Verizon backs law restricting cell-phone use
Article Abstract:
Verizon Wireless plans to support an Illinois ban on hand-held cellular telephones while driving. The country's biggest wireless provider is breaking ranks with their industry-mates to cooperate with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Chicago City Council, which would allow hands-free devices. The company, which serves about 20 million customers has responded to research that suggests drivers on cellular phones cause accidents. Some feel that even hands-free devices are still too distracting.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 2000
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National Cellular plans with flat rates stir up industry; competition gives consumers lower prices, but regional phone companies take a hit
Article Abstract:
Incentives from an evolving cellular-telephone industry are pressuring Baby Bells and other regional cellular companies. AT&T and Sprint lead the way with popular flat rate, nationwide cellular plans. AT&T's Digital OneRate since May 1998 has revolutionized the industry by scrapping roaming fees as well as a required special code for calls originating from outside the provider's calling area. By contrast Sprint offers a flat rate and 69 cents per minute in roaming charges. Sprint's network, however, is restricted mostly to urban areas and interstate highways. Many heavy cell phone users have embraced AT&T's plan but questions remain whether the AT&T network can handle a surge of calls at the end of a month. Some competitors like Bell Atlantic are responding with alternative plans, while others are targeting niche users. Regional operators may choose to consolidate in early 1999, which could weaken small players serving specific areas.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
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Whoever gets AirTouch, Ginn gets a fortune
Article Abstract:
If AirTouch Communications is acquired by Bell Atlantic for $45 billion, then chairman Sam Ginn stands to gain more than $148 million; if Vodafone Group PLC wins the bidding war at a higher price, he stands to gain a good deal more than that. The 61-year-old executive recognized the future for cellular back in 1994 when he spun off AirTouch from Pacific Telesis and sold shares for its IPO in the Pacific Telesis halls. Prior to that, he introduced cellular service in 1984 at the Los Angeles Olympics for AT&T.
Comment:
CEO stands to gain a minimum of $148 million at time of acquisition
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1999
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