                       The Electronic Identity
                                  by
                            Robert Parson

                       Go Gently into the Night


     As I'm sure you've heard by now, the merger between cable giant 
TCI and Regional Bell Operating Company Bell Atlantic was called off.  
The two companies claim new Federal Regulations on the cable business 
killed the deal.  But many analysts think the real reason may have 
been because TCI was overpriced on the stock market.

     The combined company would have accelerated construction of the 
Information Superhighway.  Then both would have brought the strengths 
of their respective industries into what would have been the largest 
communications company in the United States.

     Even though I was concerned that the proposed merger could have 
created an extremely powerful monopoly, I was excited about what they 
promised.  Those promises, though are not dead; other companies are 
working on plans.  Neither TCI nor Bell Atlantic are going to sit 
still and watch the industry grow up around them.

     We're rushing into the digital future, and we should expect to 
run into potholes and roadblocks.

     Speaking of roadblocks, Bell Atlantic President James Cullen held 
a conference-call news conference for reporters when he announced that 
the merger was dead.  Reporters were invited to call an 800 number to 
participate.  Many got busy signals, some were told the number didn't 
exist, and Cullen even got cut off in the middle of the news 
conference.  Sometimes even the phone company can't connect.

     The Federal Communications Commission is considering a plan by 
Microsoft Boss Bill Gates and McCaw Communications head Craig McCaw 
to build a satellite communications network.  The company they jointly 
own, Teledesic, wants to build a network of 840 satellites to bounce 
phone calls and video conferences off of.  At nine billion dollars, 
it's an ambitious plan.  This will help pave the road.  

     If you thought the "clipper" chip was a bad idea, here's one 
that's even worse:

     The FBI wants phone companies to install software to let law 
enforcement agencies tap into phone lines.  Currently, lawmen have to 
physically splice into phone lines and listen in.  But that's useless 
on digital networks.  FBI Director Louis Freeh wants Congress to pass 
a bill requiring the phone companies to do this.  The phone companies 
vow to fight it, in part because the equipment would cost too much and 
would mean higher bills for customers.

     Even though I have great sympathy for the plight of law 
enforcement agencies, I don't want to make it easier for them to 
listen to my private phone calls.  If they want to tap into my line, 
then they should agonize every inch of the way.  For once, the phone 
companies are on the side of the angels.

     The PowerPC CPU is out now, and Apple computer is already 
shipping computers with the new chip.  IBM plans on sending out their 
PowerPC systems in late summer.  This new CPU is supposed to be 
competitive in speed with Intel's Pentium chip and cooler as well.  I, 
for one, am going to wait to see if the PowerPC chip family is going 
to be a stable platform before buying a computer with one it.  
However, I'm rubbing my hands together waiting for 486 prices to 
take a nosedive.

                                 ---

     There's an ancient curse that says "May your life be 
interesting."  Also, "If you want something done, assign it to 
someone who is busy."

     Both of those have been applicable to me in the past several 
months.  Because my life is going in directions I didn't expect, and 
in some directions I frankly didn't like, I've had to re-evaluate much 
of what I do.  Unfortunately, this refocusing of energies means I will 
no longer be able to write this column for International Online 
Magazine.

     I hope The Electronic Identity column has been of interest, and 
maybe even useful to you over the past two years.  I've enjoyed 
writing it, and this decision has not been an easy one.

     I wish all of you the very best.

                                                (c) 1994 Robert Parson



Publisher's note... It has been an honor to run Robert's articles
    and we are saddened to see him go; but understanding of his
    plight.  Our best wishes go to Robert and his family and we
    hope to see him again in the future in whatever capacity.

    Thanks Robert!
