For phone companies wiring the Web, a surprising speed bump

Article Abstract:

Regional telcos have spent billions upgrading their networks to fast high capacity fiber optic equipment. However, their chief weapon against cable companies, in the race to provide consumer broadband Internet connections, is digital subscriber lines. While providing a fast connection, DSL is designed for older copper wire networks. Alcatel is close to bringing to market a 'terminal box' that will give local telephone subscribers a broadband Web connection.

Telephone and telegraph apparatus, Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing, Domestic Voice Telephone Service, Telephone Line Termination Hardware, Statistical Data Included, Usage, Product development, Internet service providers, Marketing, Equipment and supplies, Digital Subscriber Line, DSL (Digital subscriber line), Telecommunications equipment industry, Fiber optic networks, Compagnie Financiere Alcatel, Regional Bell Operating Companies, Domestic telephone services, Telephone equipment

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Changing picture

Article Abstract:

Industry analysts have said that a few US cable companies are moving into the telephone market with offers of substantial consumer discounts for telephone service. Cablevision Systems Corp., which is based in Woodbury, NY, provides telephone and cable services to residential and business customers on Long Island. Cox Communications Inc. is offering telephone service to 50,000 of its cable television customers in Orange County, California. MediaOne Group offers similar service to customers in several states.

Comment:

Has begun to provide telephone service to its cable television residential customers in Orange County, CA

Company Planning/Goals, Telephone Communications, Television, Telephone services, Cablevision Systems Corp., Cox Communications Inc., Article

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Comcast-AT&T MediaOne duel looms; counteroffer is explored after phone giant's bid for the cable concern

Article Abstract:

Comcast Corp. is debating a counteroffer to AT&T Corp.'s unsolicited bid for MediaOne Group. AT&T offered around $54 billion in cash and stock for MediaOne less than a month after the cable company agreed to be acquired by Comcast in an all-stock deal valued at $48 billion. AT&T and MediaOne have already negotiated a confidentiality agreement, the first step in formal merger proceedings. This seems to indicate that the phone company is preparing for a long and possibly hostile takeover bid for MediaOne. The surprise bid has spurred a number of other possible companies offering to serve as a friendly suitor. These firms, which include Microsoft Corp. and America Online Inc., appear to be very concerned about AT&T amassing to much control over the cable industry. AT&T acknowledges that the combined company would control or have influence over 65% of the cable-TV subscribers in the U.S. The phone company already completed the acquisition of cable operator Tele-Communications Inc. earlier this year.

Prepackaged software, Computer Software, Software Publishers, Asset sales & divestitures, Acquisitions & mergers, On-Line Information Services, Telecommunications, Videotex & Teletext, Cable Television Systems, Cable Networks, Cable and other pay TV services, Analysis, Computer software industry, Software industry, Software, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Microsoft Corp., Company acquisition/merger, Online services, Internet services, Acquisitions and mergers, AT&T Corp., America Online Inc., T, AOL, Cable television broadcasting industry, Cable television, UMG, Comcast Corp., CMCSA

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