On Mar 02 15:59 96, Kris Roebuck of 3:690/426 wrote:

KR> Do Tel$tra have any plans to convert their exchanges over to a digital PCM
KR> network of any sort or are we going to be stuck with an analouge network?

They did, several years back.  We aren't.  It hasn't helped the customer
for beans, other than the fact that STD calls don't deteriorate with
distance.

It helps with some problems Telstra had, which is why they did it.

KR> It would be nice if they could since it would mean that everyone could have
KR> a 64kbit/s link to their house.

Dream on.  They exist - and the chances of you or I being able to use 'em
are a close approximation to those of a snowball in the nether region's
furnace.

KR> What is the maximum capacity of this analouge network of ours, anyway?

Your local loop is capable of TV signals (much to the joy and bragging of
one Telstra gent).  Reality returns with a bump when you hit your line
card, which digitizes it.  You'll see a 64kb channel if and only if, you're
VERY lucky, to haul your 300hz - 3300hz (if you're lucky) analog signals.

Cable modems will be along next year for those who are tolerant/silly
enough to pay for yet more reruns of ancient movies.  These may well
provide a wideband link.  By that time, it's quite possible that there'll
be nothing much to connect to other than a bowdlerized, very sluggish and
overloaded internet.

But it will mean that there'll be competition in providing unwanted junk. :-(

Regards,
Dave Hatch.

--- Msgedsq 3.20