Rockwell designs modem 20 times faster than 56kbps

Rockwell next year will introduce a modem for high-speed Internet access - one million bits per second, almost 20 times faster than the existing maximum 56 kbps.

The new technology runs on existing analogue phone lines, but requires phone companies to make changes to their equipment.

The company expects its consumer digital subscriber-line (CDSL) modems to be on the market in the second half of next year.

The modems would be useless unless phone companies, including like Hongkong Telecom, upgraded switching equipment, said Rockwell's Hong Kong and China regional manager, Jonathan Lam.

Phone firms and Internet service providers may be less than willing to offer the CDSL service as it could threaten their existing corporate leased-line services.

Rockwell said its CDSL devices would be 'priced, sold and installed' like today's conventional analogue modems. Anticipated price is about HK$1,600.