The International Telecommunications Union in Geneva, Switzerland, gave final approval to V.90 industry standard 56-kbps modem technology last week. This decision puts and end to the lengthy modem standards battle. V.90 was initially agreed upon in February '98, and is now supported by both Rockwell and 3Com (US Robotics). After the decision in February, ISP's, remote hardware vendors, and modem vendors all fell in line to adopt the new technology. \n The long waited approval of the industry standard V.90 smooths the rough waters for modem users. Before V.90, consumers had to choose between 56-kbps modems using either 3Com's x2 or Rockwell's K56 flex technology. Users were then plagued with finding an ISP that supported the modem platform that they had purchased. The indecision also caused many ISP's to delay supporting 56-kbps modems. ISP's were hesitant to jump on the 56-kbps bandwagon fearing they may invest in the technology that was not accepted as the industry standard. \n V.90 is praised by many to solve the compatibility issues between the two modem technologies, but don't throw away your modem headache pills yet. V.90 users are seeing connection speeds between only 40 and 42-kbps due to current phone line conditions and limitations. ISP support technicians state that there are still compatibility issues between 3Com and Rockwell V.90 technologies. Most industry players support the V.90 standard but customers have been resistant to come aboard. The International Telecommunications Union's formal ratification of V.90 offers reassurance to conservative consumers waiting to buy 56-kbps modems. \n Modem prices have dropped while consumers have waited for the industry standards battle to call a cease fire. Now modem prices are expected to stabilize as conservative buyers hear of the end of the 56-kbps battle. Modem manufacturers and retailers should see a sharp gain in modem purchases, especially during this first 56-kbps standardized Christmas season. \n Some industry experts say even this decision may not help struggling modem vendors. They agree that the standard will raise consumer confidence and modem purchases, but they fear that the drop in modem prices and profitability may still choke out small vendors. Shipments are sure to increase, but profits are not guaranteed to follow. Experts fear the damage from the 56-kbps standard battle may already be done.
All models were at least 18 years old at the time of their performance. 18 U.S.C. 2257 Record-Keeping Requirements Compliance Statement.
