I can only speculate that the 2-23-87 refers to the date they completed this prototype and being so close to launch is why there are no differences from the released version. Again I'm speculating.
which means that he has no idea if it's really the prototype or not. He's just trying to make a quick buck of anyone who will read the headlines and not the fine print.
Super low bandwidth dial-up and super high latency wireless or satellite are not alternatives to actual broadband access.
Last I checked even Dialup is considered Broadband "Signals over such a range of frequencies." which in some cases your right is a low bandwidth option but if you choose to live in an area that doesn't offer what you want then move. Wireless and Satellite have come a long way, I'd say they are very good options inplace of dial up. My point is that they "are" alternatives it's your "choice" not to use them or consider them useful.
The hardest part of climbing the ladder of success is getting through the crowd at the bottom.