Those backlogs make month-long waits for installation dates, which frustrates many consumers. Several companies are working on self-provisioning software. Some are in trials and hope to soon allow customers to install and configure their own high-speed services. According to sources, BroadJump is also expected to announce later this year a deal under which its software will be bundled with 3Com cable modems. Smith said the company will reach its target of 3 million customers this year without the benefit of widespread self-provisioning systems in place, but he acknowledged that automatic installations are key to the cable industry's broadband Net access success.
Some analysts believe the promise is finally closer to reality.
Already, the majority of Cablevision Systems' Optimum Online cable modem service installations are performed by consumers, analyst Brumfield said. She noted the company's advantage of having a chain of retail stores in which to sell the installation kits. Inc. All rights reserved.