NOTES - 11 October 2005

question 1 - +/-

- cheaper to call anywhere in us & world
- portability
- can call other telephones
- coolness factor, buzz of early adopter
- alternative for those unhappy with traditional POTS
- added interactivity for online gamers, biz
- multiple 'local' phone numbers
- audio conversations into searchable transcripts
- flattens the world
- one device -> convergence
- potential growth for features
- catalyst for digital services
- not regulated

- inconsistent quality
- network effect for FREE benefit
- high speed connection
- no paper trail
- no incentive if satisfied (dubious additional functionality)
- security
- tech support???
- computer savvy
- 9-1-1
- unregulated -> no standard, inconsistencies, no consumer protection
- phone is now like $2K
- skype is shared network service
- electricity dependent (not bullet proof) compared with POTS
- security as in homeland security (can they tap your phone w/out a warrant?)
- OS-dependent
- rural customers -> connection speed
- not contributing to the tax grid
- phone is too big
- audience unfamiliar with technology
- voice spam (do not call does not apply)
- network open to new viruses
- different rates worldwide -> how does this differ from existing system
- ties you to desk unless you have laptop and wireless
- underlying technology relies on existing teleco technology
- accentuating digital divide
- no directory
- software becomes "noise"
- switch costs
- learning curve
- nothing is really free
- unemployment -> impact on society


tools of suppression

-- existing telephone companies are actively opposing tech
-- gov' reg
-- lack of high speed infrastructure worldwide
-- no standardization
-- multiple proprietary formats
-- unawareness
-- appeals to early adopters
-- discriminatory packet priority
-- "high cost" of adoption (energy, effort)
-- regs differ by country
-- phones work great
-- 9-1-1 -> incomplete integration with analog/POTS
-- agreements between competitors



If you were the head of AT&T ...
-- make voip a lifestyle
-- use my lobby to reg, retard adoption and buy time to respond to challenge
-- improve my customer service to retain customer base
-- join up or buy up some voip company
-- look for underrepresented markets for growth oppty
-- invest in wireless
-- market the company as "dependable"
-- upsell your product (data services)
-- diversify into device hardware market