Chapter 425 This Cooperation Is Sealed!
If the cellular mobile network could first be deployed in Hong Kong and mobile phones promoted afterward, recovering the investment and even making profits in the future wouldn't be too difficult.
Although Robert Galvin was somewhat interested internally, he still shook his head and said, "Mr. Lin, your proposal is indeed very attractive. The market potential of Hong Kong and the financial support you offer undoubtedly provide us with a fresh perspective and new opportunity, and I am indeed intrigued. However, before Motorola can agree to a partnership, there are several key factors we must consider."
Lin Haoran leaned forward slightly, signaling for him to continue.
"Firstly," Robert Galvin said, "even though we have made significant progress in mobile communication technology, as you mentioned, achieving large-scale commercialization still requires overcoming numerous technical challenges and cost barriers, such as signal obstruction between skyscrapers.
While the cost and geography in Hong Kong are more favorable, careful planning and a lot of groundwork will still be needed. Secondly, as a global enterprise, Motorola's strategic decisions must consider the impact on and layout of our global markets. Whether success in Hong Kong can provide us with experience and a model for other markets is something we must seriously evaluate.
Most importantly, we currently have very little business presence in Hong Kong. It is a relatively unfamiliar market to us."
"Mr. Robert Galvin," Lin Haoran responded warmly, "Motorola's achievements as a global leader in communications are truly admirable and a testament to your foresight and the company's strength. Regarding the technical challenges and cost concerns you mentioned, I fully understand and respect Motorola's cautious approach.
For this reason, I have already begun preparations to help us jointly address these challenges.
On the technical side, I firmly believe Motorola's engineering team can gradually overcome any difficulties. Moreover, wide-scale commercialization among users is the best way to test technology, uncover bugs, and refine products.
As for the global impact and strategic expansion, Hong Kong, as an international metropolis, undoubtedly has market characteristics and consumption trends representative of the global market. Successfully deploying and operating a mobile cellular network in Hong Kong would not only provide Motorola with valuable practical experience but also serve as a showcase for your technological strength and innovation spirit on a global scale.
This would further enhance Motorola's global competitiveness and brand influence.
Therefore, I propose the establishment of a joint project team between us, specifically responsible for the implementation and promotion of this project in Hong Kong. This team would be composed of experts from both Motorola and my side to ensure smooth progress and the maximization of our mutual interests.
Additionally, based on market feedback and business development, we can explore gradually replicating this successful model to other potential markets in the future."
Lin Haoran took a sip of water and glanced at Robert Galvin, who was listening intently, before continuing.
"Of course, I understand that Motorola must consider many factors in making a decision. Therefore, I am willing to provide a detailed cooperation plan, including an investment strategy, market analysis, projected returns, and risk management measures for your reference.
Since 1973, when Motorola first showcased the mobile phone prototype—although not yet commercially viable—you have been striving to maintain a leading position in the industry.
However, facing competition from Bell Labs and the imperfectly open mobile networks in Japan and other regions, Motorola risks missing development opportunities if it does not act quickly.
The main reason Motorola has yet to commercialize mobile phone technology is undoubtedly financial constraints.
Our cooperation would provide strong support in solving this problem.
As the inventor of the mobile phone, I believe Motorola naturally wants the honor of launching the world's first commercial mobile phone.
Moreover, in Hong Kong, I have considerable influence and can assist in overcoming all non-technical obstacles.
I have come here with utmost sincerity. If Mr. Robert Galvin ultimately refuses this cooperation, I may have to consider seeking collaboration with Bell Labs or other mobile communications companies.
Surely, Motorola would want the glory of launching the world's first mobile phone to remain in its hands, right?" Lin Haoran concluded, taking another sip of water.
He had come well-prepared to persuade Robert Galvin, including thorough research into the mobile communications industry.
One must always fight a well-prepared battle. Coming to negotiate without sufficient background would have drastically increased the chances of failure.
Upon hearing Lin Haoran's thorough explanation, Robert Galvin's brows gradually relaxed, clearly moved by Lin's sincerity and preparations.
He tapped lightly on the table, thought for a moment, and said, "Mr. Lin, you have truly surprised me. As far as I know, you are not from the communications industry, yet you have such deep knowledge about it.
Your deep understanding of the market has left a strong impression on me.
It is undeniable that Motorola is eager to maintain its leadership in the communications field. And the honor of launching the world's first truly commercial mobile phone carries immense strategic significance for us.
Regarding the uniqueness and representativeness of the Hong Kong market you mentioned, I had my reservations, but your explanations have addressed them well.
Your proposals—establishing a joint project team, providing a detailed cooperation plan—show your serious attitude and careful consideration toward this partnership.
Especially your promise to solve all non-technical obstacles—that is highly appealing to us.
However, as I said earlier, Motorola, being a global enterprise, must weigh multiple considerations.
Although Hong Kong's market potential is significant, our weak business foundation there does increase the risks and uncertainties during the early stages."
Seeing this, Lin Haoran knew the critical moment had arrived. Seizing the opportunity, he quickly said, "Mr. Robert Galvin, I fully understand your concerns. To further reduce Motorola's risks in entering the Hong Kong market, I propose the following guarantees:
First, my side will bear all initial project investments and establish a dedicated risk fund to handle unforeseen issues.
Second, my side will be responsible for market promotion and customer relationship management, leveraging our extensive network and resources in Hong Kong to ensure smooth project progress and rapid profitability.
Third, to strengthen Motorola's business foundation in Hong Kong, I am willing to expand our cooperation into multiple areas, including but not limited to technical training, talent development, and market expansion, to achieve resource sharing and complementary advantages."
Finishing his proposal, Lin Haoran picked up his water cup again but this time waited for Robert Galvin's response before drinking.
In his mind, Lin Haoran was already planning the next steps: without independent technology, he would collaborate closely with Motorola.
Once the cooperation was established, he would proceed to acquire Hong Kong Telephone Company and use it to partner with Motorola.
Though short-term profits were unlikely, once the technology matured, he could buy out the joint venture at a relatively low cost and completely control it himself.
Listening to Lin Haoran's assurances, Robert Galvin's eyes gradually brightened, clearly moved by the proposals.
He nodded slightly and said, "Mr. Lin, your proposal is very constructive, especially your willingness to bear the initial major funding and establish a dedicated risk fund, which significantly reduces Motorola's risk.
Also, your commitment to market promotion, customer relationship management, and multi-field cooperation adds more depth and possibilities to our partnership."
He paused for a moment, seemingly weighing everything he had heard, then continued, "However, you must understand that this matter is too important for me to decide alone. I need to discuss it with the board of directors.
Please give me one day. I will discuss this matter carefully with Motorola's senior management. Once a decision is made, I will contact you immediately, and we can then begin detailed negotiations. Would that be acceptable?"
"I completely understand, Mr. Robert Galvin. I will be staying in Chicago these next few days, and I look forward to hearing good news from you!" Lin Haoran agreed without hesitation.
From Robert Galvin's tone, he was confident that the cooperation was almost secured.
Thus, the purpose of his trip to Chicago seemed to have been fulfilled.
After finishing their discussions, Robert Galvin personally led Lin Haoran on a tour of the Motorola campus, showcasing some of the company's R&D achievements and illustrious history.
Lin Haoran displayed great admiration outwardly, but in truth, he wasn't particularly impressed. In his previous life, he had seen products far more advanced than anything from this era.
After the tour, Lin Haoran bid farewell to Robert Galvin and returned to his hotel.
Meanwhile, Robert Galvin, true to his word, wasted no time that afternoon in presenting Lin Haoran's proposal at Motorola's senior management meeting.
The conference room was solemn, with executives seated around a large round table, their expressions serious.
Standing at the head of the table, Robert Galvin detailed Lin Haoran's cooperation plan and the guarantees he offered.
As the executives listened, they nodded occasionally in approval.
They fully understood that as mobile communications technology evolved, market competition would only intensify. Motorola needed to seize early opportunities to maintain its leadership.
American cities were indeed not suitable for early-stage technology rollouts, given the vast investment required for cellular networks. Success would attract investors to jointly fund the nationwide network—but without initial deployment, the technology would be wasted.
Thus, cooperation with Lin Haoran represented a rare opportunity.
After intense discussion and weighing the pros and cons, Motorola's executives ultimately decided to accept Lin Haoran's proposal and proceed with the collaboration.
Later that same afternoon, Robert Galvin excitedly contacted Lin Haoran, informing him that Motorola had agreed to the partnership.
Upon hearing the news, all of Lin Haoran's lingering worries disappeared—this cooperation was sealed.
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