AT&T names new CEO: Randall Stephenson
By Ryan Block 
posted Apr 27th 2007 4:28PM
posted Apr 27th 2007 4:28PM
We don't expect any but the most devoted of telecom nerds to know the name of Ed Whitacre, long time CEO to AT&T -- now America's largest communications business (so far as we know). Well, at this point all you really need to know about the man is as of June 3rd he's stepping down, and a new chap by the name of Randall Stephenson, Whitacre's "understudy" and AT&T COO, is set to step up. We'll save you the corporate backstory here (that's what Wikipedia is for, or, if you've got the subscription, follow our link to The Journal), but all we can say is we sure do hope when we settle down our retirement package is at nearly $160 mil, like Whitacre's. Ed, baby, we're free for lunch -- it's on you, though. [Warning: link requires subscription]
To quote a famous comedian - "I'm not saying I woulda killed net neutrality, but I understand". Trying to charge Google is one thing (something I don't agree with) but why should I (ED or Randall) allow Sprint (my competitor) to use my network for their mobile traffic using home devices like the recently announced ubicell. http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/27/samsung-ubicell-base-station-to-extend-in-home-cdma-coverage/
F'eM and their short cuts. Let them build their network out if their coverage sucks!
"why should I (ED or Randall) allow Sprint (my competitor) to use my network for their mobile traffic using home devices like the recently announced ubicell."
Because your customers paid for the bandwidth already?
"Because your customers paid for the bandwidth already?"
The rates Sprint pays are set by the government and they are not favorable to any of the RBOC's.
Kevin Nealon?
I hope Randall IMPROVES service! This is the 4th day without phone or DSL service for my legally blind uncle and his wife (who are in their 90's). No telephone, burglar cannot report, etc. AND this is suppose to be PRIORITY repair service. Problem is a short 1000 feet away in a deteriorating line.