"The Grid" offers U.S. Robotics' x2 technology for faster Internet downloads over regular phone lines
Business Wire - May 06, 1997 10:00
FINANCIAL GRID USRX CALIFORNIA COMPUTERS ELECTRONICS COMED INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA INTERNET V%BW P%BW
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 6, 1997--The Grid, a leading California statewide Internet Service Provider, Tuesday announced immediate availability of U.S. Robotics' (NASDAQ:USRX) x2 (56 Kbps) technology for Internet downloads.
By supporting x2 in 125 cities, The Grid is offering its customers cutting-edge technology that provides Internet and on-line downloads at speeds nearly twice as fast as standard V.34 modems.
With the introduction of x2, U.S. Robotics delivers an immediate, end-to-end higher speed solution for both individuals and service providers. The Grid will take advantage of U.S. Robotics' No. 1 modem market share, plus the anticipated availability of x2 from third-party PC manufacturers and modem manufacturers, to offer x2 services to a broad market of new and existing subscribers.
"We're proud to be one of the first Internet Service Providers in California to offer 100 percent x2 service with every account," said Mark Wright, president of The Grid. "In addition to fast and reliable Internet access, our subscribers demand, above all, high-quality service.
"That's why we chose to deploy U.S. Robotics' 56Kbps x2 technology at all our points of presence. And, as a result, we've been able to increase our subscriber base significantly. We estimate that over 50 percent of new subscriptions are due to users wishing x2 speeds."
"I think x2 technology is great. Everything from the Web to e-mail is faster," said Warren Hwe, who recently signed up with The Grid to take advantage of its x2 service. "I used to think that 28.8 was great, but x2 makes the 28.8s look extremely slow. I was pleased with my old ISP, but when I read that The Grid offered x2, I immediately switched and am happy with my decision."
"We're receiving an incredible amount of support for x2 technology, and we're pleased that ISPs and on-line service providers have lined up behind this leading-edge technology," said Ross Manire, senior vice president and general manager of U.S. Robotics' Network Systems Division.
"Computer users all over the world will be using x2 technology to download graphics, video and other data files much faster than they could using previous analog modem speeds."
The Grid Customers Well Positioned Now and in the Future
With x2, The Grid subscribers have the immediate advantage of faster downloads from the Internet. And, with x2, U.S. Robotics continues its practice of protecting the investment made by its customers. On both ends of the connection, U.S. Robotics has and will provide upgrades to keep the technology current with new standards.
The flexibility of U.S. Robotics technology will give consumers and ISPs an easy upgrade path to future enhancements and eventual 56Kbps standards. U.S. Robotics' history of providing modem and remote access server software upgrades to new technologies is unmatched in the industry, and is the reason many major ISPs and corporations have standardized on U.S. Robotics' equipment.
All U.S. Robotics x2 native modems and remote access servers shipping today are software upgradeable. This technology gives U.S. Robotics customers a distinct advantage over competitors' hardware-based platforms. With U.S. Robotics, consumers can connect and stay connected regardless of the standard.
U.S. Robotics submitted a proposal for 56 Kbps modem speeds to the ITU-T in September 1996. As a key contributor to many past standards, the company plans to lead the effort to standardize 56 Kbps technology worldwide. However, because of the typically lengthy time to bring a standard to fruition, U.S. Robotics is bringing x2 to market immediately.
U.S. Robotics is one of the world's leading suppliers of products and systems that provide access to information. The company designs, manufactures, markets and supports remote access servers, LAN switching equipment, desktop/mobile client products and modems, telephony products and handheld organizers.
U.S. Robotics products connect computers and other equipment over analog, digital and switched cellular networks, enabling users to gain access to, manage and share data, fax and voice information. Its customers include Internet Service Providers, regional Bell operating companies, inter-exchange carriers and a wide range of other large and small businesses, institutions and individuals.
The Grid's simple yet effective philosophy is to provide the best dialup access for Internet subscribers across the entire state of California. They offer immediate on-line registration and a 10-day no-risk trial period. Its Web site is located at www.thegrid.net .
NOTE: x2 is a trademark of U.S. Robotics.
CONTACT: The Grid, San Luis Obispo
Kurt Wright, 805/781-2640
REPEATS: New York 212-752-9600 or 800-221-2462; Boston 617-236-4266 or
800-225-2030; SF 415-986-4422 or 800-227-0845; LA 310-820-9473
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
URL: businesswire.com
|
