Is Xero The Second Coming Of Gizmondo?

from the run-away dept

Tue, Mar 14th 2006 7:06pm — Mike Masnick

About a month ago, there was some buzz in the blogworld that there was yet another MVNO (a mobile operator that uses someone else's network) about to hit the scene, called Xero, with $300 million in funding. This seemed bizarre because the MVNO space is rapidly getting very crowded, and anyone just starting now is probably going to face a lot of trouble -- especially as it was quickly becoming clear that it's tough to make money as an MVNO. This shouldn't surprise anyone. After all, the rationale for MVNOs is usually to fill a niche that the big mobile operators don't find worth targeting -- in other words, one they don't believe is that profitable. Thus, it makes sense for a smaller operation looking for more targeted subscribers or an operator who really has some outside advantage (such as an important relationship). However, when MVNOs try to go big, they risk competing with their own network providers. In other words, any really successful MVNO is likely to piss off (or get bought by) whoever is supplying their network, if they get too big. Not necessarily a fun position to be in.

Still, some people believe in the space, and if Xero is to be the next hyped up entrant, so be it. However, there's a bit more info coming out today concerning the folks behind Xero, and it may be cause for a bit more skepticism. First, it appears their "differentiator" will be offering "free" airtime, if you're willing to accept advertisements on your mobile phone. If that sounds familiar, it's because that was the original announced business model for the infamous Gizmondo device. So, it's probably worth noting that Xero's management team was last seen running parts of Gizmondo. Yes, Gizmondo. The tiny company with an expensive gaming device (even when subsidized by ads) with almost no compelling games -- that was found to be paying executives millions of dollars, giving them expensive fancy cars (whoops) and with a less than squeaky clean police record. After all of this, of course, the company went bankrupt, without much to show for it (the executives, on the other hand, appeared to make out well). The guys running Xero don't appear to be the same folks who were accused of questionable behavior at Gizmondo, but it certainly does raise some questions about who is giving these guys $300 million to basically try the same business plan all over again -- except with mobile phones instead of a portable gaming device.

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7 Comments

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Andrew Strasser, 14 Mar 2006 @ 9:38pm

The rich get richer.
If it's good enough for Marth Stewart it's good enough for anyone. Theft is wrong.
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Tom Foremski, 15 Mar 2006 @ 1:49am

GOOG needs to become one...
Google needs to get direct access to users...cell phone gives them a search box in every pocket. http://www.siliconvalleywatcher.com
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pwb, 15 Mar 2006 @ 9:43am

Kind of a dumb name.
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stelios haji-ioannou, 15 Mar 2006 @ 6:41pm

ashley cole
i like ashley cole would like to make crystal clear
i stelios haji-ioannou am definately not gay in any way at all
i have had many high profile relationships with real women
my legal policy
with regard to my legal policy. I am sure you will understand that i, stelios haji-ioannou cannot permit others to use my family name and the smear campaign i have had to endure without the certainty that i will sue the person or publication for libel due to rights in my character and family name being prejudiced. It follows that no use should be made of the stelios haji-ioannou name (or anything similar to it) and if any smear relating to gay or homosexual practices is made you will be punished to the full extent of the law. And in addition i will seek damages and compensation.

the though of being gay repulses me and has brought a great deal of shame and embarrisement to my family especially as it is not true.
i have nothing against gays or lesbians personally and i do not wish to offend anyone at all

please do not misunderstand me i employ many gays
but i will sue anyone who calls me a homosexual
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Amar, 15 Apr 2006 @ 4:24pm

XERO MOBILE
This company is sure to do well in the cellular service industry. I am a college student from UCLA and have been waiting for a personal/affordable cell phone service in which i can sign up under WITH NO CONTRACT.

Their plans are simply amazing. I cannot believe what they will offer at low cost or even free. They are more for the people rather than profit.

They will also provide excellent promotions and deals on HIGH TECH phones...a college student's dreams. I cant wait untill their service is released...
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Howard S, 27 Apr 2006 @ 3:54pm

Re: XERO MOBILE
Amar, two of the puppet masters behind this company have been arrested. You should consider who you ally yourself with, as it could tarnish your reputation.Carl Freer, the puppet master behind Xero, got arrested the other day for buying guns with his phony police department badge. His attorney says it was a simple misunderstanding. His partner in crime, Stefan Eriksson is behind bars with an immigration hold on him. The homemade porn on Eriksson’s computer of him and Freer having sex with a teenage girl may have been legal where it was made, but possession of kiddy porn in the states is a serious crime. !

http://www.nbc4.tv/news/9042444/detail.html

http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_117003409 .html

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/c...s-pe-california
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Howard S, 29 Apr 2006 @ 6:32pm

Xero Mobile Has Left The Building
It’s been reported that all of the Xero Mobile employees have fled the office after the arrest of their leader, Carl Freer. The landlord came in on Friday to find them packing. They left no forwarding address. Gone public on Monday and ran out on Friday. Is this a record? This is a better story than Gizmondo, oh wait, this IS the Gizmondo story. I guess we won’t see many “students” posting how great Xero is after they have done their “research”. Any one at Desi TV left in the building? HA ha ha ha ha. LMFAO!
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