially in its current form today, tablet does not replace the laptop.

I for one would rather have a mobile phone with 5 inch screen that I can use for instant communication on the go and when I am back home or office, I would like to use my desktop/laptop. In meetings, I would rather use my phone for doing presentations (all connected via cloud) and stuff.

As Derek rightly said, tablets are like “convertible cars” - it is a luxury and not a need.

What do you think?

One of the biggest challenge the country is facing today is: politicians are making promises/policies to get more votes (ignoring what is best for the country - this reminds me of the political drama back home in India!). I think there is a three point solution that can help the country:

1. Allow fixed 4 year term for each party. First democrats will stay there for 4 years and then republicans (or vice-a-versa) for next 4 years and so on
2. Put measurable metrics for each term - as an example, for next 4 years the ruling party will have to decrease debt by X%, increase jobs by Y%, etc
3. If the party exceeds these goals then they get extension of 2 years
4. If not then the next party comes in and so on…..

Let me know what do you think?

Awesome place to find all US politicians’ Tweets in one place: http://www.politickerusa.com/ @Votizens should integrate with this portal!

Dataswift or Gnipp - Let’s see who wins the race (or probably both will!).

Want a perfect gift for special someone, hop over to www.wantful.com! I like the idea - got a good potential!

Great to see Mr. Khosla’s determination for cleantech! 

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052970204774604576629281128995682-lMyQjAxMTAxMDEwMzExNDMyWj.html

Here is a better coverage of this and also an interview of Mr. Khosla at 2011 TechCrunch Disrupt: http://techcrunch.com/2011/10/13/khosla-ventures-1-billion-fund/ - got to love this man’s thinking…

http://youtu.be/kAG39jKi0lI

If you have an Android device, checkout the TouchPal keyboard. I Love it! It combines Swype and Swiftkey in one keyboard. #Satisfied