Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Spaceships, subways and sexy alternative revenue

So, when we think of innovations I really just mean Apple.
I mean c'mon, they started by building personal computers and forayed into person media players and now, they're building a spaceship in Cupertino!
That's moving forward. That's innovations.
Check out the spaceship pics:
Check out MSN Money here.

Check out Afterdawn.com here.

Check out geekygadgets.com here.
If this is any indication of Apple products to come, or their ambitions in the market, then it's safe to say that we're all doomed - Apple is planning to take over the world. All hail our cyborg overlord Steve Jobs (I think he'll get some cybernetic implants to prolong his life in the near future).

Introducing the iSteve:

Snagged this shooped here.


It just works! It's purely magical! This will revolutionize everything, again!

Jokes aside, when we think innovations, we often conjure up images of revolutionary products and cool new technologies. What if innovations can come in creating alternative revenue models?
Actually innovation can mean anything from a new product, method or idea. No, really!
As a Torontonian, subway delays seems like a daily occurrence (back when I worked downtown). What helped me endure the ubiquitous delays was my iPod Touch with its cornucopia of apps and games. Often though, I sensed something was missing - my connectivity to the outside world through cell phone and wifi.
Wouldn't it be amazing if you can Skype out a call while in the tunnels?
Or tweet about that large guy that's leaning on you while he's sleeping and snoring (this actually happened to me so it's not a stereotype)?
Or email to the office when you're running late?
Oh the joys of having internet access on the go.
But often, because a major part of an average Torontonian's "on the go" means underground, this is impossible.

Snagged this from CityTV's website, visit them here.

Enter my proposed alternative revenue model!
If Bell or one of the major telecoms can partner up with the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission, for those not native to this region of the True North Strong and Free) to set up access points along the subway tunnels there is serious money to be made here.
Imagine a subscription model.
TTC pays the telecom for its service and use of its infrastructure. Then the TTC charges a small monthly subscription fee that may or may not be subsidized based on metropasses (monthly/weekly transit pass). For example, if you purchase monthly passes then you will be eligible for internet access within the tunnels for the period of the metropass (or a discounted subscription fee during that period).
This encourages people to purchase metropasses as well as an extra source of revenue for the commission.

Suppose the ad model:
Before gaining full access to the internet users must go through a EULA sort of page and accept the terms and conditions. During that time, users will also be exposed to one ad. This can be an ad through the telecom or through the TTC. Either way, the infrastructure will be paid for.
If only the telecom gets the money, what's in it for the TTC?
Well, increased customer satisfaction for one. Easing the stress and frustration of riders while they are stuck in a tunnel without any means of communication with the outside would is a huge plus for them.

These are rough ideas and haven't given too much serious thought process to. If I spend some time to refine this idea, it will probably be much, much better. For now, the concept is there.

Let me know what you think about this.
If you like the idea, please leave a comment below and send it to your friends.

Oh btw, TTC if you're reading this:
Please train the operators of the trains and buses better!
Jerky subway and bus rides are not good. Especially when you're surfing the internet on the phone.
I appreciate the operators driving fast, but I do not appreciate them stopping just as fast/suddenly.
Almost killed myself this one time even while I was holding onto something!

Note: I am always courteous to TTC operators, most of them are really nice people.

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