Patricia Fusco

MCI WorldCom Inc. Wednesday fueled the federal regulatory fire for approving its pending merger with Sprint Corp. by committing to deliver a competitive wireless broadband network. Bernard J. Ebbers, MCI WorldCom (WCOM) president and chief executive officer, said a merged MCI WorldCom-Sprint (FON) company would unleash their wireless competitive force on the broadband marketplace. Ebbers […]

Fresh from this week’s merger announcement with Time Warner Inc., America Online Inc. Wednesday launched a new look for its flagship Web site. The redesign AOL.com features a streamlined interface with enhanced services and newfangled content. America Online’s (AOL) access anywhere strategy is a significant part of the Web makeover. Jonathan Sacks, AOL senior vice […]

While analysts generally expect smooth sailing during regulatory clearances for Monday’s $182 billion merger between America Online Inc. and Time Warner Inc., several hurdles must be climbed before the deal’s done. America Online (AOL) has never focused on building an Internet infrastructure. The company outsources its connectivity to MCI WorldCom Inc. As a result of […]

News Edge Networks is introducing wholesale digital subscriber line (DSL) access to under served markets at a record pace. The broadband upstart is installing an average of one DSL switch a day on its march toward establishing a national footprint of broadband services to small markets. The Washington-based firm took 120 days to initiate DSL […]

Consumer groups were quick to raise doubts about the proposed merger of America Online Inc. and Time Warner Inc. The deal would wed the nation’s largest online community with the world’s largest media and entertainment company. National consumer organizations including the Consumers Union and the Consumer Federation of America,, Media Access Project and Center for […]

Less than 15 months after its introduction, free Internet service provider NetZero Inc. has racked up 3 million registered users. “When we launched our service, many were skeptical that NetZero could attract a critical mass of users or entice significant advertisers,” Goldston said. “Three million users in less than 15 months proves that people are […]

NEXTLINK Communications Inc. and Concentric Network Corp. Monday merged in a deal that creates a single broadband communications company focused on providing voice, data and Internet communications services. The transaction is valued at approximately $2.9 billion and is expected to close in the second quarter. In order to close the deal each share of Concentric […]

The Federal Communications Commission this week adopted rules to govern an upcoming auction for a prime piece of public airwaves. Winning bidders will be allowed to offer a variety of communications services, ranging from high-speed Internet access to wireless phone services. Under rules adopted three years ago, Congress directed the FCC to take back the […]

Microsoft Corp. has expanded its broadband service alliance with NorthPoint Communications. Under the new agreement announced Thursday, NorthPoint (NPNT) will serve as the preferred Digital Subscriber Line provider for Microsoft’s MSN Internet Access offering in Tandy Corp.’s RadioShack stores located within NorthPoint’s network footprint. Michael Malaga, NorthPoint chairman and chief executive officer, said the deal […]

Excite@Home Corp. Thursday launched its free Internet access service. Dubbed FreeWorld, the no-cost Internet service is powered by technology from 1stUp.com, a CMGI, Inc. (CMGI) company. George Bell, Excite@Home (ATHM) president, said Excite aims to breakdown the cost-barriers associated ith getting online, enabling consumers across US and Canada to enjoy free Internet access. “The narrowband […]

Apple Computer Inc. Wednesday took a $200 million stake in Internet provider EarthLink Network Inc. as part of a multi-year partnership to deliver Internet services to Mac customers in the United States. Apple will also have one seat on EarthLink’s board of directors. EarthLink (ELNK) will become the exclusive Internet service provider for Apple and […]

Bell Atlantic Corp. is considering breaking up GTE Corp. in order to gain regulatory approval of the two companies pending merger. According to industry analysts, Bell Atlantic (BEL) may spin-off GTE’s (GTE) Internet assets in an effort to gain the Federal Communications Commission’s approval of their consolidation. Bell Atlantic has so far been unable to […]