Atlantic.Net Press Releases

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (January 21, 1998 ) — Atlantic.Net / Internet Connect Company, Inc. (ICC), one of the most popular Internet service providers in Florida, is pleased to announce that 56K Internet access is now available to subscribers in Hillsborough and Pasco Counties.

ICC utilizes K56flex, which is the modem protocol developed by Lucent and Rockwell that enables high-speed Internet downloads over standard telephone lines. Subscribers with a compatible modem should be able to access the service at speeds of up to 56Kbps, nearly double the 28.8Kbps speed that most other service providers offer. The K56flex protocol is endorsed by over 1,500 other Internet service providers worldwide.

“Demand for 56K access has been growing for quite some time,” says ICC President and CEO Marty Puranik, “We’re excited about introducing it to our subscribers in the Tampa Bay area, especially as the 56K standard is about to be released.”

Puranik is referring to the debate between the two different competing 56K technologies, K56flex and 3Com Technology’s x2. Since their release in early 1997, the two technologies have not been compatible. This means Internet customers must have the same brand modem as their provider in order to take advantage of the faster connection speeds. The International Telecommunications Union, responsible for determining the 56K standard, announced last month that the new protocol will be released this spring.

After the 56K standard is released, anyone with a 56K modem can connect at faster speeds regardless of the type of modem their particular provider is using. Modem manufacturers expect to begin shipping the new standardized products in February. People who already own an older modem should be able to upgrade to the new standard at no charge.

“We believe that the new 56K standard will make the Internet more user-friendly than ever before,” Puranik continued, “This means less time waiting for downloads and more time enjoying the Internet.”

About Atlantic.Net

In 1995, two University of Florida students launched one of North Florida’s first commercial Internet services, Atlantic.Net.   Over its first seven years, Atlantic.Net acquired 13 Internet service companies and augmented its e-business services to include long-distance services, dial-up, broadband, web solutions, fractional T-1 through DS-3 connectivity, DSL, and ISDN access, Web hosting, Web design, and e-commerce.   Atlantic.Net’s staff has grown to more than 100 employees and has been recognized both Nationally and in Florida as one of the fastest-growing private companies.  Our award-winning customer service and investment in cutting-edge technology is still a guiding force behind the company.

To learn more about Atlantic.Net’s complete line of services, call 1.800.422.2936 or visit the Web site at Atlantic.net.