Surge of on-line users strain Internet systems
Article Abstract:
Internet users are experiencing significant access delays, especially if they subscribe to America Online. America Online, the largest on-line service provider in the nation, admits that its system has had a difficult time handling increased usage since the company provided a new flat monthly rate of $19.95 on Dec 1, 1996. America Online's peak customer-base has grown to 230,000 simultaneous users. The company has added 8,400 modems to help handle increased traffic, and it is committed to spending $250 million by Jun 1997 to expand its capacity. Conflicts between Internet providers and local telephone companies are mounting as result of the Internet's dependance on local telephone networks. The RBOCs are so frustrated by the heavy usage of their local telephone switches by Internet users that they are requesting that the FCC impose usage fees on Internet service providers. Internet-access providers have joined forces to lobby against the proposed fees.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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Tourists turn to Intenet for other tourists' tips
Article Abstract:
The Internet's World Wide Web (WWW) can be a valuable source of travel information and tips from first-hand accounts, but information from official tourism agencies is frequently useless. WWW sites include the Global Network Navigator's Travel Center, which offers first-hand information about various countries from natives and tourists. Most WWW travel information users agree that first-hand information is the most valuable for finding useful information. Personal tips include advice on how to get black market gasoline in the Baltic region, how to find marijuana in Amsterdam or which US travel agencies to avoid. Personal travel advice is commonly summarized in frequently asked questions tables. Official information from government travel agencies is often worthless because it provides only flowery descriptions of obvious places.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
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PSINet sees positive cash flow in '97; likely financial boost lifts shares 24%
Article Abstract:
Internet access provider PSINet claims it will have a positive cash flow in early 1997, the first such report in company history. After this news, shares of company stock rose 24% on Dec 26, 1996, on the Nasdaq exchange, from $2.50 to $13. The company reported negative cash flow of $3.8 million for the qtr ended Sep 30, 1996. In Jul 1996 the company made a major change in corporate strategy, selling off its Pipeline consumer-oriented Internet access service, and refocusing efforts on the more stable corporate market. PSINet had been the first to introduce a flat-rate Internet access fee, $19.95 monthly in 1995, but this flat-rate scheme eventually drove PSINet from the market because of price wars. Telecom giants such as Sprint, AT&T and America Online offered similar flat rates, driving many smaller companies out of the market.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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