Chapter 895: An Atmosphere of Harmonious Win-Win

[Chapter 895: An Atmosphere of Harmonious Win-Win]

"The Digital Mobile Communications Alliance? What's this guy planning to replicate, that digital video format?"

"Yes, boss, Motorola has already reached an agreement. As for Europe, it shouldn't be too problematic either."

The old codger from Morgan Stanley felt dizzy; William White's actions continued to surprise him.

"Ugh, tell them not to act rashly. Damn it, didn't those so-called experts claim this was a groundbreaking invention?"

The old man's words left his subordinates unable to respond.

So what if it was groundbreaking? Alternating current could be labeled as alternative; what difference would it make for CDMA?

In any case, bigwigs at peanuts wouldn't be fond of this new toy. As technology advanced, the bad guys at the CIA began to realize that their intelligence-gathering methods had clearly become outdated.

This wasn't about analog communication where pretending to have the same number would suffice. Digital communications were relatively difficult to eavesdrop on, and that was no mere marketing slogan.

Of course, complete shielding wasn't possible. Some sensitive numbers wouldn't escape scrutiny.

Later, during the Prism program, the U.S. was essentially eavesdropping on the entire world. As it turned out, even after being exposed, the U.S. didn't show any signs of backing down.

Why were a bunch of European buddies wavering over 5G?

They didn't want to offend the U.S., yet they also didn't want to be spied on. So, this bunch had truly lost everything after World War II.

They wouldn't stand up to the bigger entities, always hoping that the big rabbit would lead the charge.

Think again; sitting on the sidelines and watching the fire while hoping for an easy solution--such strategies had been played for thousands of years. How ridiculous!

"Should we warn them, boss?"

"Hehe, where do you draw that line? If it goes through normal channels, we can only keep quiet. As for anything else, a little lesson should suffice."

Tanner had run out of ideas; he could only complicate things from his end. It seemed that apart from those anonymous SIM cards, there was simply no way to avoid scrutiny.

"Tanner, don't get caught up. Don't talk in code; what if they figure it out? No big deal. By the way, didn't O.J. Simpson get acquitted too?"

Tanner could only chuckle in disbelief; he really didn't know what to say. America truly only suited the wealthy; a case this clear-cut could still end in acquittal.

William White's meaning was clear--some things were better left unknown. Even if they found out, couldn't you just deny it?

Those eavesdropped materials couldn't be taken to court. Even if you managed to take them, the lawyer would refuse to present them. It was illegal from the get-go, so let's not expand further.

Wasn't the Simpson case just like that? Without a legal search warrant, any evidence obtained in a mansion could not be used.

Sometimes, William White wondered if the American legal system wasn't overly whimsical.

The olive branch that William White extended was something the Europeans couldn't outright refuse. Moreover, his company would fully transition into a research and development institution.

This was a significant concession. You guys can produce whatever you want; I'll just take a small patent fee. That doesn't seem unreasonable, right?

To say that they were excited would be an understatement. This was more like bowing one's head under a roof.

First off, Bell Labs had a substantial stake in the GSM alliance. Secondly, while the CDMA had now emerged, it wasn't yet time for promotion.

Choosing to cooperate now would grant a first-mover advantage in the next phase. If they refused, they would face a mighty blow.

At the end of the day, none of the European companies had the capability to independently develop a new system. The options were quite limited now; either they all made money together, or they could just perish--it was as simple as that.

"Sir, the negotiations went relatively smoothly; the companies didn't pose much of an issue. However, the politicians seemed a bit unhappy."

"Hahaha, let me guess, are they from the French?"

Filson shook his head with a bitter smile; those arrogant roosters truly didn't know their place. If they disagreed, Alcatel wouldn't need to play ball, so why bother stressing about it?

Those pesky folks were simply being petty, and they were the ones truly being ridiculous. Besides Napoleon's time, when else have they earned any respect?

"Hehe, the congressman's criticism didn't bother Alcatel much. Either they redeveloped a system, or continued using GSM; they would eventually be swept away by the market.

That congressman was just a farmer; he didn't use mobile phones and refused to use computers. I can't fathom what goes on in his head."

"Hahaha, that's the truth. By the way, Filson, haven't you noticed how slowly computers are being adopted in Europe?

Do you believe me? Within five years, the adoption rate in the rabbit country will match or even close in on yours."

Filson stared at William White incredulously. He was well aware that the guy had a son in Shanghai. But still, it was just a child, right?

"Don't believe it? I didn't believe it at first either. It's remarkably peculiar--their obsession with computers and the internet is unimaginable.

And guess what, Filson? The rabbit country is currently beginning to embrace the true meaning of personal PCs. Gaming and film discs are what they are most focused on.

Ugh, what a pity! If copyright awareness were more prevalent, I would definitely make a fortune."

Filson looked at this boss, who was never satisfied with making money, and felt exhausted from the conversation. He had a reasonable income; just look at Bill Gates--no wait, that guy was doing quite well financially.

"Sir, if Microsoft sold their stuff for a bit less..."

"Ugh, that arrogant jerk, I'm in a good mood today and don't want to talk about him."

A legitimate system cost thousands, and bundled with office suites, wouldn't it be more expensive than a computer?

People could buy antivirus software for $40 to $50, reasonably spend around $100 for a legitimate system. What about your Microsoft pricing? William White didn't even want to comment; talking more about it would only bring tears.

Alright, from the American perspective, equal shares meant equal rights. Products were the same; you couldn't say software wasn't a product.

Moreover, you had it in Chinese, too. My costs would be higher than the English version. Not raising the price was already generous; isn't it the rabbit country who doesn't have any objections?

William White couldn't play the role of Bill Gates; he had no interest in it anyway. That guy might even be smarter than him and already had countermeasures prepared.

He currently didn't care about this; reaching an agreement with European partners made him the happiest.

CDMA was powerful, yet until 3G appeared, only GSM was hailed as a global standard. Due to the fierce resistance from European partners, the mobile communications market faced a bizarre scene.

While the U.S. wanted to promote it, there were too many domestic carriers who had been competing since the days of analog mobile, continuing into the GSM era.

Stock prices crashed, and junk bonds flooded the market; that described the U.S. mobile carriers perfectly.

When the U.S. pushed for CDMA, these carriers were left dumbfounded. Come on, you can't play us like this! If they continued burning cash, bankruptcy would be their only option.

Bad money would drive out the good; that was the reality. Eventually, only South Korea and the rabbit country fully promoted CDMA, while Hong Kong and the rabbit country showed little incentive.

Of course, there were strategic games and battles involved. It was evident that Europe was keen on a resurgence and wouldn't simply back down.

Now, all of that was no longer relevant. Since everyone had interests at stake, they would continue to muddle through together. If Europe produced a new toy, then they could contend once again.

*****

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