The need for speed has spurred both cable and telecom companies to 
accelerate their high-speed data offerings in a race to reach as many customers 
as possible. Here's how the major players stack up:

                    SERVICE             ENTRY PRICE         SPEEDS

EXCITE@HOME         Cable modems        $40/month           128 kbps to
                                                            1 mbps

ROADRUNNER          Cable modems        $40/month           128 kbps to
                                                            1 mbps
RHYTHYMS            Digital subscriber  $59/month           128 kbps to
NETCONNECTIONS      lines                                   7.1 mbps

COVAD               Digital subscriber  $59/month           128 kbps to
                    lines                                   7.1 mbps

SBC/AMERITECH       Digital subscriber  $39/month           640 kbps down,
                    lines                                   90 kbps up

BELL ATLANTIC/GTE   Digital subscriber  $39/month           640 kbps down,
                    lines                                   90 kbps up

U S WEST            Digital subscriber  $39/month           640 kbps down
                    lines                                   90 kbps up


                                                           MONEY
                    TARGET              CUSTOMERS          MARKETS

EXCITE@HOME         Residences          620,000            89

ROADRUNNER          Residences          400,000            25

RHYTHYMS            Large and             3,250            45
NETCONNECTIONS      small business

COVAD               Residential          29,000            51
                    and business

SBC/AMERITECH       Residential          32,000            51
                    and business

BELL ATLANTIC/GTE   Residential         Not available       6

U S WEST            Residential          70,000            40

DATA: BUSINESS WEEK