What the hell is a private enterprise?

Chapter 524 Secret Telegram
“The handheld computer that is always connected to the internet will bring about an epoch-making change, which I call Mobile Digital Assistant, or MDA.”

Tang Wen effortlessly arranged a meeting with Kennard, the current head of the Imperial Federal Communications Commission, and boasted about the MDA to this bigwig who was in charge of various aspects of Imperial interstate and international communications, television, satellite cable radio, etc., before the press conference.

The latter has unparalleled expertise in Imperial communications, including network and mobile communications, and has always been interested in social tools.

"Imagine wanting pizza from any restaurant at lunchtime. You can select the restaurant online via MDA, specify the type, and even request extra cheese or a shorter baking time. Once the order is sent, the pizza shop receives a printed faxed menu. After the ingredients are prepared, the delivery person's MDA receives the corresponding request, accepts the order, and dispatches the pizza. People can not only communicate with each other via voice and text, replacing mobile phones, but also send pictures, and even install miniature cameras on their MDAs for remote video calls…"

……

Building a local area network centered on cities, MDA as a personal terminal will bring about earth-shattering changes to society. The amount of information transmitted every second will increase by tens or hundreds of times, and it may even replace computers.

More importantly, numerous mobile network terminals will form an economic system independent of the physical economy, with development potential far exceeding that of the physical economy.

Kennard listened patiently. Tang Wen's rosy description of the mobile internet era was indeed very appealing to him, but he still asked a crucial question:
"Then why not implement it at the University of Tokyo first?"

"What I need is not just MDA, but a complete communications ecosystem. This requires advanced communication basebands, hundreds of thousands of highly qualified network professionals, a sound urban construction system, and management models. In short, only a great country can accomplish it."

Tang Wen's words made Kennard straighten his chest: Indeed, no other place besides the Empire has the capability to develop such a system.

However, he still has a problem:
"As I understand it, MDA is simply a network of many PDAs connected together. Why haven't other companies thought of this? Is there some special technology they're lacking?"

"Of course they did think of that, but there are just too many large companies in the United States, and no one can integrate the local area network base stations, terminals, and network content together."

"Is it okay to cover it with gold?"

"We can."

Tang Wen nodded affirmatively:
“Geigin does not want to monopolize the MDA market. In fact, I hope to hand over the processor development to Motorola or HP, the communication baseband to Intel or Texas Instruments, Corning fiber optics and modems... Geigin is only responsible for the final integration, bringing the product and experience to the user, and everything is done in the United States.”

Kennard fell into thought.

After a long while, he asked:
"So what do you need?"

"I hope that Company X can raise funds for the MDA plan to conduct in-depth research, start a trial operation in a city in the United States at the end of 98, popularize it in all major cities before 2000, cover more than 95% of cities in the United States by 2002, and establish what I call the virtual economic circle."

Since verbal statements alone were insufficient, Tang Wen also presented a PowerPoint presentation prepared for the press conference. It included an analysis of the current prospects of e-commerce and pointed out that its scale would grow exponentially in the next few years. Finally, it was signed by several professors from UC Berkeley to increase its persuasiveness.

Kennard had no reason to refuse a "future" that served the United States, where technology, personnel, and even major capital were all located.

Even if there is a problem, he has the power to shut it down with a single word, so the risk is manageable.

“Okay, Tang, it does seem like a very valuable project.”

Kennard has been convinced that this is a massive plan that involves investing tens of billions of dollars to boost infrastructure across the United States, directly propelling the empire into full informatization, and that it can be completed within his term.

If the MDA succeeds, this achievement is enough to run for president!

"You don't need to worry about the licenses and procedures required for promoting MDA. If you have any problems with cooperating with technology companies, feel free to contact me."

……

After booking an indoor theater in Peanut Village, Tang Wen decorated the venue in the style of the previous Hanma S9 launch event. Then, the day before, he spent a huge sum of money to buy the front page of a newspaper with only one line of text:

"Let us suffocate for the future"

The invited audience included leading technology companies in Silicon Valley at the time, as well as investors from major banks and funds, making it arguably the first grand gathering of the American internet elites.

The unique title and Tang Wen's celebrity status instantly generated huge buzz, with everyone speculating about the purpose of his press conference and how he dared to make such outrageous remarks.

Before the press conference even started, media outlets that hadn't received special invitations or other similar offers had already circled the venue several times.

At this moment, Tang Wen was also dressed up carefully in the back of the theater, but not in a formal suit. Instead, he wore a trendy outfit of a shirt and jeans to attract the attention of the younger generation.

However, besides him, there was another guy whose attire was quite eye-catching:

"What's the etiquette behind wearing a leather jacket? Who wears a leather jacket in this hot weather?"

Shi Juzhu tugged at the collar of his jacket, constantly looking at himself in the mirror.

A leather jacket, joggers, sneakers, and custom-made square-framed glasses—at first glance, he really does have a knowledgeable air about him.

“Pillar, remember this: as long as you appear as the CEO, you can’t take off this leather jacket.”

Tang Wen helped Shi Juzhu straighten his clothes. It has to be said that the old-generation con artist has an impeccable demeanor. He can play any role convincingly and doesn't lose face in front of foreigners.

That's right, Shi Juzhu is the CEO of Company X, the president of Gaijin Network's US branch, and the promoter of the MDA Local Ecosystem Plan.

The latter was originally selling fish in Scotland, but after a phone call, he flew over and was promoted to CEO on the spot.

At the same time, Tang Wen officially launched a merger and split of the Giant Group.

The computer, server, and PC sales outlet business belonged to Gaijin Heavy Industry, while the weight loss drugs, brain gold, brain platinum, and other health products and miscellaneous items belonged to Company X. Moreover, only a small amount of money was spent, with the majority being exchanged for shares of Company X.

Shi Juzhu agreed to the deal after only a brief moment of consideration. After all, the CEO of a tech giant that was preparing to raise tens of billions of dollars and was listed in the United States had a much higher profile than a weight loss drug. In addition, he also wanted to see if he could sell brain gold to foreigners.

According to the agreement signed by the two, Shi Juzhu's position as CEO will be retained for at least five years, and Company X will be able to poach some of its talent and technology patents. Tang Wen's only requirement is to steadfastly promote MDA.

"I won't have much time to come to the US in the future, but you're the only one I can think of who is both capable and professional."

Tang Wen held his hand tenderly:

"I trust you to handle things. From now on, I'll leave X to you."

"Chairman, you're too kind!"

Shi Juzhu felt that this was half true and half false, but he didn't intend to miss this opportunity to have a great springboard to the United States.

He had carefully reviewed Tang Wen's MDA plan, and the prospects it outlined were simply limitless!
As for the technological risks? Shi Juzhu didn't even consider them.

Even before it's fully completed, just by reaching the listing stage, he could earn many times his current wealth just by virtue of his CEO status.

Both harbored secret thoughts, but a few minutes later they appeared hand in hand on a minimalist stage. Tang Wen, with his youthful style, and Shi Juzhu, with his mature and sophisticated demeanor, stepped onto the stage together, immediately eliciting cheers from the audience.

……

Guiana Air Base

A C-17 transport plane landed on the runway, carrying common spare parts needed for the fighter jets, necessary supplies, and six GBU-28 bunker buster bombs.

Compared to the GBU-27 used by the F117, the GBU-28 weighs 2.3 tons and is nearly 6 meters long, making it a truly massive aircraft.

It was urgently developed during the Gulf War to attack ground fortifications and achieved very good results.

GBU-28内部可以填充380公斤高爆炸药，初始型号可以击穿6米深度的混凝土，95年小改版后可以达到8米。

"The only drawback is that it cannot be carried by stealth fighters."

Wayne and Charles faced each other, and now the Secretary of the Air Force was finally willing to communicate with the fourth class of people on an "equal" basis.

"The GBU-28 is too heavy and too long. Neither the B-1, B-2, nor the F-117 can carry it. We usually use the F-111, but now the F-111 is almost retired, and only the F-15E 'Strike Eagle' can carry it."

Charles adjusted his hat, now understanding why Wayne had been hesitant to use the GBU28.

It was too heavy; once it carried two GBU-28 missiles, the fighter jet lost its maneuverability and could only slowly sway to the vicinity of the anti-aircraft tower to drop them.

Both the F-15E and F-111 are non-stealth fighters, and it is certain that their air defense towers contain anti-aircraft missiles.

However, anti-aircraft missiles are not the problem; the biggest trouble is Hans' retaliation.

After the massive air raid, the Empire astutely identified a large base deep in the Amazon rainforest, but it was too far from Guyana to reach, so a new base needed to be built.

However, neither western Pakistan nor the neighboring small countries had any defensive capabilities. If the Empire built a base there, it would be bombed without a doubt. The final decision was to destroy the anti-aircraft towers in the C2 area and build an airport near Caracalla to continue the advance.

But no matter what, Wayne didn't want to face another massive air raid by hundreds of planes, at least not the air force.

Otherwise, it's not worth sacrificing dozens of planes just to destroy a bunker; what business is it to lose so much?

"We need ground troops to advance 150 kilometers west of Area C2 to establish radar stations and frontline air defense positions, and then launch a coordinated attack on the air defense towers, aiming to destroy them in one fell swoop!"

Charles nodded slightly at Wayne's idea; the air force wouldn't dare to go deep into the area to provide support unless the anti-aircraft tower was removed.

In fact, the Marines made many attempts during this period. Although it was impossible to destroy the anti-aircraft towers with army artillery, destroying their anti-aircraft equipment could be very useful. William secretly deployed 12 105mm guns to bombard the anti-aircraft towers located on Hill 76.

Because of the terrain, the anti-aircraft guns in the anti-aircraft towers couldn't hit them at all, which allowed William to bombard them for half the night.

However, in the middle of the night, the temporary ammunition depot storing thousands of shells suddenly exploded, directly causing heavy casualties on the densely packed artillery positions, and William himself was forced to return home to recuperate.

The explosion was determined by investigation and eyewitness accounts to have been caused by a smaller internal explosion, which was identified as deliberately planted explosives. Ultimately, it was determined that the Hans Christian Special Forces team infiltrated and detonated the explosives.

The actual drone bombing was so powerful that no debris was found and it was never recorded.

What's even more unacceptable is that the anti-aircraft towers were completely unharmed under such intense bombardment. In fact, the anti-aircraft guns, as if venting their anger, were laid flat and fired all night within a radius of more than ten kilometers. Under this relentless bombardment, two unlucky souls were actually killed.

Judging from the amount of ammunition, at least tens of thousands of tons of shells were still stored under the air defense tower!

However, the loss of a few artillery pieces by the Marines was insignificant compared to the loss of the Air Force, and it didn't even make the news.

Upon seeing these GBU28s, Charles couldn't help but ask:
"Can this kind of bomb really guarantee penetration?"

"can!"

Huai En made a solemn promise:

"The air force stationed in Hans conducted an unexploded ordnance destruction test on an abandoned anti-aircraft tower. It may have been damaged due to the buffer structure, but a few more bombs would definitely destroy it."

Charles said no more, but closed his eyes and recalled the map. There was a city more than 500 kilometers west of C2, and there was no connecting road in between, as it was covered by a dense rainforest of 5 square kilometers.

To find a place in this forest to build a ground-based air defense network, we first need to build a simple road that is 100 kilometers in a straight line and nearly 200 kilometers in total length.

Just then, a dejected Marvel came out to relax, and the two of them went to him to ask for advice on road repair issues in the area.

Marvel then consulted a local construction contractor in Guyana, who, after glancing at the map, gave the following conclusion:

“Since your requirements are for military use, it must be fast. Nine months and 8000 people working in two shifts can complete it, but it can only be used for a temporary road.”

"so long?"

The contractor said, "This is already the most optimistic estimate. You all know how much rainforest rainfall there is, and at least 30% of it will require bridges. Nine months is already an ideal figure."

Charles: "What if we don't count the bridge construction? We assemble it using prefabricated steel structures, and then the manpower requirement doubles."

Contractor: "Sir, the biggest problem is not manpower but transportation. You see, there are no decent roads around. Transporting materials is very difficult. I believe the rainforest is a nightmare for all truck drivers. The transportation efficiency is at least 3% lower than in the United States."

Even so... 1.5 people, at the fastest 5 months, not a single day earlier.

Wayne drove the contractor away and said with a stern face:
"One month, one month of waiting is the final bottom line. The President's bottom line is that the bunker must be destroyed before Christmas. This is also what the Prism Building means, otherwise we will appear too incompetent."

Have you tried to persuade them to surrender? Are they all die-hards?

"Of course there are, but we lost three RQ2s and not a single Hans responded! It's an impossible task to complete in a month. Even just considering the deployment of protective equipment, it's very tight. Unless we airdrop machines and personnel to build a runway deep in the rainforest, and then expand our position from the runway, it might even become a sub-base in the future."

"Then so be it. The Empire is not short of money. The cost of an airdrop is not even comparable to half a squadron of F-15s."

As Wayne muttered to himself, he didn't notice that Charles's face had darkened even more.

However, just as the two were preparing their plan to submit it for approval, a top-secret telegram from the Joint Chiefs of Staff interrupted their preparations.

The content is:
"Destroy the bunker by surprise and gather as much information as possible from the ruins."

(End of this chapter)