Sprint just launched a new partnership with Hulu, offering the streaming service to its Unlimited subscribers. Doug Garland, Sprint's VP of Innovation and Partnerships, joins Cheddar to reveal why the relationship makes sense for both parties. He says he thinks the telecom company can play a meaningful role in helping consumers find premium content.
As for why Sprint chose Hulu as its content partner, Garland singles out the streamer's ability to let viewers watch "last-night's TV, tonight." The VP notes the major increase in how often smartphone users watch content on their mobile devices. Garland adds that the introduction of 5G technology will drastically expand the capabilities of on-the-go streaming.
Finally, we consider whether Sprint would ever get into producing its own content. While he says he "never says never," Garland says the company excels as a network builder, and does not have the personnel to fully invest in original content at this stage. While the carrier might not be getting into original content production, Garland does credit Sprint's strength in content-based marketing.
Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) have introduced a new bill to afford greater protection to minors on social media. The genesis of the Kids Online Safety Act came from a Facebook whistleblower case exposing the harm apps can have on the mental health of young girls.
Ride share competitors Uber and Lyft both posted their fourth quarter earnings days apart from each other. Both companies have been trying to get back on their feet after taking some pandemic-related hits, but the Omicron variant had other ideas as the year came to a close, with each company taking a hit in ridership in December. Lance Ippolito, head trader at The Future of Wealth explains how Uber and Lyft measured up this earnings period and why Uber may still have an edge over the competition.
Parallel Systems has been selected to receive $4.5 million from the Department of Energy for an advanced testing program of its autonomous, battery-electric rail vehicles. The startup, which has raised more than $53 million to date, was founded by former SpaceX engineers to reimagine the rail system by creating a more efficient, decarbonized freight network. Matt Soule, Co-founder & CEO of Parallel Systems, joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss what the company hopes to achieve.
