Press Clippings: February 2006
Major Industry items you might have missed
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Germans want to charge Google.
Source: The boss of Deutsche Telekom is the latest to claim that companies like Google, which take advantage of high-speed networks, should help pay for them. DT CEO Kai-Uwe Ricke said: “Customers should not be the only ones to pay for…
The boss of Deutsche Telekom is the latest to claim that companies like Google, which take advantage of high-speed networks, should help pay for them.
DT CEO Kai-Uwe Ricke said: “Customers should not be the only ones to pay for this new world. Web companies that use this infrastructure for their business should also make a contribution.”
Ricke is not a lone voice - US telcos AT&T and Verizon have made similar noises.
Posted by Judith — 4:55 AM
Wireless a shining spot in VC market.
Source: The overall decline in venture-capital investments hasn稚 touched the wireless industry, according to new research from telecom industry research firm Visiongain. Indeed, the firm found wireless-directed investments have maintained strong growth and are expected to hit an all-time high this…
The overall decline in venture-capital investments hasn稚 touched the wireless industry, according to new research from telecom industry research firm Visiongain. Indeed, the firm found wireless-directed investments have maintained strong growth and are expected to hit an all-time high this year.
Last year, VC investments in wireless totaled US$1.3 billion, a 24-percent increase from 2004痴 investment total of US$1.1 billion.
Posted by Judith — 4:51 AM
Cisco Tangos With Tazz.
Source: Cisco Systems Inc. leapt into the policy management market with both feet today by striking an OEM deal to rebadge technology from policy control specialist Tazz Networks Inc. The deal is significant as it gives Cisco a position in one…
Cisco Systems Inc. leapt into the policy management market with both feet today by striking an OEM deal to rebadge technology from policy control specialist Tazz Networks Inc.
The deal is significant as it gives Cisco a position in one of the hottest emerging technology areas, policy management, which will become increasingly vital to service providers seeking to effectively, and profitably, manage the delivery of multiple IP services to broadband customers.
Posted by Judith — 4:45 AM
Telecoms firm to shed 3,000 jobs.
Source: Telecoms group Cable & Wireless has said it expects to cut up to 3,000 jobs in the UK over the next five years. The move is part of a restructuring plan unveiled by C&W, as it refocuses its UK operations…
Telecoms group Cable & Wireless has said it expects to cut up to 3,000 jobs in the UK over the next five years.
The move is part of a restructuring plan unveiled by C&W, as it refocuses its UK operations to concentrate on fewer but larger business customers.
The revamp aims to cut C&W’s business customer base from 30,000 to 3,000.
Posted by Judith — 4:38 AM
Monday, February 27, 2006
Spirent acquires SwissQual for US$70.5m.
Source: Spirent Communications has entered into an agreement to acquire SwissQual, a test and measurement company for wireless network operators for a total consideration of up to $70.5 million. According to the company, the acquisition of SwissQual will enhance Spirent’s presence…
Spirent Communications has entered into an agreement to acquire SwissQual, a test and measurement company for wireless network operators for a total consideration of up to $70.5 million. According to the company, the acquisition of SwissQual will enhance Spirent’s presence in the wireless test and measurement market by bringing exposure to a new segment - subscriber experience management.
Posted by Judith — 5:05 AM
Bluetooth development roadmap far from clear.
Source: The Bluetooth SIG will soon publish an updated roadmap defining the development plans for Bluetooth out to the third quarter of 2007. One of the roadmap’s objectives is to define the path for increasing Bluetooth’s data rates from the current…
The Bluetooth SIG will soon publish an updated roadmap defining the development plans for Bluetooth out to the third quarter of 2007. One of the roadmap’s objectives is to define the path for increasing Bluetooth’s data rates from the current 3 Mbps up to 480 Mbps by using, or rather, by achieving interoperability with ultra wideband (UWB). But the two warring UWB alliances could make progress tough for Bluetooth to meet this objective.
Posted by Judith — 5:02 AM
EC calls for e-government interoperability.
Source: The EC has called for increased interoperability for e-government applications across the EU. The EC wants all national and regional administrations in the EU to eventually be completely interoperable. One of the challenges expected from such a project will be…
The EC has called for increased interoperability for e-government applications across the EU. The EC wants all national and regional administrations in the EU to eventually be completely interoperable.
One of the challenges expected from such a project will be dealing with a number of government layers at local, regional, national and international levels. The EC has outlined three key areas at which interoperability would be especially beneficial: administrative processes, ‘life-time events’ such as births and marriages and ‘business events’ such as incorporating a company and paying taxes.
Posted by Judith — 4:47 AM
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Ericsson files vs Samsung, alleges patent violation.
Source: Mobile network equipment giant Ericsson has filed suit against mobile phone maker Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd alleging patent infringement, Ericsson said on Friday. We have filed a lawsuit against Samsung for patent infringement in the U.S., UK, Germany and the…
Mobile network equipment giant Ericsson has filed suit against mobile phone maker Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd alleging patent infringement, Ericsson said on Friday.
We have filed a lawsuit against Samsung for patent infringement in the U.S., UK, Germany and the Netherlands, said Ericsson spokeswoman Ase Lindskog.
The reason is that we have had extensive negotiations with Samsung over a renewal of licences because their agreement with us expired on December 31 last year, she added. “They are using mobile phone patents which no longer have licences.”
Posted by Judith — 5:05 AM
German watchdog cuts mobile tariffs to less than 10cents.
Source: The German telecoms watchdog Bundesnetzagentur, has announced plans to cut the rates mobile phone operators can charge for transferring calls from fixed-line to mobile networks, according to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. The move will see such transfers cut to less…
The German telecoms watchdog Bundesnetzagentur, has announced plans to cut the rates mobile phone operators can charge for transferring calls from fixed-line to mobile networks, according to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
The move will see such transfers cut to less than 10 cents.Deutsche Telekom’s T-Mobile and Vodafone’s German business currently charge 11 cents per minute. Royal KPN NV’s E-Plus and O2’s German unit charge 12.4 cents.
Posted by Judith — 5:00 AM
Blackberry wins stay of execution.
Source: he maker of the Blackberry device has won a stay of execution after a US judge opted not to impose an immediate injunction closing its service. Research In Motion (RIM) is embroiled in a legal dispute with technology firm NTP,…
he maker of the Blackberry device has won a stay of execution after a US judge opted not to impose an immediate injunction closing its service.
Research In Motion (RIM) is embroiled in a legal dispute with technology firm NTP, which says the Blackberry has infringed its patents.
Judge James Spencer said that RIM had infringed NTP’s patents and that he would rule on an injunction as “soon as reasonably possible” but did not indicate when he might do so.
Posted by Judith — 4:54 AM
Despite reprieve, BlackBerry shutdown threat still looms for users.
Source: While U.S. District Judge James Spencer declined to issue an immediate injunction on Friday that would prevent Research In Motion Ltd. from selling its BlackBerry devices and service in the United States, millions of users are still not safe from…
While U.S. District Judge James Spencer declined to issue an immediate injunction on Friday that would prevent Research In Motion Ltd. from selling its BlackBerry devices and service in the United States, millions of users are still not safe from a possible shut-down of the service.
Judge Spencer held a hearing in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia, which examined NTP Inc.’s claims that RIM infringed on its wireless E-mail patents. After numerous court hearings and RIM’s failed attempt to have the case reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court, Friday’s hearing ended with more uncertainty.
Meanwhile, many BlackBerry users are putting together contingency plans in case the judge changes his mind in the coming weeks.
Posted by Judith — 4:47 AM
U.S. Hitting A Ceiling On Internet Households.
Source: he vast majority of U.S. households that are not online have no interest in the Web, an indication that Internet penetration has stalled, a market research firm said on Friday. A survey of 1,000 U.S. homes showed that about 36…
he vast majority of U.S. households that are not online have no interest in the Web, an indication that Internet penetration has stalled, a market research firm said on Friday.
A survey of 1,000 U.S. homes showed that about 36 percent of U.S. households were not online, and only 2 percent intended to subscribe to an Internet service this year, according to Parks Associates. The percent of households without Web access extrapolated to 39 million homes.
Cost was a factor in only 4 percent of the households not connected to the Web. Thirty-one percent said they didn’t need it because they had access to the Internet at work, 18 percent said they weren’t interested in anything on the Web, and 8 percent said they weren’t sure how to use the Web.
Posted by Judith — 4:44 AM
Friday, February 24, 2006
Google, EarthLink team up on Wi-Fi.
Source: Google is joining EarthLink in a bid to build a wireless network in San Francisco that would offer basic Internet access for free and charge about $20 per month to surf the Web at higher speeds. Under the partnership, EarthLink…
Google is joining EarthLink in a bid to build a wireless network in San Francisco that would offer basic Internet access for free and charge about $20 per month to surf the Web at higher speeds.
Under the partnership, EarthLink would pay for most of the projected $15 million cost to build and maintain San Francisco’s Wi-Fi network over 10 years.
Posted by Judith — 5:02 AM
EU approves Cisco’s purchase of Scientific-Atlanta.
Source: The European Union cleared Cisco Systems proposed $6.9 bn. purchase of Scientific-Atlanta, saying the combination will not pose any antitrust problems in the European Union. Cisco makes an assortment of networking gear while Scientific-Atlanta makes set-top-boxes for cable operators. But…
The European Union cleared Cisco Systems proposed $6.9 bn. purchase of Scientific-Atlanta, saying the combination will not pose any antitrust problems in the European Union.
Cisco makes an assortment of networking gear while Scientific-Atlanta makes set-top-boxes for cable operators.
But there is only “limited overlap” in their activities in Europe in cable modem and gateway products and even less in wireless mesh network products, set-top boxes and optical transmission products, the European Commission said in a statement.
Posted by Judith — 4:52 AM
Orange enters fixed-line market.
Source: Orange plans to enter the fixed-line telephone market, the first move of its kind from a UK mobile phone group. From April, the company will roll out the service to its business customers, but it has no plans yet to…
Orange plans to enter the fixed-line telephone market, the first move of its kind from a UK mobile phone group.
From April, the company will roll out the service to its business customers, but it has no plans yet to offer the service to domestic consumers.
Orange and internet group Wanadoo, both owned by France Telecom, will merge to offer bundled products.
Posted by Judith — 4:33 AM
SIP gives mobile ops the edge.
Source: As VoIP over wifi using unlicensed mobile access (UMA) technologies is presently hamstrung by a lack of available handsets, the initiative in the wireless VoIP race could be handed to mobile operators. British Telecom and France Telecom, both of which…
As VoIP over wifi using unlicensed mobile access (UMA) technologies is presently hamstrung by a lack of available handsets, the initiative in the wireless VoIP race could be handed to mobile operators.
British Telecom and France Telecom, both of which are pioneering wireless VoIP over UMA, are increasingly looking towards the end of this year before they can allow users to make calls over wifi, according to industry analyst Ovum.
BT, which has already launched its Fusion offering, can only at present offer calls over Bluetooth or cellular. The wifi part of the equation will be absent until the third quarter, when Motorola makes its wifi-enabled handset available.
Meanwhile, operators such as Telefonica Moviles, which are using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to drive their wireless VoIP strategy look set to stream ahead in the future.
Posted by Judith — 4:29 AM
Chinese Mobile Phone Subscribers Top 400 Million.
Source: The number of cellular-phone subscribers in China has reached 400 million, a record for the world’s largest mobile-phone market, the Chinese government reported on Thursday. At the end of January, the nation had 398 million mobile subscribers, including 5.4 million…
The number of cellular-phone subscribers in China has reached 400 million, a record for the world’s largest mobile-phone market, the Chinese government reported on Thursday.
At the end of January, the nation had 398 million mobile subscribers, including 5.4 million added that month, or twice the increase of fixed-line users.
Posted by Judith — 3:44 AM
Nortel’s Long, Hard Slog.
Source: Things are better than a year ago, but that’s not saying much. CEO Mike Zafirovski knows he must invest, cut jobs, and maybe sell some businesses. Zafirovski plans to concentrate on markets where Nortel can outstrip rivals. “We tried to…
Things are better than a year ago, but that’s not saying much. CEO Mike Zafirovski knows he must invest, cut jobs, and maybe sell some businesses.
Zafirovski plans to concentrate on markets where Nortel can outstrip rivals. “We tried to be everything to everybody,” Zafirovski explained. “Now, we need to focus.” Specifically, the new executive team will target areas where Nortel can achieve 20% or greater market share.
Posted by Judith — 3:29 AM
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Microsoft rivals file new antitrust complaint.
Source: A group of leading technology companies on Wednesday dashed Microsoft痴 hopes of a swift end to its regulatory woes in Europe with a new antitrust complaint against the US software company. The complaint � filed by IBM, Oracle, Sun Microsystems,…
A group of leading technology companies on Wednesday dashed Microsoft痴 hopes of a swift end to its regulatory woes in Europe with a new antitrust complaint against the US software company.
The complaint � filed by IBM, Oracle, Sun Microsystems, Nokia and other technology groups known as the European Committee for Interoperable Systems � is likely to spark a fresh probe by the European Union痴 competition regulator and prolong a regulatory battle between Microsoft and Brussels that has lasted more than six years.
Posted by Judith — 5:01 AM
Technology CEOs urge US find more wireless airwaves.
Source: Chief executive officers of some leading technology companies (including Motorola, HP, IBM and Dell) plan to call on Thursday for the U.S. government to find more wireless airwaves for use as new applications emerge. The Technology CEO Council said on…
Chief executive officers of some leading technology companies (including Motorola, HP, IBM and Dell) plan to call on Thursday for the U.S. government to find more wireless airwaves for use as new applications emerge.
The Technology CEO Council said on Wednesday it will issue a report urging Congress to order the Bush administration to analyze which airwaves are not being used best, and how they might be re-allocated.
Posted by Judith — 4:53 AM
Broadband over powerlines gets spec.
Source: Broadband over powerlines took a step closer to reality on Tuesday as the Open PLC European Research Alliance (OPERA) announced the approval of what it claims is the first open global specification for Powerline Communications (PLC) access. The specification provides…
Broadband over powerlines took a step closer to reality on Tuesday as the Open PLC European Research Alliance (OPERA) announced the approval of what it claims is the first open global specification for Powerline Communications (PLC) access.
The specification provides a baseline for both PLC access technology as well as in-building applications - where powerlines are used to extend existing backbone technologies such as fibre to the home - DSL and coaxial.
Posted by Judith — 4:39 AM
UK gets serious about VoIP.
Source: The UK’s communications watchdog, Ofcom, is proposing a code for Voice over IP (VoIP) services, which will include a call for providers to offer access to emergency services. With more than 500,000VoIP usersin the UK, it is incumbent on Ofcom…
The UK’s communications watchdog, Ofcom, is proposing a code for Voice over IP (VoIP) services, which will include a call for providers to offer access to emergency services.
With more than 500,000VoIP usersin the UK, it is incumbent on Ofcom to “ensure that regulatory requirements are continually adapted to meet the needs of both consumers and providers.”
In a statement today, Ofcom said it “is proposing a code for VoIP service providers to ensure customers are given important information about service capability.”
Posted by Judith — 4:31 AM
VoIP over wi-fi will have to wait for QoS.
Source: Following Monday’s revelation that BT has its eye on global wi-fi coverage, one of the incumbent’s partners, The Cloud, says it will be some time before VoIP over wi-fi providers are able to offer more than “best effort” service quality….
Following Monday’s revelation that BT has its eye on global wi-fi coverage, one of the incumbent’s partners, The Cloud, says it will be some time before VoIP over wi-fi providers are able to offer more than “best effort” service quality.
The admission has been bolstered by analysts who believe the technology remains at odds with the general perception of what is a quality service.
The problem is there are a host of technical and commercial challenges to offering VoIP services at public wi-fi hotspots, says Mike Roberts, principal analyst at Informa Telecoms & Media.
Posted by Judith — 4:25 AM
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
EC gives favourable report on telecoms industry.
Source: The EC today released its latest Report on European Electronic Communications Regulation and Markets. The EC gives an overall favorable report on the state of telecommunications in the EU, with growing competition across internet, mobile and fixed-line service areas. The…
The EC today released its latest Report on European Electronic Communications Regulation and Markets. The EC gives an overall favorable report on the state of telecommunications in the EU, with growing competition across internet, mobile and fixed-line service areas.
The broadband market has benefited especially from competition and infrastructure investment, with European subscriptions rising from under 20 million to 53 million in 2005.
Posted by Judith — 3:59 AM
Google Denies Acting Unlawfully In China.
Source: Internet giant Google rejected Chinese newspaper reports on Tuesday that its new platform does not have the correct licence. A Google spokeswoman said the newspaper reports were groundless. “Google has the required licence to operate the Google.cn service in China.”…
Internet giant Google rejected Chinese newspaper reports on Tuesday that its new platform does not have the correct licence.
A Google spokeswoman said the newspaper reports were groundless. “Google has the required licence to operate the Google.cn service in China.”
Google used the ICP licence of a local company, Ganji.com, under a business partnership — a practice followed by many international Internet companies in China.
Posted by Judith — 3:53 AM
AOL to charge same for dial-up, broadband.
Source: AOL, seeking to encourage its subscribers to sign up for high-speed connections, is raising the price of its main dial-up plan to equal that of its new broadband offerings. We’re doing this because a majority of AOL members will be…
AOL, seeking to encourage its subscribers to sign up for high-speed connections, is raising the price of its main dial-up plan to equal that of its new broadband offerings.
We’re doing this because a majority of AOL members will be able to get high-speed connections and access the AOL service for this new price, spokeswoman Anne Bentley said Tuesday. “Hopefully it’s an encouragement for them to get high-speed connections.”
Posted by Judith — 3:51 AM
Low-Cost Mobile Phones Planned For One Billion Users.
Source: The ultra-low-cost mobile handset market beckoned to handset manufacturers and service providers at last week’s 3GSM World Congress as the GSM Association (GSMA) boasted that the manufacturers were on their way to developing a sub-$30 handset. But inexpensive cell phones…
The ultra-low-cost mobile handset market beckoned to handset manufacturers and service providers at last week’s 3GSM World Congress as the GSM Association (GSMA) boasted that the manufacturers were on their way to developing a sub-$30 handset.
But inexpensive cell phones need cell phone services to operate on and growing attention was focused on the 450MHz spectrum as a logical vehicle to deliver service for as low as $5 a month.
Posted by Judith — 3:47 AM
Cisco Arms for IPTV Battle.
Source: Cisco Systems Inc. is beefing up its IPTV attack, with a systems-integration business underway for service providers and a couple of new products added to its metro Ethernet lineup today. It’s meant to counter Alcatel, which has surged in the…
Cisco Systems Inc. is beefing up its IPTV attack, with a systems-integration business underway for service providers and a couple of new products added to its metro Ethernet lineup today.
It’s meant to counter Alcatel, which has surged in the router rankings with its 7750 and 7450 boxes.
But it’s Alcatel’s role as a systems integrator that has Cisco tied in knots. There, Alcatel has bagged some big-name deals such as the lead role in Project Lightspeed for SBC.
Posted by Judith — 3:42 AM
Broadband growth speeds forward.
Source: Broadband now accounts for 64% of all net connections in the UK, according to figures for December released by the Office of National Statistics. Dial-up appears to be in terminal decline, with connections down by a third compared with last…
Broadband now accounts for 64% of all net connections in the UK, according to figures for December released by the Office of National Statistics.
Dial-up appears to be in terminal decline, with connections down by a third compared with last year.
The growth of broadband has been fuelled by its widespread availability and competitive prices.
Posted by Judith — 3:28 AM
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
BT Deploys MPLS-based VoIP Network.
Source: BT announced a ｣12 million program that will see its current legacy TDM network replaced by an MPLS-based network across more than 30 countries. The project, part of BT痴 21CN initiative, is due to be completed in March 2008. BT…
BT announced a ｣12 million program that will see its current legacy TDM network replaced by an MPLS-based network across more than 30 countries. The project, part of BT痴 21CN initiative, is due to be completed in March 2008.
BT said the new MPLS network will provide it with an increased capability to handle larger volumes of traffic and provide additional functionalities and enhanced features such as the ease of integration with any existing servers, standard interface for multiple applications, and the ability to deploy more integrated multimedia services such as audio and video conferencing, and video streaming.
Posted by Judith — 5:29 AM
Convergys clinches Saudi Telecom deal.
Source: Convergys Corp. has secured a multi-year licensing, support and maintenance contract for its billing and customer care solution from Saudi Telecom Co., one of the largest operators in the Arab world and one of the world’s 15 most profitable telecom…
Convergys Corp. has secured a multi-year licensing, support and maintenance contract for its billing and customer care solution from Saudi Telecom Co., one of the largest operators in the Arab world and one of the world’s 15 most profitable telecom operators.
The Convergys Infinisys rating and billing solution will support Saudi Telecom’s 12 million prepaid and postpaid mobile subscribers
Posted by Judith — 5:23 AM
Beijing Report: Google Has No License for China Service.
Source: Internet search giant Google’s controversial expansion into China now faces possible trouble with regulators after a Beijing newspaper said its new Chinese-language platform does not have a license. The Beijing News reported on Tuesday that Google.cn, the company’s recently launched…
Internet search giant Google’s controversial expansion into China now faces possible trouble with regulators after a Beijing newspaper said its new Chinese-language platform does not have a license.
The Beijing News reported on Tuesday that Google.cn, the company’s recently launched service that accommodates the China’s censorship demands, “has not obtained the ICP (Internet content provider) license needed to operate Internet content services in China.”
Posted by Judith — 5:09 AM
A Square Mile of Wi-Fi.
Source: Wi-Fi network operator The Cloud is installing a comprehensive Wi-Fi internet network throughout Londons Square Mile part of the City of London and the capitals main financial district. The ｣1 m. (US$1.74 m.) network is due to go live…
Wi-Fi network operator The Cloud is installing a comprehensive Wi-Fi internet network throughout Londons Square Mile part of the City of London and the capitals main financial district. The ｣1 m. (US$1.74 m.) network is due to go live within the next few months, with virtually all the City covered by August 2006. The network will be made up of around 140 hotspots installed in existing street furniture, including lamp posts and street signs, enabling users with Wi-Fi-enabled devices to access the internet on the move.
Posted by Judith — 5:08 AM
AT&T to expand global network.
Source: AT&T has revealed details of its 2006 investment plan to expand its global network, with the aim of providing enhanced connectivity in the US and around the world in order to meet the growing demands of its multinational enterprise customers….
AT&T has revealed details of its 2006 investment plan to expand its global network, with the aim of providing enhanced connectivity in the US and around the world in order to meet the growing demands of its multinational enterprise customers. Highlights of the US$8.5 billion expansion include extended dedicated MPLS-based IP access capabilities to give service nodes in 127 countries; integration of 1,000 legacy SBC nodes into AT&T痴 global MPLS-based network; 16 new network interconnections giving greater in-depth country coverage; additional remote access points giving a total of more than 35,000 access points in 150 countries; doubling DSL country coverage for business access via alliance agreements with local carriers; tripling Ethernet connectivity; and enhanced satellite, Wi-Fi and wireless access.
Posted by Judith — 5:04 AM
Telecom Corp restructures its struggling Australian unit.
Source: New Zealand incumbent Telecom Corp says it has restructured its ailing Australian business AAPT, but admits it is still looking for a buyer for the firm. AAPT is being split into two divisions consumer and corporate both of…
New Zealand incumbent Telecom Corp says it has restructured its ailing Australian business AAPT, but admits it is still looking for a buyer for the firm. AAPT is being split into two divisions consumer and corporate both of which will be headed up by senior Telecom executives. The restructuring will not affect the parent companys review of AAPT, started in January, nor any potential sale or joint venture with another investor. Telecom wrote down the value of its Ozzie operation by NZ$900 m. (US$602 m.) earlier this month.
Posted by Judith — 5:01 AM
Monday, February 20, 2006
DoCoMo inks videostreaming deal with RealNetworks.
Source: NTT DoCoMo has signed a memorandum of understanding with RealNetworks to co-develop software for mobile videostreaming services to users phones. DoCoMo is looking to strengthen its services in the video download market. Under the deal, RealNetworks, a video and music…
NTT DoCoMo has signed a memorandum of understanding with RealNetworks to co-develop software for mobile videostreaming services to users phones. DoCoMo is looking to strengthen its services in the video download market. Under the deal, RealNetworks, a video and music software developer, will look to bring forward an open software environment enabling content providers to use proprietary multi-format servers to stream video content to DoCoMo handsets.
Posted by Judith — 6:12 AM
BT to launch global VoIP platform.
Source: UK-based BT Group says it will spend US$21m. on launching a global platform for VoIP services. Around half of the investment will go into developing the service in the Asia Pacific region, according to the president of BT Asia Pacific,…
UK-based BT Group says it will spend US$21m. on launching a global platform for VoIP services. Around half of the investment will go into developing the service in the Asia Pacific region, according to the president of BT Asia Pacific, Allen Ma. The platform will utilise the IP network BT began rolling out in the region in 2005. Upon its expected completion later this year the network will cover 17 countries including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.
Posted by Judith — 6:08 AM
Branson could have done NTL deal without minority support.
Source: Sir Richard Branson was prepared to force through NTL’s ｣917m takeover of Virgin Mobile against the wishes of its minority shareholders if necessary, it has emerged. The formal recommended offer for Virgin Mobile from the UK cable operator, expected to…
Sir Richard Branson was prepared to force through NTL’s ｣917m takeover of Virgin Mobile against the wishes of its minority shareholders if necessary, it has emerged.
The formal recommended offer for Virgin Mobile from the UK cable operator, expected to be announced this week, will be achieved through a scheme of arrangement which requires only 75 per cent shareholder support
Under the revised terms of the deal, Sir Richard will accept 349p a share for his majority holding in Virgin Mobile while minority shareholders will get 372p a share for their 22.8 per cent stake. The offer values Virgin Mobile at ｣917m and represents a 15 per cent improvement on the 323p NTL originally offered to minority shareholders.
Posted by Judith — 5:54 AM
Google says no to US government.
Source: Google on Friday rejected US government demands that it give up search information claiming that its customers’ privacy, as well as its own business secrets, should be protected. The search giant filed a response to the demand from the US…
Google on Friday rejected US government demands that it give up search information claiming that its customers’ privacy, as well as its own business secrets, should be protected.
The search giant filed a response to the demand from the US government that it hand over two months of search terms and all the web addresses within its index. Google said the demands were unreasonable and were not likely to provide useful information.
Posted by Judith — 5:46 AM
Largest Trial Yet for Chinese Home Grown 3G.
Source: The TD-SCDMA Industry Alliance in China has announced that its members will commence the construction of an experimental network for the 3G standard at the end of this month. The network will mainly be used to test handsets and their…
The TD-SCDMA Industry Alliance in China has announced that its members will commence the construction of an experimental network for the 3G standard at the end of this month. The network will mainly be used to test handsets and their capabilities on the new standard. It is hoped it will give manufacturers a chance to solve problems of instability and backward compatibility.
In what the alliance says it the largest test yet of the new homegrown Chinese standard, up to 10,000 phones will be put through their paces. The participants will include the three main Chinese operators: China Mobile, China Netcom and China Telecom. Local manufacturers including Datang, ZTE and TD Tech will supply the network equipment and many of the handsets.
Posted by Judith — 5:40 AM
Friday, February 17, 2006
Neuf Cegetel prepares ground for 3bn IPO.
Source: Neuf Cegetel is preparing to launch one of the largest initial public offerings in Europe this year in a flotation expected to value the French telecoms group at about 3bn (U$3.6bn), including debt. The group, created last year from the…
Neuf Cegetel is preparing to launch one of the largest initial public offerings in Europe this year in a flotation expected to value the French telecoms group at about 3bn (U$3.6bn), including debt.
The group, created last year from the merger of Neuf Telecom and Vivendi Universals Cegetel, is conducting a beauty parade of investment bankers to handle the flotation.
The group is due to make a decision next month. Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas and Credit Suisse First Boston all have stakes in Neuf Cegetel and will be among the favourites to underwrite the IPO.
Posted by Judith — 5:13 AM
Nokia Wins New Mobile Contract with Cable & Wireless.
Source: Cable & Wireless awarded an International Frame Agreement to Nokia for the supply of GSM and WCDMA 3G radio and core networks. Cable & Wireless is a new mobile network customer for Nokia….
Cable & Wireless awarded an International Frame Agreement to Nokia for the supply of GSM and WCDMA 3G radio and core networks. Cable & Wireless is a new mobile network customer for Nokia.
Posted by Judith — 4:50 AM
U.S. Telecom Enjoys Wireless Lift.
Source: After taking a nosedive in recent years, telecom spending enjoyed a 9 percent boost in 2005. Increased wireless demand, network expansion and broadband Internet access was responsible for the US$856.9 billion hike, according to the Telecommunications Industry Association. The upward…
After taking a nosedive in recent years, telecom spending enjoyed a 9 percent boost in 2005.
Increased wireless demand, network expansion and broadband Internet access was responsible for the US$856.9 billion hike, according to the Telecommunications Industry Association.
The upward trend is expected to climb to 10.2 percent growth in 2006, leveling off at 9 percent annual growth, reaching US$1.2 trillion in telecom sales between 2006 to 2009,.
Posted by Judith — 4:23 AM
Comreg revokes Smart’s 3G licence.
Source: The Irish Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has withdrawn Ireland’s fourth 3G licence from Smart Telecom. In a statement, Smart said: “The company was notified last night by ComReg that it believes that the company has failed to meet certain…
The Irish Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has withdrawn Ireland’s fourth 3G licence from Smart Telecom.
In a statement, Smart said: “The company was notified last night by ComReg that it believes that the company has failed to meet certain conditions of its original offer and accordingly that it no longer intends to award the licence to Smart.
Smart added that it “strongly refutes the grounds on which ComReg purports to take this action.”
Posted by Judith — 4:15 AM
CTIA sides with Martin on numbers-based contribution for USF.
Source: CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association) is changing its USF (Universal Service Fund) tune and siding with FCC Chairman Kevin Martin in his battle to change the way universal service is paid for. Martin預nd now CTIA謡ants to base universal service…
CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association) is changing its USF (Universal Service Fund) tune and siding with FCC Chairman Kevin Martin in his battle to change the way universal service is paid for. Martin預nd now CTIA謡ants to base universal service funds on telephone numbers, instead of the current system that works on percentages of long distance and international revenues.
Posted by Judith — 3:31 AM
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Lucent to evaluate European communications infrastructure.
Source: Lucent Technologies has been awarded a contract by the European Commission to provide a comprehensive analysis on the factors influencing the availability of Europe’s electronic communications infrastructure, including the internet and mobile networks. Lucent’s study will mainly focus on the…
Lucent Technologies has been awarded a contract by the European Commission to provide a comprehensive analysis on the factors influencing the availability of Europe’s electronic communications infrastructure, including the internet and mobile networks.
Lucent’s study will mainly focus on the identification and analysis of threats and vulnerabilities on backbone, mobile and wireless networks in Europe. Based on Lucent’s analysis, the EC hopes to develop official recommendations for telecoms and public authorities to better secure Europe’s electronic communications infrastructure.
Posted by Judith — 4:24 AM
Nokia, Motorola show cellular-VoIP phones.
Source: Nokia Corp. and Motorola Inc., the world’s biggest branded handset makers, both unveiled phones this week that switch between cellular coverage outdoors and cheap wireless Internet calls inside all on a single phone number.The new hardware is a response…
Nokia Corp. and Motorola Inc., the world’s biggest branded handset makers, both unveiled phones this week that switch between cellular coverage outdoors and cheap wireless Internet calls inside all on a single phone number.The new hardware is a response to growing demand. Mobile networks, aware that they can’t beat Internet call operators like Skype for cheap indoor coverage, are itching to join them.
Posted by Judith — 4:19 AM
Microsoft, EU battle over large daily fine.
Source: Microsoft Corp. formally denied European Commission charges that could lead to 2m. (US$2.4m) daily fines in an antitrust case on Wednesday, saying critical evidence had been ignored. But the European Commission, in an unusual statement, said Microsoft had filed the…
Microsoft Corp. formally denied European Commission charges that could lead to 2m. (US$2.4m) daily fines in an antitrust case on Wednesday, saying critical evidence had been ignored.
But the European Commission, in an unusual statement, said Microsoft had filed the evidence 11 days after a deadline in December — once the Commission had already issued a Statement of Objections to fine the company.
The Commission also said it is market testing Microsoft’s plans to offer access to source code, the blueprint for Microsoft’s software.
Posted by Judith — 4:06 AM
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Sanyo and Nokia to form mobile phone venture.
Source: Nokia and Sanyo Electric Co. plan to form a global mobile phone joint venture, helping the world’s largest phone maker boost business in its weaker markets and giving a shot in the arm to the struggling Japanese electronics maker. The…
Nokia and Sanyo Electric Co. plan to form a global mobile phone joint venture, helping the world’s largest phone maker boost business in its weaker markets and giving a shot in the arm to the struggling Japanese electronics maker.
The two companies said on Tuesday they will together develop and make mobile phones for the CDMA standard, dominant in the United States and popular in parts of Latin America and Asia including Japan, India and China.
Posted by Judith — 8:08 AM
Vodafone and Huawei team up for 3G handsets.
Source: UK-based mobile group Vodafone has signed a five-year deal with Huawei Technologies which will see the Chinese vendor supplying exclusive Vodafone-branded 3G mobile handsets for the group痴 businesses in 21 countries. Vodafone says it will begin offering the first Huawei-manufactured…
UK-based mobile group Vodafone has signed a five-year deal with Huawei Technologies which will see the Chinese vendor supplying exclusive Vodafone-branded 3G mobile handsets for the group痴 businesses in 21 countries. Vodafone says it will begin offering the first Huawei-manufactured 3G handset in September 2006. The deal marks Huawei ‘s first significant entry into the European handset market.
Posted by Judith — 8:08 AM
Online Firms Facing Questions About Censoring Internet Searches in China.
Source: For Internet companies doing business in China, a piece of a booming market has not come without compromises. A series of episodes showing that the companies were bending to the restrictive demands of Beijing has leaked out from users inside…
For Internet companies doing business in China, a piece of a booming market has not come without compromises.
A series of episodes showing that the companies were bending to the restrictive demands of Beijing has leaked out from users inside China.
Now the companies are being pressed in Washington for fuller answers about their business practices in China and the implications for human rights. That pressure will escalate today when the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations questions officials of the four technology companies, along with other witnesses critical of their activities.
Posted by Judith — 8:01 AM
Skype goes 3G.
Source: Skype has clinched a deal with Hutchinson that paves the way for cheaper VoIP calls to be offered on the Hutchison 3G networks. Limited trials, which have begun in Sweden, are expected to precede a wider launch in Austria, Australia,…
Skype has clinched a deal with Hutchinson that paves the way for cheaper VoIP calls to be offered on the Hutchison 3G networks. Limited trials, which have begun in Sweden, are expected to precede a wider launch in Austria, Australia, Hong Kong, Sweden, the UK and Italy by the end of the year.
Posted by Judith — 7:54 AM
Vodafone signs IMS agreements with Nokia, Ericsson.
Source: Vodafone Group plc named Nokia Corp. and L.M. Ericsson as its preferred suppliers for IMS technology, an agreement that could stand as a major boost to both vendors. Nokia said it has a contract to begin deploying its Internet Protocol…
Vodafone Group plc named Nokia Corp. and L.M. Ericsson as its preferred suppliers for IMS technology, an agreement that could stand as a major boost to both vendors.
Nokia said it has a contract to begin deploying its Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem solution to Vodafone affiliates worldwide. Nokia said it expects the first deployments to take place this year.
Posted by Judith — 6:33 AM
Nortel scores three-year Cingular contract.
Source: Nothing says Im sticking with you like a three-year contract for network services and equipment. Cingular Wireless L.L.C. said it will stand by its long-time equipment supplier, the much beleaguered Nortel Networks Ltd., as the nations largest carrier gets serious…
Nothing says Im sticking with you like a three-year contract for network services and equipment. Cingular Wireless L.L.C. said it will stand by its long-time equipment supplier, the much beleaguered Nortel Networks Ltd., as the nations largest carrier gets serious about upgrading its network to third-generation technology.
Cingular said Nortels GSM and UMTS technology will support the carriers network expansion and subscriber growth, as well as allow it to reduce costs, increase network reliability and improve the quality of its service. Nortel estimates that its equipment will help provide an increase in capacity of up to 300 percent.
Posted by Judith — 5:28 AM
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
eBay, PayPal, Yahoo Join VeriSign Authentication Network.
Source: VeriSign on Monday unveiled a new security system to protect online buyers from identity theft, and said it had signed up PayPal, eBay, and Yahoo as the first sites to support the authentication service….
VeriSign on Monday unveiled a new security system to protect online buyers from identity theft, and said it had signed up PayPal, eBay, and Yahoo as the first sites to support the authentication service.
Posted by Judith — 4:45 AM
Microsoft Targets RIM Blackberry With Price.
Source: Microsoft Corp. on Monday unveiled carrier and device support for its mobile messaging technology that the company hopes will attract customers through lower prices and more features than rival Research In Motion Inc.’s popular Blackberry….
Microsoft Corp. on Monday unveiled carrier and device support for its mobile messaging technology that the company hopes will attract customers through lower prices and more features than rival Research In Motion Inc.’s popular Blackberry.
Posted by Judith — 4:43 AM
Fund Launched To Bridge Communications Divide.
Source: The GSM Association (GSMA) has launched an initiative to bridge the digital divide between developed and developing countries with the establishment of a global development fund.The fund will back a wide range of projects to bring mobile communications to local…
The GSM Association (GSMA) has launched an initiative to bridge the digital divide between developed and developing countries with the establishment of a global development fund.The fund will back a wide range of projects to bring mobile communications to local communities that so far have not participated in the boom for either fixed or wireless communications services.
Posted by Judith — 4:39 AM
McAfee Debuts Security Tools For Mobile Devices.
Source: McAfee Inc. on Monday rolled out a security software platform for mobile devices, wrapping anti-virus, firewall, content filtering, anti-spam, and anti-spyware capabilities into a single package. Many smart phones and PDAs now come standard with advanced functions, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,…
McAfee Inc. on Monday rolled out a security software platform for mobile devices, wrapping anti-virus, firewall, content filtering, anti-spam, and anti-spyware capabilities into a single package.
Many smart phones and PDAs now come standard with advanced functions, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Web browsing capabilities, which makes them vulnerable to security threats.
Posted by Judith — 4:35 AM
IP Wireless gets its chance with Sprint.
Source: IP Wireless has announced the first of its global partners to trial its next generation of wireless broadband - Sprint Nextel. It is part of what the 3G world has been working towards as part of its Long Term Evolution…
IP Wireless has announced the first of its global partners to trial its next generation of wireless broadband - Sprint Nextel.
It is part of what the 3G world has been working towards as part of its Long Term Evolution (LTE) defined by the 3GPP organisation.
However, it’s not likely to please those operators who have already informed shareholders of plans to go for HSDPA for high speed packet data. IP Wireless reckons its technology is considerably cheaper.
Posted by Judith — 4:24 AM
Mobile push for instant messaging.
Source: Some of the biggest mobile phone networks have joined forces to push instant messaging (IM) over mobiles. Fifteen operators, including Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile and China Mobile have agreed to work together to make it easy to IM across networks…..
Some of the biggest mobile phone networks have joined forces to push instant messaging (IM) over mobiles.
Fifteen operators, including Vodafone, Orange, T-Mobile and China Mobile have agreed to work together to make it easy to IM across networks..
Posted by Judith — 4:02 AM
Monday, February 13, 2006
O2 tunes into mobile radio.
Source: UK mobile operator O2 jumped on the mobile radio bandwagon today, with the announcement that that it will be launching its Visual Radio offering next month. Visual Radio will initially allow listeners to tune in to Virgin Radio via their…
UK mobile operator O2 jumped on the mobile radio bandwagon today, with the announcement that that it will be launching its Visual Radio offering next month.
Visual Radio will initially allow listeners to tune in to Virgin Radio via their mobile phones, while simultaneously receiving interactive information and graphics that are synchronised with the broadcast.
Posted by Judith — 4:09 AM
BT, Virgin and Microsoft to launch mobile TV.
Source: UK carrier BT and virtual operator Virgin Mobile are expected to formally announce the launch of their UK mobile TV service at 3GSM in Barcelona on Tuesday. BT is understood to be pitching its Movio service as a wholesale offering…
UK carrier BT and virtual operator Virgin Mobile are expected to formally announce the launch of their UK mobile TV service at 3GSM in Barcelona on Tuesday.
BT is understood to be pitching its Movio service as a wholesale offering for service providers. As it uses the UK’s existing DAB network, providers do not need to apply for, or possess their own spectrum to offer services.
Posted by Judith — 4:05 AM
Fine warning over TV on mobiles.
Source: People who watch TV on mobile phones or computers could face a ｣1,000 fine unless they have a TV licence. An increasing number of TV shows and repeats are being shown on portable devices as well as standard TV sets.But…
People who watch TV on mobile phones or computers could face a ｣1,000 fine unless they have a TV licence.
An increasing number of TV shows and repeats are being shown on portable devices as well as standard TV sets.But shows broadcast on any device at the same time as they appear on TV are governed by standard licensing laws.
However, those who only use their computer, for example, to watch TV broadcasts will need to ensure they are properly licensed.
Posted by Judith — 4:01 AM
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Ericsson offers mobile device anti-virus solution for operators.
Source: Swedish telecoms supplier Ericsson is offering what it claims to be the industry’s first mobile anti-virus solution specifically designed for operator environments. Ericsson Mobile Device Anti-virus provides centralised control over anti-virus and SMS spam protection for smart-phones running Symbian and…
Swedish telecoms supplier Ericsson is offering what it claims to be the industry’s first mobile anti-virus solution specifically designed for operator environments.
Ericsson Mobile Device Anti-virus provides centralised control over anti-virus and SMS spam protection for smart-phones running Symbian and Microsoft operating systems (OS). It will be available as a separate product, as part of a packaged mobile data solution or as a hosted solution.
Posted by Judith — 5:35 AM
Fresh U.S. Outrage Ahead Of China Internet Hearings.
Source: U.S. Internet companies faced bipartisan criticism in the Congress on Thursday amid a rising controversy over Yahoo Inc.’s alleged role in the Chinese government’s imprisonment of a second dissident. The storm over Western media companies’ compliance with Chinese policies comes…
U.S. Internet companies faced bipartisan criticism in the Congress on Thursday amid a rising controversy over Yahoo Inc.’s alleged role in the Chinese government’s imprisonment of a second dissident.
The storm over Western media companies’ compliance with Chinese policies comes before a hearing next week by the House Human Rights Subcommittee.
Lawmakers from both parties are expected to grill representatives from Yahoo, Google Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Cisco Systems Inc.
Posted by Judith — 5:23 AM
Verizon CEO backs fibre investment.
Source: The CEO of Verizon Communications has defended the telco痴 strategy of rolling out expensive high speed fibre networks to customer premises. Ivan Seidenberg says the plan to replace traditional copper networks with fibre-optic connections will reap rewards by providing new…
The CEO of Verizon Communications has defended the telco痴 strategy of rolling out expensive high speed fibre networks to customer premises. Ivan Seidenberg says the plan to replace traditional copper networks with fibre-optic connections will reap rewards by providing new business opportunities. While other carriers have chosen the simpler - and cheaper - upgrade process of providing services over copper lines via DSL technology, Verizon is investing billions of dollars on the rollout of its high speed FiOS fibre network, which gives customers access to TV services as well as telephony and broadband internet. Some investors have voiced concerns that Verizon is placing too much faith in its costly new network.
Posted by Judith — 5:15 AM
Video Competition Boosting Broadband Penetration.
Source: Americans are consuming record amounts of media services and that bodes well for broadband according to the Federal Communications Commission’s latest report on U.S. video competition. The report says cable companies remain the primary video providers in the country, although…
Americans are consuming record amounts of media services and that bodes well for broadband according to the Federal Communications Commission’s latest report on U.S. video competition.
The report says cable companies remain the primary video providers in the country, although their dominance is slipping as satellite TV and the Bells’ entry into the video market continues to chip away at cable’s market share.
Posted by Judith — 5:08 AM
Friday, February 10, 2006
Doctor takes BT to new text dimension.
Source: BT GROUP yesterday revealed that texts to landlines had soared 70 per cent in volume on the first day that former Doctor Who star Tom Baker’s voice was used to deliver messages, and have now passed the three million mark…
BT GROUP yesterday revealed that texts to landlines had soared 70 per cent in volume on the first day that former Doctor Who star Tom Baker’s voice was used to deliver messages, and have now passed the three million mark in just ten days.
Posted by Judith — 4:33 AM
DoCoMo, Nippon TV to consider mobile TV services.
Source: NTT DoCoMo Inc., Japan’s largest mobile operator, and Nippon Television Network Corp., the country’s second-largest broadcaster, said on Thursday they have agreed to a tie-up to look into mobile digital TV services. The two companies will each invest 5 billion…
NTT DoCoMo Inc., Japan’s largest mobile operator, and Nippon Television Network Corp., the country’s second-largest broadcaster, said on Thursday they have agreed to a tie-up to look into mobile digital TV services.
The two companies will each invest 5 billion yen (US$42 million) to set up a fund that will consider ways to offer digital television services for mobile phones as well as other opportunities for bringing Nippon TV content to DoCoMo users.
Posted by Judith — 4:30 AM
BT Takes Swype at Skype.
Source: BT Group plc CEO Ben Verwaayen took a shot at Skype Technologies this morning, saying the number of client downloads says nothing about the viability of a VOIP business. “I want to talk about people that use our VOIP service…
BT Group plc CEO Ben Verwaayen took a shot at Skype Technologies this morning, saying the number of client downloads says nothing about the viability of a VOIP business.
“I want to talk about people that use our VOIP service and pay for it. That’s something quite different from downloads and peer-to-peer.”
Skype, now part of eBay Inc. is renowned for publicizing the number of times its VOIP-enabling software has been downloaded by people wanting to talk for free across peer-to-peer connections. What eBay’s latest quarterly results do tell us, though, is that Skype generated US$24.8m (｣14.2m) in revenues from its paid services in the final quarter of 2005, which means Skype’s users aren’t just downloading the software and using the free service — they’re being converted into revenue-generating customers.
Posted by Judith — 4:00 AM
Skype gets into bed with Intel.
Source: In a bid to extend its reach even further, VoIP champion, Skype, on Wednesday announced a partnership with Intel to optimise its VoIP technology on the chip-maker’s dual core processors. The initial result of the partnership is the availability of…
In a bid to extend its reach even further, VoIP champion, Skype, on Wednesday announced a partnership with Intel to optimise its VoIP technology on the chip-maker’s dual core processors.
The initial result of the partnership is the availability of ten-way voice conference calling in Skype 2.0 on the Intel platform. An AMD platform will support five callers.
Posted by Judith — 3:45 AM
Ericsson scores big in Hong Kong.
Source: Swedish vendor Ericsson today scored another managed services contract from Hong Kong conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa. Under the agreement, Ericsson will take responsibility for the management of applications development and most of the back-end business support systems for Hutchison Telecom Hong…
Swedish vendor Ericsson today scored another managed services contract from Hong Kong conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will take responsibility for the management of applications development and most of the back-end business support systems for Hutchison Telecom Hong Kong.
The announcement is Ericsson’s first managed services agreement in Greater China and the vendor’s fifth managed services contract with Hutchison Whampoa.
Posted by Judith — 3:43 AM
BlackBerry backup plan bears fruit.
Source: Research In Motion on Thursday released details of a software workaround it has designed for its BlackBerry e-mail device as a backup plan if U.S. courts rule against the company in a patent dispute. News on the workaround plan, which…
Research In Motion on Thursday released details of a software workaround it has designed for its BlackBerry e-mail device as a backup plan if U.S. courts rule against the company in a patent dispute.
News on the workaround plan, which RIM said would require software updates if used, comes in advance of a Feb. 24 hearing on a possible injunction shutting down most U.S. sales and service of BlackBerry.
Posted by Judith — 3:38 AM
Thursday, February 9, 2006
EU Commission denies Microsoft deadline extension.
Source: Microsoft lost a bid on Wednesday for a second delay in responding to charges it failed to comply with European antitrust remedies, moving it one step closer to a fine of up to 2 million euros ($2.4 million) daily. An…
Microsoft lost a bid on Wednesday for a second delay in responding to charges it failed to comply with European antitrust remedies, moving it one step closer to a fine of up to 2 million euros ($2.4 million) daily.
An independent European Commission hearing officer also turned down the U.S. software giant’s request for access to correspondence involving technical experts, which it wanted for its defense.
Posted by Judith — 5:07 AM
Nortel Offers $2.4 Billion to Settle Lawsuits.
Source: Nortel Networks, the troubled maker of telecommunications equipment, offered about $2.4 billion in cash and stock Wednesday to settle two class-action lawsuits over an accounting debacle two years ago….
Nortel Networks, the troubled maker of telecommunications equipment, offered about $2.4 billion in cash and stock Wednesday to settle two class-action lawsuits over an accounting debacle two years ago.
Posted by Judith — 4:57 AM
Portugal Telecom rejects Sonae bid.
Source: Incumbent Portuguese carrier Portugal Telecom has refused a hostile Euro 10.7bn ($12.8bn) takeover bid from Sonae. Reports suggest, however, that Sonae has a plan to win the backing of Spanish telco Telefonica, which could otherwise be a potential rival in…
Incumbent Portuguese carrier Portugal Telecom has refused a hostile Euro 10.7bn ($12.8bn) takeover bid from Sonae.
Reports suggest, however, that Sonae has a plan to win the backing of Spanish telco Telefonica, which could otherwise be a potential rival in the proposed acquisition.
Sonae is believed to be considering offloading Portugal Telecom’s 50 per cent holding in leading Brazilian operator Vivo, should its bid be successful.
This would allow Telefonica, which owns the other 50 per cent of Vivo, to take control of the whole company. An offer believed to be very attractive for the Spanish telco.
Posted by Judith — 4:52 AM
US web phone firm Vonage to float.
Source: Vonage, the broadband phone company, is to float its shares in the US, the first big company of its kind to do so. The fast-growing but loss-making business hopes to raise up to US$250m(｣142m) from the flotation to win new…
Vonage, the broadband phone company, is to float its shares in the US, the first big company of its kind to do so.
The fast-growing but loss-making business hopes to raise up to US$250m(｣142m) from the flotation to win new customers and expand its services.
Vonage, which has 1.4m users, is one of a number of companies focusing on VoIP.
The proposed flotation has come as a surprise to some analysts who expected the firm to be bought by a much larger technology business.
Posted by Judith — 4:44 AM
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
Interactive Mobile TV Presses the Right Buttons.
Source: Swedish wireless equipment giant, Ericsson, has just announced the results of its nine week trial of a new interactive mobile TV service. According to the Stockholm-based manufacturer, the test returns showed that viewers tuning in to the interactive service were…
Swedish wireless equipment giant, Ericsson, has just announced the results of its nine week trial of a new interactive mobile TV service. According to the Stockholm-based manufacturer, the test returns showed that viewers tuning in to the interactive service were prepared to watch twice as much TV on their handsets as those using regular mobile TV.
Posted by Judith — 6:01 AM
DoCoMo Overtakes KDDI.
Source: Japanese mobile phone giant NTT DoCoMo has seen the growth of 3G customer base outstrip its rival KDDI痴 for the first time in four years. At the end of January 2006 DoCoMo痴 high-speed subscribers added up to a total of…
Japanese mobile phone giant NTT DoCoMo has seen the growth of 3G customer base outstrip its rival KDDI痴 for the first time in four years. At the end of January 2006 DoCoMo痴 high-speed subscribers added up to a total of 21.2 million, placing it just ahead of KDDI.
Posted by Judith — 5:59 AM
EU to get tough on roaming charges.
Source: Mobile phone operators in Europe could be forced by the European Union to cut the expensive fees customers pay for calling while abroad. The European Commissioner for Information, Society & Media, Viviane Reding, will outline her plan at a meeting…
Mobile phone operators in Europe could be forced by the European Union to cut the expensive fees customers pay for calling while abroad.
The European Commissioner for Information, Society & Media, Viviane Reding, will outline her plan at a meeting with national regulators today.
She plans to cap overseas roaming costs at the level of a cross-network call.
Posted by Judith — 5:45 AM
Broadband, content firms fight over Net neutrality.
Source: High-speed Internet providers and Internet content companies clashed before lawmakers on Tuesday, in a dispute over whether a law enshrining the right to surf anywhere on the Web would help or harm consumers. Representatives of local telephone and cable companies…
High-speed Internet providers and Internet content companies clashed before lawmakers on Tuesday, in a dispute over whether a law enshrining the right to surf anywhere on the Web would help or harm consumers.
Representatives of local telephone and cable companies that offer broadband services said passing a new law could stymie innovation while companies like Google Inc. said that could happen without legislation.
Broadband providers have largely pledged that consumers will be able to access any Internet site. But some also said they may charge more for services that use faster private Internet networks, like downloading movies.
Posted by Judith — 5:27 AM
Eircom stakeholder about to make full bid.
Source: There is heavy speculation that Babcock and Brown Capital, the Australian private equity fund which took a 12.5 per cent stake in the Irish incumbent, Eircom last year, is about to make a bid for the telecoms group….
There is heavy speculation that Babcock and Brown Capital, the Australian private equity fund which took a 12.5 per cent stake in the Irish incumbent, Eircom last year, is about to make a bid for the telecoms group.
Posted by Judith — 5:23 AM
Plan to charge businesses for e-mail triggers outcry.
Source: America Online’s plan to start charging businesses to send commercial e-mail messages is creating an uproar among some marketers, a newspaper reported Monday. Some marketers argue AOL’s plan to implement a certified e-mail system, which could charge advertisers $2 to…
America Online’s plan to start charging businesses to send commercial e-mail messages is creating an uproar among some marketers, a newspaper reported Monday.
Some marketers argue AOL’s plan to implement a certified e-mail system, which could charge advertisers $2 to $3 per 1,000 messages, is a form of e-mail taxation.
Posted by Judith — 5:17 AM
Tuesday, February 7, 2006
AOL, Yahoo Plan to Launch Paid Certified Email Service.
Source: America Online Inc. and Yahoo Inc. on Monday said they planned to launch certified email services that would bypass spam filters and deliver messages directly to subscribers. The service, which would be provided through Goodmail Systems, is expected to be…
America Online Inc. and Yahoo Inc. on Monday said they planned to launch certified email services that would bypass spam filters and deliver messages directly to subscribers.
The service, which would be provided through Goodmail Systems, is expected to be used by retailers and other companies that may often find that their marketing messages gets treated as junk email and filtered out of customers’ or subscribers’ inboxes.
Mail certified by AOL and Yahoo would contain an icon viewable from a person’s list of inbox messages. The icon would indicate that the message is from a person or company from whom the recipient has agreed to receive email.
Posted by Judith — 5:37 AM
Bulldog to get neutered?
Source: The future of UK broadband provider Bulldog Communications is believed to be in the balance, with speculation mounting that the restructuring of Bulldog痴 parent Cable & Wireless could see it pulling the plug on the ISP. C&W acquired Bulldog for…
The future of UK broadband provider Bulldog Communications is believed to be in the balance, with speculation mounting that the restructuring of Bulldog痴 parent Cable & Wireless could see it pulling the plug on the ISP. C&W acquired Bulldog for GBP18.6 million in May 2004. It has ploughed millions of pounds into the company and plans to have coverage of 800 telephone exchanges by the end of 2006. However, subscriber numbers have failed to match expectations with around 80,000 signed up so far, leading analysts to suggest that Bulldog could become the first high profile casualty of C&W痴 reorganisation.
Posted by Judith — 5:20 AM
IMS Firm Raises US$30M.
Source: Telecom subscriber database firm Apertio Ltd., an early mover in the hot IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) sector, has raised US$30 million in its third round of funding and has its eye on a public listing as demand from major carriers…
Telecom subscriber database firm Apertio Ltd., an early mover in the hot IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) sector, has raised US$30 million in its third round of funding and has its eye on a public listing as demand from major carriers for IMS-capable systems grows.
Apertio’s Series B round brings its total funding to US$50 million.
Posted by Judith — 5:03 AM
Bush proposes tax on Wi-Fi, unlicensed spectrum.
Source: President Bush, facing a huge budget deficit, today proposed squeezing more money from the nation’s airwaves by supporting legislative changes that would allow the Federal Communications Commission to set “user fees” on “un-auctioned” radio spectrum. The proposal, contained in the…
President Bush, facing a huge budget deficit, today proposed squeezing more money from the nation’s airwaves by supporting legislative changes that would allow the Federal Communications Commission to set “user fees” on “un-auctioned” radio spectrum.
The proposal, contained in the president’s 2007 budget plan and projected to raise US$3.6 billion during the decade, is believed to be aimed at unlicensed frequencies used for Wi-Fi and other applications.
Posted by Judith — 5:02 AM
Bush administration sees US$25 bln in wireless sales.
Source: The sale of U.S. wireless communications licenses is projected to raise about US$25 billion between 2007 and 2009, US$7.8 billion higher than last year’s estimate, according President George W. Bush’s 2007 budget released on Monday. The Federal Communications Commission is…
The sale of U.S. wireless communications licenses is projected to raise about US$25 billion between 2007 and 2009, US$7.8 billion higher than last year’s estimate, according President George W. Bush’s 2007 budget released on Monday.
The Federal Communications Commission is to start selling 90 megahertz of wireless airwaves on June 29, an auction that Wall Street analysts have said could raise as much as US$15 billion.
Those airwaves are expected to be used for advanced mobile communications like high-speed Internet and video services. Major U.S. wireless carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless are expected to bid in the sale.
Posted by Judith — 4:54 AM
Monday, February 6, 2006
Optus to merge Virgin Mobile Australia and SIMplus.
Source: Australian telco SingTel Optus has announced plans to merge two of its wholly owned cellular businesses, Virgin Mobile Australia (VMA) and SIMplus Mobile. It is believed that the merged company will operate under the Virgin Mobile brand, though Optus says…
Australian telco SingTel Optus has announced plans to merge two of its wholly owned cellular businesses, Virgin Mobile Australia (VMA) and SIMplus Mobile. It is believed that the merged company will operate under the Virgin Mobile brand, though Optus says both companies will remain as separate legal entities.
Posted by Judith — 5:04 AM
BT - Pipex bid.
Source: Former British telecoms monopoly BT Group Plc is set to announce a ｣350 million bid for telecoms network operator Pipex Communications this Thursday….
Former British telecoms monopoly BT Group Plc is set to announce a ｣350 million bid for telecoms network operator Pipex Communications this Thursday.
Posted by Judith — 4:58 AM
Venture for Sharing Wi-Fi Draws Big-Name Backers.
Source: A telecommunications executive said on Sunday that he had received $21.7 million for what he called “a global network of shared Wi-Fi connections” from backers, including Google, the Internet phone service provider Skype, and the venture capital firms Sequoia Capital…
A telecommunications executive said on Sunday that he had received $21.7 million for what he called “a global network of shared Wi-Fi connections” from backers, including Google, the Internet phone service provider Skype, and the venture capital firms Sequoia Capital and Index Ventures.
The network is being created by a software venture called Fon, which was started by Martin Varsavsky in Madrid three months ago. The service permits subscribers to modify their own routers so that users of Wi-Fi wireless technology can connect to the Internet at many physical locations, in contrast to the limited range of access that is often available now.
Posted by Judith — 4:50 AM
Those Cables Behind the Television May Become Obsolete.
Source: A team of I.B.M. researchers plans to report this week that they have used standard chip-making materials to develop a high-speed wireless technology that could do away with the bulky cables that now connect electronic devices in the living room….
A team of I.B.M. researchers plans to report this week that they have used standard chip-making materials to develop a high-speed wireless technology that could do away with the bulky cables that now connect electronic devices in the living room.
On Tuesday, at an annual semiconductor industry design meeting here, the researchers are expected to describe a design that is capable of transmitting more than 10 times the data of today’s Wi-Fi using lower-cost silicon germanium material.
Posted by Judith — 4:46 AM
Firms turn cyber sleuths with cell phone technology.
Source: Advances in mobile phone tracking technology are turning British firms into cyber sleuths as they keep a virtual eye on their staff, vehicles and stock. In the past few years, companies that offer tracking services have seen an explosion in…
Advances in mobile phone tracking technology are turning British firms into cyber sleuths as they keep a virtual eye on their staff, vehicles and stock.
In the past few years, companies that offer tracking services have seen an explosion in interest from businesses keen to take advantage of technological developments in the name of operational efficiency.
Posted by Judith — 4:42 AM
Saturday, February 4, 2006
Intelsat inks contract with Qualcomm for mobile TV.
Source: Intelsat Ltd.’s top executive on Friday said the satellite operator has a contract to provide video distribution to the MediaFlo USA mobile television broadcast network being built by Qualcomm Inc. Privately-held Intelsat, which carries telephone calls and video traffic on…
Intelsat Ltd.’s top executive on Friday said the satellite operator has a contract to provide video distribution to the MediaFlo USA mobile television broadcast network being built by Qualcomm Inc.
Privately-held Intelsat, which carries telephone calls and video traffic on its satellites, is eyeing video services being developed by cellular and traditional telephone companies as a way for it to expand media services.
Posted by Judith — 5:23 AM
BT Nears 21CN Vendor Lockdown.
Source: BT Group plc will announce within the next two weeks that it has signed contracts with all of the eight preferred hardware suppliers for its ｣10 billion (US$17.6 billion) next-generation network. BT has already inked deals with four of the…
BT Group plc will announce within the next two weeks that it has signed contracts with all of the eight preferred hardware suppliers for its ｣10 billion (US$17.6 billion) next-generation network.
BT has already inked deals with four of the eight firms — Ciena Corp., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. , Lucent Technologies Inc., and Siemens Communications Group.
But definitive contracts with Alcatel , Cisco Systems Inc., Ericsson AB and Fujitsu Ltd. have not yet been announced. The carrier says news of completed deals with the four remaining vendors will be unveiled within the next few weeks.
Posted by Judith — 4:58 AM
Friday, February 3, 2006
Comcast Targets 1 Million New VoIP Subscribers in 2006.
Source: Comcast is expecting to significantly accelerate its VoIP rollout, hoping to add 1 million new customers by the end of the year. Comcast added 202,000 Comcast Digital Voice (CDV) customers in 2005, reflecting the rollout of the service to 25…
Comcast is expecting to significantly accelerate its VoIP rollout, hoping to add 1 million new customers by the end of the year. Comcast added 202,000 Comcast Digital Voice (CDV) customers in 2005, reflecting the rollout of the service to 25 new markets including Boston, Chicago, Seattle and Atlanta. At year-end 2005, CDV was being marketed to 16 million homes.
Posted by Judith — 6:11 AM
Microsoft Says Europe Blocks Its Defense.
Source: As the antitrust noose tightened around Microsoft in Europe, the company went on the offensive Thursday, accusing the European Commission of denying it access to documents it needs to defend itself. The commission quickly denied that was the case, saying…
As the antitrust noose tightened around Microsoft in Europe, the company went on the offensive Thursday, accusing the European Commission of denying it access to documents it needs to defend itself.
The commission quickly denied that was the case, saying it was too soon in the process for Microsoft to be making such a claim. Microsoft has until Feb. 15 to respond to the commission’s December statement that the company has not complied with a March 2004 antitrust ruling.
That ruling fined Microsoft 497 million euros (about $600 million at the time) and ordered it to change the way it does business in Europe. Microsoft paid the fine, but the commission says the company has still not provided enough information on its Windows operating system to allow makers of rival software to build products that work smoothly with Windows one of the main requirements of the 2004 ruling. If the company does not comply with the ruling, the commission can fine Microsoft up to 2 million euros a day.
Posted by Judith — 6:03 AM
Sprint Nextel names spin off ‘Embarq’.
Source: Sprint Nextel has said that its local telephone division will be named Embarq when it separates this spring to become its own company. Sprint Nextel unveiled the new name and logo to employees and plans a larger marketing blitz after…
Sprint Nextel has said that its local telephone division will be named Embarq when it separates this spring to become its own company.
Sprint Nextel unveiled the new name and logo to employees and plans a larger marketing blitz after the spin off in the second quarter.
Embarq will be the fifth-largest local phone company in the country with 7.4 million access lines in 18 states.
Posted by Judith — 5:54 AM
Thus makes a move for two rivals.
Source: UK corporate telco Thus has struck deals to acquire two smaller rivals for a total of ｣70 million (US$124 million) and announced plans to sell its ISP Demon Netherlands to focus on its UK operations. Thus said it was buying…
UK corporate telco Thus has struck deals to acquire two smaller rivals for a total of ｣70 million (US$124 million) and announced plans to sell its ISP Demon Netherlands to focus on its UK operations. Thus said it was buying corporate telco Your Communications from United Utilities for an initial sum of around ｣58.8 million in an all share transaction, a price far below the ｣200 million valuation placed on the company last year. Thus also agreed to buy corporate ISP Legend for around ｣11.5 million in cash.
Posted by Judith — 5:44 AM
Thursday, February 2, 2006
Motorola mulls phone partnership in Japan.
Source: Motorola Inc., the world’s second-largest mobile phone maker, could partner with a Japanese manufacturer to launch appealing phones that will help it boost its presence in Japan, its chief executive said on Thursday. The Chicago area-based communications technology company, which…
Motorola Inc., the world’s second-largest mobile phone maker, could partner with a Japanese manufacturer to launch appealing phones that will help it boost its presence in Japan, its chief executive said on Thursday.
The Chicago area-based communications technology company, which doubled earnings and increased sales by 18 percent to a new record last year, is setting its sights on one of the world’s most sophisticated mobile phone markets as well as other regions in Asia even as it solidifies its strength elsewhere.
Posted by Judith — 9:48 AM
WiFi Clouds Threaten to Engulf European City Centres.
Source: UK-based WiFi hotspot aggregator The Cloud is to team up with American WiFi mesh network company Tropos Networks to deliver city centre-wide wireless broadband networks to urban centres in the UK and Europe. The partnership will deliver broadband wireless networks,…
UK-based WiFi hotspot aggregator The Cloud is to team up with American WiFi mesh network company Tropos Networks to deliver city centre-wide wireless broadband networks to urban centres in the UK and Europe. The partnership will deliver broadband wireless networks, expanding The Cloud痴 WiFi footprint and allowing the company to offer mobile broadband applications over large areas.
Posted by Judith — 9:45 AM
General Motors Awards $15 Billion In I.T. Services.
Source: While EDS remains General Motors’ biggest IT supplier, it will lose more than $500 million a year under new outsourcing contracts announced today worth $15 billion over 10 years. In addition to EDS, GM named EDS, Hewlett Packard, CapGemini, IBM,…
While EDS remains General Motors’ biggest IT supplier, it will lose more than $500 million a year under new outsourcing contracts announced today worth $15 billion over 10 years.
In addition to EDS, GM named EDS, Hewlett Packard, CapGemini, IBM, Compuware Covisint and Wipro as its top IT suppliers. EDS’s share of the business, however, will drop from $1.96 billion in annual revenues to between $1.2 billion and $1.4 billion a year.
Posted by Judith — 9:36 AM
Deutsche Telekom announces plans for 2006.
Source: At Deutsche Telekom’s annual press conference in Berlin, the telco unveiled its initiatives for 2006. Among its plans for the year are a fibre-optic network rollout for 10 cities, a fixed-mobile convergent telephone solution and the launch of HSPDA services….
At Deutsche Telekom’s annual press conference in Berlin, the telco unveiled its initiatives for 2006. Among its plans for the year are a fibre-optic network rollout for 10 cities, a fixed-mobile convergent telephone solution and the launch of HSPDA services.
Posted by Judith — 9:33 AM
RIM wins key patent battle.
Source: Research In Motion Ltd. secured a key victory on Wednesday after U.S. patent authorities rejected the last of five contested patents at the heart of a bitter legal battle between NTP Inc. and RIM, maker of the BlackBerry….
Research In Motion Ltd. secured a key victory on Wednesday after U.S. patent authorities rejected the last of five contested patents at the heart of a bitter legal battle between NTP Inc. and RIM, maker of the BlackBerry.
Posted by Judith — 9:29 AM
Huawei and Nortel announce broadband JV.
Source: Chinese equipment manufacturer Huawei and Canadian counterpart Nortel Networks have announced the formation of a joint venture to develop high speed broadband equipment. The new company will combine Huawei痴 broadband access systems with Nortel痴 expertise in voice and broadband networking…
Chinese equipment manufacturer Huawei and Canadian counterpart Nortel Networks have announced the formation of a joint venture to develop high speed broadband equipment. The new company will combine Huawei痴 broadband access systems with Nortel痴 expertise in voice and broadband networking technologies. The group, to be based in Ottawa, will be majority Canadian-owned and is expected to begin operations later this year.
Posted by Judith — 9:26 AM
Orange launches EDGE.
Source: Mobile operator Orange UK has switched on EDGE services at 300 cell sites in the UK and aims to have 1,500 sites equal to around an eighth of its national network operating with the technology by year-end. The…
Mobile operator Orange UK has switched on EDGE services at 300 cell sites in the UK and aims to have 1,500 sites equal to around an eighth of its national network operating with the technology by year-end. The cellco says it will not market the service overtly under the EDGE banner and instead use the technology to offer faster web browsing on GSM/GPRS/EDGE-enabled handsets and plug the gaps in its 3G network for users of W-CDMA/EDGE-capable phones.
Posted by Judith — 9:24 AM
Cheap 3G is coming..?
Source: Operators without 3G licences are looking at Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) over 900MHz and 1800MHz (UMTS900/18000) as a way of rolling out 3G on their existing GSM spectrum - without having to shell out for a new swathe of…
Operators without 3G licences are looking at Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) over 900MHz and 1800MHz (UMTS900/18000) as a way of rolling out 3G on their existing GSM spectrum - without having to shell out for a new swathe of frequencies.
The completion of UMTS and High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) trial calls over the 900MHz spectrum, completed by Nortel and Orange France last week, highlights industry interest in running 3G over the traditional GSM spectrum.
Posted by Judith — 9:14 AM
Skype’s dominance looking shaky.
Source: The phenomenon that put VoIP on the map, Skype, is slipping behind similar offerings bundled with broadband services, according to a report by Sandvine, a broadband network monitoring company. In Europe, the report said that Skype’s VoIP service had been…
The phenomenon that put VoIP on the map, Skype, is slipping behind similar offerings bundled with broadband services, according to a report by Sandvine, a broadband network monitoring company.
In Europe, the report said that Skype’s VoIP service had been overtaken by broadband subscription packages sold by the likes of BT, AOL and Wannadoo during Q4 of 2005.
A year ago, Skype dominated the VoIP market accounting for 90 percent of all VoIP calls but the tide is changing and the company is under pressure from myriad competitors.
Posted by Judith — 9:11 AM
Google’s Click-to-Call trial uses VoIP.
Source: Search champion Google is believed to be looking at VoIP technology as a way of boosting revenues it receives from advertising in its search results. A filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission this week hinted at a partnership…
Search champion Google is believed to be looking at VoIP technology as a way of boosting revenues it receives from advertising in its search results.
A filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission this week hinted at a partnership with American VoIP service provider, VoIP Inc.
Speaking on Wednesday, a VoIP Inc. spokeswoman explained that the search engine had begun trials with VoIP services in September.
Posted by Judith — 9:07 AM
Wednesday, February 1, 2006
EU backs Spain’s move to open up mobile phone market.
Source: The European Commission backed Spain’s move to open up its mobile phone market, saying lower prices could result from giving three new players access to networks run by Telefonica, Vodafone, and France Telecom’s Amena. The cost of using mobile phones…
The European Commission backed Spain’s move to open up its mobile phone market, saying lower prices could result from giving three new players access to networks run by Telefonica, Vodafone, and France Telecom’s Amena.
The cost of using mobile phones in Spain was well above the EU average, it said, and new entrants should increase competition, bringing prices down.
Posted by Judith — 5:48 AM
Wherever you may roam.
Source: Roamware has announced a solution that will enable operators to enhance the roaming services they are able to offer their prepaid users. 76 per cent of all GSM users opt to prepay, and its popularity is greatest in developing markets….
Roamware has announced a solution that will enable operators to enhance the roaming services they are able to offer their prepaid users. 76 per cent of all GSM users opt to prepay, and its popularity is greatest in developing markets. The firm claims that 40 per cent of current prepaid users - 480 million customers - are unable to roam at all, while 25 per cent - 300 million users - can do so with only limited service.
Roamware’s Prepaid Local Number (PLN) service, the firm says, will allow operators to assign to visiting roamers a local prepaid number for the duration of their stay, enabling the user to benefit from services in both the home and visited market. When using the local number, incoming calls are free of charge.
Posted by Judith — 5:38 AM
Microsoft Amends Its Policy for Shutting Down Blogs.
Source: Microsoft unveiled new company guidelines yesterday intended to spell out how it will deal with government censorship demands, in China and anywhere else it does business, and limit the impact of its compliance. Among the changes outlined by the company’s…
Microsoft unveiled new company guidelines yesterday intended to spell out how it will deal with government censorship demands, in China and anywhere else it does business, and limit the impact of its compliance.
Among the changes outlined by the company’s general counsel, was a commitment to block content typically blog or personal Web site content on its MSN Spaces service only when served with “legally binding notice from the government indicating that the material violates local laws, or if the content violates MSN’s terms of use.”
Posted by Judith — 5:30 AM
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