Broadband Catalyst.

Groans about global domination notwithstanding, the proposed $350 billion merger between America Online and Time Warner is getting a general thumbs up from the broadband Internet access industry. Granted, AOL will become a high-speed heavyweight overnight thanks to Time Warner's 13 million cable television subscribers and roughly 500,000 Road Runner cable-modem service subscribers. But the rising tide is expected to help all ships. When AOL throws its substantial advertising clout behind broadband, the public will grow more aware of the very existence of high-speed Internet connections, then investigate the options.

"The last thing AOL wanted to do before this deal was to promote broadband technology it didn't yet have -- and lose its customers," said Cliff Young, chairman and president of Marina del Rey-based DSL provider InternetConnect. "As soon as the deal is finalized, they'll begin to cultivate demand. That demand will spill over to all types of broadband services, as people sort out what is best for them."

Young believes that while cable modems have enjoyed a head start in terms of usage and high profile, DSL service will ultimately go head to head. Analysts project that demand for DSL, which provides high-speed Internet access over copper telephone lines, will grow sharply for the next couple of years, especially in the business sector.

EarthLink Network Inc. announced last week a moratorium in signing up new DSL customers through its service, because demand had outpaced the available human resources. For its part, InternetConnect is gearing up to add 14 new markets to the 21 major U.S. cities it already serves.