Press Clippings: January 2006

Major Industry items you might have missed

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Motorola delivers WiMAX to Alltel.

Source: Motorola yesterday announced it has been contracted by U.S. operator Alltel to provide its MOTOwi4 canopy wireless broadband solution to help the operator deliver last mile access to the home. The MOTOwi4 portfolio of solutions includes canopy wireless broadband, broadband…

Motorola yesterday announced it has been contracted by U.S. operator Alltel to provide its MOTOwi4 canopy wireless broadband solution to help the operator deliver last mile access to the home.
The MOTOwi4 portfolio of solutions includes canopy wireless broadband, broadband over powerline, WiFi mesh, high-speed backhaul and WiMAX products.

Posted by Judith — 10:06 AM


BT launches first affordable videophone service.

Source: BT’s 」180 (US$300) handset plugs into a broadband connection to transmit and receive high-quality video images at a cost of between 10p and 15p a minute. The product launch, which is scheduled for May, is BT’s attempt to dominate the…

BT’s 」180 (US$300) handset plugs into a broadband connection to transmit and receive high-quality video images at a cost of between 10p and 15p a minute.
The product launch, which is scheduled for May, is BT’s attempt to dominate the growing broadband telephone market, which promises to revolutionise worldwide communications.

Posted by Judith — 10:02 AM


Colt adds ‘off-net’ capabilities to Ethernet portfolio.

Source: Colt, a European provider of business communications, has extended the reach of its Ethernet services in 11 of its markets with ‘off-net’ connectivity. These enhancements to Colt’s Ethernet portfolio are designed to meet demand from businesses for deploying Ethernet technology…

Colt, a European provider of business communications, has extended the reach of its Ethernet services in 11 of its markets with ‘off-net’ connectivity.
These enhancements to Colt’s Ethernet portfolio are designed to meet demand from businesses for deploying Ethernet technology across both their local and wide area networks.

Posted by Judith — 9:52 AM


German telcos to promote broadband.

Source: German telco Arcor, the fixed line unit of Vodafone, has revealed plans to invest EUR200 million (US$242 million) into its broadband network during 2006. Arcor will present its proposal to the German chancellor, saying it is willing to share the…

German telco Arcor, the fixed line unit of Vodafone, has revealed plans to invest EUR200 million (US$242 million) into its broadband network during 2006. Arcor will present its proposal to the German chancellor, saying it is willing to share the costs of constructing the network with incumbent telco Deutsche Telekom (DT). DT itself has announced that it will spend EUR3 billion (US$3.6 billion) into the upgrade of its traditional copper-wire network to fibre-optic during the year.

Posted by Judith — 9:44 AM


UK court to unmask ‘file-sharers’.

Source: Ten internet service providers have been ordered to hand over the details of 150 UK customers accused of illegally sharing software. Among the internet providers are BT, NTL, Telewest and Tiscali. Over the next two weeks, they are expected to…

Ten internet service providers have been ordered to hand over the details of 150 UK customers accused of illegally sharing software.
Among the internet providers are BT, NTL, Telewest and Tiscali.
Over the next two weeks, they are expected to provide the names, addresses and other personal details of the alleged file-sharers.

Posted by Judith — 9:40 AM

Monday, January 30, 2006

Microsoft alternative to $100 laptop.

Source: Microsoft is proposing using an adapted cellphone connected to a TV and keyboard, as an alternative to the “One Laptop Per Child Project” supported by the UN….

Microsoft is proposing using an adapted cellphone connected to a TV and keyboard, as an alternative to the “One Laptop Per Child Project” supported by the UN.

Posted by TC — 9:04 AM


Kodak digital sales outpace film for first time.

Source: Kodak reported that for the first time its annual revenue from digital imaging products exceeded sales from film technology….

Kodak reported that for the first time its annual revenue from digital imaging products exceeded sales from film technology.

Posted by TC — 8:57 AM

Friday, January 27, 2006

Intel and partners commit further $10 billion to Itanium.

Source: Intel and its partners, including HP, plan to invest a further $10 billion in the Itanium server processor in the remaining years of the decade….

Intel and its partners, including HP, plan to invest a further $10 billion in the Itanium server processor in the remaining years of the decade.

Posted by TC — 10:11 AM


Strategy Analytics: Mobile Handset Boom to Continue.

Source: According to research company Strategy Analytics, mobile phone shipments will continue to grow in 2006. The report predicts a further increase in global shipments by 15% to 930 million units….

According to research company Strategy Analytics, mobile phone shipments will continue to grow in 2006. The report predicts a further increase in global shipments by 15% to 930 million units.

Posted by TC — 9:33 AM


Merchant Bank to Auction 1000 Patents.

Source: Merchant Bank Ocean Tomo plans to auction around 1,000 patents for software, hardware and network technology. The auction will be held in San Francisco in April 2006….

Merchant Bank Ocean Tomo plans to auction around 1,000 patents for software, hardware and network technology. The auction will be held in San Francisco in April 2006.

Posted by TC — 9:07 AM

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Pew: Web Expands Social Contacts.

Source: According to a new Pew Report, the Internet promotes social contacts. This contradicts earlier assumptions that Internet leads to social isolation….

According to a new Pew Report, the Internet promotes social contacts. This contradicts earlier assumptions that Internet leads to social isolation.

Posted by TC — 4:10 PM


Torvalds says Linux will stick with GPL2.

Source: Following the release of details of the proposed GPL3 license, Linus Torvalds says that Linux will not migrate to GPL3, but will stay with GPL2. Torvalds objections to GPL3 include the drafts aggressively anti-DRM language….

Following the release of details of the proposed GPL3 license, Linus Torvalds says that Linux will not migrate to GPL3, but will stay with GPL2. Torvalds objections to GPL3 include the drafts aggressively anti-DRM language.

Posted by TC — 3:48 PM


IBM Report predicts the end of TV as we know it.

Source: In a report released Thursday called The End of TV as We Know It: A Future Industry Perspective, IBM predicts that by 2012, competition from new technologies will drastically alter traditional TV….

In a report released Thursday called The End of TV as We Know It: A Future Industry Perspective, IBM predicts that by 2012, competition from new technologies will drastically alter traditional TV.

Posted by TC — 3:43 PM


UN Backs $100 Laptop.

Source: The UN Development Program will UNDP will work with the “One Laptop per Child” project to deliver “technology and resources to targeted schools in the least developed countries”….

The UN Development Program will UNDP will work with the “One Laptop per Child” project to deliver “technology and resources to targeted schools in the least developed countries”.

Posted by TC — 10:59 AM

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Sun Servers to get multi-OS abilities.

Source: Sun announced plans to intrdouce virtualization technology that will enable multiple operating systems to run on a single server. Similar technology is already available from IBM and HP….

Sun announced plans to intrdouce virtualization technology that will enable multiple operating systems to run on a single server. Similar technology is already available from IBM and HP.

Posted by TC — 4:37 PM


Dutch Cable Companies set up IP Telephony Exchange.

Source: Five Dutch cable companies have agreed to interconnect IP Telephony traffic directly, by-passing the PSTN. The five firms cover 95 percent of the Netherlands, have 7 million cable television customers and are adding 50,000 telephone subscribers a month….

Five Dutch cable companies have agreed to interconnect IP Telephony traffic directly, by-passing the PSTN. The five firms cover 95 percent of the Netherlands, have 7 million cable television customers and are adding 50,000 telephone subscribers a month.

Posted by TC — 12:43 PM


Microsoft to open up Windows source code to rivals?

Source: Pressure from European regulators has resulted in Microsoft agreeing to provide source code to competitors (for payment) in an attempt to comply with the EU’s 2004 ruling….

Pressure from European regulators has resulted in Microsoft agreeing to provide source code to competitors (for payment) in an attempt to comply with the EU’s 2004 ruling.

Posted by TC — 9:48 AM


Google, Sun, Lenovo back Harvard and Oxford ‘Badware Site’.

Source: A web site will be established by Harvard and Oxford researchers to identify sources of malicious software. The site will be funded by Google, Sun and Lenovo….

A web site will be established by Harvard and Oxford researchers to identify sources of malicious software. The site will be funded by Google, Sun and Lenovo.

Posted by TC — 9:41 AM

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Google to censor China Web searches.

Source: Google will restrict searches to comply with Chinese government requirements….

Google will restrict searches to comply with Chinese government requirements.

Posted by TC — 4:43 PM


Ranch Networks provides dynamic firewall for Asterisk PBX.

Source: Ranch Networks has contributed code for a new firewall module in the open source Asterisk IP PBX. The dynamic firewall extensions for Asterisk, called net-sec, open and close port dynamically as needed in order to provide a higher degree of…

Ranch Networks has contributed code for a new firewall module in the open source Asterisk IP PBX. The dynamic firewall extensions for Asterisk, called net-sec, open and close port dynamically as needed in order to provide a higher degree of security for the IP PBX.

Posted by TC — 4:30 PM


QMax launches Singapore’s first WiMax service.

Source: QMax Communications, a joint venture between ISP Qala Singapore and entertainment equipment maker Creative Technology, has its first WiMaX base station operational, with commercial services due to start in March 2006 ….

QMax Communications, a joint venture between ISP Qala Singapore and entertainment equipment maker Creative Technology, has its first WiMaX base station operational, with commercial services due to start in March 2006 .

Posted by TC — 9:35 AM

Monday, January 23, 2006

Virginia Proposes Telecom Tax Update.

Source: A proposal before the General Assembly of Virginia would impose a flat 5 percent tax statewide on communication and information technologies. It would eliminate some local taxes and cable franchising fees, and introduce taxes on satellite TV bills, Internet telephony…

A proposal before the General Assembly of Virginia would impose a flat 5 percent tax statewide on communication and information technologies. It would eliminate some local taxes and cable franchising fees, and introduce taxes on satellite TV bills, Internet telephony and long-distance service.

Posted by TC — 1:03 PM


Ericsson and EMI Announc Music and Ringtone Deal.

Source: Ericsson and EMI have announced a deal that allows Ericsson to provided mobile operators with a means to distribute ring tones and full track downloads from EMI’s catalog in Europe. Roughly 12,000 ring tones and 200,000 full track downloads will…

Ericsson and EMI have announced a deal that allows Ericsson to provided mobile operators with a means to distribute ring tones and full track downloads from EMI’s catalog in Europe. Roughly 12,000 ring tones and 200,000 full track downloads will be made available to consumers through Ericsson under the terms of the deal.

Posted by TC — 12:58 PM


IBM and Seimens Build VOIP into Lotus Notes.

Source: IBM and Siemens are collaborating on developing Internet telephony applications for IBM’s Lotus Notes and Domino software using Siemens HiPath softswitches….

IBM and Siemens are collaborating on developing Internet telephony applications for IBM’s Lotus Notes and Domino software using Siemens HiPath softswitches.

Posted by TC — 12:50 PM


Mobile DTV Alliance: Nokia, Intel, Motorola, TI, Modeo.

Source: The Mobile DTV Alliance has been launched to promote standards for TV broadcasts to mobile handsets using DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld) technology….

The Mobile DTV Alliance has been launched to promote standards for TV broadcasts to mobile handsets using DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld) technology.

Posted by TC — 12:45 PM


Disagreement on UWB Standard.

Source: The UWB Forum and the WiMedia Alliance have decided to end cooperation on developing a single standard for UWB transmission (ultra-wideband)….

The UWB Forum and the WiMedia Alliance have decided to end cooperation on developing a single standard for UWB transmission (ultra-wideband).

Posted by TC — 12:20 PM


Court Setback for Blackberry Users.

Source: The US Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal from the maker of the BlackBerry in the long-running battle over patents for the popular handheld e-mail device… The decision may result in a trial judge granting an injunction that…

The US Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal from the maker of the BlackBerry in the long-running battle over patents for the popular handheld e-mail device… The decision may result in a trial judge granting an injunction that would force the company to shut down its service in the United States. The company seeking the injunction, NTP, has proposed that American BlackBerry users would have a 30-day grace period before the service was switched off.
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Posted by TC — 11:51 AM

Saturday, January 21, 2006

Bush Talks Broadband.

Source: President Bush made one of his rare public comments on broadband Thursday, promising that the United States will “do better” in increasing broadband penetration rates. Taking audience questions after an economic address in Sterling, Va., Bush was asked about legislative…

President Bush made one of his rare public comments on broadband Thursday, promising that the United States will “do better” in increasing broadband penetration rates.
Taking audience questions after an economic address in Sterling, Va., Bush was asked about legislative efforts to limit municipal efforts to establish Wi-Fi networks and America’s falling rank in worldwide broadband penetration rates.
It’s interesting … because I laid out the opposite vision, which was that broadband ought to be available and accessible all throughout the country by a set period of time, Bush replied, adding that it appears “Congress is trying to unwind that vision.”

Posted by Judith — 11:43 AM

Friday, January 20, 2006

Viacom Outdoor launches Bluetooth-enabled posters.

Source: UK transport media sales company Viacom Outdoor is unveiling a permanent network of Bluetooth-enabled poster sites on the London Undergound. Users of the transit system will be able to download content on to their mobiles via Bluetooth devices housed in…

UK transport media sales company Viacom Outdoor is unveiling a permanent network of Bluetooth-enabled poster sites on the London Undergound. Users of the transit system will be able to download content on to their mobiles via Bluetooth devices housed in interactive poster sites across the tube network.

Posted by Judith — 9:12 AM


Maligne TV (France) launches digital TV package.

Source: Maligne TV, France Telecom’s phone digital television service, is expanding its offering with a digital television package. ‘Le Bouquet TV’, with around 30 general and special-interest channels, will be available beginning 1 February. The service includes exclusive channels for events,…

Maligne TV, France Telecom’s phone digital television service, is expanding its offering with a digital television package. ‘Le Bouquet TV’, with around 30 general and special-interest channels, will be available beginning 1 February.
The service includes exclusive channels for events, including seven dedicated to the Turin Winter Games from 10-26 February. Subscribers also have access to all of the TPS and Canal+ Group’s premium packages, the football matches from Ligue 1, an ADSL-based digital television recording service and ‘24/24 Video’, a channel promoting video-on-demand.

Posted by Judith — 9:05 AM


Survey: VOIP Quality monitored using customer complaints.

Source: More than a third of VOIP service providers rely on customer complaints to find out about service quality problems, according to the results of a survey conducted by test-and-measurement vendor Empirix Inc. Of the survey’s 148 respondents, which included VOIP…

More than a third of VOIP service providers rely on customer complaints to find out about service quality problems, according to the results of a survey conducted by test-and-measurement vendor Empirix Inc.
Of the survey’s 148 respondents, which included VOIP specialists as well as traditional carriers with IP telephony products, only 20 percent said they used VOIP monitoring systems to keep track of VOIP call quality, while 36 percent said they most often discovered service quality issues as a result of customer complaints.

Posted by Judith — 9:03 AM


IEEE confirms 802.11n draft spec.

Source: The IEEE today announced that it has voted to confirm the proposal for the 802.11n WiFi standard, developed by the Enhanced Wireless Consortium. The proposed 802.11n standard will enable high-performance, next-generation wireless local area networking, supporting speeds of up to…

The IEEE today announced that it has voted to confirm the proposal for the 802.11n WiFi standard, developed by the Enhanced Wireless Consortium.
The proposed 802.11n standard will enable high-performance, next-generation wireless local area networking, supporting speeds of up to 600Mbps, with greater range.

Posted by Judith — 8:51 AM


House chairman plans legislation to ban theft of calling records.

Source: In the wake of revelations that cell-phone call records are available for purchase over the Internet, the chairman of the House Commerce Committee plans to introduce a bill that will make pretexting illegal. Online data brokers use pretexting-or impersonating the…

In the wake of revelations that cell-phone call records are available for purchase over the Internet, the chairman of the House Commerce Committee plans to introduce a bill that will make pretexting illegal.
Online data brokers use pretexting-or impersonating the subscriber whose records they are trying to get-to obtain cell-phone call records. Pretexting is not currently illegal, but it should be, said Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), chairman of the House Commerce Committee.

Posted by Judith — 8:42 AM

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Cellphone Subway Service for New York.

Source: Wireless carriers compete to wire subway for wireless service….

Wireless carriers compete to wire subway for wireless service.

Posted by TC — 11:58 AM


Lucent sheds more light on IMS.

Source: IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is emerging as the central integrating mechanism for future telco services. Lucent is positioning IMS as a critical part of making multiple services interoperate. Lucent uses the term “blended services” to describe a stage beyond service…

IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is emerging as the central integrating mechanism for future telco services. Lucent is positioning IMS as a critical part of making multiple services interoperate.
Lucent uses the term “blended services” to describe a stage beyond service bundling.
Bundling is a marketing device which provides discounts to customers who subscribe to multiple services. With blended services, voice (fixed and mobile), data, and video services are aware of each other and interwork to provide higher user value. Much of the discussion was about blended services and many telcos are making blended services—rather than bundled services—their path to differentiating their services from those of competitors.

Posted by Judith — 9:49 AM


Google Opens IM, VoIP Services.

Source: Google Inc. has opened it instant messaging and Internet telephony services to any company willing to support the XMPP protocol, a standard under the control of an open-source foundation. XMPP, or extensible messaging and presence protocol, is an XML-based protocol…

Google Inc. has opened it instant messaging and Internet telephony services to any company willing to support the XMPP protocol, a standard under the control of an open-source foundation.
XMPP, or extensible messaging and presence protocol, is an XML-based protocol for passing instant messaging and presence information among servers.
Google said on its Web site that it’s committed to taking an “open federation” approach to instant messaging and Internet telephony, which means people on its networks can communicate with anyone on a system supporting XMPP.

Posted by Judith — 9:45 AM


Murdoch questions mobile TV investment.

Source: The business model for distributing television programming over mobile phones is still unclear, according to James Murdoch, who said on Wednesday “we don’t know yet” which technology, business model or content would work best. However, he added: “Let’s not expect…

The business model for distributing television programming over mobile phones is still unclear, according to James Murdoch, who said on Wednesday “we don’t know yet” which technology, business model or content would work best.
However, he added: “Let’s not expect any one device… to be the Swiss Army knife of mobile content. They all do different things, and they are all changing fast.”
Mr Murdoch, said the benefits of new distribution methods would have to be shared among a variety of players, but indicated that he still saw a central role for television companies.

Posted by Judith — 9:21 AM


DoCoMo Is Looking Abroad — Again.

Source: In the late 1990s, Japan’s No.1 mobile operator went on a high-profile buying spree overseas, spending billions on investments in U.S. and European companies, including AT&T Wireless in the U.S., KPN Mobile in the Netherlands, and Britain’s Hutchison 3G UK…

In the late 1990s, Japan’s No.1 mobile operator went on a high-profile buying spree overseas, spending billions on investments in U.S. and European companies, including AT&T Wireless in the U.S., KPN Mobile in the Netherlands, and Britain’s Hutchison 3G UK Holdings.
DoCoMo’s idea was to set up a high-speed wireless empire that would give consumers worldwide on-the-go access to the Internet. But DoCoMo’s timing was terrible: The Tokyo telco got blindsided by the tech stock collapse, and it underestimated the challenges of managing such far-flung operations.
However, DoCoMo paid dearly for that strategy, writing off some $13 billion — more than half of its original investment.
Now, DoCoMo is again looking beyond its shores for opportunities. This time, though, it’s shopping in Asia, not the West.

Posted by Judith — 9:20 AM


Consumer Groups Balk at ‘New Cartel’.

Source: Consumer groups urged Congress today to pass legislation barring broadband providers from engaging in what the groups call potentially discriminatory pricing for high speed Internet service. As Congress prepares for a serious run at telecom reform this year, telephone and…

Consumer groups urged Congress today to pass legislation barring broadband providers from engaging in what the groups call potentially discriminatory pricing for high speed Internet service.
As Congress prepares for a serious run at telecom reform this year, telephone and cable companies are lobbying lawmakers for the right to charge Internet content and service providers a fee to access their networks in addition to regular charges to consumers.
The consumer groups fear the plan, often called a tiered Internet, would ultimately undermine the Internet’s founding open platform principles where all users have access to all services and content on the Internet.

Posted by Judith — 9:16 AM


NTT, Telefica sign interconnect agreement for data networks.

Source: Global carriers NTT Communications and Telefica International Wholesale have announced that they have signed a contract allowing the interconnection of their international networks. The agreement will enable the pair to increase service coverage through a seamless international network spanning virtually…

Global carriers NTT Communications and Telefica International Wholesale have announced that they have signed a contract allowing the interconnection of their international networks. The agreement will enable the pair to increase service coverage through a seamless international network spanning virtually all of the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the US, Latin America and Europe.

Posted by Judith — 9:03 AM


US Cellcos don稚 want to miss the train.

Source: A number of US cellular operators are vying for a contract to install a wireless network in the 277 stations of New York痴 subway system. The city痴 Metropolitan Transport Authority is offering a ten-year deal to provide cellphone coverage on…

A number of US cellular operators are vying for a contract to install a wireless network in the 277 stations of New York痴 subway system. The city痴 Metropolitan Transport Authority is offering a ten-year deal to provide cellphone coverage on the underground network. One bid has been submitted by a consortium led by the largest US mobile operator Cingular Wireless which also includes its rivals Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile USA and Sprint Nextel. According to Dow Jones, another bid has come from a group comprising GEC, Time Warner Cable, Andrew Corp, Transit Technologies and Dianet Communications. The contract currently only calls for the winner to provide mobile coverage on station platforms, although the transport authority has also asked bidders to study the viability of extending coverage to the entire network of tunnels.

Posted by Judith — 9:00 AM


Wi-fi slow to enthuse consumers.

Source: Most people are not taking advantage of the freedom offered by laptops with wi-fi built-in, a study has found. According to a survey for Toshiba, only a handful of people use a laptop to go online when they are outside…

Most people are not taking advantage of the freedom offered by laptops with wi-fi built-in, a study has found.
According to a survey for Toshiba, only a handful of people use a laptop to go online when they are outside of the home.
Just 11% used laptops in hotels, 7% on trains and 3% in coffee shops, compared to 55% who used them mostly at home.
There are over 10,000 wi-fi hotspots in the UK but not everyone is aware of them.
The survey found that 15% thought there were not enough wireless locations for them to use the technology.

Posted by Judith — 8:50 AM


O2 to offer eBay service over i-mode.

Source: UK operator O2 and marketplace website eBay announced yesterday they closed an agreement allowing O2 subscribers to access the eBay web site through the operator’s i-mode service. The service launched in the UK yesterday and allows O2 subscribers to bid…

UK operator O2 and marketplace website eBay announced yesterday they closed an agreement allowing O2 subscribers to access the eBay web site through the operator’s i-mode service. The service launched in the UK yesterday and allows O2 subscribers to bid for goods, track the progress of an online bid or sale and access the usual eBay services through an i mode handset.

Posted by Judith — 8:41 AM

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Ubiquity Moves Closer to AT&T.

Source: The SIP application maker Ubiquity Software Corp. announced Tuesday it is moving into lab trials with AT&T Inc. as part of a three-year agreement. Under the agreement, Ubiquity will sell its Session Initiated Protocol Application Servers “for testing and use…

The SIP application maker Ubiquity Software Corp. announced Tuesday it is moving into lab trials with AT&T Inc. as part of a three-year agreement.
Under the agreement, Ubiquity will sell its Session Initiated Protocol Application Servers “for testing and use in delivering new, enhanced broadband services over an integrated Voice over IP network,” according to the Ubiquity release on Tuesday.
Ubiquity was among the first telecom software companies to embrace SIP back in 1999. With carriers moving toward the IP Multimedia Subsystem and the converged services it makes possible, Ubiquity and its peers are seeing increased visibility these days.

Posted by Judith — 9:54 AM


DT to go ahead with fibre optic network.

Source: Deutsche Telekom has said it will press on with plans to build a EUR3 billion (US$3.6 billion) high-speed fibre optic network in Germany, despite having been called on by the Federal Network Agency in November last year to voluntarily open…

Deutsche Telekom has said it will press on with plans to build a EUR3 billion (US$3.6 billion) high-speed fibre optic network in Germany, despite having been called on by the Federal Network Agency in November last year to voluntarily open up the planned network to rival operators. The fibre-optic rollout is designed to provide data download rates of up to 50Mbps and a range of multimedia services including high-definition television to Germany痴 50 largest cities by mid-2007.

Posted by Judith — 9:41 AM


Another standard for mobile TV emerges.

Source: IPWireless has produced another technology for mobile TV - TDtv. The beauty with TDtv is that it utilises spectrum that existing European operators already have. It runs in what is known as unpaired TD spectrum and IPWireless already has four…

IPWireless has produced another technology for mobile TV - TDtv.
The beauty with TDtv is that it utilises spectrum that existing European operators already have.
It runs in what is known as unpaired TD spectrum and IPWireless already has four European operators testing the system.
TDtv has got a lot going for it. For starters, it keeps control of the broadcast content firmly in the hands of the network operator.

Posted by Judith — 9:38 AM


France T駘馗om plans FTTH rollout.

Source: France T駘馗om (FT) has announced plans to launch a very high speed fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) pilot programme to households in Hauts-de-Seine and Paris, which will go live before the summer of 2006. In a press statement, the French telco said it…

France T駘馗om (FT) has announced plans to launch a very high speed fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) pilot programme to households in Hauts-de-Seine and Paris, which will go live before the summer of 2006. In a press statement, the French telco said it would begin testing FTTH in several thousand homes in the area to determine the technology痴 capabilities and gauge customer reaction to new services such as high definition TV (HDTV), video-on-demand (VOD), multi-user VoIP and videoconferencing.

Posted by Judith — 9:38 AM

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Google to buy dMarc Broadcasting.

Source: Internet search engine Google Inc. on Tuesday said it agreed to buy dMarc Broadcasting Inc., a digital solutions provider for radio broadcasters, for an up-front payment of US$102 million and additional payments of up to US$1.14 billion over the next…

Internet search engine Google Inc. on Tuesday said it agreed to buy dMarc Broadcasting Inc., a digital solutions provider for radio broadcasters, for an up-front payment of US$102 million and additional payments of up to US$1.14 billion over the next three years.
Google of Mountain View, California, said closely held dMarc connects advertisers to radio stations through an automated advertising platform. Google said it expects to integrate dMarc technology into the Google AdWords platform to create a new radio ad distribution channel for Google advertisers.

Posted by Judith — 9:50 AM


NCC (UK) calls for new laws to protect consumer rights to digital content.

Source: The UK National Consumer council this week submitted a response to an MP’s inquiry into digital rights management (DRM). In its submission, the NCC expressed its concerns regarding current self-regulation. It also called for new legislation to ensure consumers’ rights…

The UK National Consumer council this week submitted a response to an MP’s inquiry into digital rights management (DRM). In its submission, the NCC expressed its concerns regarding current self-regulation. It also called for new legislation to ensure consumers’ rights to use digital content are protected.
The NCC believes that the use of DRM is currently constraining the legitimate consumer use of digital content. It is also undermining consumers existing rights under consumer protection and data protection laws.

Posted by Judith — 9:34 AM


Orange tops 300,000 3G subs, targets 1.5 million by year end.

Source: Mobile operator Orange UK says it has signed up 300,000 3G users and maintains that it is on target to reach 1.5 million W-CDMA subscribers by the end of 2006. The cellco says that 22% of all new users in…

Mobile operator Orange UK says it has signed up 300,000 3G users and maintains that it is on target to reach 1.5 million W-CDMA subscribers by the end of 2006. The cellco says that 22% of all new users in the final quarter of 2005 opted for a 3G package. Orange says that its 3G network now covers 70% of the UK population, whilst it has agreed W-CDMA international roaming agreements with operators in 18 countries.

Posted by Judith — 9:23 AM


France Telecom fixed line users hang up in their droves.

Source: According to a study conducted by the French telecoms regulator Arcep on 31 December 2005, around 592,000 France Télécom customers terminated their landline contracts with the incumbent in 2005 – a six-fold increase on the figure reported the previous year….

According to a study conducted by the French telecoms regulator Arcep on 31 December 2005, around 592,000 France Télécom customers terminated their landline contracts with the incumbent in 2005 – a six-fold increase on the figure reported the previous year. Although the former monopoly held on to 34 million subscribers by the end of the year, the industry watchdog commented on a ‘real blossoming’ for alternative operators during the twelve month period, as users switched service provider for voice, internet and digital TV services.

Posted by Judith — 9:18 AM

Monday, January 16, 2006

European companies develop search engine to rival Google.

Source: Some of the top tech labs in France and Germany, including Thomson,France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom, are reportedly working on the ‘Quaero’ (Latin for ‘to search’) search engine. Those involved in the Quaero project, have said that it will be…

Some of the top tech labs in France and Germany, including Thomson,France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom, are reportedly working on the ‘Quaero’ (Latin for ‘to search’) search engine.
Those involved in the Quaero project, have said that it will be much more than a typical search engine. It will provide an array of multimedia tools for identifying and indexing images, sound and text. Quaero will also reportedly include a powerful translating tool which will be able to ‘understand’ audio as well as text. The developers plan to make Quaero available on all platforms, including PCs, mobile devices and digital TVs.

Posted by Judith — 9:35 AM


Cisco Systems to target consumer market.

Source: Cisco Systems Inc. plans to expand its share of the consumer electronics market by selling phones, radios and home theater equipment, the Financial Times reported on Monday. The communications equipment maker believes it can take a slice of a new…

Cisco Systems Inc. plans to expand its share of the consumer electronics market by selling phones, radios and home theater equipment, the Financial Times reported on Monday.
The communications equipment maker believes it can take a slice of a new market for devices that link to the Internet.
Cisco, which makes much of its revenue from selling the devices that direct Internet data, is expanding its reach into several newer businesses as it seeks to grow its stock price and reinvigorate its revenue growth.

Posted by Judith — 9:27 AM


New Mobile VoIP Phone to Launch.

Source: Arizona-based Cell Wireless says it plans to launch a new mobile WiFi-based Voice over IP mobile telephone within the next three months. According to the company, the new handset will enable customers to use Cell Wireless’s VoIP software to make…

Arizona-based Cell Wireless says it plans to launch a new mobile WiFi-based Voice over IP mobile telephone within the next three months. According to the company, the new handset will enable customers to use Cell Wireless’s VoIP software to make “free” calls when in range of a W-lan hotspot.
When not within hotspot range, the company says its new mobile phones will switch seamlessly to the wide area cellular networks. In addition, the phone will allow users to make VoIP calls from their home or office WiFi network.

Posted by Judith — 9:25 AM


Marketers Interested in Small Screen.

Source: Television-style advertising is coming to a mobile phone near you. It is part of a broader push by marketers to create a new generation of “up close and personal” ads by delivering video, audio, banner displays and text clips over…

Television-style advertising is coming to a mobile phone near you. It is part of a broader push by marketers to create a new generation of “up close and personal” ads by delivering video, audio, banner displays and text clips over mobile phones.
Marketers said they were particularly excited about the prospect of eventually using cellphones, many of which are equipped with global positioning systems, to send ads to consumers based on their location. With that information, marketers could, in theory, send pitches from retailers to cellphone users who might be in the vicinity of a store.

Posted by Judith — 9:09 AM


First impressions count for web.

Source: Internet users make up their minds about the quality of a website in the blink of an eye, a study shows. Researchers found that the brain makes decisions in just a twentieth of a second of viewing a webpage. The…

Internet users make up their minds about the quality of a website in the blink of an eye, a study shows.
Researchers found that the brain makes decisions in just a twentieth of a second of viewing a webpage.
The researchers also believe that these quickly-formed first impressions last because of what is known to psychologists as the “halo effect”.
If people believe a website looks good, then this positive quality will spread to other areas, such as the website’s content.

Posted by Judith — 9:04 AM

Saturday, January 14, 2006

Agencies Probing Sales of Cell Phone Data.

Source: U.S. congressman Edward Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, said on Friday that federal agencies were looking into whether telephone companies were sufficiently protecting consumers’ records amid concerns that Internet sites were selling cell phone call information….

U.S. congressman Edward Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, said on Friday that federal agencies were looking into whether telephone companies were sufficiently protecting consumers’ records amid concerns that Internet sites were selling cell phone call information.

Posted by Judith — 9:01 AM


Verizon Debuts Worldwide Mobile E-Mail.

Source: Verizon Wireless introduced its new GlobalEmail service on Friday, promising to expand the carrier’s mobile e-mail capabilities to almost anywhere on the planet. The Bedminster, N.J.-based company said the offering will give its business customers access to e-mail in over…

Verizon Wireless introduced its new GlobalEmail service on Friday, promising to expand the carrier’s mobile e-mail capabilities to almost anywhere on the planet.
The Bedminster, N.J.-based company said the offering will give its business customers access to e-mail in over 50 countries worldwide.
Subscribers who want to utilize the Verizon Wireless GlobalEmail service will get unlimited e-mail access in the United Stated, Canada and Western Europe for an extra $64.99 monthly, and at a rate of three cents per kilobyte in most other countries.

Posted by Judith — 8:57 AM

Friday, January 13, 2006

UN prepares to set up net group.

Source: The UN has begun setting up the body that will debate the internet’s most pressing problems. A meeting to decide the structure of the group and what it should debate first will be held in February. Though powerless to impose…

The UN has begun setting up the body that will debate the internet’s most pressing problems.
A meeting to decide the structure of the group and what it should debate first will be held in February.
Though powerless to impose its decisions, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is expected to be widely influential on national net policies.
The UN is now inviting those interested to join a consultation session on the forum’s structure and what it should debate.
Those interested in joining the debate are asked to fill in an application form and return it no later than 11 February. IGF administrators are expecting applications from technology firms, non-governmental bodies and citizens.

Posted by Judith — 10:54 AM


NTL tries new numbers for Virgin Mobile.

Source: Cable operator NTL is expected to sweeten its offer to minority shareholders in Virgin Mobile in a determined bid to land the phone firm. A new bid could see an offer of between 365 pence to 370p put to smaller…

Cable operator NTL is expected to sweeten its offer to minority shareholders in Virgin Mobile in a determined bid to land the phone firm.
A new bid could see an offer of between 365 pence to 370p put to smaller shareholders after they previously rejected the New York-based group’s December offer of 323p, which valued the company at 」817 million.

Posted by Judith — 10:49 AM


Boeing Mobile Satellite Deal Could Reach US$1 billion.

Source: US aircraft and satellite group Boeing has announced what it says is its biggest satellite deal in the past nine years – to build the backbone of a new hybrid satellite-cellular communications network for Mobile Satellite Ventures Under the new…

US aircraft and satellite group Boeing has announced what it says is its biggest satellite deal in the past nine years – to build the backbone of a new hybrid satellite-cellular communications network for Mobile Satellite Ventures
Under the new deal, three Boeing geo-mobile satellites will support MSV’s roll out of advanced mobile voice and data services throughout North and South America.

Posted by Judith — 10:44 AM


AAPT sale off?

Source: Telecom New Zealand has denied that it is set to abandon its attempts to sell off Australian fixed line operator AAPT because none of the potential suitors are willing to match its AU$1.4bn. valuation of the business. Reports have been…

Telecom New Zealand has denied that it is set to abandon its attempts to sell off Australian fixed line operator AAPT because none of the potential suitors are willing to match its AU$1.4bn. valuation of the business. Reports have been rife that the telco could not find a buyer for its Australian business and would throw in the towel, something Telecom NZ denies.
In October 2005 it was reported that AAPT’s fixed line rival SingTel Optus was preparing for a second attempt to take over the telco and Telecom NZ confirmed it had been approached by a number of parties about a sale of – or an alliance with – AAPT, with Optus the frontrunner. Vodafone, Primus, Commander Communications, SP Telecom and Macquarie Bank have also been named as potential buyers.

Posted by Judith — 10:21 AM


Google offers personal home page for mobile phones.

Source: Web search leader Google Inc. on Thursday said it was now offering U.S. mobile phone users a personalized version of the Google home page tailored to work on most recently introduced mobile phones. The Google Personalized Home page for mobile…

Web search leader Google Inc. on Thursday said it was now offering U.S. mobile phone users a personalized version of the Google home page tailored to work on most recently introduced mobile phones.
The Google Personalized Home page for mobile phones will allow consumers to conduct Web searches and check Gmail e-mail, news headlines, local weather reports or a list of stock prices — all from one central page on their phones.

Posted by Judith — 10:04 AM


FCC sets airwaves sale for Net on planes.

Source: U.S. regulators plan to sell airwaves starting May 10 to provide communications services like high-speed Internet to U.S. air travelers. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission said on Wednesday it plans to auction airwaves now used by phones embedded in airplane…

U.S. regulators plan to sell airwaves starting May 10 to provide communications services like high-speed Internet to U.S. air travelers.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission said on Wednesday it plans to auction airwaves now used by phones embedded in airplane seats. Those phones, operated by a Verizon Communications unit, are not used regularly because of the high cost.
The financially strapped airline industry could generate a new stream of revenue by partnering with companies wanting to offer high-speed Internet or a cheaper on-board telephone service.
Verizon plans to bid in the sale so it can offer wireless broadband during flights, according to company officials.

Posted by Judith — 9:58 AM


Faster Wi-Fi Proposal Passes Hurdle.

Source: Consumers are one step closer to a faster Wi-Fi standard after competing groups voted Wednesday to agree on a proposal led by Intel, Atheros and Broadcom. As a result of a 40-0 vote (including two abstentions) the Enhanced Wireless Consortium…

Consumers are one step closer to a faster Wi-Fi standard after competing groups voted Wednesday to agree on a proposal led by Intel, Atheros and Broadcom.
As a result of a 40-0 vote (including two abstentions) the Enhanced Wireless Consortium joint proposal will be heard by the IEEE standards-making body when it convenes next week in Hawaii.
Wireless groups see the 802.11n Wi-Fi standard as breathing new life into Wi-Fi, offering consumers increased speed, fewer “dead spots” and use by video and phones, as well as Internet access.

Posted by Judith — 9:53 AM


Doubts Cloud Plan for Cellphone Service in Subway Stations.

Source: When proposed nearly five months ago, the idea held the promise of a new era of underground communications. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, long hesitant about enabling cellphone service in the subways, said it would oversee the creation of a wireless…

When proposed nearly five months ago, the idea held the promise of a new era of underground communications. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, long hesitant about enabling cellphone service in the subways, said it would oversee the creation of a wireless network for all 277 underground stations.
Today, however, the plan, which would not provide cellphone service on moving trains, has become mired in disagreements about the project’s cost, feasibility and worthiness. The deadline for bids, originally Oct. 12, was pushed back to Nov. 30, then to Dec. 28 and now to Wednesday.

Posted by Judith — 9:47 AM


TomTom navigates way to a takeover of Applied Generics.

Source: An Edinburgh software company whose technology calculates traffic congestion by reading the signals beamed out by mobile phones has been snapped up by the Dutch satellite navigation specialist TomTom. Applied’s technology can provide traffic information on an entire road network,…

An Edinburgh software company whose technology calculates traffic congestion by reading the signals beamed out by mobile phones has been snapped up by the Dutch satellite navigation specialist TomTom.
Applied’s technology can provide traffic information on an entire road network, including both national and secondary roads, unlike rival systems which merely cover national routes.

Posted by Judith — 9:39 AM

Thursday, January 12, 2006

BT Movio trial a success, says BT.

Source: BT is set to launch a TV service for mobile-phone operators later this year following the successful completion of trials in the London area. Last summer, BT Wholesale hooked up with Virgin Mobile to beam TV programmes direct to handsets…

BT is set to launch a TV service for mobile-phone operators later this year following the successful completion of trials in the London area.
Last summer, BT Wholesale hooked up with Virgin Mobile to beam TV programmes direct to handsets using the Digital Audio Broadcasting network, enabling about a thousand people to access TV and music content on the move.
According to BT, the results from the trial have been “extremely positive” and demonstrate there is “clear consumer demand for broadcast digital TV and radio to mobile phones”.
The telecoms giant is now talking with other mobile operators to see if they want to buy into BT’s wholesale “Movio” service. The service was originally called “LiveTime”.

Posted by Judith — 2:19 PM


SA signals yes to Vodafone.

Source: South Africa’s Competition Tribunal has approved Vodafone’s 」1.4 billion plan to raise its stake in mobile operator Vodacom, paving the way for the country’s second-biggest foreign direct investment since the end of apartheid. The UK group will buy at least…

South Africa’s Competition Tribunal has approved Vodafone’s 」1.4 billion plan to raise its stake in mobile operator Vodacom, paving the way for the country’s second-biggest foreign direct investment since the end of apartheid.
The UK group will buy at least 90 per cent of South African investment holding company Venfin, which owns 15 percent of Vodacom, then sell Venfin’s other assets. The deal will raise Vodafone’s stake in Vodacom - South Africa’s leading mobile operator - from 35 per cent to 50 per cent.

Posted by Judith — 2:16 PM


RIM Googles new BlackBerry partnership.

Source: Google Inc. continues to make waves in wireless, announcing an agreement to bring its instant messaging, mapping and search services to Research In Motion Ltd.’s BlackBerry devices. Users of RIM’s ubiquitous handheld will be able to access Google Local, which…

Google Inc. continues to make waves in wireless, announcing an agreement to bring its instant messaging, mapping and search services to Research In Motion Ltd.’s BlackBerry devices.
Users of RIM’s ubiquitous handheld will be able to access Google Local, which offers mapping, satellite imagery, local search information and driving directions.

Posted by Judith — 2:13 PM


Apple files ‘Mobile Me’ as US trademark.

Source: Apple Computer Inc. has filed to trademark the phrase “Mobile Me” for use in a wide range of businesses, furthering speculation it could introduce an iPod phone. We believe this is further indication of Apple’s strategic direction to extend its…

Apple Computer Inc. has filed to trademark the phrase “Mobile Me” for use in a wide range of businesses, furthering speculation it could introduce an iPod phone.
We believe this is further indication of Apple’s strategic direction to extend its iPod + iTunes and Mac franchises into new business areas including smart phones, value-added mobile content services, and the broader consumer electronics space, American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu wrote.
Apple made the filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on January 5.
There has long been speculation that Apple would ultimately introduce an iPod that also works as a smart phone, extending its brand and functions as more content becomes digital and mobile.

Posted by Judith — 2:10 PM

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

India misses goal on mobiles.

Source: India may be home to the fastest-growing large cellular phone market but growth last year fell short of a target of 100m subscribers set by a regulatory body three years ago. The country痴 mobile phone subscriber base at the end…

India may be home to the fastest-growing large cellular phone market but growth last year fell short of a target of 100m subscribers set by a regulatory body three years ago.
The country痴 mobile phone subscriber base at the end of 2005 was estimated at 76m, significantly lower than the goal set by the Telecom Authority of India in March 2003.
Industry sources say, however, that recent changes in pricing as well as in policy will drive the sector to match a new revised goal set by the government of 200m mobile users by the end of 2007.

Posted by Judith — 10:10 AM


Industry groups form Ethernet Alliance.

Source: A number of IT companies have announced the formation of the Ethernet Alliance, an industry group formed to promote industry awareness, acceptance and advancement of technology and products based on the IEEE 802 Ethernet standard. The organisation hopes to accelerate…

A number of IT companies have announced the formation of the Ethernet Alliance, an industry group formed to promote industry awareness, acceptance and advancement of technology and products based on the IEEE 802 Ethernet standard.
The organisation hopes to accelerate industry adoption and remove barriers to market entry by providing a cohesive, market responsive voice on IEEE 802 projects. The alliance hopes to achieve its goals by cultivating efforts to develop new Ethernet technologies and by educating Ethernet users on their choices for various applications.
The founding members of the Ethernet Alliance include Sun Microsystems, 3Com, Broadcom, Intel, Samsung.

Posted by Judith — 9:53 AM


Vodafone UK creates mobile applications programme.

Source: Mobile operator Vodafone UK has launched its third party mobile applications programme, which will deliver business applications, such as job scheduling or sales force automation tools, via the Vodafone UK network. These applications will be supported by an evaluation and…

Mobile operator Vodafone UK has launched its third party mobile applications programme, which will deliver business applications, such as job scheduling or sales force automation tools, via the Vodafone UK network. These applications will be supported by an evaluation and implementation process for the roll-out of mobile services, offering customers the quality assurance required when purchasing mobile applications from third parties.
The programme has been developed as a result of growing customer demand for mobile data solutions.

Posted by Judith — 9:49 AM


Optus takes over Virgin Mobile Australia.

Source: Australian telco SingTel Optus, a subsidiary of Singapore Telecom, has acquired the 74.15% of Virgin Mobile Australia it did not already own from the Virgin Group. Optus says it paid AU$30 million (US$22.5 million) to up its stake in the…

Australian telco SingTel Optus, a subsidiary of Singapore Telecom, has acquired the 74.15% of Virgin Mobile Australia it did not already own from the Virgin Group. Optus says it paid AU$30 million (US$22.5 million) to up its stake in the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) to 100%. The deal includes a 15-year agreement for ongoing use of the Virgin Mobile brand in Australia, extending to other telecoms products. Optus is also expected to assume US$2.28 million of debt owed by Virgin Mobile Australia to Virgin Group.

Posted by Judith — 9:36 AM


Deutsche Telekom T-Systems forms IT partnership with Dell.

Source: Deutsche Telekom unit T-Systems has formed a strategic partnership with Dell Inc, to provide subscribers with custom-made computer systems. No financial details of the agreement have been disclosed. T-Systems provides integrated broadband solutions to larger corporate clients in Germany….

Deutsche Telekom unit T-Systems has formed a strategic partnership with Dell Inc, to provide subscribers with custom-made computer systems. No financial details of the agreement have been disclosed. T-Systems provides integrated broadband solutions to larger corporate clients in Germany.

Posted by Judith — 9:32 AM


Nokia and Kyocera find solution to patent row.

Source: Finnish vendor Nokia and Japanese vendor Kyocera have announced today they have ended their patent spat and entered into a patent license agreement. Under the terms of the deal, Kyocera is licensed under Nokia’s essential patents, and some additional patents…

Finnish vendor Nokia and Japanese vendor Kyocera have announced today they have ended their patent spat and entered into a patent license agreement. Under the terms of the deal, Kyocera is licensed under Nokia’s essential patents, and some additional patents relating to CDMA, PHS and PDC standards. Kyocera will also pay royalties to Nokia for all Kyocera CDMA handset and module products.
In return Nokia is licensed under all Kyocera’s essential patents, and some extra patents relating to all standards and covering all Nokia products.

Posted by Judith — 9:00 AM


Telefonica exits FreeMove as EU green lights merger.

Source: The European Commission late yesterday cleared the proposed acquisition of UK operator O2 by Spanish teleco Telefonica, under the condition that Telefonica undertakes to exit the FreeMove alliance. The Commission said it was concerned that the acquisition would result in…

The European Commission late yesterday cleared the proposed acquisition of UK operator O2 by Spanish teleco Telefonica, under the condition that Telefonica undertakes to exit the FreeMove alliance.
The Commission said it was concerned that the acquisition would result in distortions of competition in the market for international roaming services, in particular in the UK and as a result, in order to remove the Commission’s concerns, Telefonica has agreed to exit the alliance.

Posted by Judith — 8:57 AM

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Martin (FCC) Concerned Over Broadband Plan .

Source: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin is worried about mounting rumors of a proposed “two-tiered” broadband delivery system by the Baby Bells. Under the plan being quietly pushed in Congress by the Bells, broadband providers would be able to…

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Kevin Martin is worried about mounting rumors of a proposed “two-tiered” broadband delivery system by the Baby Bells.
Under the plan being quietly pushed in Congress by the Bells, broadband providers would be able to charge Internet companies, such as Yahoo, Google and Amazon, an extra fee to deliver high-bandwidth content and services to consumers.
Internet companies and consumer advocates did not question the right of the Bells to charge a fee, but they are concerned the proposed pricing scheme will ultimately price out smaller firms hoping to deliver high-speed services.

Posted by Judith — 10:02 AM


Vodafone and Sony NetServices launch new music service.

Source: The Vodafone Group and Sony NetServices announced today a partnership to deploy worldwide what they claim is the world’s first fully convergent music service, Vodafone Radio DJ. The service will offer interactive, personalized radio channels streamed to UMTS handsets and…

The Vodafone Group and Sony NetServices announced today a partnership to deploy worldwide what they claim is the world’s first fully convergent music service, Vodafone Radio DJ. The service will offer interactive, personalized radio channels streamed to UMTS handsets and PCs.
The offering will have a monthly subscription for unlimited listening to music on both mobile and PC, with no extra data charges.
Vodafone Radio DJ will be launched in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain in the coming months, and a further 20 countries over the next year.

Posted by Judith — 9:09 AM


Yahoo! rolls out Go Mobile offering.

Source: Internet company Yahoo! Announced today the launch of Go Mobile, a new service designed to let users take their favorite Internet content and services with them on their mobile. The service will be launching with AT&T and Cingular Wireless in…

Internet company Yahoo! Announced today the launch of Go Mobile, a new service designed to let users take their favorite Internet content and services with them on their mobile. The service will be launching with AT&T and Cingular Wireless in the U.S. and with Nokia in multiple international markets in the coming months.

Posted by Judith — 9:06 AM


Virgin Mobile USA and MTV renew mobile content deal.

Source: Virgin Mobile USA and music TV channel MTV have announced they are extending their mobile content agreement. Under the new deal Virgin Mobile will become an advertising sponsor for MTV programs “Total Request Live” and “Direct Effect,” Virgin will also…

Virgin Mobile USA and music TV channel MTV have announced they are extending their mobile content agreement. Under the new deal Virgin Mobile will become an advertising sponsor for MTV programs “Total Request Live” and “Direct Effect,” Virgin will also be the exclusive wireless carrier for these programs’ branded mobile content.
Each of the shows will also showcase exclusive mobile content, such as ring tone charts and live in program voting, sponsored by Virgin Mobile.

Posted by Judith — 9:03 AM

Monday, January 9, 2006

Virgin Mobile looking for 」4 (US$7) per share.

Source: VIRGIN Mobile is coming under pressure from institutional shareholders to reject any approach from potential suitors offering less than 400p-per-share. It is understood that a number are keen to drive up the price amid fears that a 360p deal might…

VIRGIN Mobile is coming under pressure from institutional shareholders to reject any approach from potential suitors offering less than 400p-per-share. It is understood that a number are keen to drive up the price amid fears that a 360p deal might be acceptable to the company’s board.
Virgin Mobile shares ended Friday at 374.50p, valuing the company at 」936.25 m.(US$1638m.)

Posted by Judith — 4:41 AM


Ofcom alert on mobile calls from abroad.

Source: Britons who want to phone home from abroad should use a pay phone rather than a mobile phone because mobiles are too expensive, Ofcom, the telecoms watchdog, is poised to announce. The advice to favour oldfashioned technology over the newer…

Britons who want to phone home from abroad should use a pay phone rather than a mobile phone because mobiles are too expensive, Ofcom, the telecoms watchdog, is poised to announce.
The advice to favour oldfashioned technology over the newer variety is one of several tips that will be included in a consumer guide to mobile use abroad to be published by the regulator this month.
The guide, which will anger mobile operators such as Vodafone, Orange and O2, is also likely to prompt accusations that the regulator is washing its hands of the problem of high mobile call costs abroad rather than tackling it.

Posted by Judith — 4:38 AM

Saturday, January 7, 2006

T-shirt text.

Source: France T駘馗om痴 R&D department has unveiled a prototype of a flexible display which will produce images on clothing. Gizmag reports that users can transfer text, images or animations to the screen from their mobile handset via a Bluetooth link. The…

France T駘馗om痴 R&D department has unveiled a prototype of a flexible display which will produce images on clothing. Gizmag reports that users can transfer text, images or animations to the screen from their mobile handset via a Bluetooth link. The mobile phone can also be used as a remote control to set the screen痴 brightness or to download visual content from the internet.

Posted by Judith — 5:23 AM


BT warned on US plan for charging internet firms.

Source: BT WAS warned yesterday that it would face strong resistance if it followed its American counterparts and charged internet companies for downloads by consumers. US telecoms giants want to levy fees on internet services such as Google for broadband delivery…

BT WAS warned yesterday that it would face strong resistance if it followed its American counterparts and charged internet companies for downloads by consumers.
US telecoms giants want to levy fees on internet services such as Google for broadband delivery of music and film downloads as well as other “bandwidth-heavy” applications over their telephone networks.
BT insisted yesterday that it had no plans to lobby for the same system. A spokesman for the group said: “At the moment this is not something we are looking into.”
However, the group conceded that the issues raised constituted an “interesting debate” and it did not rule out raising such issues in the future.

Posted by Judith — 5:07 AM


Yahoo expanding Web on TV, phones with Go service.

Source: Yahoo Inc. unveiled a new service on Friday that will make using its Web, media and personal services as easy to use on mobile phones and TVs as on computers. Chief Executive Terry Semel said products marketed under the newly…

Yahoo Inc. unveiled a new service on Friday that will make using its Web, media and personal services as easy to use on mobile phones and TVs as on computers.
Chief Executive Terry Semel said products marketed under the newly established Yahoo Go brand reflected consumer demands to easily access information wherever they like and to customize the way in which they view the Web and the world.

Posted by Judith — 4:57 AM

Friday, January 6, 2006

Handset Offer May Propel Microsoft’s VoIP Effort.

Source: When Microsoft switches over its more than 200 million MSN Messenger users to Windows Live Messenger, the users will have cordless dual landline-VoIP phones from Uniden America and Royal Philips Electronics available for use, according to Microsoft. Announced this week…

When Microsoft switches over its more than 200 million MSN Messenger users to Windows Live Messenger, the users will have cordless dual landline-VoIP phones from Uniden America and Royal Philips Electronics available for use, according to Microsoft.
Announced this week by Bill Gates and the manufacturers of the phones, the deal will quickly move Microsoft and its VoIP partner, MCI, to the vanguard of VoIP calling and into a strong position to compete with eBay’s Skype, the current VoIP leader. Skype has more than 65 million active users of its Internet calling service.

Posted by Judith — 5:29 AM


Quebec’s Vidéotron customers connect with VoIP.

Source: Quebec cable giant Vidéotron Ltée’s digital telephone service, launched less than a year ago, has won nearly 163,000 customers, making it the country’s top provider of the new technology. Montreal-based Vidéotron — part of the Quebecor Inc. media and telecommunications…

Quebec cable giant Vidéotron Ltée’s digital telephone service, launched less than a year ago, has won nearly 163,000 customers, making it the country’s top provider of the new technology.
Montreal-based Vidéotron — part of the Quebecor Inc. media and telecommunications empire — said Thursday it also recorded “exceptional growth” in subscriptions to its digital cable television and cable Internet access services last year.
Vidéotron was the first of Canada’s major cable companies to launch VoIP, in early 2005.

Posted by Judith — 5:14 AM


Qualcomm pays US$56 million to acquire chip designer Berkana.

Source: Qualcomm Inc. announced it has acquired Berkana Wireless Inc., a wireless chip designer, for US $56 m.(」32m) in cash. Silicon Valley-based Berkana provides metal oxide semiconductor radio frequency integrated circuits, or RF CMOS chips, to the wireless industry, and Qualcomm…

Qualcomm Inc. announced it has acquired Berkana Wireless Inc., a wireless chip designer, for US $56 m.(」32m) in cash.
Silicon Valley-based Berkana provides metal oxide semiconductor radio frequency integrated circuits, or RF CMOS chips, to the wireless industry, and Qualcomm said it expects Berkana’s technology to help boost its growth in the third-generation wireless market.

Posted by Judith — 5:06 AM


Rising Competition in Cellphone Music.

Source: Verizon Wireless announced yesterday that it would begin selling phones that allow users to download songs over the airwaves. The company’s decision to move into the music business through the cellphone market poses a potential threat to the makers of…

Verizon Wireless announced yesterday that it would begin selling phones that allow users to download songs over the airwaves. The company’s decision to move into the music business through the cellphone market poses a potential threat to the makers of portable music players.

Posted by Judith — 5:03 AM


Microsoft Shuts Blog’s Site After Complaints by Beijing.

Source: Microsoft has shut the blog site of a well-known Chinese blogger who uses its MSN online service in China after he discussed a high-profile newspaper strike that broke out here one week ago. The decision is the latest in a…

Microsoft has shut the blog site of a well-known Chinese blogger who uses its MSN online service in China after he discussed a high-profile newspaper strike that broke out here one week ago.
The decision is the latest in a series of measures in which some of America’s biggest technology companies have cooperated with the Chinese authorities to censor Web sites and curb dissent or free speech online as they seek access to China’s booming Internet marketplace

Posted by Judith — 5:00 AM


Motorola adds Google to phones, forges Kodak pact.

Source: Motorola Inc. plans to put Google Inc.’s Internet search technology into the software that runs its mobile phones and work with Kodak to make on-the-go Web surfing and photo swapping easier, the companies said on Thursday. This year the world’s…

Motorola Inc. plans to put Google Inc.’s Internet search technology into the software that runs its mobile phones and work with Kodak to make on-the-go Web surfing and photo swapping easier, the companies said on Thursday.
This year the world’s second biggest cellphone maker will start letting customers bring up a Google search engine at the touch of a button on some phones.

Posted by Judith — 4:50 AM

Thursday, January 5, 2006

Cingular claims HSDPA first.

Source: Cingular Wireless has revealed that it has completed the world痴 first mobile data call using a 3.6Mbps HSDPA device on its 3G network in Las Vegas. Commercial HSDPA services are currently available in Las Vegas and 15 other cities, although…

Cingular Wireless has revealed that it has completed the world痴 first mobile data call using a 3.6Mbps HSDPA device on its 3G network in Las Vegas. Commercial HSDPA services are currently available in Las Vegas and 15 other cities, although plans are to cover most major markets by the end of this year.

Posted by Judith — 5:19 AM


Crown Castle’s Modeo plans US$500 million mobile TV network.

Source: Crown Castle International Corp.’s subsidiary, Crown Castle Mobile Media L.L.C., said it plans to use its tower network and its unencumbered spectrum rights to launch live mobile TV to the nation’s top 30 markets. The company also said it plans…

Crown Castle International Corp.’s subsidiary, Crown Castle Mobile Media L.L.C., said it plans to use its tower network and its unencumbered spectrum rights to launch live mobile TV to the nation’s top 30 markets. The company also said it plans to deliver video and audio services to a wide range of mobile devices, including cars.
Along with the new offerings, Crown Castle Mobile Media also announced that it’s changing its name to Modeo L.L.C.

Posted by Judith — 5:14 AM


Feeling Lost? Ask Your Cellphone Where You Are.

Source: MapQuest’s new Find Me service can pinpoint your current location and display it for you on your mobile phone. Not only can you use the service to locate yourself, you can also let other people use it to see where…

MapQuest’s new Find Me service can pinpoint your current location and display it for you on your mobile phone.
Not only can you use the service to locate yourself, you can also let other people use it to see where you are.

Posted by Judith — 5:09 AM


Netgear to Offer First Wi-Fi Phone for Skype Calling.

Source: Netgear Inc. and Skype, the Web-based calling company which is a unit of eBay Inc., said on Wednesday they plan to introduce the first wireless mobile telephone for Skype. The Netgear Wi-Fi phone is designed to work wherever a consumer…

Netgear Inc. and Skype, the Web-based calling company which is a unit of eBay Inc., said on Wednesday they plan to introduce the first wireless mobile telephone for Skype.
The Netgear Wi-Fi phone is designed to work wherever a consumer is connected to a wireless Internet access point預t home, in an office, cafe, public hotspot, or in cities where wireless access may be available citywide.

Posted by Judith — 5:03 AM


Vonage Confirms Sonus Deployment.

Source: A year after VOIP equipment vendor Sonus Networks Inc. was linked with an engagement at voice over broadband pioneer Vonage Holdings Corp., the companies have officially announced their relationship….

A year after VOIP equipment vendor Sonus Networks Inc. was linked with an engagement at voice over broadband pioneer Vonage Holdings Corp., the companies have officially announced their relationship.

Posted by Judith — 4:59 AM


Telecom IPOs Rare in 2005.

Source: Venture-backed telecom companies found M&A to be a far more attractive exit strategy than the public markets in 2005, according to Thomson Venture Economics and Dow Jones research unit VentureOne . VentureOne’s latest research on private company exits shows that…

Venture-backed telecom companies found M&A to be a far more attractive exit strategy than the public markets in 2005, according to Thomson Venture Economics and Dow Jones research unit VentureOne .
VentureOne’s latest research on private company exits shows that 39 U.S. venture-backed “communications and networking” companies merged with, or were acquired by, other companies during 2005, at an average of US$87.5 million per transaction.
But only three such companies — Fusion Telecommunications International Inc. , Eschelon Telecom Inc. and Cbeyond Communications — completed initial public offerings (IPOs) during 2005, VentureOne says.

Posted by Judith — 4:55 AM

Tuesday, January 3, 2006

Nine British city hotspots will offer wireless internet use.

Source: From March, residents in nine urban centres across Britain will be able to access the internet from their laptops outdoors, and use their mobile phones to make calls over the web after a small technology firm launches the first part…

From March, residents in nine urban centres across Britain will be able to access the internet from their laptops outdoors, and use their mobile phones to make calls over the web after a small technology firm launches the first part of a nationwide WiFi network.
The move to roll out wireless internet technology will threaten the revenues of Britain痴 mobile phone operators.
Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds are among eight cities � plus three London boroughs � singled out for the installation of 展iFi hotspots�

Posted by Judith — 5:53 AM


Will Siemens Sail with Harbour?

Source: A report out of China says Siemens AG has signed a deal to purchase the telecom router products of Harbour Networks Holdings Ltd. Siemens supposedly purchased the Power Hammer core router, PowerHammer ESR multiservice edge router, and Big Hammer metro…

A report out of China says Siemens AG has signed a deal to purchase the telecom router products of Harbour Networks Holdings Ltd.
Siemens supposedly purchased the Power Hammer core router, PowerHammer ESR multiservice edge router, and Big Hammer metro switch for $110 million, according to the China Business News.
One interesting aspect of the deal is that it would put Siemens into the router game. Siemens sells carrier Ethernet switches, but for routers, it’s relied on a reseller deal with Juniper Networks Inc., a relationship that might be strained should Siemens obtain its own routers.

Posted by Judith — 5:47 AM


Motorola unveils iRadio, new home products.

Source: Motorola Inc., the world’s No. 2 cell-phone maker, on Tuesday revealed details of its plans for iRadio, a subscription music service that will go on sale this year. It also unveiled a new home phone that consumers could link with…

Motorola Inc., the world’s No. 2 cell-phone maker, on Tuesday revealed details of its plans for iRadio, a subscription music service that will go on sale this year. It also unveiled a new home phone that consumers could link with cell-phone and Web phone services.
The new offers come as mobile network operators are developing services such as mobile music downloads and seeking to improve wireless coverage at home by adding short-range home network links to cellular phones.

Posted by Judith — 5:41 AM

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