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Debra and Marv. REl Update on Alphanet. I'm reading an article from
Communications Wek, 8/5/96 pg. 29 about the AlphaNet roll-out. Now, they
say here that Sprint will be used as the IP network to route the calls,
not the public internet. I guess this would be analygous to FTEL using
Gridnet with GTE. Now, a Helen O'Connor , a vp of comm with First Boston raises some interesting questions. Who would be
routing my calls, could I get a detailed report on how they were routed? What if
I get a bad call-could I get a refund? How do I get verification of the number of minutes used? Goes on to say that many businesses have the same concerns, so does AlphaNet, and that's why they route the
traffic through a private IP network like Sprint where apparently these kinds of services
will be offered. Also sez that AlphaNet service is aimed at customers who want to lower their international rates. AlphaNet will create POPs in foreign countries that users wold dial directly into and then be routed to their destination. AlphaNet uses Sprint IP backbone and Global One service.
So, interesting stuff, maybe competition, maybe not. Both aimed at business users, but maybe for different purposes.
In same magazine, an outfit called Latic, from Rockville MD is unveiling an IP telephone service called LatCall, rollout in early 1997 with rates of 5-8 cents per minute. That's all it sez, but since I'm in Mclean VA, I will call them and inquire of their service. |
