 | January 1, 2000 |
Megabits for the masses
TREND: Making broadband consumer-friendly
So far, setting up a broadband computer connection to the home has
required technical expertise well beyond most consumers, as well as a PhD in
patience. Service providers aren't exactly famous for providing great
service or support. In fact, according to many accounts, they've had a
fair amount of trouble figuring the technologies out for themselves.
But every early-adopter technology eventually shakes off its teething
pains and begins to grow up. That time appears to have (finally) arrived for
broadband. Announcements in recent weeks show that providers are waking up to
the idea that consumers want simple-to-install, out-of-the-box cable and xDSL
connections.
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Cable and XDSL providers set out to improve their reputation for
ease of use and service. |
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Just in time for the holidays, Cablevision and 3Com wrapped up a holiday
package that included a cable-splitter box and a US Robotics cable modem, plus
a $200 rebate on the $299 modem for customers who signed on for two years of
Cablevision's Optimum Online service. Perhaps taking a cue from the folks
who sell hair clippers for would-be home barbers, the companies also included
an instruction video to walk users through the setup process.
ePhones.com, more famous for selling wireless services, signed agreements
with several access providers, including NorthPoint Communications, Bell
Atlantic, Bell South, and Pacific Bell. Using both online and bricks-and-mortar
storefronts, ePhones.com will sell ADSL service that its partners will
deliver.
IBM and SBC Communications announced a more ambitious plan. In December,
the two began offering a combined package including a DSL-ready IBM Aptiva and
SBC's DSL service. The initial target universe includes about 10 million
customers in SBC's current territory. But SBC also recently launched its
$6 billion "Project Pronto," an aggressive drive to lay fiber and
upgrade central offices; the number of potential broadband addicts could reach
77 million in 13 states by 2002.
—by Matthew Miller
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