Flashcom and Lucent Announce Agreement to Expand ADSL Technology

Strategic Insights -

Flashcom Inc., a leading provider of DSL services, and Lucent Technologies, the world leader in communications semiconductors, have announced an agreement aimed at making high-speed Internet services more accessible to consumers using Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) technology. This partnership enables consumers to purchase personal computer (PC) and retail "standalone" modem products containing Lucent's WildWire(TM) modem chip set technology at local retail stores, and then order their ADSL service from Flashcom. The agreement is expected to make ADSL service more affordable, with Flashcom offering various promotions to consumers who order ADSL service using WildWire-enabled modems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The agreement between Flashcom and Lucent aims to make high-speed Internet services more accessible to consumers using ADSL technology.
  • The partnership enables consumers to purchase PC and retail "standalone" modem products with Lucent's WildWire(TM) modem chip set technology at local retail stores and order ADSL service from Flashcom.
  • Flashcom will offer various promotions to consumers who order ADSL service using WildWire-enabled modems, making the service more affordable.
  • Flashcom offers ADSL service starting at $49.95 per month, including free setup and free installation depending on the service plan selected.
  • Lucent's WildWire chip set features WildCard(TM) technology, which enables connectivity between PC and retail modems and the majority of standards-based telephone central office equipment deployed throughout the United States.
  • The chip set consists of two digital signal processor cores, read-only memory, a peripheral component interconnect interface, and an on-demand transfer interface engine, all on a single chip.

Statistics:

  • ADSL technology allows high-speed Internet access over traditional phone lines at speeds up to 1.5 megabits per second.
  • Flashcom offers ADSL services in 48 metropolitan statistical areas.
  • The company offers ADSL services starting at $49.95 per month, including free setup and free installation depending on the service plan selected.
  • Lucent's WildWire chip set can operate at 56 kilobits per second (kbps) and is compliant with the International Telecommunications Union standard for 56 kbps modems called V.90.

Sources:

  • Business Wire, "Flashcom Inc. and Lucent Technologies Microelectronics Group Announce Joint Development Agreement for ADSL Modem Solutions for Consumer Market" (January 6, 2000)
  • Lucent Technologies, "WildWire Technology" (press release, date not specified)
  • Flashcom Inc., "DSL Services" (website, date not specified)