The International Telecommunications Union in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday gave final approval to V.90 industry standard 56-kbps modem technology, but industry analysts warn that damage from the lengthy standards battle which preceded this detente may be difficult to reverse.

Supported by both Rockwell and 3Com, V.90 was initially agreed upon in February. At that time, Internet Service Providers remote access hardware vendors like Ascend Communications, and modem vendors fell in line to adopt the new technology.

It was a much-needed accord. Before V.90 was established, consumers had to choose between 56-kbps modems using either 3Com's x2 or Rockwell's K56 flex technology. Users then had to find an ISP that supported the modem technology they had purchased. It also caused many ISPs to refrain from supporting 56-kpbs modems because of the reigning confusion at that time.

Users of the new computer reported having trouble dialing in to ISPs, a fact that Apple attributed to ISPs not having implemented V.90 code in all systems. Additionally, as has been the case from the start, connection speeds typically only reach between 40 and 42-kbps due to existing phone line conditions&£45;-and there are other lingering compatibility issues between 3Com and Rockwell-based V.90 technologies, according to support technicians at ISPs.

Most major industry players already support V.90 despite the ongoing issues, but that hasn't entirely changed the resistance on the part of some customers. So, yesterday's announcement of formal ratification of the standard is more than just a formality to some, as it offers further reassurance to conservative corporate customers and consumers waiting to buy 56-kbps modems.

http://www.itu.ch/

((c)C|NET)