Reuters reported Wednesday that telecom heavyweight SBC Communications
Cable Internet has been the big success in broadband up till now. However, the truth is many households are still making do with dial-up's busy signals and snail's pace. Cable Internet, provided by companies like Comcast
But this isn't about cable Internet. This is about the millions of dial-up households itching for high-speed connections at prices they can justify.
Verizon (VZ) made headlines in May with its more consumer-palatable cut to the $30 per month range for DSL. (Its web site boasts an introductory DSL offer of $29.95 for three months, which shifts to $34.95 thereafter.)
Meanwhile, many of the tried-and-true dial-up providers still charge in the $22 to $24 per month range. While companies like AOL Time Warner's
According to Reuters, Verizon's vice chairman doesn't see the need to shave more dollars off its price to compete. However, SBC's $26.95 fee has an awfully compelling ring to it, and we've yet to see how other high-speed Internet providers will react.
It's been a long wait for DSL to thoroughly penetrate the mainstream residential market. But with a good dose of competition and broadband prices creeping closer to comfort, the grating music of modems dialing and non-stop busy signals may soon become anachronisms.
Alyce Lomax welcomes your feedback at [email protected].