The wireless future has finally arrived.
For years critics pointed to more evolved European and Asian mobile cultures as the U.S. market swam in a wireless backwater. Now, the U.S. leaps into 3G with an announcement from Verizon Wireless
Verizon launched Qualcomm-
Verizon's shares were up $0.56, to $37.12, on the news, and followed only a day after a headline-grabbing deal with Nortel moving the wireless leader headlong into VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) networks.
Qualcomm was an even bigger winner, though. Their shares surged $3.19 -- over 5% -- on the news, fueling momentum in the stock as its CDMA technology start to gain traction.
Going forward, the aggressive push by the No. 1 wireless provider will send shock waves throughout the industry, compelling other providers, such as AT&T Wireless; Cingular, a joint venture between SBC
CDMA operator SprintPCS
But broadband junkies and investors alike are hoping SprintPCS and others will take Verizon's cue and upgrade sooner rather than later. One or more competitive offerings would boost capital investments and help drop the price of services -- benefiting investors and consumers alike.
Dave Mock thinks wireless and coffee go together like peas and carrots. Dave currently owns shares of Starbucks and is author of Tapping into Wireless. He welcomes your feedback, fish stories, and golf tips at [email protected].