OU President David L. Boren said Michael Price, the former Wall Street money manager who the OU business college is named for, arranged Cramer’s visit.

“Jim Cramer’s visit will give OU students an excellent opportunity to hear one of the most prominent personalities on Wall Street,” Boren said.

Anyone have any questions they would like to ask Mr. Cramer? Submit them in the comments.

Don Mecoy
Business Writer

Among his takes:

–The economy “can’t turn around on a dime” and a turnaround “won’t happen fast.”
–Five years from now, the economy will be running fine.  The strength of the American system will pull it through, just as it has many times in the past.
–Democrats and Republicans should work together and not try to take advantage of the economic situation to achieve partisan goals.
–Inflation has the “potential” to be worse than the 1970s.

–Most banks are in “pretty good shape” and can “earn their way out” of the current problems given the low cost of funds.  Banks, however, “need to get back to banking.”

–Extremely important that the government make clear depositors won’t lose their money if banks fail.  Obama needs to make a “clear statement” in support of the banking system.

Don Mecoy
Business Writer

Bits & Pieces blog posts this novel way to simplify television remotes. (via)

Don Mecoy
Business Writer

The long-time cable television, Internet and wireline phone provider in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa markets said Monday that it will launch its own branded wireless telephone service next year, even going to far as to build its own 3G network.

I spoke to Cox spokeswoman Jill Ullman in Atlanta, and she was mum on what Cox will call the service or any other details such as a launch date or what it will cost subscribers. That will come later, she said.

 Cox withdrew in April from a joint venture with three other cable providers and Sprint that lasted only a year. That was the Pivot service that it launched in Spring 2007 to much fanfare.

 “The dynamics of a joint venture had some constraints, and we believe that by going at this on our own we won’t have any of those experiences,” Ullman said. “We know that we learned a lot through our relationship with Pivot and the biggest learning from that relationship is that our customers want us to control the entire customer experience.” 

I asked telecommunications analyst Jeff Kagan in Atlanta for his views on the new Cox wireless service, and here’s what he told me:

 “If done right I think they can compete and be successful. They have to market correctly. They have to have products that are part of a bundle and stand alone wireless, as well. Many of the questions about Cox’s potential success come from the mis-steps from the last attempt by the cable television industry to enter wireless over the last couple years. If the lessons were learned, Cox could be successful. I think a section of the marketplace would like that to happen.” 

Ah, bundles.  No one is bigger on bundles than Cox, which claims to have invented the concept. 

 “Sixty-four percent of our customers nationwide already take more than one service from us,” Ullman said. “We see that as a great opportunity. Our initial success will be in this base of satisfied customers. With more than 64 percent of our customers already subscribing to the Cox bundle, that is going present a great opportunity for wireless.”

 Jim Stafford 

 Business Writer

“AT&T U-verse Digital Television and High Speed Internet

The alternative to Cox Cable & Satellite you’ve been waiting for

Now available at your address”

So, the new world of television over Internet protocol network has reached my neighborhood. AT&T launched the U-verse television programming service in parts of the metro about a year ago.

I looked over the brochure, which described various packages that start at $69 and go up to about $139 per month.

I’m still not ready to give up cable.  I guess I’m comfortable with what I’ve always had.

But it’s nice  to have an alternative.

Jim Stafford

Business Writer