Wal-Martification of Mobility

[Jerry Raia]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.russellbeattie.com/notebook/1008714.html' target='_blank'>http://www.russellbeattie.com/notebook/1008714.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"I’m hardly surprised at this, but still it’s sad to see this report from eMarketer that Wal-Mart has taken over the number one position in the last 6 months in terms of handset sales in retail stores. Consumers always want inexpensive or free phones, that’s for sure. But Wal-Mart I’m sure is pushing it to extremes, with the cheapest phones and most basic plans. Not good for mobility in general, the mobile market or anyone in particular except maybe Chinese sweat shop owners who have deals with them."</i><br /><br />I don't know if I share the concern here. I doubt many of the people running to Wal Mart for free phones would really be interested in the kinds of things we are here.

[dwest218]

I agree that Wal-Mart is not good for the Microsoft smartphone. I also wonder if the Wal-Mart sales are mostly people who have never owned a cell phone before and are just entering the arena??

[ctmagnus]

If I can at all help it, I stay as far from Wal-Mart as possible.

[mbranscum]

I personally could care less if Wal-Mart sells phones. The more competition the merrier!

I mean...if I can buy that cool Razr phone (just kidding!!!) at Wal-Mart for $68 on a two year contract...and not have to mail in a stupid rebate that takes 6 months to get back...why not buy it there!? :D