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Traffic on the Highway -- the information one that is
From: David Farber <farber () central cis upenn edu>
Date: Sat, 21 May 1994 07:45:27 -0400
CABLE SYSTEM TO OFFER PHONE SERVICE Time Warner will offer telephone service via its cable system in Rochester, NY. State regulators okayed the deal in exchange for giving Rochester Telephone Corp. greater freedom to retain profits it earns from operating more efficiently. Since Time Warner's cable network in Rochester has already been upgraded with fiber optic lines, the company just needs to add switching equipment to offer two-way voice communications. (New York Times 5/18/94 A1) SLOW MOVEMENT ON THE SUPERHIGHWAY In last year's burst of enthusiasm for building the information superhighway, potential obstacles tended to be downplayed. IBM's general manager of multimedia systems expects delays to start this summer as companies realize the equipment cost reductions factored into major rollout plans have not materialized to the extent expected. Meanwhile, an AT&T official warns that the new networks may need more than twice as much equipment to handle just double the customers. (Wall Street Journal 5/18/94 B1) LOW-PRICED WIRELESS DATA NETWORK Metricom Inc. thinks it can install a nationwide wireless data communications system for about $100 million, a fraction of what others plan to spend. The company's plan calls for data to be broadcast via small radio transmitters, using frequency-hopping, spread-spectrum technology that supports both one- and two-way communications. Several computer companies, including Apple, Compaq, Lotus and Microsoft, are working with Metricom to develop portable radio modems for laptops. Metricom anticipates providing wireless e-mail service for a flat fee of $10 to $20 a month. (Investor's Business Daily 5/19/94 A4) INTEL HOOKS UP WITH CABLE Intel and General Instruments announced deals with two cable companies to provide data services via cable connections at speeds more than 1,000 times the rate of most telephone modems. Tele-Communications Inc. and Rogers Cablesystems Ltd. of Canada will work with the chipmaker to develop the equipment and services necessary to make the PC the primary interactive household device. (Wall Street Journal 5/19/94 B9)
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- Traffic on the Highway -- the information one that is David Farber (May 21)