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Technology Stocks : Internet Guru Discussion -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: steve harmon - analyst who wrote (1351)	4/27/1999 7:13:00 PM
From: StockMiser	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 4337

Steve....from what I understand, DSL and cable both require extensive hardware upgrades to function as an internet carrier. In my area, for example, each individual junction box will need to be completely replaced for the phone lines to carry ASDL. Cable isn't much better, and in some cases much worse since it tends to be very old. My area has trouble providing TV on it's cable, much less hi-speed Internet. Why doesn't AOL just move directly into wireless? By the time DSL and CABLe are up to speed, it seems that wireless will have matured to offer comparable speeds and dependability. From the numbers I've seen from NXTL and WCII, it looks like there are more wireless subscribers right now than cable and DSL combined. While wireless certainly requires specialized equipment on both ends, it looks to be less problematic than upgrading miles of copper, junctions, couplers, and who knows what other hard-wire gizmos are out there. Thanks! SM

To: steve harmon - analyst who wrote (1351)	4/28/1999 10:53:00 PM
From: Fred Rollins	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 4337

Steve, I understand companies like AT&T wanting to get into cable. However, IMO, cable may be a short-term winner in terms of the 'net, but it will be a long-term loser. For telephone and Internet access, it seems to me that we are headed for a wireless future - and cable is all about wires. Also, as I understand it, as cable Internet usage increases, the access speed slows considerably. I have even heard that some cable users (for Internet access) have to use modems for downloads due to the slow speeds. I'd like to know your opinion about this: is it really wise for AT&T and AOL (as you suggest) to spend big bucks on cable? Assuming cable isn't viable long-term, who do you see emerging as a leader in wireless (via satellite, for example) Internet access? Thanks