Goeffrey,one thing here is not to monolithically look at these companies. COX is upgrading as fast as they can,and are employing many leading telecom technologies,like microcell transmitters for PCS over cable(Sanders),and internet access. TCI on the other hand is doing nothing about upgrading to 2-way HFC. I may be wrong here,but I believe Malone(in his infinite savant wisdom),has decided that the average person does not want internet access over a computer,nor anything more than e-mail on his T.V. So he has decided that @Home and its affilates can handle that aspect,and leave TCI to the average,couch potato American.
On the side of innovation in the telephone industry,one CLEC stands out head and shoulders over the rest of them. That was SNET,they were doing telemedicine over HFC,and video conferencing. The RBOC's are dragging their feet,and blocking access.
Thats taking into account the U.S.,Europe is going to be the growth engine for telecom for this next year. They have deregulated,and are starting to move to upgrade. The U.K. has always been ahead of continental Europe on upgrading. Many cable companies there,also supply telephone service. Thats why HLIT has their sales office there,and also 3 of their clients.
Tim |
