(off topic 1 of 2) The Broadband Bridge to the Next Millennium
zdnet.com
The Broadband Bridge
Right now, less than half of 1% of American households connect at
broadband speeds (200 K or greater). According to Forrester Research,
however, 25% of all online households will have broadband access by
2002, with more and more to follow.
Here are seven gaps that will soon be bridged by broadband. As these
changes occur, new fortunes will be made. Old fortunes -- and old brands
-- will be destroyed. Even government is not immune.
Between user and content. Today, TV networks, movie theaters, record
companies and print-media publishers decide when you can see their
content. With broadband, you'll choose what you want, when you want. The
evening news at 8:17, for example. And you'll choose who you want,
selecting content from sources you know, like and trust. As content
becomes a commodity, the differentiating factor will be the who and the
how of the delivery.
Between coworkers. Videoconferencing will replace audio-only conference
calls. We'll still need to travel -- because strong relationships depend
on in-person rapport -- but broadband videoconferences will
revolutionize employee training, executive speeches and analyst
briefings.
Between friends. Broadband isn't just about work. Russell Horowitz, CEO
of Paul Allen-blessed portal Go2Net, tells Business Week multiplayer
games will be the first killer app of the broadband world. Likewise,
teenagers will be early adopters of home videoconferencing. The
Clearasil set already digs conference calls and is sure to embrace the
visual element.
Four more gaps that are closing...
Between advertisers and consumers. Rich-media advertising over fast
pipes. Advertisers will deliver "infotisements" you'll be thrilled to
sit through. Really. If you're, say, a golf fanatic, you'll eagerly sit
through a commercial for a club-design breakthrough. Or if you're car
shopping, you'll appreciate 360-degree images of vehicles. With an
exterior color of your choice. Or, better yet, test drives along
interchangeable virtual roads.
Between entertainers and consumers. Film, music and video distributors
are at the end of their lifecycles if they don't jump on the broadband
bandwagon. Otherwise they'll be Dell-ed. Media companies who market
direct to customers -- and provide customized products -- will replace
them.
Between desire and purchase. You're watching MTV and see an artist whose
CD you'd like to buy. Today, you'll schlep to the store. Broadband will
close that gap. You'll see the video and purchase the CD with the click
of a mouse.
Between haves and have nots. Don't believe the doomsayers who claim
technology will widen the gap between rich and poor. Technology won't
solve the problem... but it will improve it. A century ago, third-world
residents who wanted to better themselves had to emigrate, then find a
way to finance an education. Usually it took two generations or more to
make the climb.
In the broadband future, ambitious people will no longer need to leave
poor countries to get an education. They'll simply need access to an
Internet terminal. It's not the whole answer... but it's an improvement.
Like its brick and metal predecessors, the broadband bridge will span
incredible gaps to bring people together. And also to reach the full
potential of the Internet. Remember: Less than 1% of households have
broadband access. The best is yet to come.
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