Using the internet to send email, faxes or place phone calls, bypassing traditional long distance networks, could cost AT&T Corp $350m in lost revenue by the year 2001 (but only $350m?), according to London, UK-based telecom consulting company Philips Tarifica Ltd. With the number of internet users expected to rise dramatically – from 12 million in the US today, to 44 million in four years, many of whom will use the internet as an alternative to long distance and international phone networks – US long distance carriers could collectively lose up to $925m, says the consultancy.
