Advantages of 56K

• Introduction

• Speed

• Cost

• Availability

• The cardboard box factor

The cardboard box factor

There are other connection technologies that are even faster than 56K: ISDN, ADSL, cable modems, and Internet satellite dishes. How can 56K compete?

Most modems sold today are sold in a bundle with a computer, monitor and software. Mom and dad go to the local Wal-Mart or Computer City and bring home a cardboard box with a complete computer system inside. Due to the immense interest in the Internet, most of these computers are "Internet ready," meaning they have a modem and Internet access software.

The bundled modem is a safe bet for the computer maker. Almost everyone has an analog phone line and a local Internet Service Provider that supports analog modems. What's the next logical step? Computer makers can't assume that customers will have ISDN service in their area, and they can safely bet that they will not have Internet access through cable or ADSL.

In the future, I expect much greater diversity in Internet access. City folks within 12000 to 18000 feet of the phone company's central office will be able to use ADSL. Country folks far from centralized technology may use satellite dishes. Many people in between will use ISDN, and cable modems may even make their long-awaited appearance in the cities and suburbs. In the meantime, the 56K modem is the last great hope for bundling inside the cardboard box.