UK: BT CLOSE TO COMPLETION OF ADSL UPGRADE

Article Abstract:

British Telecom is nearing the completion of its GB[pound] 250mn ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) upgrade. The early version will offer Internet access at 500kbs, which will increase surfing speeds by a factor of 10. It is thought that access speed will soon double to 1 megabit per second, before doubling again. This will enable the use of much higher bandwidth applications, such as video-on-demand and extensive graphics. The service will initially be offered in cities from London to Glasgow, in June 2000, reaching two-thirds of households by 2002. Over 300 companies are planning to launch some form of broadband service, with competition expected to be strongest in the consumer market.

Telecommunications Equipment, Telecommunications services industry, Online services, Telecommunications systems, British Telecom Inc., British Telecommunications PLC

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US: MICROSOFT UNVEILS MOBILE INTERNET PHONE

Article Abstract:

Microsoft has given the first public demonstration of its prototype mobile Internet phone. The phone, code-named Stinger, could be available a year before a rival product comes out from the Psion-led Symbian consortium. Samsung has agreed to make to Microsoft handset with shipments to begin in 2001. The phone features greater memory than Nokia's 7110e, allows users to download Internet pages in HTML format and can connect with enterprise servers to offer e-mail and spreadsheets. Microsoft is concentrating its US$ 4.6bn annually research budget on the wireless market. It is focused on the European market, which is ahead of the US.

United States, Communications Equipment, Microsoft Corp., Brief Article, Telecommunications equipment, Communications industry, MSFT

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Cybersouls on a digital planet

Article Abstract:

Electronic communications systems such as voice-mail can have a positive impact, bringing people from across the world together with no barriers of time or distance. However, society has also come to rely very heavily on such systems, and communications networks could become a key target in any future international conflict. Conventional warfare using soldiers will be superseded by electronic warfare using communications technologies. The development of sophisticated electronic communications systems also raises questions about the boundaries of the human body in the digital era.

Telegraph & other communications, Social aspects, Digital communications

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