Landline has faced a competitive environment for years, going toe-to-toe (I would say successfully) against the cable companies with our fiber offerings. There had always been good, seasoned management to count on, who came up through the ranks and knew their jobs, steering this ship. There was also a professional union workforce who knew what needed to be done, pressured others to do the right thing, and did an amazing job. Despite the skirmishes that occurred from time-to-time between the union and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd level management (and above), there was also a great deal of mutual respect shown at all times. We worked together to push a great product, despite the folks who came around occasionally and would rock the boat, inserting themselves into an environment they knew little about, and simply could not fully grasp. Landline was fortunate in the past to have had a great management team AND a great union workforce (with a few minor exceptions over the years, which usually worked itself out via wisdom and peer pressure).
I believe all the major mainstream wireless companies had a good ride when they were the only games in town, and no one could go toe-to-toe with them quality-wise. However, IMHO, I feel today's consumer, the public at large, has little allegiance to any brand and they are no longer seeking a long-term relationship with any single company (with little exception). I believe the consumer is evolving, beginning to view things such as television and cell service as generic offerings, and that they are now more than ever focused on price, fairness, and quality service, all other things being equal. I also believe that, if a customer feels they've been mistreated, they have a very long memory, and it's tougher to undo that harm than to simply maintain a cordial relationship where they don't feel they've been used, abused, or taken advantage of.
Though I hope I'm wrong, I feel it will be now be a lot harder for the remaining management at these major wireless companies, and they're going to have to reveal their true talent in order to keep successfully competing in this new wireless arena. Further, I think they could get some good, seasoned talent from the wireline side, by tapping into those skills that have been expertly honed and highly developed during the many years of tough, unrelenting competition faced on this side of our home. In many ways, the wireless side of the US phone industry has had it easy in comparison to the adversity that has been faced, and successfully so, by the wireline side. Wireline is due their respect. After all, anyone can make money when all things are going right and there's no competitive adversaries. We all make money in a boom market. The true test of ones mettle and grit is when it's a highly competitive environment, yet you're still doing well despite this adversity. Thank you to all the men and women, management and union, that made this industry one hell of a juggernaut. It's been a pleasure to have worked with you all over the years. Let's hope we continue our great successes, and create something viable for those young people who come after us.