Microsoft facing a challenge over Internet-cable TV link

Article Abstract:

Microsoft is drawing a challenge to chmn William H. Gates' vision of dominating the Internet by wedding its to cable TV. A Worldgate Communications-led group of cable TV companies have been developing a system that may deliver the Internet to TV households at a faster and less expensive rate. Plans for the Worldgate system call for a set-top cable converter box, the existing TV and remote control to handle the Internet at a monthly rate of $12 or lower. This compares to Microsoft's Web TV service costs of a special $200 set-top device and $20 monthly fee. Data transmission speeds of 192,000 bps would amount to four times the speed of the fastest modem connections over conventional telephone lines. Citicorp, Motorola, cable system operators and major advertising agencies are among the other backers of the Worldgate system. Worldgate plans to unveil the service in a Philadelphia suburb and in St. Louis, and will add other sites in 1998.

Product introduction, Microsoft Corp., Internet, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Telecommunications systems, MSFT, Company service introduction, Service introduction, Internet/Web technology, WorldGate Communications Inc.

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Canadian cable TV operators in Internet deal with @Home

Article Abstract:

The two largest Canadian cable television companies, Shaw Communications and Rogers Cable Systems, a subsidiary of Rogers Communications, are going to be offering the @Home Network Internet service to their customers. Shaw and Rogers have 45% of the cable market in Canada, about five million homes. They plan to call the new service WAVE@Home and will be acquiring about 5% of the @Home Network company. The WAVE@Home service will provide high-speed Internet services over the cable companies' local networks and @Home's national network. @Home will be available in approximately 2 million homes in Canada by the end of 1997. In the US only around 19,000 homes have two-way cable, and that number is expected to rise to 200,000 by spring of 1998.

Online services, Cable television, Shaw Communications Inc., Company services, Cable television/data services, At Home Corp., Rogers Communications Inc.

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