where is our winning strategy?
Wireless: Q2 was good, we are told, because offering the unlimited plan stopped the bleeding. But VZ had to be dragged kicking and screaming to finally offer unlimited. Is this not the definition of stubborn leadership?
Nor was this the first time in wireless that vz was forced to contradict themselves and finally offer what the public had wanted all along. Remember contracts?
Just an idea...What might have been if instead of being one of the last companies to offer unlimited data (after the rise of data above voice), instead if VZ had been the first company to again offer it when data came into higher demand than voice minutes? Back when "network superiority" was more noticeable? It would have cost money, but if VZ had re-introduced unlimited data back then, would T-Mobil have been able to grow?
Wireline: Continues to be an apparent afterthought at best to current leadership, at worst they seem to regard it as an undesireable expense. Nevertheless, there is a high public demand for fast wireline (fiber) broadband. It seems Verizon could be the undisputed leader in this area providing the fastest home and business broadband if they were willing to make the investment. But the interest is half-hearted at best. In this area too, VZ ignores the desire of the public. People want high speed no frills internet pipe pure and simple.
Meanwhile VZ keep devising new versions of the old cable bundle, trying to sell customers voice lines and entertainment content most do not want driving up the price of FIOS, but losing customers who are value conscious. This customer loss is increased by offering attractive packages to new customers but not to loyal existing customers. What might happen if Verizon focused on being the fastest pipe and offering a great no frills high speed data connection? Here is an area where "better still matters"... could the cable companies compete for pure speed? An industry leading product marred by tone-deaf marketing, it is almost as if they want FIOS to fail.....
Media, Advertising, Data Mining: As we all know, VZ have made large purchases in an effort to compete with online companies who require ISP's to operate. Of course, unlike these companies VZ actually IS an ISP. Can VZ be both ISP and OTT and compete with these businesses? So far, go90 has not been much of a success, despite getting favored child status..Now on to the next favorite..OK I admit I am not really sure what exactly the heck OATH is doing besides having a silly name, so far we haven't heard anything....
On the other hand, you have to wonder why another company (LINKNYC) will be offering free wifi throughout New York City, and using Verizon's old payphone network!
Why isn't Verizon the company providing this free wifi? There goes a lot of advertising and data mining monies on a property Verizon already owned!
(Not to mention, what will the effect be on wireless cellphone plans when free wifi becomes abundant in major metro areas, has anyone in the Ivory Tower considered that?)
HUM: .......not really that exciting is it?
Can VLSS fix any of that? I didn't think so...ok then, back to tormenting the employees and destroying morale!
Situation Normal!
Reposted from @Oy1Ag6E-1jkd for great analysis.