Sam, actually the high speed data port will be used for Internet, but not per se in the general way in which most may think. What I mean by that, there isn't a direct connection to the internet as one would normally think of it. Your downloads would be routed from the source, via internet (fiber optic preferable) to the up link station, to the satellite, then bounced to your receiver dish, and into your home and hook up to the TV, VCR, WebTV, PC, etc. On the return loop, you would go transmit out via Internet connection, route to the uplink satellite station, and complete the loop.
What I have described is very similar to what FranklinXpress/DigitalXpress is all about. But the future will allow us to link to satellites via two-way communications using cellular satellite phones as I had pointed out on the Vodafone website reference.
The first description is only the precursor to the second, as the first establishes key geographical satellite uplink stations, to form the infrastructure for the second half of the overall satellite telephony/data implementation using 90% wireless platforms.
This is where we are going, not only FTEL, but the entire industry. Many moons ago, when people were arguing the benefits of ADSL, XDSL, etc. I stated that it was only an interim technology because it still relied on the old "in the ground" infrastructures. Sure they may improve upon an antiquated system that was meant for "plain old telephone" technologies, but cost effeciencies will always be the obstacle in its ever becoming a long lasting solution.
The Sky is the answer for the next millineum, and there will be specialized segments of satellite technology that create unlimited potential for those that identify their own specialized niche within the overall scheme. Franklin right now seems to be focused on getting the data from the source to the uplink satellites.
FTEL/FNET is using GTE's fiber optics to receive/transmit the data/voice packet over the WCOM/Gridnet backbone, to the DigitalXpress uplink station. Using proprietary state of the art software/hardware that forms the nucleous to provide specialized services that their venture partners will market. FNET's role is that of a data access point, Franklin's equipment and software provides the method of collection/translation/transmission to the satellite. WebTV seems to be the end box that will separate the signals and redistribute them to PC's, TV's, VCR's, etc. Hughes, Boeing, Ceredian will be the integrators and marketers of specialized services to literally thousands of international Fortune type corporate and governmental type of accounts. Each sharing in the revenue stream along the way.
They are all partnered, each providing an integral part, in the broadcast and collection of data, in any form. Franklin and FNET are in their own little vertical segment. One supplying the other, and all helping to market the other partners products and services. For example, Hughes dishes may very well be sold generating commissions for the selling partner, WCOM/Gridnet may get commissions from FTEL for selling Cyclone/? to a ISP that wants to provide FranklinXpress.
I am sure that once all the pieces are put together and revealed, you will see that there is cross sales and marketing between all the above companies.
Once the second half of the Satellite cellular comminications network is implemented, I think you will see that Franklins role may be even more enhanced in need for specialized equipment that interfaces between the old infrastructures and the new.
BTW, as I spoke to Franklin yesterday, they were in the middle of a big meeting regarding the brochure for the Cyclone. So to say that they are ready to unveil Cyclone, would be very accurate and goes beyond just idle conjecture.
Our time has come.
RB |
