When the next-generation communications system comes online, the question is whether the cruise lines will reduce their communications costs to passengers because of the changes in technology or whether they will leave costs as they are but offer a greatly enhanced experience for system users.

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The company dumped its information system division in 2003 and, last year, spun off its wireline business to leave it as a pure wireless company.

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There ought to be a way to integrate the two subsidy systems so that people are not encouraged to leave the private system as they age.

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