Muted Launch for Mobile TV in Japan.

Source: Digital TV broadcast services to mobile phones will begin in earnest tomorrow in Japan. Mobile phone customers with specially adapted handsets will be able to receive free TV broadcasts in most urban areas. While the major mobile operators have been…

Digital TV broadcast services to mobile phones will begin in earnest tomorrow in Japan. Mobile phone customers with specially adapted handsets will be able to receive free TV broadcasts in most urban areas.
While the major mobile operators have been trialing the services for some months, tomorrow will see the official launch of mobile digital TV broadcasts. The new service in Japan will potentially reach the broadest market yet for mobile TV, as it uses the national terrestrial digital broadcast system, which relays images through the air via TV towers, not satellites.

Posted by Judith — 4:35 AM

Yahoo seeks to strengthen mobile content service in Japan.

Source: Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang said the Internet search engine group will seek opportunities to strengthen its presence as a content provider for mobile phone users. Yang also welcomed the recently announced plan by major Japanese Internet firm Softbank, the largest…

Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang said the Internet search engine group will seek opportunities to strengthen its presence as a content provider for mobile phone users.
Yang also welcomed the recently announced plan by major Japanese Internet firm Softbank, the largest shareholder in Yahoo Japan, to buy British mobile phone operator Vodafone Group Plc’s business in Japan.
I think it’s a great opportunity for Yahoo Japan to be involved in the mobile business, he said in an interview with Kyodo News. Yahoo is “spending a lot of energy and time” on mobile products and services, “so we think Yahoo can help Yahoo Japan…set up products and services for the mobile market.”

Posted by Judith — 4:32 AM

Irish mobile penetration passes 100 per cent.

Source: Mobile penetration in Ireland has passed the 100% mark, the latest quarterly report from Irish regulator ComReg shows. The Commission for Communications Regulation’s report for the final quarter of 2005 says there were 4.2 million subscribers in Ireland at the…

Mobile penetration in Ireland has passed the 100% mark, the latest quarterly report from Irish regulator ComReg shows.
The Commission for Communications Regulation’s report for the final quarter of 2005 says there were 4.2 million subscribers in Ireland at the end of December 2005. The actual penetration rate is 102%.
ComReg published an earlier survey that suggested as many as 7% of mobile users have more than one active mobile subscription.

Posted by Judith — 3:52 AM

Nokia says industry will grow 15%.

Source: Nokia predicts that the global mobile phone market will grow 15% this year, driven by increased sales in developing markets in Asia and Africa. The Finnish giant had previously estimated that the overall world market would expand by 10% in…

Nokia predicts that the global mobile phone market will grow 15% this year, driven by increased sales in developing markets in Asia and Africa.
The Finnish giant had previously estimated that the overall world market would expand by 10% in 2006.
It predicts that Asian and African countries will account for 80% of the industry’s growth this year.

Posted by Judith — 3:41 AM

Spain痴 Major Operators to Merge .

Source: The boards of Telefonica Moviles and Telefonica Espana have approved the proposed re-merger between the two Spanish operators. With their eyes clearly on the so-called 賭uadruple play� the market for broadband internet access, voice, video and mobile services � the…

The boards of Telefonica Moviles and Telefonica Espana have approved the proposed re-merger between the two Spanish operators. With their eyes clearly on the so-called 賭uadruple play� the market for broadband internet access, voice, video and mobile services � the pair hope to jointly see off increased competition from France Telecom, Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom in their own backyard.

Posted by Judith — 4:59 AM

Ericsson, Vodafone Netherlands enter managed services deal.

Source: Mobile operator Vodafone Netherlands and Swedish telecoms supplier Ericsson have entered into an exclusive managed services partnership. Ericsson will be responsible for the management of the access part of Vodafone Netherlands’ GSM, GPRS and UMTS radio networks for the next…

Mobile operator Vodafone Netherlands and Swedish telecoms supplier Ericsson have entered into an exclusive managed services partnership. Ericsson will be responsible for the management of the access part of Vodafone Netherlands’ GSM, GPRS and UMTS radio networks for the next five years.

Posted by Judith — 4:51 AM

Drops in cellular fees to slow.

Source: The price of cellular phone calls should decline more slowly in 2006 than in recent times as the duration of phone calls expands less rapidly, a top executive at Sprint Nextel Corp. said on Wednesday. U.S. operators have driven down…

The price of cellular phone calls should decline more slowly in 2006 than in recent times as the duration of phone calls expands less rapidly, a top executive at Sprint Nextel Corp. said on Wednesday.
U.S. operators have driven down the price of mobile phone calls in recent years as they tried to win new customers or steal each other’s subscribers in the fiercely competitive market, which had as many as six national operators at one point.
But as increases in the amount of time customers spend on the phone slow, operators will likely be less aggressive in lowering their prices.

Posted by Judith — 4:40 AM

Ofcom proposes extending mobile termination price controls, including 3G.

Source: UK regulator Ofcom has published proposals to continue controls on wholesale mobile call termination charges where there is evidence of market dominance when the current regulation expires in March 2007. Ofcom believes that the controls, which were introduced in 2004,…

UK regulator Ofcom has published proposals to continue controls on wholesale mobile call termination charges where there is evidence of market dominance when the current regulation expires in March 2007. Ofcom believes that the controls, which were introduced in 2004, are necessary to protect consumers from being charged excessive prices for calls. The regulator has proposed that price regulation should be extended to dominant operators connecting calls to 3G networks, as well as the 2G networks covered currently.

Posted by Judith — 4:33 AM

EU to Microsoft: Unbundle Vista or Else.

Source: European regulators are warning Microsoft to remove several features from the upcoming Windows Vista operating system or face being barred from the European market. In a letter to Microsoft, EU antitrust chief Neelie Kroes outlined concerns regulators have about applications…

European regulators are warning Microsoft to remove several features from the upcoming Windows Vista operating system or face being barred from the European market.
In a letter to Microsoft, EU antitrust chief Neelie Kroes outlined concerns regulators have about applications bundled with Vista.

Posted by Judith — 4:21 AM

Judge denies Microsoft subpoenas against rivals.

Source: A District Court in California has quashed an attempt by Microsoft to force Sun Microsystems Inc. and Oracle Corp. to provide documents in its battle with the European Commission. But judges in New York and Boston are still considering similar…

A District Court in California has quashed an attempt by Microsoft to force Sun Microsystems Inc. and Oracle Corp. to provide documents in its battle with the European Commission.
But judges in New York and Boston are still considering similar requests against IBM and Novell Inc., respectively, as Microsoft fights against possible fines of up to 2 million euros a day for failing to carry out sanctions imposed by the Commission.
A European Commission hearing officer, Karen Williams, had rejected Microsoft’s for a number of documents, ruling they were confidential, therefore Microsoft got U.S. courts to issue subpoenas, which were challenged.

Posted by Judith — 4:10 AM

Net Neutrality coming to Europe.

Source: The spectre of a two-tiered internet took shape today as some of Europe’s largest telecommunication operators expressed their desire to levy new charges on content companies such as Google and Ebay to distribute their products and services over the internet….

The spectre of a two-tiered internet took shape today as some of Europe’s largest telecommunication operators expressed their desire to levy new charges on content companies such as Google and Ebay to distribute their products and services over the internet.
The money derived from these charges will, they argue, help operators to recoup the billions being spent on high-speed broadband networks.

Posted by Judith — 3:54 AM

Bluetooth SIG chooses WiMedia Alliance.

Source: The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) on Wednesday announced its selection of the WiMedia Alliance multiband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MB-OFDM) version of ultra-wideband (UWB) for integration with current Bluetooth technology. This update is expected to improve synchronising and the…

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) on Wednesday announced its selection of the WiMedia Alliance multiband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MB-OFDM) version of ultra-wideband (UWB) for integration with current Bluetooth technology. This update is expected to improve synchronising and the transfer of large amounts of data.

Posted by Judith — 3:50 AM

US tops worldwide internet league.

Source: The US has regained first place in an annual global league table of countries making most extensive and constructive use of computers and the internet. America has topped the latest Networked Readiness Index from the World Economic Forum, winning back…

The US has regained first place in an annual global league table of countries making most extensive and constructive use of computers and the internet.
America has topped the latest Networked Readiness Index from the World Economic Forum, winning back its top position from this year’s number two, Singapore.
The survey looks at numerous factors, such as how much nations are using the internet to increase competitiveness.

Posted by Judith — 3:38 AM

Google increases US search share.

Source: More than four out of 10 web searches conducted in the US are now done using the Google search engine, figures show. Google’s share rose to 42% in February, up 6% on the same month in 2005, while rival Yahoo…

More than four out of 10 web searches conducted in the US are now done using the Google search engine, figures show.
Google’s share rose to 42% in February, up 6% on the same month in 2005, while rival Yahoo saw a 4% drop to 27%.

Posted by Judith — 3:28 AM

Cramer Introduces Expanded OSS Suite.

Source: Cramer launched its Cramer6 OSS suite containing seven new products. The suite extend’s Cramers capability beyond its traditional network inventory space into class of service management, activation and physical inventory management….

Cramer launched its Cramer6 OSS suite containing seven new products. The suite extend’s Cramers capability beyond its traditional network inventory space into class of service management, activation and physical inventory management.

Posted by TC — 9:06 PM

Telecom bill focuses on franchises for wireline operators.

Source: The House Commerce Committee released a draft of its communications bill, a piece of legislation that focuses on franchising efforts, but does not address some key areas of telecom reform. The measure does not address universal service or federal pre-emption…

The House Commerce Committee released a draft of its communications bill, a piece of legislation that focuses on franchising efforts, but does not address some key areas of telecom reform.
The measure does not address universal service or federal pre-emption of wireless telephony. It would require Voice over Internet Protocol providers to offer enhanced 911 services, but would not give VoIP providers or public-safety answering points liability protections. It contains a network-neutrality provision but only allows the Federal Communications Commission to adjudicate disputes溶ot regulate network neutrality.

Posted by Judith — 4:42 AM

Google patents free Wi-Fi.

Source: More evidence has emerged that Google is getting ready to blanket the U.S. with free Wi-Fi. Now, the company has filed for three patents related to offering wireless Internet access. The patents all have to do with serving up advertising…

More evidence has emerged that Google is getting ready to blanket the U.S. with free Wi-Fi.
Now, the company has filed for three patents related to offering wireless Internet access. The patents all have to do with serving up advertising through a wireless Internet connection maintained by a third party, whose brand Google would include in the presentation of those ads.
By teaming up with partners who would build the actual Wi-Fi infrastructure, Google could complete a nationwide Wi-Fi network much more quickly than if it had to build it itself.

Posted by Judith — 4:37 AM

Mobile Services have limited appeal in US.

Source: Just over 40% of mobile phone users in the US are able to receive video services on their handsets, claims a new report from Jupiter Research. However, the analysts warn that carriers have yet to find the correct combination of…

Just over 40% of mobile phone users in the US are able to receive video services on their handsets, claims a new report from Jupiter Research. However, the analysts warn that carriers have yet to find the correct combination of premium content and price to drive demand forward.
The research company claims that mobile video services will generate US$501 million a year in the US by 2010, up from the US$62 million it generated last year. Yet, opinion appears to be divided over whether paid-for, premium, content models will triumph over cheaper, or free, advertising-supported models. Recent reports from two rival analyst houses have come out in favour of both sides.
The bottom line is that while consumers certainly appear to be interested in mobile video services they will not pay top dollar for poor content.

Posted by Judith — 4:29 AM

Mobile firms attack EU ban on charging to receive calls abroad.

Source: Mobile phone operators reacted with anger yesterday to ambitious plans to scrap all charges for receiving calls while travelling abroad but staying within the EU. In what seemed a formal declaration of war on the networks, the European Commission unveiled…

Mobile phone operators reacted with anger yesterday to ambitious plans to scrap all charges for receiving calls while travelling abroad but staying within the EU.
In what seemed a formal declaration of war on the networks, the European Commission unveiled legislation to force operators to apply the same price structure in foreign EU countries as on domestic networks. The law could be on the statute book by next summer.

Posted by Judith — 4:24 AM

KPN, T-Mobile team up for Wi-Fi.

Source: KPN and T-Mobile have announced plans to share their Wi-Fi hotspots in train stations, hotels, service stations and restaurants. T-Mobile has over 700 hotspots while KPN claims about 650. The two companies will make their Wi-Fi services available to each…

KPN and T-Mobile have announced plans to share their Wi-Fi hotspots in train stations, hotels, service stations and restaurants. T-Mobile has over 700 hotspots while KPN claims about 650. The two companies will make their Wi-Fi services available to each other痴 clients in a bid to kick-start Wi-Fi in the market.

Posted by Judith — 4:14 AM

Vodafone to crank up mobile music usage.

Source: UK-based mobile operator Vodafone will supply wholesale data packages to service providers to help stimulate music and video downloads. Companies buying these data packages will now be able to offer music to consumers at a reasonable price, estimated to be…

UK-based mobile operator Vodafone will supply wholesale data packages to service providers to help stimulate music and video downloads.
Companies buying these data packages will now be able to offer music to consumers at a reasonable price, estimated to be around ｣1.50 per track.
Vodafone has been piloting the service with large aggregators such as mBlox since before Christmas and is geared at supplying media providers with bulk data rates. This will allow them to integrate the cost of the data transmission into the cost of the retail product.

Posted by Judith — 4:01 AM

Irish Research team developing standard-hopping wireless.

Source: Researchers at the Centre for Telecommunications Value-Chain Research (CTVR) in Dublin are testing a gadget they claim is capable of switching between otherwise incompatible wireless standards. If successful, the ‘software-defined radio’ device could revolutionise the telecoms industry by mimicking ‘different…

Researchers at the Centre for Telecommunications Value-Chain Research (CTVR) in Dublin are testing a gadget they claim is capable of switching between otherwise incompatible wireless standards. If successful, the ‘software-defined radio’ device could revolutionise the telecoms industry by mimicking ‘different wireless tools by using reconfigurable software to carry out tasks normally performed by static hardware’.
For example, the unit says that a mobile phone could automatically detect and hop to a faster Wi-Fi network when a user enters the hotspot and could even make its own decisions on the optimum standard in a given situation.

Posted by Judith — 3:26 AM

EU wants international call prices brought in line with domestic charges.

Source: The European Union will today propose new legislation that could force mobile operators to abolish so-called ‘unjustified’ international roaming charges. Today the EU Telecoms Commissioner will propose measures forcing companies to use a ‘home pricing’ rule that would bring international…

The European Union will today propose new legislation that could force mobile operators to abolish so-called ‘unjustified’ international roaming charges. Today the EU Telecoms Commissioner will propose measures forcing companies to use a ‘home pricing’ rule that would bring international call charges in line with the prices consumers pay at home. Ms Reding will argue that she has the power to legislate using European internal market rules.
It is feared that if these proposals are passed into law, operators would attempt to plug the revenue deficit by hiking prices elsewhere, most likely by pushing up the cost of handsets.

Posted by Judith — 4:28 AM

RBOCs wait and see on P2P.

Source: AT&T Inc., Verizon Communications Inc., and Qwest Communications International Inc. don稚 have hard, fast policies in place to deal with consumer peer-to-peer traffic. Despite the hype about P2P traffic volumes on carrier networks, these phone companies say they’re fine to…

AT&T Inc., Verizon Communications Inc., and Qwest Communications International Inc. don稚 have hard, fast policies in place to deal with consumer peer-to-peer traffic. Despite the hype about P2P traffic volumes on carrier networks, these phone companies say they’re fine to watch and wait for now.
One network operator CTO is even sceptical that P2P really causes as much congestion in networks as has been hyped.

Posted by Judith — 4:00 AM

Bell Labs’ future under discussion.

Source: Bell Labs, the technology and communications research unit owned by Lucent, could be separated and placed under the control of a new board if the US company agrees to merge with France’s Alcatel. According to people familiar with the matter,…

Bell Labs, the technology and communications research unit owned by Lucent, could be separated and placed under the control of a new board if the US company agrees to merge with France’s Alcatel.
According to people familiar with the matter, the two telecoms equipment makers have been seeking to hammer out details of a structure for Bell Labs that would satisfy a US regulatory review focused on national security issues.
One solution that appeared to be gaining traction as Alcatel and Lucent enter the final round of negotiations was a separation of the Bell Labs unit, which has a close relationship with the US military, under the control of a board composed of US political and business leaders.

Posted by Judith — 3:57 AM

BT not looking to buy or merge.

Source: The Chief Executive of BT Group, Ben Verwaayen, is not, despite reports, interested in buying or merging with Europe’s traditional telecoms operators. Verwaayen said in an interview that he believed such mergers were unnecessary. Personally, I do not support the…

The Chief Executive of BT Group, Ben Verwaayen, is not, despite reports, interested in buying or merging with Europe’s traditional telecoms operators.
Verwaayen said in an interview that he believed such mergers were unnecessary.
Personally, I do not support the merging of telecoms firms across Europe’s borders, he was quoted as saying.

Posted by Judith — 3:50 AM

H3G takes more than half of UK music download market this year.

Source: Hutchison 3G UK (H3G) says it has sold a million music tracks since launching its audio download service in December 2005, with more than 200,000 tracks being downloaded per month. The company said data from the OCC, the body that…

Hutchison 3G UK (H3G) says it has sold a million music tracks since launching its audio download service in December 2005, with more than 200,000 tracks being downloaded per month. The company said data from the OCC, the body that compiles the UK’s music charts, showed that its service accounted for 53% of the mobile audio track download market since the start of 2006.
H3G relies heavily on revenues from value added services to help counteract the heavy handset subsidies and low monthly tariffs it offers new users.

Posted by Judith — 3:37 AM

Tesco to enter Irish mobile market.

Source: UK-based supermarket chain Tesco says it is close to signing an MVNO deal with O2 Ireland and hopes to become the fifth player in the market as early as May or June. The pair have been in discussions for several…

UK-based supermarket chain Tesco says it is close to signing an MVNO deal with O2 Ireland and hopes to become the fifth player in the market as early as May or June. The pair have been in discussions for several months, although negotiations are said to have been ‘difficult’. If the launch goes ahead Tesco will be Ireland’s first MVNO and will boost competition in the sector.

Posted by Judith — 4:13 AM

Microsoft to fight Korean verdict.

Source: Microsoft is appealing against a South Korean ruling that it must unbundle its media player and messaging service from its Windows software system. South Korea’s anti-monopoly watchdog, the Korea Fair Trade Commission, found against the US giant in December. Microsoft…

Microsoft is appealing against a South Korean ruling that it must unbundle its media player and messaging service from its Windows software system.
South Korea’s anti-monopoly watchdog, the Korea Fair Trade Commission, found against the US giant in December.
Microsoft was also fined 32.5bn won (US$33m; ｣19m) after the KFTC upheld a complaint by Korea’s second largest internet firm Daum Communications.
The US firm insists its bundled systems do not harm Korean competition. It says Korean customers can easily download rival systems.

Posted by Judith — 3:38 AM

What’s Next for Nortel?

Source: Now that Alcatel and Lucent are talking merger, what does the future hold for Nortel? It’s entirely possible gear makers will focus on smaller fish like Juniper and Redback. Talk of consolidation among big telecom-equipment makers has been rife for…

Now that Alcatel and Lucent are talking merger, what does the future hold for Nortel? It’s entirely possible gear makers will focus on smaller fish like Juniper and Redback.
Talk of consolidation among big telecom-equipment makers has been rife for years, and has grown louder amid recent mergers by some of the biggest buyers of phone gear.
Nortel could be attractive to companies eager to get a foot in the door with North American service providers.
Tags: Telecom, Hardware.

Posted by Judith — 3:13 AM

Ericsson’s Riverstone hangover.

Source: On Friday, March 17, the market was surprised when Ericsson AB challenged Lucent Technologies Inc. for the right to buy Ethernet equipment company Riverstone Networks Inc. A few days later Lucent bid higher and won the prize. So where does…

On Friday, March 17, the market was surprised when Ericsson AB challenged Lucent Technologies Inc. for the right to buy Ethernet equipment company Riverstone Networks Inc. A few days later Lucent bid higher and won the prize.
So where does that leave Ericsson’s carrier Ethernet strategy? Bidding for Riverstone suggests the vendor, better known for its wireless activities until it snapped up wireline vendor Marconi, believes it has a hole in its product portfolio.
Not so, says Peter Linder, wireline technical director at Ericsson. He says the main reason behind the bid was the long-standing partnership between Marconi and Riverstone: “They have worked together in the past so it was natural for us to look at Riverstone.”

Posted by Judith — 5:12 AM

Apple gains US support for fighting France on iTunes.

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez expressed his support for the computer company on CNBC, saying intellectual property rights should be protected and applauding the company for speaking out against a proposed law in France. Apple is getting a…

U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez expressed his support for the computer company on CNBC, saying intellectual property rights should be protected and applauding the company for speaking out against a proposed law in France. Apple is getting a boost in its fight against the French government’s attempts to force iTunes to open up for interoperability.Tags: Media, DRM.

Posted by Judith — 4:58 AM

Pipex buys Cauldwell痴 Manchester fixed line business.

Source: UK broadband and telecoms provider Pipex has acquired the Manchester-based fixed line operator Homecall from Cauldwell Communications for an undisclosed amount, including the assumption of bank debt of around ｣43m.(US$75m.). The sale marks the first stage of the break up…

UK broadband and telecoms provider Pipex has acquired the Manchester-based fixed line operator Homecall from Cauldwell Communications for an undisclosed amount, including the assumption of bank debt of around ｣43m.(US$75m.).
The sale marks the first stage of the break up of Cauldwell Communications, which also includes Phones4U, after UK mogul John Cauldwell put the business up for sale in November 2005.

Posted by Judith — 4:42 AM

Japanese mobile phone firms face tough times.

Source: apanese companies offering mobile phones face tough choices over the next few years as they attempt to adapt to the national and international realities of the cell phone market. Companies here are struggling to sell cell phones overseas and the…

apanese companies offering mobile phones face tough choices over the next few years as they attempt to adapt to the national and international realities of the cell phone market.
Companies here are struggling to sell cell phones overseas and the domestic cell phone market has hit a ceiling, making it hard to find new opportunities. In response, business tie-ups and mergers will become more likely.
One reason for their poor performance is the difference in communication methods. Therefore, when offering cell phones for sale overseas, Japanese companies have to change the set up of their phones to meet the needs of overseas markets.

Posted by Judith — 4:26 AM

Microsoft deal clicks with EU.

Source: MICROSOFT has offered “free, unlimited technical support” to rivals looking to make their software work with servers of the software giant and said it was a sign it was seeking full compliance with an EU antitrust ruling. A spokesman for…

MICROSOFT has offered “free, unlimited technical support” to rivals looking to make their software work with servers of the software giant and said it was a sign it was seeking full compliance with an EU antitrust ruling.
A spokesman for the EU’s antitrust office said the offer was “constructive”, but insisted more efforts needed to be made by Microsoft - which has been threatened with daily fines - to fall into line with the EU’s ruling.

Posted by Judith — 4:13 AM

PayPal unveils ‘Text to Buy’ mobile payment service.

Source: PayPal has launched a service for customers to make purchases or send money to other users from a mobile phone. The world’s largest supplier of online payment services is testing the offering, which allows users to send a text message…

PayPal has launched a service for customers to make purchases or send money to other users from a mobile phone.
The world’s largest supplier of online payment services is testing the offering, which allows users to send a text message indicating the amount of money to be sent and the recipient’s phone number. The sender then receives a call from PayPal requesting a PIN number to complete the transaction.

Posted by Judith — 4:10 AM

Lucent, Alcatel rekindle the flame.

Source: Alcatel and Lucent Technologies Inc. confirmed last night they are in talks for a possible $33bn. “merger of equals.” We can confirm that Lucent and Alcatel are engaged in discussions about a potential merger of equals that is intended to…

Alcatel and Lucent Technologies Inc. confirmed last night they are in talks for a possible $33bn. “merger of equals.”
We can confirm that Lucent and Alcatel are engaged in discussions about a potential merger of equals that is intended to be priced at market, the companies said in a press release.
The deal furthers the consolidation among large equipment vendors, as it comes on the heels of the Ericsson AB purchase of Marconi Corp. plc.

Posted by Judith — 4:04 AM

EU to weigh scrapping roaming charges for mobiles.

Source: Austria, currently EU president, will study whether the extra “roaming” cost added to mobile phone calls made abroad could be cut or even scrapped. The proposal — which is expected to face fierce industry opposition — was put to EU…

Austria, currently EU president, will study whether the extra “roaming” cost added to mobile phone calls made abroad could be cut or even scrapped.
The proposal — which is expected to face fierce industry opposition — was put to EU leaders by the Irish government at a two-day summit.
It lends support to the European Commission’s expected announcement next week of an outline regulation to bring down roaming charges, seen as a money-spinner for operators but a bane for business travelers and tourists.

Posted by Judith — 3:59 AM

Panel urges Canadian government to ease foreign ownership limits.

Source: A government-appointed panel has recommended this week that Canada should ease its restrictions on foreign ownership of telecommunications companies. Canadian law restricts direct and indirect foreign ownership of telephony and cable companies to 46.7%. The new Conservative administration has agreed…

A government-appointed panel has recommended this week that Canada should ease its restrictions on foreign ownership of telecommunications companies. Canadian law restricts direct and indirect foreign ownership of telephony and cable companies to 46.7%.
The new Conservative administration has agreed to review the report, and Industry Minister Maxime Bernier said in an interview that he would not close the door to changes in foreign ownership.

Posted by Judith — 4:46 AM

3 Signs Microsoft.

Source: Hutchison-Whampoa backed mobile operator group 3, has reportedly signed a global mobile services agreement with Microsoft. The deal will allow 3痴 mobile customers to access the US software giant痴 IM and e-mail services via their mobile phones. According to the…

Hutchison-Whampoa backed mobile operator group 3, has reportedly signed a global mobile services agreement with Microsoft. The deal will allow 3痴 mobile customers to access the US software giant痴 IM and e-mail services via their mobile phones.
According to the two companies, users of the 3 portal will be able to access MSN Messenger (205 million customers worldwide) and hotmail accounts (230 million account holders globally).
The service will be available to 5 million 3 users in Austria, Australia, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Sweden and the UK.

Posted by Judith — 4:39 AM

Tesco Mobile to introduce contract call plans.

Source: UK MVNO Tesco Mobile is preparing to launch its first post-paid contract call plans. In what would appear to be a damning verdict on the limited growth potential of pre-pay services, Tesco also plans to start selling post-paid plans of…

UK MVNO Tesco Mobile is preparing to launch its first post-paid contract call plans. In what would appear to be a damning verdict on the limited growth potential of pre-pay services, Tesco also plans to start selling post-paid plans of rival mobile operators in some of its stores for the first time.
By the end of 2005 Tesco Mobile was available in over 500 stores, and the retailer had just signed up its millionth customer.

Posted by Judith — 4:33 AM

Wanadoo announces VoIP success.

Source: UK ISP Wanadoo has reiterated its claims that it is the country痴 top consumer VoIP provider, saying it has now signed up 150,000 users to its Wireless & Talk package in the first year since launch. The France T駘馗om subsidiary…

UK ISP Wanadoo has reiterated its claims that it is the country痴 top consumer VoIP provider, saying it has now signed up 150,000 users to its Wireless & Talk package in the first year since launch. The France T駘馗om subsidiary says it is adding new VoIP users at a rate of 5,000 a week, eclipsing the rival service of UK incumbent BT, which has around 100,000 IP telephony users. Ofcom says there are around 500,000 active VoIP users in the country.

Posted by Judith — 4:24 AM

EDS latest Tech giant to increase offshore hiring

Source: EDS is the latest major IT services vendor to bolster its offshore operations. The Dallas-based company, which provides a range of IT and BPO services to corporate and government customers, plans to double its staff in Hungary, a spokesman confirmed…

EDS is the latest major IT services vendor to bolster its offshore operations. The Dallas-based company, which provides a range of IT and BPO services to corporate and government customers, plans to double its staff in Hungary, a spokesman confirmed on Wednesday.
This month, Capgemini, Dell, and IBM have all confirmed plans to significantly boost offshore hiring. IBM plans to have more than 50,000 workers in place in India by 2007預 30% increase. Dell currently employs about 10,000 workers in India and wants to double that number by 2009. Capgemini plans to add 6,000 Indian workers over the next year, bringing its total to 10,000.

Posted by Judith — 4:13 AM

Yahoo! offers phone calls via IM.

Source: Yahoo! Inc. is launching a service in the United States that lets people make phone calls through the company’s instant messaging software. Available in several other countries since December, the service allows people to make calls from their computers for…

Yahoo! Inc. is launching a service in the United States that lets people make phone calls through the company’s instant messaging software.
Available in several other countries since December, the service allows people to make calls from their computers for two cents a minute or less to the top 30 world phone markets, including the United States.
The “Phone Out” service also allows calls from computers to regular phones at varying rates to a total of 180 countries.

Posted by Judith — 4:12 AM

Lucent to acquire Riverstone Networks for €171m.

Source: Riverstone Networks has declared Lucent Technologies the winner of the auction for the sale of Riverstone’s business. Lucent’s final bid was US$207m (€171m) in cash, with certain modifications to the asset purchase agreement originally signed by the parties on 7…

Riverstone Networks has declared Lucent Technologies the winner of the auction for the sale of Riverstone’s business.
Lucent’s final bid was US$207m (€171m) in cash, with certain modifications to the asset purchase agreement originally signed by the parties on 7 February 2006. Riverstone received a €146m offer from Ericsson earlier this week to purchase the company’s assets.

Posted by Judith — 4:01 AM

FCC Chair says Commission has authority to enforce Net neutrality.

Source: Reversing his rhetorical field a bit, AT&T CEO Ed Whitacre declared on Tuesday that his company won’t try to block or degrade customers’ access to Internet applications or content, a marked change of tone from his previous statements on the…

Reversing his rhetorical field a bit, AT&T CEO Ed Whitacre declared on Tuesday that his company won’t try to block or degrade customers’ access to Internet applications or content, a marked change of tone from his previous statements on the issue of network neutrality.
Federal Communications Chairman Kevin Martin said that his agency has the authority to police any so-called net neutrality violations, both in the voice and video arenas.

Posted by Judith — 4:39 AM

Deutsche Telekom signs Microsoft for IPTV.

Source: German incumbent carrier, Deutsche Telekom, today announced that it has partnered with Microsoft to deliver IPTV services to customers in Germany. The agreement is Microsoft’s largest IPTV-contract in Europe to date and its second largest worldwide…

German incumbent carrier, Deutsche Telekom, today announced that it has partnered with Microsoft to deliver IPTV services to customers in Germany.
The agreement is Microsoft’s largest IPTV-contract in Europe to date and its second largest worldwide

Posted by Judith — 4:15 AM

Microsoft delays launch of Vista.

Source: Microsoft plans to delay the consumer launch of its much-anticipated Windows Vista operating system to January 2007. A version will be available for corporate customers from November 2006. Efforts to improve security in the new system were largely behind the…

Microsoft plans to delay the consumer launch of its much-anticipated Windows Vista operating system to January 2007. A version will be available for corporate customers from November 2006.
Efforts to improve security in the new system were largely behind the delay, Microsoft said.

Posted by Judith — 4:05 AM

EU urges more broadband access for member states.

Source: The European Union’s executive office called on the governments of member nations to do more to get people online, saying only 13% of the union’s 450 million people have broadband Internet access. If governments act now to boost investment in…

The European Union’s executive office called on the governments of member nations to do more to get people online, saying only 13% of the union’s 450 million people have broadband Internet access.
If governments act now to boost investment in high-speed networks in remote and rural areas, all EU citizens could have such access by 2010.

Posted by Judith — 3:47 AM

French MPs vote to open up iTunes.

Source: The French parliament has backed plans to give consumers more choice over music downloads from the internet. MPs backed a draft law to force Apple, Sony and Microsoft to share their proprietary copy-protection systems. The aim is to ensure that…

The French parliament has backed plans to give consumers more choice over music downloads from the internet.
MPs backed a draft law to force Apple, Sony and Microsoft to share their proprietary copy-protection systems.
The aim is to ensure that digital music can be played on any player, regardless of its format or source.
The French bill says that proprietary copy-protection technologies must not block interoperability between different systems.

Posted by Judith — 3:35 AM

China ‘to block VoIP calls for two years’.

Source: China will not allow paid-for calls between computers and conventional telephones for at least two years, according to the head of Tom Online, the Chinese internet portal which has a joint venture with Skype. In the clearest indication so far…

China will not allow paid-for calls between computers and conventional telephones for at least two years, according to the head of Tom Online, the Chinese internet portal which has a joint venture with Skype.
In the clearest indication so far of when charged telephone services based on the VoIP system will be launched in China, Wang Leilei, Tom Online’s chief executive said the government “is not going to issue VoIP licences until 2008”.
Chinese fixed-line operators are concerned that SkypeOut, which allows users to make calls from computers via the internet to fixed-line or mobile telephones at lower rates, could undermine their core business.

Posted by Judith — 4:08 AM

VeriSign to acquire Mobile-Content Distributor .

Source: VeriSign Inc. said on Monday that it has agreed to acquire M-Qube for US$250 million in cash, and plans to use the company’s technology to expand VeriSign’s platform for delivering content to any mobile device. M-Qube’s technology is used by…

VeriSign Inc. said on Monday that it has agreed to acquire M-Qube for US$250 million in cash, and plans to use the company’s technology to expand VeriSign’s platform for delivering content to any mobile device.
M-Qube’s technology is used by companies to help deliver and bill for mobile content, applications and messaging services. Customers of the company include Sony Pictures, CBS, Major League Baseball Advanced Media, Warner Music Group, Reuters, GQ, Virgin Mobile Canada and Telus Mobility.

Posted by Judith — 4:05 AM

Mobile extras may not attract US consumers.

Source: Telecommunications executives are banking on big revenue increases during the next few years from new mobile phone services, but getting customers to pay a premium for them may not be so easy, according to a report by KPMG LLP. Twenty…

Telecommunications executives are banking on big revenue increases during the next few years from new mobile phone services, but getting customers to pay a premium for them may not be so easy, according to a report by KPMG LLP.
Twenty percent of mobile device users said they would pay no more than 10 percent above their current bill.
About 44 percent of telecoms executives, meanwhile, expect revenue growth of at least 15 percent between now and 2007, spurred primarily by new offerings, new customers and more spending by existing customers.

Posted by Judith — 3:51 AM

BT price curbs set to be scrapped.

Source: Telecoms giant BT could be free to set its own prices for domestic UK phone lines and calls this summer, under plans put forward by regulator Ofcom. Increasing competition had driven down prices, the regulator said. More than 10 million…

Telecoms giant BT could be free to set its own prices for domestic UK phone lines and calls this summer, under plans put forward by regulator Ofcom.
Increasing competition had driven down prices, the regulator said.
More than 10 million households now use telecoms firms other than BT for phone calls, including more than 4 million on cable networks.
The changes, which are expected to take place on 1 August, will end 22 years of controls on BT prices.

Posted by Judith — 3:45 AM

Vodafone to offer Fixed-Line Services?

Source: UK based global mobile powerhouse Vodafone has revealed plans to offer fixed-line services alongside its wireless business. The story broke in an interview given by Vodafone CEO Arun Sarin to a Sunday newspaper. The head of the mobile giant, speaking…

UK based global mobile powerhouse Vodafone has revealed plans to offer fixed-line services alongside its wireless business. The story broke in an interview given by Vodafone CEO Arun Sarin to a Sunday newspaper.
The head of the mobile giant, speaking to a journalist from The Business, was defending the company痴 recent decision to sell its Japanese wing to Softbank for nearly ｣9 bn.However, at the same time, he admitted that his company is examining the possibility of offering broadband Internet and VoIP to compete with fixed-line rivals.

Posted by Judith — 4:48 AM

Google ordered to hand over data.

Source: A federal judge has ordered internet search engine Google to turn over some search data, including 50,000 randomly selected web addresses, to the US government. However, Judge James Ware denied a request that Google hand over a list of people’s…

A federal judge has ordered internet search engine Google to turn over some search data, including 50,000 randomly selected web addresses, to the US government.
However, Judge James Ware denied a request that Google hand over a list of people’s search requests.

Posted by Judith — 4:26 AM

Mobile calls account for 1/3 of corporate phone bills.

Source: Spending by businesses on wireless telecommunications services accounted for nearly one-third of the corporate bill for telecommunication services in 2005, according to a new market research report from Insight Research. By the close of 2005, total business spending in the…

Spending by businesses on wireless telecommunications services accounted for nearly one-third of the corporate bill for telecommunication services in 2005, according to a new market research report from Insight Research.
By the close of 2005, total business spending in the US alone on telecommunications services reached just over US$132 bn.

Posted by Judith — 4:07 AM

How Long Can Urban WiFi Survive?

Source: Several UK cities are due to introduce major outdoor WiFi access services this Spring, but many in the industry are questioning how sustainable the projects really are. However, the problem is that many of these schemes are sponsored by local…

Several UK cities are due to introduce major outdoor WiFi access services this Spring, but many in the industry are questioning how sustainable the projects really are.
However, the problem is that many of these schemes are sponsored by local councils and as such lack a strong business plan behind them. According to at least some wireless experts, this will severely limit their chances of surviving and prospering, especially as the current transmitters will inevitably become obsolete within a few years.

Posted by Judith — 3:57 AM

Bluetooth will grow into mobile’s best friend.

Source: The Bluetooth market will experience a 71 per cent hike in shipments to 500m. in 2006, according to market research firm ABI Research. The report suggests the Bluetooth market will grow at a compound annual rate of over 40 per…

The Bluetooth market will experience a 71 per cent hike in shipments to 500m. in 2006, according to market research firm ABI Research.
The report suggests the Bluetooth market will grow at a compound annual rate of over 40 per cent between 2004 and 2011 and by 2009, shipments of equipment will break the 1bn. mark.
Telecommunications gadgets will likely play a significant role in the growth of the wireless technology.

Posted by Judith — 5:14 AM

BT to offer combined fixed and mobile service for SMEs.

Source: BT Group is to launch bundled fixed and mobile calls in a new package aimed at the UK small-to-medium sized enterprise (SME) market. BT has been trialling the Business Plan with Mobile service since July 2005. The package offers SMEs…

BT Group is to launch bundled fixed and mobile calls in a new package aimed at the UK small-to-medium sized enterprise (SME) market. BT has been trialling the Business Plan with Mobile service since July 2005. The package offers SMEs an annual 5% discount on combined fixed and mobile calls, capped fixed-to-mobile tariffs and other call discounts with a unified bill.
Meanwhile, BT has been contracted by the Welsh Assembly to provide broadband infrastructure for the remaining exchange areas in Wales needed to give the country 100% broadband coverage.

Posted by Judith — 5:06 AM

DT contracts Siemens for VDSL rollout.

Source: Deutsche Telekom has contracted Siemens to provide infrastructure for its new VDSL broadband network. An industry source claims the deal is worth over €200m. (US$240m.) French equipment vendor Alcatel is also believed to be involved in the rollout which sees…

Deutsche Telekom has contracted Siemens to provide infrastructure for its new VDSL broadband network. An industry source claims the deal is worth over €200m. (US$240m.)
French equipment vendor Alcatel is also believed to be involved in the rollout which sees DT initially hoping to link ten German cities by VDSL before June 2006 at a cost of €500m.

Posted by Judith — 4:53 AM

Alltel announces US$455m. buyout of wireless partnerships in Carolinas.

Source: Alltel Corp. announced it purchased the remaining 50 percent interests in 10 partnerships with Palmetto MobileNet, L.P. that it did not already own. The partnerships cover about two million potential customers in North and South Carolina. The purchases give Alltel,…

Alltel Corp. announced it purchased the remaining 50 percent interests in 10 partnerships with Palmetto MobileNet, L.P. that it did not already own. The partnerships cover about two million potential customers in North and South Carolina.
The purchases give Alltel, which counts 10 million customers in 33 states, a better position as an acquisition target. Speculation about a potential Alltel suitor has focused on Verizon Wireless, particularly in light of AT&T Inc.痴 planned acquisition of BellSouth Corp.

Posted by Judith — 4:18 AM

Telefonica to merge with Moviles.

Source: Spanish incumbent Telefonica has confirmed its intention to bid for the remaining 7.5 per cent stake it does not already own in mobile unit, Telefonica Moviles. It is the intention of Telefonica to present to the board of Telefonica Moviles…

Spanish incumbent Telefonica has confirmed its intention to bid for the remaining 7.5 per cent stake it does not already own in mobile unit, Telefonica Moviles.
It is the intention of Telefonica to present to the board of Telefonica Moviles a proposal to merge the two companies, a Telefonica spokeswoman said on Thursday.

Posted by Judith — 4:13 AM

Vodafone sells its Japanese arm.

Source: Vodafone has agreed to sell off its struggling Japanese phone business to internet and telecoms group Softbank. The division is being sold for Y1.8 trillion (｣8.9bn). The transaction, which is one of the largest acquisition deals ever seen in Japan,…

Vodafone has agreed to sell off its struggling Japanese phone business to internet and telecoms group Softbank.
The division is being sold for Y1.8 trillion (｣8.9bn).
The transaction, which is one of the largest acquisition deals ever seen in Japan, is expected to complete early next year.
Vodafone’s Japanese subsidiary had been losing customers in the face of fierce competition from domestic operators such as NTT DoCoMo and KDDI.

Posted by Judith — 4:06 AM

AT&T China posts revenue jump.

Source: Telecoms giant AT&T said its China revenue grew 45% last year, four times the rate for its Asia region, but added that murky regulation had dampened its development in the nation. Revenue in the company’s Asia-Pacific region grew 11% last…

Telecoms giant AT&T said its China revenue grew 45% last year, four times the rate for its Asia region, but added that murky regulation had dampened its development in the nation.
Revenue in the company’s Asia-Pacific region grew 11% last year.

Posted by Judith — 5:25 AM

Following NTP settlement, RIM pushes for patent reform.

Source: The BlackBerry maker took out full-page advertisements yesterday in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and six other newspapers urging reforms for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, RIM’s co-chief executive officers, said the company’s…

The BlackBerry maker took out full-page advertisements yesterday in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and six other newspapers urging reforms for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, RIM’s co-chief executive officers, said the company’s high-profile legal battle with patent-holding company NTP Inc. underscored “a patent system in obvious need of reform.”

Posted by Judith — 5:09 AM

Vodafone claims ten million Live! 3G users.

Source: UK-based mobile group Vodafone says it now has more than ten million customers using its Vodafone Live! 3G service worldwide. Vodafone has operations in 27 countries, as well as 32 partner networks. As at 31 December 2005, Vodafone had 179…

UK-based mobile group Vodafone says it now has more than ten million customers using its Vodafone Live! 3G service worldwide. Vodafone has operations in 27 countries, as well as 32 partner networks. As at 31 December 2005, Vodafone had 179 million proportionate customers worldwide.

Posted by Judith — 5:01 AM

Google introduces software to adapt Internet sites for cell phones.

Source: Google has developed software that modifies Web sites for the smaller screens of cell phones. Users who perform a Google search on their handsets and click on resulting links are provided access to stripped-down versions of the sites that are…

Google has developed software that modifies Web sites for the smaller screens of cell phones. Users who perform a Google search on their handsets and click on resulting links are provided access to stripped-down versions of the sites that are reportedly more efficient to deliver and easier to read.

Posted by Judith — 5:01 AM

Ofcom relaxes public phone obligations.

Source: UK incumbent BT is considering decommissioning a further 6,000 of the country’s 67,000 remaining public telephones after regulator Ofcom published new rules governing the provision of basic services under the universal service obligation (USO). The redrafted legislation means that BT…

UK incumbent BT is considering decommissioning a further 6,000 of the country’s 67,000 remaining public telephones after regulator Ofcom published new rules governing the provision of basic services under the universal service obligation (USO). The redrafted legislation means that BT is now obliged only to provide one public pay phone booth within a 400 metre area instead of, as previously, 100 metre.

Posted by Judith — 4:53 AM

Ofcom rules out broadband USO.

Source: The notion that broadband should be universally available in the UK has been kicked into the long grass after regulator Ofcom ruled that high speed net access should not be part of a universal service obligation (USO). Publishing its review…

The notion that broadband should be universally available in the UK has been kicked into the long grass after regulator Ofcom ruled that high speed net access should not be part of a universal service obligation (USO).
Publishing its review of the USO - which ensures that basic fixed line services are available at an affordable price across the UK - Ofcom said that the time wasn’t right to impose such restrictions on telecoms providers.

Posted by Judith — 4:53 AM

Vonage, Skype seen leading VoIP adoption.

Source: VoIP in U.S. homes is gaining traction. Service increased to 3.5 percent, or nearly 3.9 million households, in January 2006, up from 2.9 percent in June 2005, according to a study released Tuesday. The report suggests that by January 2006,…

VoIP in U.S. homes is gaining traction. Service increased to 3.5 percent, or nearly 3.9 million households, in January 2006, up from 2.9 percent in June 2005, according to a study released Tuesday.
The report suggests that by January 2006, Vonage had secured the highest market share at 47.5 percent followed by Skype, AT&T, Verizon and Google.

Posted by Judith — 5:58 AM

Two-thirds in U.S. have Broadband; Web video use soars.

Source: More than two-thirds of the U.S. online population is using broadband at home, dramatically increasing the amount of video watched and shared on the Web, a research firm said on Tuesday. In February, the number of households with high-speed connections…

More than two-thirds of the U.S. online population is using broadband at home, dramatically increasing the amount of video watched and shared on the Web, a research firm said on Tuesday.
In February, the number of households with high-speed connections rose 28 percent to 95.5 million from 74.3 million in the same month a year ago.

Posted by Judith — 5:54 AM

U.S. limits demands on Google.

Source: After the Justice Department drastically reduced its request for information from Google, a federal judge said on Tuesday that he intended to approve at least part of that request. At a hearing in Federal District Court here, Judge James Ware…

After the Justice Department drastically reduced its request for information from Google, a federal judge said on Tuesday that he intended to approve at least part of that request.
At a hearing in Federal District Court here, Judge James Ware said that in supporting the government’s more limited request, he would nonetheless pay attention to Google’s concerns about its trade secrets and the privacy of its users.

Posted by Judith — 5:25 AM

Telecom Analysts call for light Regulation.

Source: Investment analysts who were called to Capitol Hill to testify on the telecommunications market lent their support to the incumbent telephone companies’ lobbying agenda for reduced regulation. The chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation said that…

Investment analysts who were called to Capitol Hill to testify on the telecommunications market lent their support to the incumbent telephone companies’ lobbying agenda for reduced regulation.
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation said that he plans to introduce a bill on telecom reform toward the end of April.
The legislation will attempt to update the 1996 Telecommunications Act, addressing such questions as the telcos’ rights in entering the video market and “net neutrality.”

Posted by Judith — 5:03 AM

DCNS, BT to launch digital cinema solution.

Source: Digital Cinema Network Service and BT are launching a worldwide digital cinema solution designed to offer a menu of products, systems and services, including theatre equipment, installation and comprehensive technical support. DCNS has appointed BT as its global system integrator…

Digital Cinema Network Service and BT are launching a worldwide digital cinema solution designed to offer a menu of products, systems and services, including theatre equipment, installation and comprehensive technical support. DCNS has appointed BT as its global system integrator to develop, install and operate its digital cinema solution.

Posted by Judith — 4:57 AM

China encryption system rejected.

Source: A global standards-setting group has rejected China’s controversial wireless encryption system, dealing a blow to Beijing’s efforts to promote its homegrown protocol around the world. Members of the Geneva-based International Organization for Standardization (ISO) voted down the technology known as…

A global standards-setting group has rejected China’s controversial wireless encryption system, dealing a blow to Beijing’s efforts to promote its homegrown protocol around the world.
Members of the Geneva-based International Organization for Standardization (ISO) voted down the technology known as WAPI in favour of an American standard known as 802.11i.
China is promoting WAPI and other technologies in a campaign to reduce reliance on foreign technology and give its companies a competitive edge

Posted by Judith — 4:05 AM

Deutsche Telekom backs SIP for convergence.

Source: German incumbent, Deutsche Telekom, has unveiled its own fixed-mobile convergence offering, following closely in the footsteps of BT and France Telecom. Similar to BT Fusion, T-One will let users of Nokia wifi enabled devices use the same data and VOIP…

German incumbent, Deutsche Telekom, has unveiled its own fixed-mobile convergence offering, following closely in the footsteps of BT and France Telecom.
Similar to BT Fusion, T-One will let users of Nokia wifi enabled devices use the same data and VOIP services over the home wi-fi network and DT fixed line connection, and/or on the move through a T-Com hotspot.
It is believed that the most interesting aspect to the offering is that DT has opted for a SIP solution to deliver VoIP services.

Posted by Judith — 3:54 AM

Doubts raised over Wimax’s future.

Source: A wireless technology known as Wimax could bring broadband to rural areas, says a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The OECD report looked at the prospects for Wimax, a technology widely touted as one to beat…

A wireless technology known as Wimax could bring broadband to rural areas, says a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
The OECD report looked at the prospects for Wimax, a technology widely touted as one to beat both wi-fi and third-generation mobile networks.
But, says the report, regulatory, security and spectrum problems may limit the widespread use of Wimax. Instead, Wimax may find niche uses such as in remote areas.

Posted by Judith — 3:50 AM

Blanket digital licence fails in France.

Source: Under heavy pressure from the French government, the country’s parliament has voted against introducing the world’s first blanket licence for sharing digital media. A section that would have permitted internet users to freely exchange copyrighted material, effectively legitimizing file sharing,…

Under heavy pressure from the French government, the country’s parliament has voted against introducing the world’s first blanket licence for sharing digital media. A section that would have permitted internet users to freely exchange copyrighted material, effectively legitimizing file sharing, and hastening the demise of DRM software, had passed an earlier reading in a vote last December.

Posted by Judith — 3:46 AM

Mobile TV gets thumbs up.

Source: Participants in pan-European trials of mobile television say they would gladly sign up for such a service and many would be prepared to pay for mobile TV. These were some of the findings from a number of mobile phone pilot…

Participants in pan-European trials of mobile television say they would gladly sign up for such a service and many would be prepared to pay for mobile TV.
These were some of the findings from a number of mobile phone pilot schemes run in Finland, England, France and Spain.

Posted by Judith — 3:37 AM

Gent attacks Vodafone chief as he walks away.

Source: Sir Christopher Gent, the former chief executive of Vodafone, yesterday mounted a dramatic attack on his embattled successor as he walked away from his position as life president of the company. The unprecendented move came as Vodafone痴 chairman, Lord MacLaurin…

Sir Christopher Gent, the former chief executive of Vodafone, yesterday mounted a dramatic attack on his embattled successor as he walked away from his position as life president of the company.
The unprecendented move came as Vodafone痴 chairman, Lord MacLaurin of Knebworth, was forced to issue his second statement in two days, expressing support for Arun Sarin, the chief executive, who is fighting to retain his position at the company.

Posted by Judith — 4:27 AM

Vodafone offered US$40bn for Verizon stake.

Source: Verizon has made an informal approach to Vodafone chief executive Arun Sarin to buy the company’s share in Verizon Wireless for over US$40bn. According to a source at Verizon, the US operator is seeking to establish a price level at…

Verizon has made an informal approach to Vodafone chief executive Arun Sarin to buy the company’s share in Verizon Wireless for over US$40bn.
According to a source at Verizon, the US operator is seeking to establish a price level at which Sarin and his board would be prepared to part with Vodafone’s 45% shareholding.

Posted by Judith — 4:22 AM

Telewest launches HDTV.

Source: UK cable operator ntl Incorporated has launched the country痴 first high definition television (HDTV) service via its wholly owned subsidiary Telewest. The service is limited at the moment to shows made by BBC Worldwide and users must have an HD-ready…

UK cable operator ntl Incorporated has launched the country痴 first high definition television (HDTV) service via its wholly owned subsidiary Telewest. The service is limited at the moment to shows made by BBC Worldwide and users must have an HD-ready TV and a Telewest TVDrive premium set-top box to receive the broadcasts. It hopes that its early adoption of HDTV will give a head start on rival triple-play provider BSkyB by making its bundled products more attractive to users.

Posted by Judith — 4:15 AM

VoIP 1, telecoms giants 0:

Source: Cheap web-based phone calls are tempting consumers, and now companies are being targeted in a threat to the big boys….

Cheap web-based phone calls are tempting consumers, and now companies are being targeted in a threat to the big boys.

Posted by Judith — 4:02 AM

Vodafone may enter German DSL market.

Source: German fixed line operator Arcor - majority owned by Vodafone - said on Thursday that its future is uncertain after a senior Vodafone executive hinted at a merger of the companies. Speaking at the CeBIT trade show in Hanover, Germany…

German fixed line operator Arcor - majority owned by Vodafone - said on Thursday that its future is uncertain after a senior Vodafone executive hinted at a merger of the companies.
Speaking at the CeBIT trade show in Hanover, Germany yesterday, Vodafone Germany chief executive, Friedrich Joussen, suggested it was possible there would be an integration between mobile operator Vodafone Germany and fixed line operator Arcor in the future.
Arcor is 74 per cent owned by Vodafone Group, with minority shareholders Deutsche Bahn owning 18 per cent and Deutsche Bank 8 per cent.
On the back of rumours that Vodafone may offload its Arcor stake, Spanish operator Telefonica and France Telecom are both believed to be considering separate bids in excess of €2bn. (｣1.4bn) Tags: Telecom, Wireless.

Posted by Judith — 6:14 AM

RIM reinforces claim as top dog by expanding BlackBerry service.

Source: RIM plans to turn its BlackBerry into an extension of customers’ office phones, mirroring what it has already done for desktop e-mail. That means when a customer’s office phone rings, it will also ring on the BlackBerry. The technology is…

RIM plans to turn its BlackBerry into an extension of customers’ office phones, mirroring what it has already done for desktop e-mail.
That means when a customer’s office phone rings, it will also ring on the BlackBerry. The technology is far more advanced than call-forwarding, because it makes a BlackBerry perform just like an office phone, with conference calling, call transfer and hold, and dial by extension. It also includes a single voice-mail box for both mobile and office calls.

Posted by Judith — 6:03 AM

Microsoft faulted on response to Antitrust Ruling in Europe.

Source: The European Commission on Friday again accused Microsoft of flouting a 2004 antitrust ruling, with an independent monitor calling the company’s responses “incomplete, inaccurate and unusable.” In a letter sent to Microsoft, the commission said its experts had again found…

The European Commission on Friday again accused Microsoft of flouting a 2004 antitrust ruling, with an independent monitor calling the company’s responses “incomplete, inaccurate and unusable.”
In a letter sent to Microsoft, the commission said its experts had again found that the company had not met the terms of the ruling, which imposed a fine of €497m. (US$591.7 m.) on the company two years ago.
Microsoft responded on Friday by repeating that it was not only in compliance with the 2004 ruling, but had exceeded it. “That documentation meets and surpasses the requirements of the commission’s 2004 decision,” it said in a statement.

Posted by Judith — 5:55 AM

France T駘馗om boast 1.1 million VoIP customers in five countries.

Source: France T駘馗om (FT) says it had signed up more than a million residential voice-over-IP customers in France, UK, Netherlands, Italy and Spain at the end of 2005. The telco rolled out the service in partnership with Netcentrex, a leading provider…

France T駘馗om (FT) says it had signed up more than a million residential voice-over-IP customers in France, UK, Netherlands, Italy and Spain at the end of 2005. The telco rolled out the service in partnership with Netcentrex, a leading provider of converged voice-video-data networks and next-generation services, in 2004, completing the deployment in around five months. FT says it is signing up around 150,000 new users a month.

Posted by Judith — 4:44 AM

Ireland gets EU go ahead for state aid to fund broadband, but eircom unhappy.

Source: The European Commission has approved plans by the Irish government to make available EUR170bn. (US$202.7bn.) for improving broadband availability. The Commission recognises that Ireland is struggling to compete with other, older EU member states in delivering broadband access and says…

The European Commission has approved plans by the Irish government to make available EUR170bn. (US$202.7bn.) for improving broadband availability. The Commission recognises that Ireland is struggling to compete with other, older EU member states in delivering broadband access and says its plan to boost access to more than 120 towns poses no threat to competition within the EU.

Posted by Judith — 4:40 AM

Cisco, Nortel: CeBIT No-Shows.

Source: While only having a presence on partners’ stands at CeBIT both Cisco and Nortel intend to hold their own expo events later in the year. Meanwhile, their absence has surprised and delighted competitors like Juniper in equal measure, as this…

While only having a presence on partners’ stands at CeBIT both Cisco and Nortel intend to hold their own expo events later in the year.
Meanwhile, their absence has surprised and delighted competitors like Juniper in equal measure, as this is still a major event in the European telecom and major enterprise calendar.

Posted by Judith — 4:24 AM

Ofcom unveils NGN forum.

Source: UK communications regulator Ofcom earlier this week revealed plans to introduce a next generation networks industry body later this month. Since the introduction of an NGN industry body was first proposed by Ofcom in June 2005 eight companies have already…

UK communications regulator Ofcom earlier this week revealed plans to introduce a next generation networks industry body later this month.
Since the introduction of an NGN industry body was first proposed by Ofcom in June 2005 eight companies have already committed to the organisation: British Telecom; Cable & Wireless; Easynet; Kingston Communications; NTL; Thus; Vodafone and Wanadoo UK.
NGN UK will focus on the technical and commercial arrangements for NGN development. Its initial priority will be to help companies develop an effective technical and commercial framework for interconnection between NGNs.

Posted by Judith — 4:15 AM

Handheld PC dominates Cebit start.

Source: The opening morning of the giant Cebit technology fair was dominated by news about Microsoft’s mini PC project, Origami. At the Hanover-based show the first working devices were unveiled, along with information about its capabilities. Samsung, which has dubbed its…

The opening morning of the giant Cebit technology fair was dominated by news about Microsoft’s mini PC project, Origami.
At the Hanover-based show the first working devices were unveiled, along with information about its capabilities.
Samsung, which has dubbed its first Origami handheld Q1, showed off the black, paperback-sized computer at its opening press conference.
The machine has a 7-inch touchscreen and a 40 gigabyte hard drive.
It also boasts an Intel Celeron processor onboard, runs the tablet edition of Windows XP and uses wi-fi and bluetooth to communicate.

Posted by Judith — 4:09 AM

China touts wireless encryption standard.

Source: China has revived its effort to promote its own encryption standard for wireless communications, unveiling a 22-member alliance of leading Chinese computer and telecommunications firms to encourage its use, a media report said Wednesday. Beijing caused an uproar last year…

China has revived its effort to promote its own encryption standard for wireless communications, unveiling a 22-member alliance of leading Chinese computer and telecommunications firms to encourage its use, a media report said Wednesday.
Beijing caused an uproar last year when it tried to compel computer and telecom companies to use its standard, known as WAPI. It dropped that in a deal with Washington last April after foreign companies complained it would hurt their access to China’s markets.
It wasn’t clear from the report in the official China Daily newspaper what specific measures the new government-backed alliance had adopted, or whether the effort would include any regulatory requirements to use the WAPI standard.
It noted that the group’s creation “might revive the WAPI tussle between China and the United States.”

Posted by Judith — 5:13 AM

UK telcos look to profit from C&W reorganisation.

Source: UK fixed line incumbent BT has launched a free phone helpline to target the 27,000 business customers being shed by rival C&W, according to the Daily Telegraph. C&W is currently instigating a sweeping transformation of its business reducing its customer…

UK fixed line incumbent BT has launched a free phone helpline to target the 27,000 business customers being shed by rival C&W, according to the Daily Telegraph. C&W is currently instigating a sweeping transformation of its business reducing its customer base from 30,000 to around 3,000. It has sent a letter to around 27,000 of its customers giving them 90 days to find a new service provider.
BT and others hope to profit from C&W痴 reorganisation by offering its former customers a seamless switch to their own services.

Posted by Judith — 4:56 AM

Second Phone Data Privacy Bill approved.

Source: Targeting both telephone data brokers and telecoms, a House panel today approved legislation that bans the sale, lease or rental of confidential telephone records. The bill also strengthens the ability of the Federal Trade Commission to pursue the thriving online…

Targeting both telephone data brokers and telecoms, a House panel today approved legislation that bans the sale, lease or rental of confidential telephone records.
The bill also strengthens the ability of the Federal Trade Commission to pursue the thriving online black-market sale of phone data.
It is now an express violation of the FTC Act for a person to use false pretenses to obtain or sell confidential phone data, a practice widely known as pretexting.

Posted by Judith — 4:51 AM

Irish lobby group wants action on broadband.

Source: A lobby group has made a submission to Ireland’s communications authorities calling for a government directive to remedy the country’s ongoing decline in broadband adoption. The lobby group has requested a Government directive to the Commission for Communications Regulation to…

A lobby group has made a submission to Ireland’s communications authorities calling for a government directive to remedy the country’s ongoing decline in broadband adoption.
The lobby group has requested a Government directive to the Commission for Communications Regulation to ensure Ireland achieves the EU’s average rate of LLU lines. It also argues that ComReg should report publicly its progress and, like other European countries, do so every quarter.

Posted by Judith — 4:37 AM

France drives UMTS-900 agenda.

Source: France is the only Western European country to date that has made legal provisions for the deployment of UMTS technologies in the 900MHz band spectrum, currently used by everyone else for GSM mobile communications. It is, by default therefore, the…

France is the only Western European country to date that has made legal provisions for the deployment of UMTS technologies in the 900MHz band spectrum, currently used by everyone else for GSM mobile communications.
It is, by default therefore, the driving force behind the standardisation of UMTS900 and thus development of W-CDMA in this band in Western Europe.

Posted by Judith — 4:30 AM

10,000 US jobs to go at AT&T.

Source: According to its chief financial officer, AT &T plans to cut up to 10,000 jobs, mostly through normal turnover, if its proposed US$67bn purchase of BellSouth is given the go ahead by shareholders and regulators. Rick Linder said that the…

According to its chief financial officer, AT &T plans to cut up to 10,000 jobs, mostly through normal turnover, if its proposed US$67bn purchase of BellSouth is given the go ahead by shareholders and regulators.
Rick Linder said that the cuts will take place over three years and will cut the combined employee count from about 317,000 employees to around 307,000.

Posted by Judith — 4:47 AM

Half of Japan’s mobile subscribers are 3G users.

Source: The number of 3G users in Japan reached 45.91m at the end of February, accounting for 50.58 per cent of the country’s total mobile phone subscriber base, according to statistics from Japan’s Telecommunication Carriers Association….

The number of 3G users in Japan reached 45.91m at the end of February, accounting for 50.58 per cent of the country’s total mobile phone subscriber base, according to statistics from Japan’s Telecommunication Carriers Association.

Posted by Judith — 4:39 AM

Fresh talk of Thus move for troubled C&W.

Source: Thus- the Glasgow telecoms group - has been linked once again to a takeover of the struggling UK arm of Cable & Wireless, a move that would transform the firm into the second-biggest telecoms group in the UK….

Thus- the Glasgow telecoms group - has been linked once again to a takeover of the struggling UK arm of Cable & Wireless, a move that would transform the firm into the second-biggest telecoms group in the UK.

Posted by Judith — 4:36 AM

Mobile Content Market to surge to US$43bn.

Source: The global market for mobile phone premium content will exceed US$43 billion by 2010, according to a new study by iSuppli. This compares to the figure in 2004 which barely reached US$5.2bn. Over the next four years, the market for…

The global market for mobile phone premium content will exceed US$43 billion by 2010, according to a new study by iSuppli. This compares to the figure in 2004 which barely reached US$5.2bn. Over the next four years, the market for such extra mobile services as music, gaming and video will expand at an annual rate of 42% argues the US-based research company.

Posted by Judith — 4:33 AM

Verizon Wireless exclusive carrier for TiVo Mobile.

Source: TiVo Inc. took another small step toward wireless this week, inking a deal to allow Verizon Wireless subscribers to use their wireless phone as a TiVo remote control. TiVo Mobile will be available exclusively to Verizon Wireless subscribers for 60…

TiVo Inc. took another small step toward wireless this week, inking a deal to allow Verizon Wireless subscribers to use their wireless phone as a TiVo remote control.
TiVo Mobile will be available exclusively to Verizon Wireless subscribers for 60 days beginning this summer; TiVo is free to provide the service to other carriers after the 60-day exclusivity period.

Posted by Judith — 4:32 AM

Nortel plans expansion, sees IP boom in Southeast Asia.

Source: An expected explosion in converged technology has been making IP one of the communication industry’s hottest markets and has led Nortel of Canada to expand its presence in Southeast Asia. Steve Hampson, general manager of Nortel Networks in Thailand said…

An expected explosion in converged technology has been making IP one of the communication industry’s hottest markets and has led Nortel of Canada to expand its presence in Southeast Asia.
Steve Hampson, general manager of Nortel Networks in Thailand said the group was gearing up for the next trend in converged IP systems this year.
The company has been spurred on by the recent discovery that equipment competitors, particularly from Asia and Europe, have been forced to leave the market because they can’t compete with IP telephony specialists.

Posted by Judith — 4:26 AM

DoCoMo in Card Deal.

Source: Japanese mobile operator NTT DoCoMo is to take an 18% in UC Card Company as it steps up its attempt to wean consumers onto using their phones as credit cards. UC, which is a subsidiary of Mizuho Bank Ltd, will…

Japanese mobile operator NTT DoCoMo is to take an 18% in UC Card Company as it steps up its attempt to wean consumers onto using their phones as credit cards. UC, which is a subsidiary of Mizuho Bank Ltd, will work with the giant mobile phone company to load credit cards onto mobile terminals.

Posted by Judith — 4:41 AM

Vodafone pressed to quit US as ‘backbiting’ row grows.

Source: Pressire on Vodafone to leave the US intensified yesterday as investors called for an end to backbiting on the mobile phone giant痴 board. Verizon Communications, Vodafone痴 partner in the US, announced in a statement that it was 吐ocused on working…

Pressire on Vodafone to leave the US intensified yesterday as investors called for an end to backbiting on the mobile phone giant痴 board.
Verizon Communications, Vodafone痴 partner in the US, announced in a statement that it was 吐ocused on working to acquire from Vodafone� its 45 per cent stake in Verizon Wireless.
The renewed pressure from Verizon, which is itself under pressure to react to the ｣45bn. tie-up of its rivals AT&T and BellSouth, follows persistent calls from some leading UK investors for Vodafone to sell its stake and return the proceeds of up to ｣30bn. to shareholders.

Posted by Judith — 4:14 AM

Cisco overhauls its IP communications architecture.

Source: On Monday, Cisco Systems unveiled a comprehensive new framework around its IP communications solutions that seeks to create a streamlined way of delivering telephony technology and services. The Cisco Unified Communication System is an umbrella brand that includes nearly 60…

On Monday, Cisco Systems unveiled a comprehensive new framework around its IP communications solutions that seeks to create a streamlined way of delivering telephony technology and services.
The Cisco Unified Communication System is an umbrella brand that includes nearly 60 new or revamped Cisco products, with special attention paid to increasing intelligence around call processing, presence and location. The system also is based on the Sessions Initiation Protocol (SIP) open standard, meaning that it will be easier to incorporate third-party products into any IP communications installation.

Posted by Judith — 4:13 AM

AT&T Deal Could Spur Cable Buys.

Source: AT&T Inc.’s bid to buy BellSouth Corp. will definitely spark lots of fear and loathing among competitive carriers. But analysts believe the move might also kickstart a new wave of consolidation amongst the cable MSOs, and it could also mean…

AT&T Inc.’s bid to buy BellSouth Corp. will definitely spark lots of fear and loathing among competitive carriers. But analysts believe the move might also kickstart a new wave of consolidation amongst the cable MSOs, and it could also mean some rocky times for satellite TV providers.
According to UBS Research, the war to be the preeminent full service communications company was stepped up considerably with the AT&T/BellSouth announcement Sunday afternoon.
As the telcos become increasingly consolidated, we view Comcast Corp., Verizon Communications Inc., AT&T, and Time Warner Cable Inc. as the leaders among the full-service U.S. communications players. However, as the smallest of the four, TWC could be poised to spark a wave of consolidation in the cable sector, and we believe potential candidates include Cablevision and Insight Communications.

Posted by Judith — 4:09 AM

AT&T Aims to Become All Things to All Customers.

Source: Is bigger necessarily better when it comes to running a telecommunications company? Apparently AT&T thinks so in announcing plans to buy BellSouth, the primary phone and broadband provider in the Southeast, for US$67bn. The company justified the deal yesterday by…

Is bigger necessarily better when it comes to running a telecommunications company? Apparently AT&T thinks so in announcing plans to buy BellSouth, the primary phone and broadband provider in the Southeast, for US$67bn.
The company justified the deal yesterday by saying that it expected the merger to save about US$2bn. in annual costs by 2009.
Analysts are sceptical, though, about those projections because AT&T already has its hands full in merging the operations of its leading component, SBC Communications, and the old AT&T, long the namesake long-distance provider, a deal that was sealed last fall. Its wireless subsidiary, Cingular, is still working through a consolidation with AT&T Wireless, which it acquired in 2004.

Posted by Judith — 4:01 AM

BT Closes 21CN Deals.

Source: BT Group plc has finally signed next-generation network contracts with its four remaining lead vendor partners, the carrier announced today. Alcatel, Cisco Systems Inc., Ericsson AB, and Fujitsu Ltd. are now in possession of signed deals for BT’s ｣10bn.(US$17.5bn.) 21st…

BT Group plc has finally signed next-generation network contracts with its four remaining lead vendor partners, the carrier announced today.
Alcatel, Cisco Systems Inc., Ericsson AB, and Fujitsu Ltd. are now in possession of signed deals for BT’s ｣10bn.(US$17.5bn.) 21st Century Network (21CN) project, nearly three months after the other four lead vendors — Ciena Corp., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Lucent Technologies Inc. and Siemens Communications Group — inked their contracts.
BT has insisted all along that the contract holdup was down to contractual details caused by the size and breadth of the deals, and not because of any relationship or supply issues. Of the ｣10bn. network transformation budget, BT is spending about ｣3.4bn. ($6bn.) with the equipment suppliers.

Free Weekend WiFi.

Source: In a radical move to drive usage up, US WiFi pioneer, T-Mobile USA, has announced it will allow cell phone customers to use W-Lan hotspots for free at the weekends. This means that all of T-Mobile USA痴 mobile subscribers will…

In a radical move to drive usage up, US WiFi pioneer, T-Mobile USA, has announced it will allow cell phone customers to use W-Lan hotspots for free at the weekends. This means that all of T-Mobile USA痴 mobile subscribers will be able to use one of the company痴 6,500 W-Lan hotspots across the US at no charge on Saturday or Sunday.

Posted by Judith — 3:54 AM

Inventor of Hotmail turns his attention to weblogs.

Source: Sabeer Bhatia, the Bangalore student who with a colleague invented the iconic Hotmail e-mail service and went on to make a fortune by selling it to Microsoft, is returning to fix what he describes as a “neglected stepchild”. Mr Bhatia…

Sabeer Bhatia, the Bangalore student who with a colleague invented the iconic Hotmail e-mail service and went on to make a fortune by selling it to Microsoft, is returning to fix what he describes as a “neglected stepchild”.
Mr Bhatia will be in India to announce the global launch of blogeverywhere.com. Users of the website will be able to download a toolbar that allows them to write and publish their own blogs, while also giving Hotmail users faster access to their messages.

Posted by Judith — 4:53 AM

BT Ireland discusses mobile piggyback deal.

Source: According to the UK Sunday Times newspaper, BT Ireland is in advanced talks with a number of Irish mobile network operators over a piggyback deal that would allow it to launch as the fifth player in the market. The two…

According to the UK Sunday Times newspaper, BT Ireland is in advanced talks with a number of Irish mobile network operators over a piggyback deal that would allow it to launch as the fifth player in the market. The two favourites for the MVNO deal are Smart Telecom, which is embroiled in a dispute with ComReg over its 3G licence, and Hutchison痴 3 Ireland. Both operators have contracted BT Ireland to help them build out their networks.

Posted by Judith — 4:43 AM

AT&T turns up pressure with US$67bn BellSouth takeover.

Source: AT&T last night bolstered its position as America痴 biggest telecoms company with the $67 billion (｣38 billion) acquisition of BellSouth to create a $160 billion telecoms powerhouse. The deal, which was sealed last night after two months of talks, brings…

AT&T last night bolstered its position as America痴 biggest telecoms company with the $67 billion (｣38 billion) acquisition of BellSouth to create a $160 billion telecoms powerhouse.
The deal, which was sealed last night after two months of talks, brings back under one roof four of America痴 seven Baby Bell phone companies that were created when AT&T was broken up in 1984.

Posted by Judith — 4:36 AM

Nearly half of European and US Consumers do not understand IPTV.

Source: A survey conducted by Accenture of 6,000 consumers across the U.S., United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy found that 46 percent do not understand the term IPTV. Despite a general lack of understanding about what IPTV means, there is…

A survey conducted by Accenture of 6,000 consumers across the U.S., United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy found that 46 percent do not understand the term IPTV.
Despite a general lack of understanding about what IPTV means, there is strong consumer interest in the benefits that such a service could bring, said Accenture. ”Consumers clearly desire choice, control and the ability to personalize their viewing experience - all of which are the key benefits of an IPTV service.”

Posted by Judith — 4:35 AM

Settlement ends Blackberry case.

Source: The maker of the Blackberry e-mail device has reached a US$612.5m (｣349m) settlement to end a dispute that could have closed the service in the US. Canadian company Research In Motion said on Friday that the deal with American software…

The maker of the Blackberry e-mail device has reached a US$612.5m (｣349m) settlement to end a dispute that could have closed the service in the US.
Canadian company Research In Motion said on Friday that the deal with American software firm NTP represented a “full and final settlement”.

Posted by Judith — 5:08 AM

H3G launches international VoIP service.

Source: Italian mobile operator H3G has launched ‘International No Limit’, an offer based on VoIP technology, to call from Italy to 23 countries. Using the service, which requires a €15 activation fee, H3G customers will be able to make international calls…

Italian mobile operator H3G has launched ‘International No Limit’, an offer based on VoIP technology, to call from Italy to 23 countries.
Using the service, which requires a €15 activation fee, H3G customers will be able to make international calls up to 10 hours per day for 30 days without any set up charge when under H3G direct coverage.

Posted by Judith — 4:57 AM

AOL Offers Free Guaranteed Email Delivery To Nonprofits.

Source: America Online Inc., apparently looking to deflect criticism of its plans to launch a paid guaranteed-delivery service for email, said on Friday it would offer nearly the same benefit to nonprofit organizations at no charge. In offering an olive branch…

America Online Inc., apparently looking to deflect criticism of its plans to launch a paid guaranteed-delivery service for email, said on Friday it would offer nearly the same benefit to nonprofit organizations at no charge.
In offering an olive branch to detractors, AOL said qualifying nonprofits could receive, at no charge, benefits similar to those of commercial customers, including guaranteed delivery of email, along with their images and Web links.

Posted by Judith — 4:47 AM

Vodafone could sell Japanese arm.

Source: Vodafone has revealed it is in talks about selling its struggling Japanese phone business to internet and telecoms provider Softbank. Its Japanese subsidiary has been losing customers in the face of fierce competition from domestic operators such as NTT DoCoMo…

Vodafone has revealed it is in talks about selling its struggling Japanese phone business to internet and telecoms provider Softbank.
Its Japanese subsidiary has been losing customers in the face of fierce competition from domestic operators such as NTT DoCoMo and KDDI.

Posted by Judith — 4:46 AM

Microsoft Charges EU With Collusion.

Source: Microsoft dialed up the heat Wednesday on the European Union’s antitrust agency to high, charging that it colluded with the company’s rivals and cannot be trusted to rule impartially. Hours after that, Neelie Kroes, the head of the European Competition…

Microsoft dialed up the heat Wednesday on the European Union’s antitrust agency to high, charging that it colluded with the company’s rivals and cannot be trusted to rule impartially.
Hours after that, Neelie Kroes, the head of the European Competition Commission, put her agency on a collision course with the American developer. In comments made in The Hague, she said “If we pursue the line we are following now, there will be fines and they won’t be small fines.”

Posted by Judith — 4:29 AM

US VoIP use soaring.

Source: Last year was a breakout time for Internet telephone services, with the number of U.S. subscribers more than tripling to 4.5 million and industry revenue surpassing US$1bn. When 2005 began, there were 1.3 million subscribers of Voice over Internet Protocol…

Last year was a breakout time for Internet telephone services, with the number of U.S. subscribers more than tripling to 4.5 million and industry revenue surpassing US$1bn.
When 2005 began, there were 1.3 million subscribers of Voice over Internet Protocol services, according to a survey by analysis firm TeleGeography. In the last three months of the year alone, 900,000 people signed up for VoIP services.
Cable companies are now the largest providers of VoIP services, with 52 per cent of the market compared to 45 per cent a year ago.

Posted by Judith — 4:17 AM

Californian regulators OK wireless protection program.

Source: A divided California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday adopted measures to protect wireless telephone customers from abuses by the phone industry.The commission, which had been working for six years to come up with a set of rules for cell phone…

A divided California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday adopted measures to protect wireless telephone customers from abuses by the phone industry.The commission, which had been working for six years to come up with a set of rules for cell phone companies, voted 3-to-2 to adopt a proposal by CPUC President Michael Peevey.
It called for more consumer education, tougher enforcement of existing laws, creation of a telecommunications consumer fraud unit, and an expanded CPUC phone “hotline” for consumer complaints.

Posted by Judith — 4:09 AM

Music phones to slice into iPod growth.

Source: Perhaps the biggest threat to Apple Computer Inc.’s iPod and the portable music player industry is a device already nestling in a billion pockets: the mobile phone. Sales of cellphones that can store and play back music are climbing, raising…

Perhaps the biggest threat to Apple Computer Inc.’s iPod and the portable music player industry is a device already nestling in a billion pockets: the mobile phone.
Sales of cellphones that can store and play back music are climbing, raising hopes among handset producers like Sony Ericsson and Motorola Inc. that it will be their next growth driver.

Posted by Judith — 4:07 AM

MVNOs battle on high street.

Source: UK MVNO Virgin Mobile yesterday announced the expansion of its contract offering to the Phones 4u high street retailer and online shop. The move extends the Virgin Mobile Pay Monthly offering to more than 350 Phones 4u stores across the…

UK MVNO Virgin Mobile yesterday announced the expansion of its contract offering to the Phones 4u high street retailer and online shop.
The move extends the Virgin Mobile Pay Monthly offering to more than 350 Phones 4u stores across the UK.
Meanwhile, Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s will launch his no frills mobile operation, easyMobile.com on the high street today in a partnership with the Link retail outlet.

Posted by Judith — 3:54 AM

Cell Phone-Using Passengers Risk Airplane Safety.

Source: After studying the use of cell phones and other portable electronic devices on commercial aircraft, a team of Carnegie Mellon University researchers has concluded that passengers are regularly violating the ban on using the devices and are creating risk to…

After studying the use of cell phones and other portable electronic devices on commercial aircraft, a team of Carnegie Mellon University researchers has concluded that passengers are regularly violating the ban on using the devices and are creating risk to airplane navigation.
The investigators had cooperation and support from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Agency, and three airlines in their study. The findings are at odds with the opinions of other investigators and with several airlines, which are allowing the use of laptops and Wi-Fi inflight.
The most glaring violations, according to the investigating team, involve passengers using cell phones in violation of existing FCC and FAA regulations.

Posted by Judith — 3:53 AM

Senate Bill to address fears of blocked access to Net.

Source: New legislation will be introduced today that would prohibit Internet network operators from charging companies for faster delivery of their content to consumers or favoring some content providers over others. The bill is meant to ease growing fears that open…

New legislation will be introduced today that would prohibit Internet network operators from charging companies for faster delivery of their content to consumers or favoring some content providers over others.
The bill is meant to ease growing fears that open Internet access may be blocked or compromised by the Bell phone carriers and cable operators, which may create tiers of service for delivering content to consumers,

Posted by Judith — 4:42 AM

Deal done on .com domain future.

Source: ICANN, the body that oversees net addresses has approved a controversial deal over the future of the .com domain. The deal gives US firm Verisign control of .com until 2012 and lets it raise prices in at least four of…

ICANN, the body that oversees net addresses has approved a controversial deal over the future of the .com domain.
The deal gives US firm Verisign control of .com until 2012 and lets it raise prices in at least four of the next six years.
The board of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers was split over the agreement.
Critics said the deal virtually granted Verisign an everlasting monopoly over the iconic net domain.

Posted by Judith — 4:38 AM

Vonage signs up 1.5 m. VoIP users.

Source: Vonage Holdings Corp. reported Wednesday that it crossed the 1.5 million user mark for its VoIP service. Vonage offers various paid calling plans for individual callers and businesses at prices that are generally less than the prices charged by traditional…

Vonage Holdings Corp. reported Wednesday that it crossed the 1.5 million user mark for its VoIP service.
Vonage offers various paid calling plans for individual callers and businesses at prices that are generally less than the prices charged by traditional landline providers.
Vonage has filed to raise up to $250 million in an initial public offering.

Posted by Judith — 4:31 AM

IBM flourishes in India.

Source: One of the fastest growing IT vendors in India isn’t Indian. It’s IBM, which is in the midst of a major growth spurt on the subcontinent. Back in 1992, IBM re-launched its India operations, following a hiatus of more than…

One of the fastest growing IT vendors in India isn’t Indian. It’s IBM, which is in the midst of a major growth spurt on the subcontinent.
Back in 1992, IBM re-launched its India operations, following a hiatus of more than a decade when political pressure drove many multinational companies, including IBM, out of India.
Growing modestly until the turn of the millennium, IBM India has been growing by leaps and bounds since then. Its workforce now totals 38,000, up from 23,000 two years ago and second only in number to IBM’s U.S. workforce.

Posted by Judith — 4:23 AM

Microsoft takes aim at search engine market.

Source: Microsoft plans to introduce a new search engine this year which it claims will be superior to Google’s market leading search engine. Microsoft’s European president Neil Holloway told Reuters that it would launch the new search engine in six months…

Microsoft plans to introduce a new search engine this year which it claims will be superior to Google’s market leading search engine. Microsoft’s European president Neil Holloway told Reuters that it would launch the new search engine in six months in the US and the UK, followed by the rest of Europe.
The company currently plans to integrate the search engine into its MSN Hotmail and MSN Messenger applications. The company reportedly does not plan to bundle the search engine with its upcoming Windows Vista operating system, a practice which has landed the company multiple anti-trust fines.

Posted by Judith — 4:23 AM

Phone, media firms see mobile ads soon.

Source: Cellphone and media companies expect to see a sizable market for advertising on cellphones in coming years, with options including advertising-subsidized video services, top executives said on Wednesday. Viacom Inc., which runs MTV and Comedy Central, is working with major…

Cellphone and media companies expect to see a sizable market for advertising on cellphones in coming years, with options including advertising-subsidized video services, top executives said on Wednesday.
Viacom Inc., which runs MTV and Comedy Central, is working with major operators, and plans to play a major role in the first trials of mobile ads in the next year.
Sprint Nextel Corp., the No. 3 U.S. mobile provider, is keen to offer subsidized wireless videos and local ads to cellphones.

Posted by Judith — 4:12 AM

WiMAX seen dominating fixed broadband wireless market.

Source: WiMAX will quickly dominate the fixed broadband wireless market, but its success in the mobile arena will be slower and more difficult to achieve, according to a new report. Despite this, 802.16e — the version of WiMAX that supports mobile…

WiMAX will quickly dominate the fixed broadband wireless market, but its success in the mobile arena will be slower and more difficult to achieve, according to a new report.
Despite this, 802.16e — the version of WiMAX that supports mobile access — will be the clear winner over 802.16-2004, which only supports fixed services. Its superior performance meets the requirements of both fixed and mobile service providers and creates the economies of scale needed to drive equipment prices down.
However, mobile operators with 3G networks will not be the first to adopt WiMAX, according to Monica Paolini, author of the report. “New and established service providers that are eager to enter the mobility and portability market, but do not have cellular spectrum, will drive WiMAX adoption,” she said.

Posted by Judith — 4:09 AM

Call centres face fines of ｣50,000 for ‘silent’ calls.

Source: Call centres that stalk the public with annoying “silent” calls face fines of up to ｣50,000 (US$87,500) a time under rules unveiled yesterday. Ofcom, the telecoms watchdog, estimates that of every 100 such calls, the first 20 who answer speak…

Call centres that stalk the public with annoying “silent” calls face fines of up to ｣50,000 (US$87,500) a time under rules unveiled yesterday.
Ofcom, the telecoms watchdog, estimates that of every 100 such calls, the first 20 who answer speak to a person in a call centre, the other 80 get silence.

Posted by Judith — 4:07 AM

Avaya, Samsung partner around IP.

Source: Communications industry players Avaya and Samsung Electronics announced a new partnership through which they will design, build and market services for enterprise customers based around Internet Protocol technologies. Under the terms of the tie-up, classified by the firms as a…

Communications industry players Avaya and Samsung Electronics announced a new partnership through which they will design, build and market services for enterprise customers based around Internet Protocol technologies.
Under the terms of the tie-up, classified by the firms as a strategic alliance, the companies will collaborate for both product development and eventual sales of a new package of IP-based phone services that will eventually include both wireless and landline applications.

Posted by Judith — 4:53 AM

Cisco acquires Scientific Atlanta, lays out vision for IP TV.

Source: Cisco Systems outlined its vision for Scientific Atlanta a day after its mega-acquisition closed, but product integration roadmaps won’t follow for another couple of months. In one of its largest acquisitions to date, Cisco is going after service providers who…

Cisco Systems outlined its vision for Scientific Atlanta a day after its mega-acquisition closed, but product integration roadmaps won’t follow for another couple of months.
In one of its largest acquisitions to date, Cisco is going after service providers who are ultimately building next-generation applications for the consumer market.

Posted by Judith — 4:47 AM

Sonus Wins at Japan Telecom.

Source: Analysts say Sonus Networks Inc.’s most recent deal with Softbank subsidiary Japan Telecom Co. Ltd. could net the vendor as much as $10 million in revenues over the next several months. The deal, announced on Tuesday, specifies that Sonus will…

Analysts say Sonus Networks Inc.’s most recent deal with Softbank subsidiary Japan Telecom Co. Ltd. could net the vendor as much as $10 million in revenues over the next several months.
The deal, announced on Tuesday, specifies that Sonus will provide the VOIP equipment that will power Japan Telecom’s new voice-over-broadband service.
The carrier and the vendor have, over the past year, built a VOIP service capable of handling a million Japanese subscribers over broadband connections.

Posted by Judith — 4:41 AM

UK broadband market passes ten million subscribers mark.

Source: UK telecoms watchdog Ofcom says that the number of broadband users in the country now exceeds ten million. In its latest communications market review Ofcom said there were 9.792 million broadband connections in the UK at the end of 2005,…

UK telecoms watchdog Ofcom says that the number of broadband users in the country now exceeds ten million. In its latest communications market review Ofcom said there were 9.792 million broadband connections in the UK at the end of 2005, with 70,000 new users being added each week.

Posted by Judith — 4:37 AM

Worldwide mobile sales up by 21% .

Source: Worldwide mobile phone sales totalled 816.6 million during 2005, up 21 per cent from 2004, according to research firm Gartner. Gartner says in its most recent report that the leading six mobile vendors increased their share of the market at…

Worldwide mobile phone sales totalled 816.6 million during 2005, up 21 per cent from 2004, according to research firm Gartner.
Gartner says in its most recent report that the leading six mobile vendors increased their share of the market at the detriment of smaller vendors. Nokia retained top spot with nearly twice the market share of its nearest competitor, Motorola.

Posted by Judith — 4:26 AM