But recently a handful of big companies have built up powerful roles in providing access to the Internet and carrying its data. But, the mergers unites two of the biggest participants in the emerging Internet industry. This makes for an ideal opportunity to examine competition issues. The true measure if we did alright will be judged by history. The race is on to offer the first hand-held mobile phones that provide voice services anywhere on Earth.
Article includes look at players in the race.
The report concluded that competing telecom offers are so abundant and similar in price and scope that customer care has become the key differentiation for customers. A survey by the Yankee Group named BellSouth as the top company in customer satisfaction. The report also warned CATV operators of the competition from DBS and MMDS, suggesting that they diversify their revenue base. Veteran consumer activist Ralph Nader was presiding over a Wash. conference where software company critics charged that Microsoft is unfairly trying to dominate the Internet. This conference occurred amidst a confrontation between the Justice Dept.