Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : METRICOM - Wireless Data Communications -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Chip Anderson who wrote (753)	5/18/1998 1:33:00 PM
From: Ross	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 3376

Chip, I believe we both share enthusiasm for wireless Internet access.. If history is any guide the speeds of wireless access through either hard wire or wireless will increase dramatically. I doubt you question this. I think our differences lie in access providers, and cost of access.. I just do not see MCOM becoming a cellular provider. But I do see Cellular providers becoming your IP.. So, and I'm speaking from a person who will never see MCOM come to my area, why would I join a IP who cannot provide both my phone access and be my IP. Costs aside.. Right now I'm a teleport customer (owned by ATT) and I have a Cellular Phone (Cellular One) and I have two phone lines at home (US West).. The Base costs for these Run approximately $90.00 monthly (if I do not use them at all!) The first thing I see is my IP and my hard wired phone provider merging with a DSL solution.. This would allow me to drop my second line ($17.00 monthly). But of course they will probably charge me more for the faster digital service.. I would gladly trade the costs.. So, now I would be down to two communications providers. Wrong!. ATT basically owns Cellular One.. Hmmm.. So all this buying our of Internet access providers and Wireless providers by ATT begins to make sense.. They want to be your sole provider. Now as to cost.. If I add my phone bill, my Cellular bill and my Internet access costs monthly do you realize my costs.. I did this and it averages $210.00 monthly! Yikes! You probably will be saying to yourself "monopoly".. Well, in my case I subscribe to one already called the "cable".. And believe it is well worth the costs.. And I see this being reduced by DSL also (called HDTV via hard wired phone DSL).. Another story! I will provide you with my "big picture" so not to bore you farther.. Your Cell phone will give you everything when your away from home, i.e. Internet access, voice mail, fax, e-mail etc (some of these you will need a laptop also to fully appreciate.) The cost will be greater when your roaming (out of your area) and even more when you roam via satellite (no towers to connect to) (this will all be done automatically and, you will be notified as to which service your connected to.) When your at home your still have wire less access but much like your cordless home phone.. Just sit your laptop down and connect (again, the computer knows your at home and will connect via your cordless connection which connects to your hardwired DSL home access).. The costs will be the least expensive at home. When you buy a laptop you will also buy a Cellular phone. They will work together wirelessly.. Or you will be able to use them separately.. Ultimately, your Cell-Phone will be a wrist watch, beyond that a chip inbeded in your left thumb (if your right handed).. Hey I'm a dreamer!! Optimistic? Yes.. <G> Where does MCOM play in all this??? Just another battery to "charge up" when your away from home.. Your question as to "cost" is not answered.. Will we have a choice? I do not see Cell Towers a issue, they are a fact of life until something new comes along. Yes the original mania for Cell phones is tapering off but this is not really a mania, it is the future.. Ross