Cap that...EU innovates

The European Parliament voted yesterday overwhelmingly in favour of new regulations to dramatically cut the cost of using a mobile phone abroad. Under new EU regulations, proposed by the European Commission on 12 July 2006 and broadly supported by the 27 EU member states last week, mobile roaming charges within the EU will come down by as much as 70%. The new rules are expected to enter in force in time for the traditional European summer vacation season.


The maximum charge, excluding VAT, for regulated roaming calls will be capped at EUR0.49 per minute for outgoing calls and EUR0.24 for calls received.


Isnt that innovation or what? EU finally took the action as it was so long discussed. Regulation, pricing, anything that could assist the product diffusion is innovation in the Telecom. Innovation is certainly a concept with so many dimensions that is a real challenge to delve into it.

-E

Apple, as I said..

Isnt that fascinating? The magic of the stock market, as I was discussing Apple's stock a few months ago at $85/share. The share is booming to $114, a very respective growth, making shareholders to smile against Microsoft that is still trying to build up the Vista market. I think in the future Apple will buy Microsoft or the latter will borrow some of Apple's innovation under a business deal :)

The amazing with Apple is that is a typical example of Paul Romer's theory that I discuss with the QC students. Innovation and ideas lead into the growth in the long run and Apple is doing exactly that. Weird, the whole USA is doing the same, but the economic growth is declining. Perhaps politics, culture has to change to release the innovation waves that could boost the US economy, construction and the rest of the microeconomic headaches.

-E

No more texting in WA

Beginning Jan. 1, it will be illegal for drivers in the state of Washington to read, type or send a text message from a wireless device while behind the wheel.
At least the law won't apply to emergency personnel, tow truck drivers who use wireless devices that are permanently attached to their vehicles, or drivers using wireless devices to report illegal activity, call for medical assistance or
other emergencies. Users of "hands-free" devices are also exempt, feel better now!

The weird in the whole case or policy is that the drivers can be cited for breaking the new law ONLY if they have been stopped for another traffic violation. The fine for violating the new law could be as high as $250.

Why did that happen? Here is the weird story that caused the government's reaction and shouldn't have been the first time but for sure the last!

An accident in December was caused by a 53-year-old
man using his BlackBerry while driving a minivan in the express lane
of Interstate 5 near downtown Seattle. Te man was so focused on his cell, who was unaware that the traffic ahead of him had stopped,
smashed into the car in front of him, causing a chain reaction
involving three other cars and a bus carrying 28 passengers. Imagine a subscriber/driver that just got his i-phone..
Expect similar policies in other states too, following Washington's example..

-E

Greek basketball is the European king again!

Panathinaikos won last Sunday night the 4th European title in basketball beating CSSKA from Russia 93-91. The final was in Athens, big feast in Athens downtown.
A green machine takes 2007 Euroleague title

This title was the follow up title after the 2nd title that Greece won in the World League last summer. Still remember that big game and the glorious victory against the US national team.
We are the European Champions again, GREECE is making the rules!!