From the WSJ, section B8
GTE Test to Show Cable Can Give ISP's Access to Networks
IRVING, Texas- GTE Corp. is expected to announce the results of a test showing that cable operators can easily provide multiple Internet service providers with open access to cable networks.
The announcement aims to undermine some cable operators' assertions that such "open access" is technically difficult. Currently, cable operators, including AT&T Corp., require customers of their high-speed cable-modem services to use affiliated ISP's such as Excite At Home Corp.
The results of the test, conducted at GTE's cable operation in Clearwater, Fla., show that cable companies can use a router with a special software to manage multiple ISP's instead of an "exclusive" router dedicated to the affiliated ISP's service.
GTE's efforts could further fuel efforts by ISPs and America Online Inc. to promote open access of cable lines. Earlier this month, a federal court ruling ruled that Portland, Ore., can require AT&T to open its cable lines to competing Internet service providers.
GTE operates an online access service, GTE.net, and also operates one of the nations largest Internet "backbones."
|
