On Sat, 16 Aug 2003 18:33:16 -0700, Tom S. wrote:

Roger Halstead wrote:

Of the modern countries the US is ranked as the lowest when it comes
to cell phones as the primary phone.

That's because we have the most advanced landline system.


IBTD.

And, for all we gripe about it, a phone here costs about $20-30 a month.
Most of the rest of the world pay from two to five times (or more) that
amount.

ah!

When I was stationed in Germany in the early 70's, a phone was about $100 a

oh yes. Hardfacts from 30 years back.

month and long distance was pretty much out of the question. LD calls had to
go through the operator. When I got back, the phone was $11 a month. Wonder
what it costs now.

Prices are rather similar, for about this rate you can have a ISDN line.
Calling rates dropped dramatically in hte last year. For me it is cheaper
to call from Europe to the US than calling home when in the US.

actually: in Europe you have a quote of 60 to 90% of cell phone users
(Italy is leasing).
most of the telephone landlines are not older than 50 years and you can
have mostly everywhere a 56K modem conect (only few use 33.6 modems).

the European power system is designed for stability and we have one shared
power network.

to see the difference before and after the power-outage:
Satellite Views Of The Blackout

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/nightli...efore-text.jpg

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/nightli...after-text.jpg

It was a former US energy minister who said the US is world leader in
economy etc, with a 3rd world-like power network.

#m
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