Everybody wants DSL, but most can't get it. Broadband access services are spotty at best, mostly because of two factors: the distance you are from the local central office or whether your local phone exchange carrier is offering a good relationship to your DSL provider.

Like other resellers of broadband access technologies, the NAR and Homestore co-owned Firetap Communications is running into the same problems as other service providers. But the company is forging ahead anyway to provide Realtors network DSL services, even if they aren't allowed to sell many agents DSL connections for their homes. But all that's changing soon.

Octive Technology has licensed its network operating system (NOS) software and services to Firetap Communications which means that Firetap now has something significant to go public with. Instead of reselling other people's services, the startup will be providing the services for others to resell, as well as provide a "host of personalized broadband services on a nationwide basis with a user-by-user cost structure."

Octive's NOS integrates Web-based registration, automated provisioning, billing, modem delivery and configuration, and it also includes some aggregated content and applications. Firetap will incorporate Octive Technology's NOS solution into its service offering and provide customized business-to-business telecommunication solutions designed specifically for professionals associated with the real estate and home-related industry, including real estate agents and brokers, multiple listing services, apartment complex managers, builders, mortgage lenders, and general consumers.

As a result of the agreement, Firetap will expand its service offering to include Octive Technology's Bandwidth-on-Demand, which allows users to instantly upgrade from their base connection speed to the fastest DSL speed available. Octive Technology's NOS also provides a private-labeled national broadband solution of Web-based registration; automated provisioning; consumer billing, management and delivery of CPE (Broadband modem); Internet navigation software; e-mail services; customer and technical support; and aggregated content and applications.

In other words, Firetap will be able to provision DSL lines better, faster, and cheaper than other relationships, and that is because it appears that they will be providing the DSL technologies to the ISPs at the local service level. So if you've been frustrated by not being able to get DSL on your street for some reason, you have someone in your corner now.

"This agreement with Octive Technology will enable us to significantly expand our service offering, and will provide the best communication technology to our customers," said Eric Geis, president and chief executive officer of Firetap Communications, Inc. "Through its turnkey package of leading NOS software services, Octive Technology has positioned itself as a key force driving the new generation of broadband services. We are thrilled about our relationship with them."

Firetap will take advantage of the Octive Technology NOS solution for basic bandwidth as well as advanced networking services, which will be great for individual Realtors as well as brokerage offices, MLS organizations and more.

No more shut-outs by the local phone service. Because the technology works independently of last-mile technology, Firetap will also be able to activate its future customers utilizing a variety of broad bandwidth offerings which are right for their areas including DSL, cable, wireless and satellite technologies, all through Octive's consistent customer interface. As a result of the agreement, Firetap will expand its service offering to include Octive Technology's Bandwidth-on-Demand, which allows users to instantly upgrade from their base connection speed to the fastest DSL speed available.

Firetap promises more news ahead in a few weeks as a result of this licensing agreement.

Published: January 23, 2001

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