Verizon’s new plan: Consumers win, investors lose | CNN Money

February 13, 2017February 23, 2017 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Verizon has brought back its unlimited data plan. That’s great if you’re a Verizon customer. But it is terrible news for its investors.

Verizon (VZ, Tech30) stock fell nearly 1.5% in early trading Monday. It’s now down about 10% so far this year, making it the Dow’s worst performer of 2017.

Verizon’s move is a clear sign the company has to pull out all the stops to remain competitive with wireless rivals AT&T (T, Tech30), Sprint (S) and T-Mobile (TMUS).

“In recent months, both T-Mobile and Sprint had some success taking additional share from Verizon by virtue of their unlimited offerings,” wrote Morgan Stanley analysts in a report Monday morning.

This Entrepreneur Thinks His Startup, Farmigo, Will Kill Off Supermarkets | Forbes

May 11, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

In the not-too-distant future, says Benzi Ronen, founder and CEO of Farmigo, consumers will use mobile phones to order non-perishables like toothpaste and toilet paper from Amazon and then buy their fresh food–from “humanely raised” lamb chops to “locally foraged” ramps–from his six-year-old online grocer based in Brooklyn, NY. Using technology and community-organizing techniques borrowed from the Obama campaign, he is building a network of Farmigo reps who are spreading the word throughout their neighborhoods and distributing food at weekly pick-ups. Farmigo operates only in New York, New Jersey and parts of northern California, but Ronen, 44, believes he can take his model to all 50 states. This interview has been edited and condensed.

Would you buy a phone made of grass? | BBC News

March 27, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

It is a common complaint that most mobile phones look the same these days.

But designer Sean Miles has created one that should stand out from the crowd.

It is the first mobile phone made entirely from recycled and natural products, he says.

The phone’s casing – which is integrated into the phone – is made from recycled resin and specially treated grass clippings.

Six Mobile Marketing Tips for Small Businesses | Businessweek

January 14, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Mobile phones are essential to shopping these days, and a majority of cell phone owners say they’re willing to share personal data with merchants in exchange for such things as coupons and discounts.

But navigating mobile marketing can be confusing for small business owners, who must avoid bombarding people with unwanted texts while they’re slogging through crowds of holiday shoppers. So how can local merchants use mobile marketing effectively? Here are six tips.