My guess is that they're using an ATM based network to bring the subscriber line into a packet switched medium, pointing the traffic through the network by way of a PVC, and into the MegaCentral device which has the opposite asymetrical characteristics of a subscriber line. In this fashion, any ISP can buy a port, plug it into an ethernet, and provide service. And the pricing isn't bad, either. $400/month for a 1.5Mbps outbound connection. Subscriber side is great, too. $40/month for the 192Kbps... Do the math, you dialup providers, and see how much money it saves you over dialup modem banks. The cost savings are enough to put in more bandwidth, and still have a higher profit margin than before.
Southwestern Bell wants $900+ for a T-1 ATM interconnect for the ADSL. This is technologyically a fairly good idea as it has good scaling properties, but it puts ISPs into the same position as it does long distance carriers when they have to compete for intrastate long distance. If the RBOCs didn't have pocket ISPs I wouldn't be bothered by this, but since we have already seen anti-competive actions from SBC/SWBISP, there are lots og regulator problems with this. Luckily our PUC actually listens to the consumers and has forced the LECs to provide "advanced" services like ISDN at reasonable rates. (The forced tarrif changes.) I suspect we will see this issue pop up at the regulatory level in Texas. --- Jeremy Porter, Freeside Communications, Inc. jerry@fc.net PO BOX 80315 Austin, Tx 78708 | 1-800-968-8750 | 512-458-9810 http://www.fc.net