[comp.dcom.telecom] *Prodigy* at 9600 bps via Tymnet: What Implications?

"Seng-Poh Lee" <splee@gnu.ai.mit.edu> (04/13/91)

I just managed to get Prodigy running at 9600 bps via Tymnet. It works
great, although there are still pauses due to the front end. But when
the front end is responsive, the screen updates are super.

Prodigy has not announced 9600 support yet. I just edited their config
and script file to do that. When Prodigy went nationwide, they used
Tymnet to fill voids in their dial-up network. Presumely they have a
bulk contract with Tymnet since Prodigy users are not charged for
connect time.  I wonder what will happen when more and more people
start using Prodigy at 9600 via Tymnet. If Tymnet has higher charges
for 9600, will Prodigy start passing some of those charges to those
9600 customers? Prodigy has already started charging for e-mail over
30/month. Will they now start charging more for 9600 users? Or perhaps
limiting free connect time?

Time will tell. In the mean time, those in cities with 9600 Tymnet
modems can enjoy faster sessions.


Seng-Poh Lee
splee@gnu.ai.mit.edu