Tim, Today's Cable Modems, like the one I am using to write this use the same ol' analog coaxial cable that CATV has been using for decades. . .oh, it will go 850k with no problem. . . .but take a look outside your window. . .
Do you see that shiny silvery new thick wire recently strung around your town? If so, that is the digital [fibre-optics] cable line. Many cities offer some sort of digital cable TV service now. . .or are in the midst of running lines. . . call them and ask when it will be available in your area. . .you may be surprised at the answer you get.
Once these new lines are completed, then the new head ends are installed. . .presto. . . all we need next is content. That's why T is so interested in getting into the cable business. . .they realize that POTS telephone lines that have been used for more than a half century are obsolete.
ADSL is wonderful, in that it will greatly speed up data transmissions via the plain-old-telephone-system . . .but it will never be capable of the rich full-motion, fully-interactive, real-time audio and real-time telephony that fibre-optics can. Cable companies have already strung hundreds of thousands of miles of this new cable. . .there is no reason for phone companies to do the same. . .especially if that phone company has bought the biggest cable companies . . .
Now MCIWorldcom? That's another story. They seem to be late out of the chute. AOL? Not much new since "Viewtron" of the early 80's. . .and refusing to grab up MediaOne, means they are not a major challenger. Time Warner? Leaning toward T and At Home. . .with equity stake.
MSFT was the most worthy challenger out there jockeying for position against the giant lead by T. . .and this week, they threw in the towel and basically said with their deal, that if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
Rande Is
NOTE: It should be noted at this point that I am LONG on T, MSFT, GIC and WCOM. . . .though my positions are subject to change without notice. |
