kenboy

Vonage Churning Subscribers, Stomachs

I agree there's a trend to move to all cell phone, and I agree Skype presents a challenge. I also think many people will use their cable VOIP offering because it's bundled in a lower-cost package -- BUT I don't understand why anyone would call that "higher reliability." It isn't. It's the same thing. I've had Vonage for around three years now, and have used it with three different ISPs: a DSL provider, a cable company, and now Verizon FIOS. I have NEVER had a Vonage outage, other than when the underlying broadband connection was out.

Further, I think it's strange to focus on 6,000 subscribers leaving when the company has 2.5 million subscribers. 0.24%? Really?

Bottom line: Vonage faces, I think, a challenge from bundled TV/internet/VOIP providers; however, the bundle pricing generally expires after the first or second year, which gives Vonage an opportunity to swoop in and get those customers -- who have ALREADY overcome the psychological resistance to VOIP. The new ad campaign (which points out how much less expensive they are, by the way) will help.

TBS International: Best Way to Play Dry Shippers

I don't believe ANY of the stocks you mention are actually currently paying a dividend. I think bulk shipping will recover soon, I'm in EXM myself, and I think the dividends will start to come back by the end of 2009/start of 2010 -- but right now, NONE of the stocks in your article seem to be paying a dividend.

Why I Like TBS International

Didn't EXM announce two days ago that they HAD successfully gotten covenant waivers? Too lazy to do a quick search?
www.excelmaritime.com/...

DryShips Looks Good, Even Without Its Dividends

I think EXM is a better bet here, although I'm concerned that we'll see a drop once they announce their own dividend situation...