Another problem with the cable companies' offerings is that in many cases, their systems are only set up for download by cable, but upload must be by telephone modem. Thus, a cable modem doesn't always free-up a telephone line, and if people need to upload a large file (via e-mail or to a website), it might still be over a low-speed phone modem.
xDSL is an exciting technology, and I'm intrigued by the news that a slower xDSL for consumers might be offered at $50/month or so (by telephone companies?). Originally, I thought xDSL was going to be marketed by CLECs solely to businesses at $500/month, as a replacement for the telephone companies $1000/month T-1 lines.
The telephone companies have ignored data services for decades, providing shoddy and expensive service, and allowing for the birth and growth of the CLECs. If the CLECs haven't scared them, the competition from the t.v. cable companies has, and the telephone companies may finally be prepared to respond before the cable companies get their 2-way cable networks installed nationwide. |
