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Technology Stocks : Westell WSTL -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: P. Ramamoorthy who wrote (19833)	8/3/2000 10:47:22 PM
From: Leroyt	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 21342

On the "provisioning" issue: My opinion is that it is COMPLETELY inefficient to have a DSL line installed by a technician. WSTL already has a self-install kit. They now also have a USB modem which can be self-installed although you still need to install a splitter. SBC and VZ, GTE aren't just going to support any off-the-shelf modems. I've had an Alcatel modem replaced by SBC (PacBell) and it still has problems. I'll be trying a WSTL modem soon to see if the "freezing" problems go away. I have seen an Alcatel modem replaced with a WSTL modem because the PacBell technicians couldn't make them work. Equipment and reliability are a BIG issue. WSTL modems will continue to be used in a BIG way because the WORK! Whether installed by a RBOC technician or installed by the user, they will be installed. There are MILLIONS of technically sufficient users who can install a splitter and a modem. It's just simple wiring and MUCH easier than upgrading a PC. The demand for bandwidth is HUGE and I have NEVER heard anyone who has broadband say they're willing to go back to dial-up. It just ain't going to happen. The LARGEST pressure BY FAR in the world computing domain in BANDWIDTH in the last mile. The changes will continue ... we're only in the EARLY stages of deployment. I think we'll be up 10x number today in the next 2-3 years. later, leroyt

To: P. Ramamoorthy who wrote (19833)	8/4/2000 8:52:08 AM
From: John Curtis	Respond to of 21342

Confusion is correct. Of course...inventory could be higher if customers could do what they can do now with normal modems/caller id boxes, etc.. That is; wander down to your local Radio Shack, etc., and buy the device(s) rather than wait on a LEC/CLEC/ISP. And this is exactly what I expect will happen with xDSL products...in about a year or two. Be that as it may, the above Radio Shack, WIZ, ubiquity isn't here yet, so if SBC costs of provisioning DSL service can be reduced because self-installation becomes the norm, then this means shipping the device to the expectant customer. So you pull your devices from inventory, no? Indeed, in a perfect world you just have the supplier send the device(s) direct to the customer from their plant, by-passing inventory completely. I know, I know...the world isn't perfect. ;-) Anyway, with self-install in place you can then put your "higher over-head devices," your technicians(heh), to better uses; like maintenance and repair, or supporting the installation of more complicated, business related, products and services, etc.. ;-) 'Course...I've got to acknowledge this logic presupposes the devices you've got in inventory are of the "self installing" type. John~