John and others --
Highlights from MCI conference call, 3/30/97:
Key points:
1) The DSL technology works and is affordable.
2) A model for cooperation between public and private entities has been set that other communities can follow.
3) Trials have been expanded and deployment is already beginning.
4) DSL is exciting and MCI will push it aggressively.
Speed to market -- "Power co providing access to rural America, MCI supplying content and technology. . . not just for large cities but for small cities too. . . . It leverages assets of all companies involved. All services have to be leveraged to bring these services. "
Universal Service - "Dedicated to universal service. We are going to do entire service areas no matter where they live. This sets our partnership apart. Legislature - we have good climate here in Iowa to do this kind of project. Iowa utilities board is here. Legislators and governor are participating. Local and long distance participating. Ultra high speed to Internet --- colleges and universities. In future full package of video. Commitment to bring any emerging technologies that make sense to rural communities."
Power Utilities --- "Steve Bredick of Nipco - Why power utilities are interested ? 70 to 80% of economic development is directly attributable to telecommunications. Nipco and many power utilities are affected. We are largest single users of telecommunications services. Critically important that we know what's happening. Much change happening to power supply. Nipco uses wireless. We needed other platform when microwaves were auctioned by government. We saw fiber optics and other services , including copper, that would benefit rural areas. Great deal of interest in this. All electric cos were excited.
We need to have local delivery source to allow this to happen. Allows us to do distance learning, work at home, customer service from the home. . . high-speed data transferring without having to bring employee into office. Keeps revenue in small towns. Enhance small towns economically. Biggest factor: kids. Help our kids compete at all levels. With high-speed access to Internet. . . they can get the classes they haven't had before. All work can be done on Internet. Breaking down barriers between rural and urban areas. Leveling the playing field. "
MCI's investment -- "We're in 30 cities, putting in fiber optic rings, switches in various stages of operation, fully operable by mid April. We want to bring competition everywhere. MCI has invested close to a billion dollars already [in trials and early deployment]."
MCI's contribution to mix -- "All technologies available to us and to partners. We like DSL because of copper plant. Takes investment at both ends. We're hoping price gets down to $300. MCI may be part of investment partnership. Our investment is to provide content for rings and full suite of services, including Internet. . . We intend to go to more cities throughout America. . . . have high-speed Internet in 30 cities already."
Deployment for rest of country -- We're in aggressive discussions with other entities. Results will dictate timetable for roll-out. We intend to be aggressive. In metropolitan areas we're leasing copper from Bells. The unbundled loop is essential. We have an ADSL trial in NY on unbundled loop right now. It's a marvelous technology once we get to unbundled loops. Our marketing capabilities will allow this to happen. To have it fully deployed. That is what these trials are about
Vendors involved --- "We have partnerships for development. Many good companies, including small start-ups that have leading edge in their technologies. We'd hate to mention one and not another. If you'll hang around afterwards, we'll give you names."
Cooperation with RBOCS -- This was blurred and I missed a lot. Basically he said we'll offer them services in exchange for unbundled loops. "We will be underlying service provider in some instances."
Unbundled loops -- How far away before MCI will have access to unbundled loop? - 3Q '97. Have to wait on FCC. Much tech needs to be put in place. True full competition is '98 and '99. ADSL trial - one in NYC. BT in 2,000-home trial right now as well. We have prime customers who will use DSL and deploy it." |
