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Technology Stocks : InfoSpace (INSP): Where GNET went! -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Dany Tremblay who wrote (8652)	6/27/1999 5:11:00 PM
From: RTev	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 28311

My guess on the reason we haven't yet seen a massive move to "fat pipes" is that it's a complex technological change that's only slowly becoming available. Since the technologies involved in making the switch are available to only a scattered few, we haven't yet seen the kind of marketing that will eventually be used to promote the services. Both cablecos and telcos are preparing for the day when they will be able to offer bundled services. You'd still be able to choose among a smorgasbord of services (cable TV, internet access, local phone, long-distance phone, wireless) from different companies, but you'd also be able to get most of those services from a single company. The bundle could end up being cheaper than the smorgasbord. Even if it isn't cheaper, it might be so much easier to manage that the extra cost will be worth the convenience of a single bill. It's also possible that you'll get extra services by buying a bundle (like, say, caller ID popping up on your TV screen as you watch a show or voicemail routed to your email address). As you said, Dany On the other hand, if the customer was offered a huge increase in service/product for a marginal monthly increase (in the range of $3-$5), then they probably would take it because it would appear to be something they could fit in their bill load. That seems to be the direction in which the cable guys (and especially Paul Allen) are moving (with the telco folks right behind). He haven't heard a full explanation from Charter of what they plan to do with all these "wired world" companies, but the hints so far suggest that they envision something that will blur the lines between what we now think of as "cable TV" and "internet access". Allen's companies seem to be in the best position to offer something like this: -- Basic email and limited web surfing using the TV and set-top box, probably as a standard part of cable service. -- Computer-based broadband internet access as a premium service. -- Various telecom services using the cable wire as additional features. GNET's sites and technology would seem to be an important part of both of the first two items on Allen's systems. But even before we get to those kinds of services, the broadband offerings can be cost-effective for many users. Anyone who uses a second telephone line for internet connections will find that broadband costs only a few dollars more than their current setup, since either ADSL or cable-modem costs allows the user to drop that dedicated phone line. For the extra bucks, they get both significantly faster connections, and they no longer have to go through the dial-up hassle since the internet connection is always on: if the computer is turned on, it is on the internet.

To: Dany Tremblay who wrote (8652)	6/27/1999 5:29:00 PM
From: brk	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 28311

I think that a better analogy would be "hey, I got an antenna on my roof that gives me 13 channels with a lot of static for free (56k modem). Do I want to pay $26 a month for cable so I can get 50 channels that come in clear as a bell?". I understand that for your home use, net access is net access and speed isn't an issue, but each hour in the day becomes more precious as society evolves and faster access to the online resources that people use will become a neccessity in our culture as time moves on IMO. I have a feeling that your kids will haze you tough if you still have a 56k connection when they are in high school. I promise you Dany, the price will be substantially lower by then. - brk