Re: Re-engineering the public switched network (fwd)

[James Love <love@tap.org>]

  David Frankel's views on this.
  jl
  ---------- Forwarded message ----------
  Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 13:50:41 -0700
  From: David Frankel <dfrankel@jetstream.com>
  To: love@tap.org
  Subject: Re: Re-engineering the public switched network
  
  Jamie,
  
  Following are a few paragraphs from my testimony in the CA ISDN rate case.
  All of the Bells offer X.25 Packet capability, to varying degrees. If they
  would complete the implementation of the ISDN-X.25 interconnection (which is
  almost there), and offer it under appropriate tariffs, then it would be up
  to ISPs to offer the server-side capabilities to take advantage of this. We
  are demonstrating this very exciting application in our lab today. It's
  perfect for electronic mail.
  
  David
  
  
  
  For lower-bandwidth requirements, ISDN technology includes something called
  "D-channel X.25." This service gives the ISDN customer access to the Public
  Packet Switched Network without tying up circuit-switching resources. It is
  particularly useful for small transactions, like credit card verification,
  E-mail transmission, or other short messages. Unlike circuit-switched
  technology, with X.25, transmission facilities are only tied up when data is
  actually being moved.
  ...
  6)  As noted above (see Q14), ISDN provides access to the X.25 packet
  network, which can be particularly useful for certain applications. In fact,
  in combination with other attributes of ISDN, X.25 can contribute to a
  compelling offering for some customers. Pacific has proposed raising the
  charge for access to the X.25 network via the ISDN D-channel to $5. Usage
  rates for X.25 need to be revised given the new role that this relatively
  old network is now taking on in today's environment. Current X.25 usage
  rates, which charge according to the amount of data transferred, amount to
  many, many times more than the charges incurred for comparable data
  transfers using modern modem technology and measured analog telephone lines.
  Revision of the rates is justified given the more cost-effective access to
  the packet network provided by ISDN and new applications that will drive
  X.25 utilization. The monthly access charge should be set high enough to
  permit it to include an allowance for usage that would accommodate typical
  customers; I recommend a monthly allowance permitting transfer of 20
  megabytes of X.25 data without additional charge. Further, Pacific still has
  several digital switches that are not fully connected to the X.25 packet
  network; there should be plans in place to complete this interconnection by
  the end of 1996.
  
  David Frankel
  Jetstream Communications                               Tel: 408-777-1550
  1054 S. DeAnza Blvd., Suite 110                        Fax: 408-777-4343
  San Jose, CA 95129                                dfrankel@jetstream.com