[QuebecTel goes with WSTL]
Note that QuebecTel is, like BCTel, controlled by GTE.
telechoice.com
August 28, 1997 -- Westell (NASDAQ: WSTL) announced today that QuebecTel is introducing high-speed Internet connection service, brandnamed ALEXIS by its ISP (Internet Service Provider) subsidiary Globetrotter, to serve the area of Quebec, Canada. No information was given on how many ADSL lines will be deployed and when or what the service may cost. TeleChoice will post that information as it becomes available.
QuebecTel has enhanced its existing digital network with the introduction of Westell's FlexCap2 rate-adaptive ADSL system. Westell's FlexCap2 operates at speeds of 640 to 2.24 Mbps downstream and 272 kbps to 1,088 Mbps upstream. Its rate-adaptive feature automatically adjusts data rates to adapt to copper telephone line conditions and distances, continuously providing optimal access speeds. FlexCap2 allows service providers to extend the reach of the ADSL link to customers located considerable distances from a telephone company's central office.
TeleChoice believes that QuebecTel and many other providers will deploy RADSL in an effort to improve their serving areas and maximize profits. The challenge that RADSL will present is in the area of provisioning and billing. RADSL makes loop qualification less of a binary decision since longer loops can be supported by stepping down speed. Service providers will need to decide how low they will go and then how they will market and bill services whose quality of service is largely determined by proximity to a central office.
In a press release, Westell says high-speed Internet applications, work-at-home applications, video-on-demand and distance learning will be some of the offerings for QuebecTel subscribers. Westell also indicated that their FlexCap2 products would be used for "effective video communication over copper telephone wires" within QuebecTel's large geographic area (272,000 sq. km; 105,019 sq mi).
Claude Gendron, Vice President - Network Operations at QuebecTel, noted that he is pleased to work with Westell whose solution will permit QuebecTel to achieve higher levels of efficiency. "We appreciate the synergy established in our association with Westell, a firm whose technological vision is consistent with the way we develop to the utmost the functionalities of our network in the best interest of our customers."
"With Westell's ADSL solution, QuebecTel can now provide its customers with the Internet speeds they are demanding, while at the same time, avoid conflict and congestion over the voice network,"said Joseph Elchakieh, President, Westell Canada. "Today's implementation of ADSL compliments QuebecTel's efforts to invest in the continuous modernization of their 99% digital telephone network. Westell is very pleased to be associated with QuebecTel, as they proudly pioneer the new frontiers of telecommunications and continue to improve upon the services they provide to their customers."
QuebecTel, whose major shareholder is GTE corporation, is the second largest telecommunications company in Quebec. The affiliation with GTE seems to be interpreted by some financial analysts as an indication of things to come from GTE, who is likely to make an announcement about its own ADSL plans before the end of the year. Nonetheless, as reported by the TeleChoice Report on xDSL, there will not be an announcement from GTE this or next month.
QuebecTel serves half a million people living in over 40% of the inhabited area of the province with a complete portfolio of full-featured telephone and communication systems, a broad range of local telephone services as well as advantageous long distance savings plans. QuebecTel is deeply involved in the offer of integrated and customized solutions in the fields of wiring, networking and data communication to the businesses and organizations. It is also well positioned to meet the challenge of the convergence of the telecommunications, cable and computer technologies. Additional information can be obtained by visiting QuebecTel's website at quebectel.qc.ca. |
