Dear Editor:
What planet is Morgan O’Brien from?
One can assume from Mr. O’Brien’s comments made to the Radio Club of America about Nextel’s virtues that he is either one-brain dead and delusional, two-a liar, or three-from another planet or time dimension. Since I would not be willing to castigate one whom I do not know, the least caustic observation is No. 3. It is reasonable to expect that Mr. O’Brien is proud of his company and the corporation’s growth. However, the reality of their business campaign takes on the character of The Crusades … it seems good and wholesome on the surface, but underneath the pretty rhetoric lies the bones of innocent people. Whose bones?
How about the bones of countless small operators who provided reliable two-way dispatch to their customers for many years? These operators were, in many cases, strong-armed by a corporation with no character or compassion that was only interested in the channels. Nextel took over the channels, which were the heart of most of these small companies, and moved on. Gutted, these small companies were left to twirl in the wind.
Then there are the bones of the wireless customer. The customer needed a $12-a-month dispatch radio. As Mr. O’Brien’s Nextel turned their newly purchased analog channels off, the clients were forced into Nextel phones. They were told that they were “just $30 a month and they had no choice,” by a company that knew it could generate $50 per unit. Now they have high wireless bills that they do not need and their options are limited.
How about the bones of the direct and indirect dealers? Nextel goes to great lengths to court people to sell their service. There are hoops to jump through, forms to be familiar with, procedures to follow and approvals to get so that you can have the honor of selling this great product. Then you see the product on the rack in an office supply discount chain or the client you nurture is sold more units by a Nextel telemarketer.
Mr. O’Brien, perhaps what Nextel does appears to be virtuous on your planet. However, what Nextel does on this planet has a different color. Your company has been ruthless, deceitful and has displayed a lack of character in its dealings.
Jay Jones
