[PacBell]
<<<I believe Beth at PacBell said that ATM (Asynchronous transfer Mode) technology MUST be used by the ISP to connect up the ADSL correctly. I believe that some ISPs perhaps don't have that link. I am not sure.>>>
Pigboy --
I had the ATM part explained today by someone who deals with CLECs and ILECs in his business. Telcos handle the pipe, in PacBell's case, the ATM, and also provide the transport --- the ADSL --- and the ISPs manage the web connections. I guess telcos don't want to be in the ISP business, while at the same time they don't want to lose the transport business which they see as lucrative. The big question is who gets the customer's dollars? From what you say, probably both. This also avoids some of the regulatory issues which telcos have and ISPs don't.
<<<I think USRX will rake in the dough no doubt with their software upgradeable modems...they have too good a business machine/ relationships with OEMS. The thing is that many many PCs don't and won't have upgradeable modems, and many of these guys will need to go to the telco to lease or buy. Alcatel and Westell have the inside tracks on PacBell as far as I know. Does anyone know if USRX has any plans to try to get telco business like Alcatel, WSTL, and Amati are doing? Or, are they going to be happy enough taking on PC OEMs? >>>
I've talked to many who doubt USR will do as they claim --- at least in the time frame they're predicting. Putting ADSL into software is difficult and most feel the retail modem will be hardware for some time. You're too young to remember the old AT&T and how they used to rent out phones. No one questioned it. That's just the way it was. For an additional fee you could get color --- beige was the first alternative if I remember right. Before that it was black, black, or black. Just like the first Fords. No, I DON'T remember that far back --- other than as a very VERY young passenger. <G>
Amati is working with both Nortel and PacBell in a joint distance learning project. I'm not sure if FastTrak is part of that or not. Will USRX get telco business the same as Alcatel, Westell, and Amati? I guess that depends on whether they can design a CPE product first. (You're right, I don't like the company --- I don't like bullies.)
Thanks for Beth's number. I'll phone her tomorrow if I get time. Poor woman, won't know what hit.
Thanks,too, for your great field work.
Cheers!
Pat |
