02/02/98 PHONE WIRES WILL SIZZLE WITH DATA

PHONE WIRES WILL SIZZLE WITH DATA

TELEPHONE COMPANIES HAVE been slow to bring high-speed data services to small businesses and homes. But that could change as a result of a pact between a dozen phone and computer companies expected to be announced at the ComNet trade show in Washington on Jan. 26-29. As first reported in BUSINESS WEEK on Dec. 5, Microsoft, Intel, Compaq, and telecom equipment makers have been working on a standard format for so-called digital subscriber line services. That technology allows data speeds 30 times faster than today's fastest modems. Now, a slew of local phone companies backs the format, too.
EDITED BY PAT WECHSLER