Broadband's chicken-and-egg bind: what's delaying Web's promise? Media world cites networks, networks cite lack of media

Article Abstract:

The introduction of broadband connections via telecommunications services and cable television companies claims only six million residential users. The downward turn of the US economy and corporate belt-tightening threaten to slow development of broadband technologies. The media companies want a larger audience before pouring finances into broadband efforts and the phone and cable companies need more media services to attract more subscribers. No one is yet predicting doom for the broadband market but constant connection and technical glitches are giving new and existing customers pause.

United States, Services development, Other Telecommunications, Other Telecom Services, Forecasts and trends, Technology overview, Broadband transmission, Broadband

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Sprint to offer consumers Internet access; telecommunications firm enters a market where rivals have stumbled

Article Abstract:

Sprint Corp is introducing Sprint Internet Passport, an Internet access service designed for use by consumers. The company has served businesses by operating a major portion of the Internet since 1992, but this is its first service targeted for residential customers. The move is relatively late, as many telecommunications companies have already entered this market, including AT&T, MCI Communications and many regional Bell operating companies (RBOC). Some of these major vendors have had problems with their services, but Sprint has observed their efforts and hopes to profit from their earlier mistakes. The Sprint Internet Passport service will be introduced in phases. The company is currently testing the service with 200,00 customers and plans full service to the general public in fall 1996. The monthly charge will be $19.95 for unlimited usage, but users who do not use the service frequently can choose to pay $1.50 per hour.

Telephone Communications, Internet, Telephone services, Sprint Corp., FON, Company service introduction, Service introduction, Internet access

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AT&T tries again to clarify TCI deal; firm fives analysts details of technology and cost, but questions remain

Article Abstract:

AT&T held a teleconference with analysts on Jul 1, 1998, to outline its proposed $37.3 billion acquisition of Tele-Communications (TCI). The second AT&T explanation in a week still left unresolved questions about the bid's cost and technical viability. AT&T engineers introduced technology and IP-based systems for a new coaxial-cable network that will widen its one-way video lines into a two-way highway that can handle voice, data and video services. Price is a key issue as AT&T anticipates spending as much as $4 billion through 2002 to provide phone service to its five million cable customers. This number of customers represents less than a third of TCI's core business. Experts also question whether the hastily-arranged deal can overcome the hurdles to meet the communications industry's most ambitious effort of combining AT&T's phone network with TCI's cable system.

Long Distance Telephone Svc, Telephone communications, exc. radio, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Company acquisition/merger, AT&T Corp., T, Long distance telephone services, AT&T Broadband and Internet Services Inc., TCOMA

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