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Technology Stocks : America On-Line (AOL) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Ed Forrest who wrote (20347)	6/5/1999 12:19:00 AM
From: George Martin	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 41369

Ed - Interesting points re: AOL's recent acquisitions fitting into larger plan of broadband access. Also, agree completely re: potential perfect fit with RNWK -- unfortunately Glaser seems determined to go it alone, maybe bracing himself with his success taking on MSFT. Unfortunately I think it may be too late before he realizes a strategic alliance with AOL would be best survival tactic vis-a-vis MSFT. When YHOO acquired BCST, I thought the time was right for AOL - RNWK ... but not yet. As a beginning, AIM does feature RealPlayer integration. ATT legal ruling today: here's what threw me for loop. FCC chariman Kennard was so adamant in his dismissal of Case's plea for open access to cable modem lines, that it seemed there would be not regulatory recourse. You will recall, Kennard went so far to say, in effect, 'Maybe AOL will have to strike a deal by giving ATT an equity position in AOL in exchange for access' -- the quote is not literal but really that is what he said ! Then we get this total end run legal ruling by a Federal judge -- and BTW no where did I ever see this discussed or predicted as a possible outcome. Surprise !! Agree with earlier comments, the genie is out the bottle -- whatever happens from here, appeals, supreme court, etc. -- the obvious has been stated: 'Does it make sense to reestablish a monopoly position in any particular broadband access mode ?' Reasonable access fees, of course. Exclusionary access to leverage further advantage (spelled 'Excite At Home') -- isn't this the gist of the MSFT monopoly trial ? It seems so to me. Just wonder how Kennard was quite as cavalier and nonchalant about it as he was at the time. The ATT legal ruling may serve to refocus his thinking a bit. Regards, George