ASP market comes of age

After two years of hype and many false starts, the ASP arena begins to take shape.





They're also probably the best equipped to play in the outsourcing business, even though many of them have largely ignored it so far. They're the ones with the best connections to the customer—the so-called last mile—and they've got all the billing equipment and processes necessary to track usage and deliver a utility-like service. The difference is that this time it will be data they're carrying over their lines instead of voice.


While power utilities have played a similar role, many have been reluctant to jump into the data services business. With the exception of a few power utilities, most notably Carolina Power & Light, most have been content to stick to their knitting in the world of deregulated power. Phone companies can't charge more in a competitive market, but power utilities don't seem to have that problem. Just look at what's happening in California these days.


Those that understand this model and embrace it could find they have a steady revenue stream for years to come. Those that don't can join the legions of early players in this market, which had an interesting idea but failed to deliver on it.