Doc
The divestment of Centerline is not such a tragedy for Globetel Wireless operations moving forward..Centerline is NOT strategic to the deployment of Hotzone Netorks or integration with the Strat.
If you look at any telco, GTEM being no exception - 3 network segments need to fit together:-
1. Component 1 is Hotzone (one of GTEMs jewels) - this is the last mile enabling subscriber 'access' to the network - voice calls, wireless laptops etc. Competitors are the traditional fixed line broadband telcos, the catv companies and the cell phone companies through their GPRS networks. We know NO MAS is going after those areas which are poorly served by copper fixed line and GPRS (mobile data networks) coverage
2. Component 2 is the Strat (the 2nd GTEM jewel). In the longterm this will provide WiMAX Metro backhaul from designated Hotzone 'Hubsite' Basestations. In the meantime, without a Strat WiMAX backhaul link, then GTEM will either use their own 'terrestrial ground based WiMAX links (if licenced) or they will 'lease' bandwidth (e.g E1/T1 pipes) from incumbent aggregators/PTTs etc to transport 'Hotzone' access traffic to a designated 'Core' PoP site(s). Not having Strat from Day One is a disadvantage, but No MAS will no doubt have factored 'leased line' costs into their business model. Once Strat comes along. those leased line costs can be greatly reduced. With strat you get massive 'WiMAX' access coverage but also 'backhaul' from your Hotzones on the ground to the 'Core'
3. Component 3 is the IP Core 'Routing and Peering' with Globally connected 'IP transit providers'. This is where IP 'Peering' takes place to route the 'Hotzone' Dect over VoIP and www Internet traffic into the Tier 1 National PTT IP Core Network. Centerline was never critical for this - instead all No MAS originated traffic need only be dropped in the existing VPN de Mexico network. Cut out Centerline and you reduce Operating costs at the LA switch site. Network Management for No MAS can be provided by an expanded VPN de Mexico facility in country.
All in all Centerline (with it's poor profit margin) is NO great loss for us (IMO). I am very pleased GTEM are focussing on Hotzone and Sanswire. The Strat will eventually arrive that I have no doubt!
schnizzle