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They're Cooked: Wireless Turkeys from 2008
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, and everyone's thoughts turning to turkey, FierceWireless decided to look at some other turkeys that made news in 2008--albeit for the wrong reason.
It's never nice to point out the flaws in plans, products or schemes after they've already failed (or are in the process of going downhill), but it would also be irresponsible to simply forget the foibles and follies of some of the wireless industry's biggest turkeys. Some of the flops are bigger than others, which is why we have ranked them on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 turkeys being a major flop (or a really well-done bird if that's your preferred metaphor).
Some, like the debacle over which wireless carrier would provide WiFi services in Starbucks stores, mostly stemmed from miscommunication and a poorly executed launch strategy. Others were more costly, especially if they involved litigation or if the strategies and decisions involved impacted the long-term prospects for a company (or, alternatively, if that company simply failed).
While this is by no means an exhaustive list of the biggest wireless flops of the year, it does include some major headline grabbers. As always, we welcome your comments and criticisms. -Phil
Click through the list to get a taste of these 2008 Turkeys:
Comments (4) | Post a comment
They're Cooked: Wireless Turkeys from 2008
Comments
Posted by Stavers | November 20, 2008 - 3:23pm
errrrrr, how could ya miss the Sprint WiMAX service - surely the biggest Turkey of the lot
Posted by Brian D. Johnson | November 21, 2008 - 10:58am
You forgot Aruba. The only public WLAN company is getting ready to layoff about 20% of its workforce. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Aruba.
Posted by Anonymous | December 8, 2008 - 1:41pm
And, dont forget about Sonopia, they were a huge turkey bringing in over $20MM in venture funding. I think they were on your Fierce 15 at one point. For future reference, dont pick any MVNO's for the Fierce 15.
Posted by bessa | December 8, 2008 - 4:49pm
someone must stop this process, for the security of the society and the world. Opensource software and beta programs are a form to the grate enterprises for evolution even more , with low investement.
Interconectivity is not a evolution but a better form for search you and Know what you are doing. Is the society madness or am I ? Yes I'm...
