Sam,
First, the backbone isn't necessarily physically fiber and probably is/will be a combination of fiber, microwave, and satellite.
Second, given the cross-ownership of Teleport and ATHM, I'd say it's a good guess that Teleport will have a piece of it.
Third, I don't believe owning a backbone is critically important. There are only four more or less national facilities-based networks: ATT, MCI, Sprint, Worldcom. A lot of reselling goes on, with even the big players supplementing their networks as needed with other, regional carriers' facilities. The thing is, wholesale data (and voice, for that matter) capacity between major metros is pretty much a commodity product these days, with lots of excess capacity. If you want a DS-3 or T-1 between, say, San Diego and Minneapolis, you either call the providers serving your area and ask their rates (that depend on how good a customer you are or might be), or dip into you existing volume-based contract with your current provider. Within three days, you've got your pipe.
I'll guarantee that any backbone ATHM is putting together is leased from someone. What's worrisome as a prospective ATHM shareowner is whether such leases are truly at arm's length. |
