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No. 1 Story

ACCC clears Optus to scrap HFC network and use NBN instead

The ACCC has cleared, provisionally, the proposed deal between Optus and NBN Co under which Optus is to be paid around $800m to shut down its HFC network and transfer customers onto the NBN. read more

Hormone imbalance the reason for no Stevenote at Macworld

Opinion and Analysis

While Jobs is regarded as providing the company with its focus, Apple clearly has many other talented executives and engineers that actually do the work required.

The Apple Board has also come out publicly behind Jobs, issuing a separate statement that reads:

It is widely recognized both inside and outside of Apple that Steve Jobs is one of the most talented and effective CEOs in the world.

As we have said before, if there ever comes a day when Steve wants to retire or for other reasons cannot continue to fulfill his duties as Apple's CEO, you will know it.

Apple is very lucky to have Steve as its leader and CEO, and he deserves our complete and unwavering support during his recuperation. He most certainly has that from Apple and its Board.

Will all this be enough to stave off continuing speculation about Jobs' health? Probably not. Apart from the 'human interest' side of the story - Jobs' admirers will likely feel sympathy, while his detractors may be revelling in schadenfreude - it's largely about investors betting that Apple wouldn't fare as well without Jobs at the helm.

So I expect to see continuing speculation right up until Jobs, who celebrates his 54th birthday next month, finally announces his retirement.