UltraBB New Verizon

Verizon starts deploying G-PON technology to implement its FTTH plans, having as major provider Alcatel-Lucent. This company is seriously back after the restructuring, winning major deals in the US but also in other markets such as the deal with Australia's Telstra. FiOs services are now improved, since the end-user has over 1Gbps (2.4Gbps) network capacity. It might not be a bad idea to reserve some ALU stock, the stock is not doing great righ now, but it might pay off some attractive marginal profits in the future. I have the feeling that very soon they will get back in demand threatening Cisco's throne.

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MasterCard the frontier

Although MasterCard lost major market share and deals against Visa, now is trying to bounce back in new markets, trying Mobile Commerce, expected soon to take off after the current trial phase.
Discussing about a high-tech trend that in Japan is already adapted from 19 million users.
Currently Finland-based Nokia, the world's largest cell phone maker, is partnering with MasterCard to offer two cell phone payment
services. One of them will be tested at
7-Eleven stores, the other, at Cingular Wireless and Citigroup. Currently, another cell phone maker, Motorola, has three
trials underway, one involving Discover. Still security and theft could hold back the serious penetration in the USA.
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Google's rumor

Google is breaking the news again with a rumor about a new cell phone that will enter the market soon and certainly it will be the 'smart' one that will compete against Blackberry and iphone and there is no doubt that there is market for another phone. I am in the same position probably like other mobile wireless users to find the ideal handset that will satisfy my needs and the more Internet applications if from Google the more the convenience, especially if it is about VoIP applis and low marginal costs per call.
The same rumor that was posted on the today's WSJ reports that the potential manufacturer could be Samsusng Electronics Co.

Final comment, Google proves one more time that 'reinventing the wheel' could be a very profitable business, supported with the right capital and business models.
Google reinvented the Internet, applis, online entertainment and now perhaps a new smart phone converging different services and functions.

US recession on the road

There is no doubt that we enter the recession, hard to believe, but certainly its not the first time for the US economy the last decade, November 2001, making it not a surprise.

The Fed will certainly play a significant role, triggering the interest rates upwards, if needed, bringing them in smoke again after the last summer's super-record. Oil and gas prices are actually with oil prices once again topping $60 a barrel.


Some oil analysts at Barclays Bank are forecasting worries of $65 in the near future due to the increased petroleum demand compared to the last years' pressing OPEC's efforts to stabilize the prices.
The CPI showed nationwide fruit and vegetable prices increased 4.7% in February. This is partly because of the government's push to develop the ethanol-fuel market. This has raised the price of corn, which trickles down to everything from livestock feed to candy bars. Also, a deep freeze in California led to lower crop yields. However, following the government's new strategy on the energy, and in order to satisfy ethanol goals, food prices will keep rising modestly for the foreseeable future, causing inflationary worries.
Finally the consumers confidence is not the best due to the housing slump, high gasoline prices and the volatile stock market.

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big and sad news..at work

George - my friend - is leaving Queens College and joins Accenture as a consulting analyst, all the best. For me, no more Greek happy hour at work now..:(
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