I'm worried too, but I wonder if cable companies will be able to give good
technical support to their Internet customers
*****
In the past 9 months here (Des Moines, Iowa) USWest has rolled out DSL for
$60/month (256k) and TCI has rolled out cable modems (1 meg) at $40/month.
You will continue to see a loss of your power users. I even bought a DSL
line for home to monitor my network without tying up a phone line.
People want bandwidth. Some will not be satisfied with modem connections. If
you can't become a Megacentral (share ATM networks with a DSL provider - **
by my estimates, it takes 300 customers to break even) then focus on other
areas of strength.
Modems will be around for a few years because many areas won't get this high
speed stuff. BUT, don't count on it being your main source of income in 2+
years. You better become diverse in offering network solutions to your local
community.
I have been participating on a mailing list of people dealing with USWest
and DSL. The big boys are out for blood. They all want to offer highspeed
Internet plus local phone and long distance on ONE connection with one
billing. It is coming, rest assured.
Having said that, many are staying right where they are with us because they
enjoy the service we give them ., BUT, if a cheap 200k service comes around
for $20/month. They will hop on it.
David Payer
OMNI Internet
www.iowalink.com
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