X2. . put a fork in it?
The Microsoft Network today joined other online
services and Internet service providers in
announcing field trials of 56-kbps modems--another
step toward providing consumers with faster Net
access.
The MSN trial began today in Seattle and it plans
to roll out testing in Chicago, Dallas, New York,
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington,
D.C., later this year. MSN is using 56Kflex
technology from Lucent Technologies and
Rockwell. If the trials are successful, 56-kbps
modem access could be rolled out nationally by
year's end.
America Online and CompuServe, among others,
already have announced trials with 56-kbps
modems.
AOL, for example, started its trial with the U.S.
Robotics x2 modem in February. The trial now is
being offered in seven cities--Chicago; Pittsburgh;
New York; San Diego; San Francisco; Skokie,
Illinois; and Washington, D.C. More cities will be
announced soon. AOL said last month it also would
conduct a trial of K5flex modem technology early
this summer.
MSN said it will not charge a "premium" for
accessing the network with 56-kbps modems. The
trials will feature K56flex technology and rolled out
in concert with UUNet Technologies.
MSN said it is negotiating with "several modem
vendors" for rates for members who participate in
the trial. It already has such a deal with the
communications division of Diamond Multimedia
Systems.
Also today, Epoch Internet said it plans to expand
its list expand its 56-kps technology to Baltimore;
Columbus, Ohio; Dallas; Denver; Detroit; Portland,
Oregon; San Diego; and Tampa, Florida; in 60
days. It already is offered in ten other U.S. cities,
including Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.
Epoch also uses K56flex technology. |
