perm filename HOTER.BGB[PUB,JMC] blob sn#139940 filedate 1975-01-16 generic text, type T, neo UTF8
Dear John:

	Your HOTER proposal  is unrealistic because it is  too little
service, for too much money, for too few people. The proposal is also
too "communications" and  "time shared" oriented.   As  I see it  the
computers as home appliances will come in exactly two steps:

(1). First,  a series of  totally independent home computers  will be
developed  and marketed by  private entrepeneurs (rather  than by the
government or by a cooperative).  The  independent home computer will
be  a  combination:  television,  calculator,  typewriter,  pin  ball
machine and juke  box; and will  be sold  for between the  cost of  a
color television and a car (depending on features). 

(2). Second,  the present rates  on communication are  exorbinate and
can  not be  afforded by  home computer  owners.   The communications
monopoly (post office,  phone company  and the FCC)  must somehow  be
made  to  supply home  computer  communications  as a  "free"  public
service,  in  the  manner that  Network  television  entertainment or
highway  transportation  is  provided  "free".    Perhaps,  the  home
computer communications network  can be supported by Cable Television
Companys as part  of their responsibilty  to the public  as a  public
monopoly. The home  computers would be connected by  cable television
by means of a packet switching system on a video channel. 

						    Bruce G. Baumgart