[WSTL/DSC & brief GTE trial comments]
Bob --
I haven't read anything other than the different press releases, so my knowledge is limited. From just a quick scan, I noticed: 1) no mention of xDSL speeds 2) a roll-out schedule beginning in mid-1998 3) a target market aimed at residential users (unless I read this wrong) and 4)from DSC's PR, a comment saying Westell's ADSL is not exclusive, "Adams said DSC had not agreed to make Westell its exclusive supplier of ADSL technology. DSC will partner with other ADSL suppliers if customers demand it. . . ."
Comparing this to what I was told at GTE's Redmond headquarters today, GTE will begin roll-out in 1997, with full ramp-up in '98, and initially target business and telecommuting markets. They plan to be the first major telco to offer ADSL in the U.S.
My guide also told me GTE will be choosing vendor(s) for the enhanced Redmond trials sometime this week. She couldn't say if it would be one or more but she did say if it were Amati it would be the higher speeds and if Westell, their rate adaptive. She also said the modems to be used were now in their Texas labs and I know Amati's modems are, so at least that base is covered. She didn't know if there'd be a press release. (More on this later.)
On the lighter side, she said Microsoft's Sr. VP, Craig Mundie, has Amati's Overture 8 in his home and stories of how much he loves it abound. Recently, in fact, one of his neighbors was all set to go car shopping and Mundie had him over to shop online and proceeded to blow the guy away with the instantaneous graphics downloads. (Think Billy needs a new car?)
She also reaffirmed all we've heard about trial participants refusing to give up their equipment. Seriously, they won't let anyone take it out, instead they've agreed to become paying users once the trials are officially over.
Between now and the time I prepare a full report, does anyone know what DHCP stands for as it relates to dynamic IP addresses?
One other bit of skuttle-butt, within the industry it's been said AT&T was "scared to death" when they heard GTE's announcements from InterOp. Remember my post saying if I'd written the lead that day I'd have said investors were expecting a starting gun and been given an atomic blast instead? Looks as though AT&T agrees.
That's it for tonight.
Cheers!
Pat
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