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 : LAST MILE TECHNOLOGIES - Let's Discuss Them Here -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: lml who wrote (3313)	4/5/1999 4:58:00 PM
From: Patriarch	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 12823

Hi lml, I usually lurk here but I wanted to comment on DirecPC. At one point, I was really interested in DPC. That was before I read the messages at Usenet group alt.satellite.direcpc. From what I gather Hughes, owners of DPC, oversold their bandwidth and now rations it out to their subscribers. In terms of a business standpoint, Hughes claims that 5% of their subscribers use half of the available bandwidth. Due to this, Hughes created a plan called the Fair Access Policy (FAP). With this subscribers who exceed "Normal Usage" patterns, described by Hughes, have their bandwidth reduced to bring them back within the average range. Subscribers who post on the newsgroup regarding FAP are, to be charitable, really mad. Some subscribers are actually taking Hughes to court via class action claiming they where never told of FAP. Even outside the top 5%, it seems that most subscribers rarely get anywhere near 400kbps due to the above. Granted there are a few bad apples everywhere, IMO, it seems these people have legitimate issues against Hughes. Even individuals not interested in DPC, the newsgroup and discussions regarding the DPC service are interesting. Before you buy, look it up. I'm glad I did. Back into lurking mode, Pat

To: lml who wrote (3313)	4/6/1999 3:43:00 PM
From: Ralph Jacobi	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 12823

Like you say, don't hold your breath!!!! What incentive have the Telcos really got to give you the "best pairs" they have for DSL???? I live in Hollister, CA ,45 miles from San Jose, CA (internet capital?) and could not even get 56 kb because Pac Bell only brings (1) "good" line into a MUX and cuts it up into (4) voice circuits. No way to get better than 28.8 kb on my telephone line and they will tell you that they donot have to provide you more. Finally got "DirecPC" at 200-400 kb downsteam and work with Hollinet, my local ISP for upstream (asymmetric). It works great for most surfing the Net since most info is "downstream" anyway. Cost for ALL equipment is $ 199.00 (after Rebate of $ 100)and you get 100 hrs/mo for $ 34.95 or 10 hrs for $ 21.95 -take the 100 hrs - with the speed you get, you don't need more unless you forget to sign off - can also set "idle timeout". Anyone in the "boonies" interested, check it at [www.direcpc.com.]