For service providers, converting those last, persistent dial-up users to broadband can be like trying to get some honey by sticking your arm right into the hive. That’s because users still connecting to the Internet with drippy dial-up aren’t usually tech-savvy; and while providers see the slow connections as painful on their networks’ assets and are eager to offer broadband where available, pushing such folks over to faster services can turn out to be more of a drain on tech support — not to mention costly home equipment and shipping – than the added revenue is worth.
Enter Netopia’s new dial-up to DSL conversion solution. The product promises to help providers such as ILECs and ISPs convert the simple-needs category of dial-up users to broadband with its new self-installing modem. The 3342N modem is lightweight and small for low-cost mailings, and requires no complicated CDs for installation, said Brad Miller, director of marketing at Netopia.
Once a user receives the modem, he or she plugs the device into the computer’s USB port and follows a simple menu for installation, ready to get up to speed on his or her Internet connection. Netopia would not get specific on cost, but assured an under-$40 price point and said the product is set for availability in July.
Netopia www.netopia.com
