Originally published July 2 2005
Most companies underestimated consumer demand for high-speed internet
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
As dial-up internet connections begin to fade away, with consumers growing more impatient with slow connections, many communications companies are scrambling to meet the demand for high-speed internet services such as cable and DSL, but some companies are unable to meet the demand of some of their more remote customers.
Through the era of dial-up and a disappointing round with cable modems, Duane Bryan has been anxiously awaiting speed.
The 28-year-old resident of Oak Ridge, Tenn., has dreamed of high-speed Internet access for late night telecommuting, news video viewing and even online gaming.
Like Bryan, flocks of recent Internet converts are growing impatient with slow service, tied-up telephone lines and other limitations rendered by dial-up Web access.
But unlike Bryan, many have no choice, waiting for either of today's two options _ cable modems or digital subscriber lines _ to come to their door.
And while cable companies hustle to upgrade their systems and lay new lines, telephone companies are also racing to respond to thousands of customers impatiently waiting for the turbo version of the Internet.
This allows both Internet and telephone service to occur simultaneously over one line, resulting in a constant connection to the Internet.
BellSouth launched its DSL service in August, but, with a few exceptions, only customers living within three miles of a company switch can get the service.
Customers served by TDS Telecom in West Knoxville, for example, didn't have the service at all.
"The biggest thing is just getting it out to as many folks as we can as quick as possible," said Steve Wohlbold, Tennessee and Kentucky ADSL representative for BellSouth's network vice president.
In some BellSouth markets, he said, expansion is happening so fast that the company's equipment suppliers can't keep up with demand.
"We'd like to be the first one in the market, naturally," he said.
Other local Internet providers, like Oak Ridge-based ICX online _ owned by national Internet service provider Duro Communications _ see DSL as the next must-have service in an increasingly bandwidth-hungry market.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml