I just read (http://www.internews.com/isp-news/1998/06/0301-bell.html) that Bell Atlantic is looking to finally roll out xDSL. However, not as a wholesale, unbundled service, but as an Internet service which will directly compete against ISPs.
Please see http://www.bellatlantic.com/adsl/. Bell Atlantic has been doing ADSL through ISPs in it's Virginia test. Unbundled service (aka, bring your own ISP) is: 640 Kbps - $39.95 1.6 Mbps - $59.95 7.1 Mbps - $109.95 ADSL Modem - $325.00 NIC - $20+ (brand and what not) Bundled service: 640 Kbps - $69.95 1.6 Mbps - $109.95 7.1 Mbps - $189.95 ADSL Modem - $325.00 Service Connection Charge (Setup Fee) - $99.00 Home Installation - $99.00 NIC - $40 - $60 (from BA) With a 12 month commitment, Bell Atlantic will wave the $325.00 ADSL modem cost. This pricing is pretty much unrealistic for residential users. Most customers complain about paying $19.95, let alone $69.95. On another note, it seems Sprint will be offereing ADSL services as well.
From what I understand, they setup a multibillion dollar network to handle local & long distance ADSL service.
Also on the East coast, Cable modems are going commercial... currently in my area 512 Kbps runs $40/month flat w/ $99.00 installation and no Cable modem cost. Jordan -- Jordan Mendelson : http://jordy.wserv.com Web Services, Inc. : http://www.wserv.com