Chapter 1832 Cellphones!
Two and a half hours later and everyone was deep into conversation, Landon rose from his seat, having gone through everything with Tim. "I will personally fund the entire project, since it is my sole idea and independent work… However, the various government department heads will contact you for another meeting, and you will spearhead the presentation on Cell Phone security, governance and compliance " "Of course, your Majesty."
What did he look like? An amateur? Understand that every major technology made in the Lower Region, even Gameboys, still and to pa.s.s Compliance tests, rules and regulations. There are already many rules in place to stop cyberattacks. Although none such attacks have been reported yet, they all knew there will be a day when one wise guy will think of starting crime in that direction. Thus, every computerized and mechanical technology has to follow certain guidelines to prevent bugging and other ways outsiders can infiltrate their defenses. The government heads, especially those in charge of security, will want to know all possible attacks attackers can launch through these cell phones, and how they plan to combat these attacks for those in the far future. It"s clear that if such a technology gets realized, it will make communications a lot easier. So of course, it is a necessity. However, what are the rules of use in place for it? Landon had already thought about it. It seems Jonathan and Tim were also pleased with his arrangements. "Your majesty, I think it"s good that only Baymardians can own Cell Phones."
"Yes, your majesty. Such technology must not leave the sh.o.r.es of Baymard no matter the cost!" Tim and Jonathan"s faces were stern, as though about to take poisonous oaths. Landon chuckled, knowing that even if it left the sh.o.r.es of Baymard, no one outside the lower region will be able to understand how it worked.
Can they recreate the parts? Can they recreate the sim cards? What about the battery? The charger? The internal parts? Can they write out the computerized programs and other software that came installed? Do they understand Computer and software engineering? Do they know how to use Java, CC+ and other coding platforms? What about cell towers? Do they understand the purpose of cell towers? Sorry, but there were a million and one things involved in just cellphone making. The only reason he wanted to stop cell phones from leaving Baymard"s sh.o.r.es was so to create a buzz or rave about them. Think of it as a marketing strategy. As it stands, only Baymardians can truly own cell phones, but don"t forget that people from treaty-signed empires can rent cellphones the entire time they are here. And once leaving the Landport, seaport or even the airport, they can deliver the cellphones there during check in. They just have to fill out a short form there, submit their phones to the check-in staff and be well on their way. The initial safety deposit will then be sent back to their bank accounts in no more than 7 days. No one should ever doubt Landon"s far sighted plans. Both Tim and Jonathan didn"t know it all, but Landon had already seen a huge marketing opportunity here… and that was to create a craving "want" from the people.
.
Ah yes~... Deposits. Landon didn"t plan to make the safety deposits to be ma.s.sive. To rent these devices, one has to pay more than 1/2 the phone"s price. They can pay that upfront or pay the deposit bit during the duration of their stay. Let"s say they get a visa permitting them to stay for just 6 months, but they Anne"s to stay for only 1 month. Some can choose to stay for a little longer, getting temporary jobs here to make up for it. But anyway, the down payment isn"t something that is typically much, depending on what cell phone they wish to go for. Different phone types will cost different prizes. There will be cell phones for 100 Bays (133 copper coins), and cellphones for 800 Bays. Understand that 0.7501 Bays = 1 copper coin. Again, they will only be putting down only half the total price of the phone. So if they get the 100 bay phone, they have to pl0ut down 50 Bays( 66.7 copper coins.) What was 67 copper coins? Over the years, the monthly wages in Pyno has jumped from 250~300 copper coins to 480~600 copper coins and even more. No joke, since many found entrepreneurs.h.i.+p, more and more ordinary people are getting wealthier. Even farmers now make twice more than before, with some farmers even making up to 700 copper coins (6 silver coins) a month. Now in Pyno, the minimum wage is roughly 480 copper coins. But in Baymard, the minimum wage in the Capital City is 680 copper coins (510 Bays). In other Baymardian territories, it varies between 560 to 620 copper coins. So yes. Many can afford 67 copper coins as down payment to rent these phones. Again, though the 100 Bay phone is a good choice, the 200 Bay phone will be the one Landon knew most regular people will go for because of functionality. The 100 Bay phone will be the cheapest phone in all of Baymard. The more expensive the phone, the more advanced its tech. Landon ma.s.saged his chin with a sly glint in his eyes. Even with this, he never planned to make the camera apps, online regular payment apps and a few other apps. Hang on… although no bank apps and traditional payment methods linking to one"s direct bank cards will be available, he still came up with a clever way for them to buy things online. First, everyone will have to register for what"s called a Spendable Recharge card, that can be granted to them from the bank. With that card, they can transfer money into it and use the card to buy things online. The card number is 5 digits long and different from traditional bank cards. Yet, it had more verification procedures for proof of identification. These recharge cards are great because even if in the future, attackers steal money from the cards, at least these cards aren"t necessarily linked to your regular bank cards. Note that the cards won"t have names printed on them, bug special codes and unique identifiers. Online refunds can also be sent to these cards, and you can then later transfer the funds to your personal bank account.