The first to open, in 1991, was the Technology Development Center on Key Highway. Unfortunately, T-1 access is not available in all parts of the city. According to Mr. Taylor, there is no map yet showing where T-1 is available, for example. For the past two years, under former Director of Public Works George Balog, the City has been installing underground conduit for telecommunications use when street work is done, but the City does not install the wiring. The Essence Anyone who has attempted to download a photograph from the internet knows how slow the process can be.
Speed is of the essence, especially for businesses whose lifeblood is quick responsiveness online.
And in Baltimore City, this speed comes with a high price tag, if it can be obtained at all. Cable internet access would be a fine option, but it is unavailable here because TCI, under exclusive contract with the city to provide cable services, does not provide it. ISDN, an older internet option, is now universally available in the City, but is considerably slower than DSL and has other disadvantages. There's a T-3 fiber optic cable now. And one day soon, wireless access may eliminate the need for cabling and phone lines altogether.