Hughes, the maker of DirecTV and DirectPC, that recently received a large
investment from AOL, recently ordered 275,000 DirecPC units. Before AOL's
investment, the company had 100,000 units in service. The move signals a major
marketing push to come, pushing AOL broadband through satellite transmission.
The move is also significant, in that if all units are sold, DirectPC will have almost as
many subscribers as Excite@Home.
I don't see anything significant about that. That doesn't make Satellite a better transport or a cheaper service than ATHM's cable access. I am sure Hughes will be able to sell all of their 275,000 DirecPC unit, but during the same time, ATHM will not be sitting still |
