Yesterday, I did a quick summation of a report from ABI research on how broadband gateways were good for DSL guys. Well that innocous looking post got attention from some serious heavy weights, who corrected me, and said that the ABI analyst was completely off base. Since I did not really have an opinion on the topic, I am going to go with these folks. First David Isenberg, a broadband guru if there was any, cuts through the crap and writes:
bq. I think this analyst has spent too much time in a coffeehouse in amsterdam. Certainly in the US, the cable operators have embraced the retail model to a much greater extent than the ‘BOCs. Can you go to Best Buy and purchase DSL service today? Nope. And several of the largest cable operators, Comcast and Cox have formal home networking services with an integrated gateway. I don’t see that from Verizon, BellSouth or other DSL providers. Sounds like the Cable guys get it to me.
David, you have scored a touchdown! Boris Mann agrees with David and writes,”Telcos have consistently failed to see the opportunity around CPE in the home.” Please if you disagree with me, them, or anyone, post away.
aaaaaaaaaaaagh…..i am frightened to even attempt reading your blog……..seedhe saadhe buddhu hum. anyway- i couldnt access the exerpts of your book.
Om – thanks for your compliments. However, for the record I’d like to make a correction – I’m not the David S. Isenberg of isen.com and ‘stupid network’ fame. I’m David A. Isenberg of no particular fame. You’re in good company – network savvy people often make the mistake. Full disclosure: I do work in the cable industry, but not for one of the big operators.
Just a quick clarification on DSL Providers and deployed gateways.ððThe leading DSL Providers, do in fact, offer integrated gateways and home networking services to consumers at a minimum charge.ððI work for 2Wire and we have over 1 million gateways deployed solely through DSL Providers.ðð In addition, all of these providers offer enhanced services through our gateways (eg parental controls, remote access, enhanced firewall, etc).ððBy deploying intelligent gateways the DSL Providers are well positioned to offer expanded services in data, voice, and media.