Press Clippings: April 2006

Major Industry items you might have missed

Saturday, April 29, 2006

EDS lands US$1.7bn. IT contract at Kraft Foods.

Source: EDS and Kraft Foods said on Friday that EDS would support Kraft’s global IT operations with a seven-year contract valued at US$1.7bn. About 670 Kraft IT employees will move to EDS as a result of the agreement. The agreement calls…

EDS and Kraft Foods said on Friday that EDS would support Kraft’s global IT operations with a seven-year contract valued at US$1.7bn.
About 670 Kraft IT employees will move to EDS as a result of the agreement. The agreement calls for EDS to provide services for Kraft data centers, IT hosting, telecommunications and workplace support services.
EDS said Dell, Microsoft, Cisco and EMC will also collaborate on the contract as partners in the EDS Agility Alliance.

Posted by Judith — 5:48 AM


Microsoft’s EU appeal case ends.

Source: The week-long anti-competition hearing involving Microsoft and the European Commission has finished - with neither side willing to predict the outcome. The Court of First Instance may not deliver a verdict until early 2007….

The week-long anti-competition hearing involving Microsoft and the European Commission has finished - with neither side willing to predict the outcome.
The Court of First Instance may not deliver a verdict until early 2007.

Posted by Judith — 5:35 AM


Boingo partners with Chunghwa Telecom.

Source: Boingo Wireless signed a roaming agreement with Chunghwa Telecom, the incumbent telecom operator in Taiwan. The partnership expands the worldwide Boingo Roaming System by nearly 900 hot spots. Boingo now provides access to over 30,000 locations from more than 130…

Boingo Wireless signed a roaming agreement with Chunghwa Telecom, the incumbent telecom operator in Taiwan. The partnership expands the worldwide Boingo Roaming System by nearly 900 hot spots. Boingo now provides access to over 30,000 locations from more than 130 leading Wi-Fi operators into one worldwide network.

Posted by Judith — 5:32 AM


BT buys online retailer Dabs.com.

Source: Telecoms giant BT has bought online electronic products retailer Dabs.com for an estimated 」30m. With around 75,000 customers a week, Dabs.com specialises in computer related goods, but also sells other items such as LCD TVs and Apple iPods. BT said…

Telecoms giant BT has bought online electronic products retailer Dabs.com for an estimated 」30m.
With around 75,000 customers a week, Dabs.com specialises in computer related goods, but also sells other items such as LCD TVs and Apple iPods.
BT said the purchase would enable it to increase its online sales of computer and other digital products to both consumers and businesses.

Posted by Judith — 5:02 AM

Friday, April 28, 2006

Bell wins IP contract from TD Bank

Source: Bell Canada has won a seven-year contract from Toronto-Dominion Bank to convert its call centres to an outsourced Internet protocol (IP) system. The company wouldn’t disclose the value of the contract, which will cover more than 6,300 call centre agents…

Bell Canada has won a seven-year contract from Toronto-Dominion Bank to convert its call centres to an outsourced Internet protocol (IP) system. The company wouldn’t disclose the value of the contract, which will cover more than 6,300 call centre agents in 94 locations. Bell is partnering with communications equipment maker Cisco Systems Inc. and International Business Machines Corp. on the project.

Posted by Penny — 10:42 AM


Californian agency OKs broadband-over-power-lines test.

Source: The California Public Utilities Commission has approved a plan allowing providers of high-speed Internet services to test electricity lines to deliver online access throughout the state. The CPUC commissioner said broadband over power lines, or BPL, could become a new…

The California Public Utilities Commission has approved a plan allowing providers of high-speed Internet services to test electricity lines to deliver online access throughout the state.
The CPUC commissioner said broadband over power lines, or BPL, could become a new competitor to Internet services delivered via telephone, cable and satellites and help reduce prices for consumers.
BPL uses existing utility lines delivering power to neighbourhoods to carry broadband signals into homes.
It has been touted by equipment makers and regulators as a possible competitor to cable and telecommunications services, which handle almost all of the roughly 40 million U.S. residential broadband connections.

Posted by Judith — 6:44 AM


A Cellphone in park, even more powerful.

Source: For many, cellphones have come to be a necessity. Despite the phenomenal growth of cellphones, few consumers who have one are ready to give up the better reception of their landlines. But now a handful of companies are marketing household…

For many, cellphones have come to be a necessity. Despite the phenomenal growth of cellphones, few consumers who have one are ready to give up the better reception of their landlines.
But now a handful of companies are marketing household devices that they believe meld the best of both worlds: the convenience, calling features and free minutes of a cellphone with the reliability and ease of use of a landline.
Connect a cellphone to the device — with a docking station or in some cases wirelessly — and all of its incoming calls now ring through to a cordless landline phone often included as part of the package.

Posted by Judith — 6:39 AM


Net Neutrality bid gone for good.

Source: The final attempt this session to give the United States regulator more discretion over the deployment, and potential abuse of broadband, has failed. A “net neutrality” amendment to the telecommunications reform bill failed to pass the House Energy and Commerce…

The final attempt this session to give the United States regulator more discretion over the deployment, and potential abuse of broadband, has failed.
A “net neutrality” amendment to the telecommunications reform bill failed to pass the House Energy and Commerce committee by 34 votes to 22 yesterday.

Posted by Judith — 6:13 AM


Nokia and Visa wave goodbye to plastic and launch handset payment pilot.

Source: TeleGeography. Payment company Visa International and the world’s largest mobile handset manufacturer Nokia have launched a mobile phone credit card payment pilot system in Malaysia, allowing consumers to shop and pay using their mobile phones. The ‘Mobile Visa Wave Payment…

TeleGeography.
Payment company Visa International and the world’s largest mobile handset manufacturer Nokia have launched a mobile phone credit card payment pilot system in Malaysia, allowing consumers to shop and pay using their mobile phones. The ‘Mobile Visa Wave Payment Pilot’ claims to be the first system of its kind in the world.
The pilot will last for four months, with 200 cardholders in Malaysia being given a specially designed Nokia phone that can be used to make payments in more than 2,500 outlets nationwide.

Posted by Judith — 5:45 AM


Cesky says Eurotel merger will take place in July.

Source: Cesky Telecom have confirmed the company痴 proposed merger with its mobile arm Eurotel Prague will be completed in July. The new entity will be known as Telefica O2 Czech Republic and will trade under the brand name O2. The merger…

Cesky Telecom have confirmed the company痴 proposed merger with its mobile arm Eurotel Prague will be completed in July. The new entity will be known as Telefica O2 Czech Republic and will trade under the brand name O2. The merger plan comes amid increasing competition in the converging Czech telecoms market.

Posted by Judith — 5:39 AM


Skype registers 100 million users.

Source: US-owned VoIP provider Skype has reached more than 100 million registered users in a period of two and a half years. Skype’s user base nearly doubled in size from September 2005 when it had 54 million registered users….

US-owned VoIP provider Skype has reached more than 100 million registered users in a period of two and a half years. Skype’s user base nearly doubled in size from September 2005 when it had 54 million registered users.

Posted by Judith — 5:34 AM


Bell expands 3G network.

Source: Canada痴 second largest cellco Bell Mobility has expanded its 3G CDMA2000 1xEV-DO network to cover Ottawa, Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville, alongside a new roaming agreement with Aliant to provide its users with EV-DO services in Halifax. Bell痴 3G footprint already…

Canada痴 second largest cellco Bell Mobility has expanded its 3G CDMA2000 1xEV-DO network to cover Ottawa, Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville, alongside a new roaming agreement with Aliant to provide its users with EV-DO services in Halifax. Bell痴 3G footprint already covered Vancouver, Whistler, Calgary, Edmonton, Brandon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Quebec City, Mont Tremblant and Montreal.

Posted by Judith — 5:27 AM


Disney Mobile expanding into U.K. market.

Source: The Walt Disney Internet Group is teaming up with United Kingdom mobile network operator O2 plc to offer a Disney Mobile-branded mobile-phone service later this year in the U.K. While Disney Mobile is one of several next-generation mobile virtual network…

The Walt Disney Internet Group is teaming up with United Kingdom mobile network operator O2 plc to offer a Disney Mobile-branded mobile-phone service later this year in the U.K.
While Disney Mobile is one of several next-generation mobile virtual network operators to begin offering service in the U.S., it is the first of the U.S.-based MVNOs to announce plans to expand its reach into overseas markets.

Posted by Judith — 5:15 AM

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Ericsson to supply TelstraClear network

Source: The Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand (REANNZ) has commissioned TelstraClear to build a network connecting the country’s research institutions and partners in over 40 countries. Ericsson said under the TelstraClear contract, it would supply switches for the 10…

The Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand (REANNZ) has commissioned TelstraClear to build a network connecting the country’s research institutions and partners in over 40 countries.
Ericsson said under the TelstraClear contract, it would supply switches for the 10 Gb network, as well as support services.

Posted by Penny — 11:27 AM


Cisco, Motorola Abandon Wi-Fi/Cellular Venture .

Source: A cellular/WiFi roaming technology partnership between Cisco Systems Inc. and Motorola has gone the way of the dodo. And the culprit could be carrier reluctance to buy in to some vendor fixed/mobile convergence ideas….

A cellular/WiFi roaming technology partnership between Cisco Systems Inc. and Motorola has gone the way of the dodo. And the culprit could be carrier reluctance to buy in to some vendor fixed/mobile convergence ideas.

Posted by Penny — 11:13 AM


India, China closing digital gap.

Source: The digital divide is narrowing as citizens in emerging markets get online via computers and mobile phones, with some regions now on a par with developed nations. Encouraging is the apparent narrowing of the digital divide, said the annual study…

The digital divide is narrowing as citizens in emerging markets get online via computers and mobile phones, with some regions now on a par with developed nations.
Encouraging is the apparent narrowing of the digital divide, said the annual study published by U.S. computer company International Business Machines Corp. and The Economist.
This is particularly evident in basic connectivity: emerging markets are providing the vast majority of the world’s new phone and Internet connections, the study found.
Within China and India, regions such as Shanghai and Bangalore have almost the same level of Internet and mobile phone connections as developed nations.

Posted by Judith — 8:50 AM


New Arab search engine to challenge Google.

Source: A Saudi-German plan to launch a dedicated Arabic language search engine for the Web could revolutionize the moribund Arabic Internet market, a senior official in the project said. Sawafi, planned for the last quarter of 2006, could also set a…

A Saudi-German plan to launch a dedicated Arabic language search engine for the Web could revolutionize the moribund Arabic Internet market, a senior official in the project said.
Sawafi, planned for the last quarter of 2006, could also set a tough challenge for international search giants such as Google, MSN and Yahoo, which offer a basic Arabic search facility at present.

Posted by Judith — 8:48 AM


Insight into UK’s digital habits.

Source: Internet take-up and use is now higher in rural areas of the UK than in big cities, according to a survey of regional communication habits. But the study reveals that rural users are often stuck with slow dial-up connections rather…

Internet take-up and use is now higher in rural areas of the UK than in big cities, according to a survey of regional communication habits.
But the study reveals that rural users are often stuck with slow dial-up connections rather than the fast broadband enjoyed in urban areas.
Scotland tops the list of countries most likely to be able to broadband.
The study by communications watchdog, Ofcom, also examined differences in digital TV, radio and mobile phone use.
It found that people in the UK are now more likely to send a text than talk to a person on the phone.

Posted by Judith — 8:46 AM


Microsoft rivals ‘play catch up’.

Source: Microsoft’s rivals are claiming that they have been forced to “play catch up” because the company has limited access to its software. Speaking on the fourth day of the trial, Andrew Tridgell of an open source project Samba, said “we…

Microsoft’s rivals are claiming that they have been forced to “play catch up” because the company has limited access to its software.
Speaking on the fourth day of the trial, Andrew Tridgell of an open source project Samba, said “we are more than 10 years behind.”
The five-day hearing stems from Microsoft’s rejection of a landmark ruling by the EU in 2004
The firm was fined €497m. ($613m; 」344m.) by the European Commission.
It was also ordered to change how it sells its Media Player software.
In its own testimony, Microsoft claimed it was being asked to reveal trade secrets that would dampen innovation.

Posted by Judith — 8:39 AM


Cable & Wireless UK seeks mobile partner.

Source: UK carrier Cable & Wireless today revealed that it is searching for a mobile company to partner with the beleaguered telco in its fixed mobile convergence strategy. Cable & Wireless yesterday became one of 12 companies to be provisionally awarded…

UK carrier Cable & Wireless today revealed that it is searching for a mobile company to partner with the beleaguered telco in its fixed mobile convergence strategy.
Cable & Wireless yesterday became one of 12 companies to be provisionally awarded a license for spectrum in the 1781.7-1785MHz band paired with the 1876.7-1880MHz bands.
The licences are technology neutral and targeted at systems to be managed on a low power basis. Potential applications for these bands include private GSM networks in office buildings or campuses as most mobile phones operate at these frequencies.

Posted by Judith — 8:30 AM


Seagate Introduces 750GB Hard Drive.

Source: Seagate Technology officially brought its perpendicular-recording technology into the desktop drive market, announcing shipments of its first 750-Gbyte Barracuda internal drive….

Seagate Technology officially brought its perpendicular-recording technology into the desktop drive market, announcing shipments of its first 750-Gbyte Barracuda internal drive.

Posted by TC — 7:30 AM


US - FCC Changes Spectrum Bidding Rules.

Source: The FCC has altered bidding rules for spectrum auctions to ensure that larger wireless operators do not benefit from discounts aimed at helping smaller operators… The FCC is planning to auction hundreds of high speed wireless spectrum licences over the…

The FCC has altered bidding rules for spectrum auctions to ensure that larger wireless operators do not benefit from discounts aimed at helping smaller operators… The FCC is planning to auction hundreds of high speed wireless spectrum licences over the coming months…

Posted by TC — 7:01 AM


.

Source: AT&T, Yahoo Jointly Offer PC-based VoIPAT&T Inc. and Yahoo Inc. officially rolled out integrated Internet-based voice services. The offering brings Yahoo Messenger with Voice to AT&T Yahoo high-speed Internet subscribers and Yahoo users in AT&T’s 13-state local service area….

AT&T, Yahoo Jointly Offer PC-based VoIPAT&T Inc. and Yahoo Inc. officially rolled out integrated Internet-based voice services. The offering brings Yahoo Messenger with Voice to AT&T Yahoo high-speed Internet subscribers and Yahoo users in AT&T’s 13-state local service area. Users may use their PCs to place calls to traditional or mobile phones.

Posted by TC — 6:49 AM

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Subex and Azure merge.

Source: Subex Systems Limited has agreed to acquire London-based Azure Solutions for approximately $140 million in a mostly stock deal that the companies are billing as a merger of equals in the fraud management and revenue assurance space… Together the new…

Subex Systems Limited has agreed to acquire London-based Azure Solutions for approximately $140 million in a mostly stock deal that the companies are billing as a merger of equals in the fraud management and revenue assurance space… Together the new company, named Subex Azure Systems Limited, claims it has the top spot in the fraud management and revenue assurance market, and will be second in interconnect and inter-party billing behind Intec.

Posted by TC — 4:55 PM


Cebridge: Quadrangle takes a bigger stake in cable

Source: While sector stocks have shown a mixed performance at best, investment firm Quadrangle Group, which previously invested in Cablevision Systems, still likes the cable business. The company, founded by Wall Street media veteran Steven Rattner in 2000, said Tuesday it…

While sector stocks have shown a mixed performance at best, investment firm Quadrangle Group, which previously invested in Cablevision Systems, still likes the cable business. The company, founded by Wall Street media veteran Steven Rattner in 2000, said Tuesday it has agreed to take a 17% stake and two of 11 board seats for a $150 million investment in privately held cable operator Cebridge Connections Holdings, which is run by former Charter Communications CEO Jerry Kent. Thanks to previously announced deals, Cebridge will soon become one of the top 10 cable companies in the U.S. with approximately 1.4 million subscribers.

Posted by Penny — 10:36 AM


Vonage UK in Wi-Fi deal with The Cloud.

Source: The Register. An agreement between Vonage and UK hot spot operator The Cloud means that Vonage customers who have a Wi-Fi handset will be able to make VoIP calls from any of The Cloud’s 7,000 hotspots. “Vonage users will…


The Register.
An agreement between Vonage and UK hot spot operator The Cloud means that Vonage customers who have a Wi-Fi handset will be able to make VoIP calls from any of The Cloud’s 7,000 hotspots. “Vonage users will access The Cloud’s network via their Wi-Fi phone as soon as they are within range,” the internet telephony firm said today in a statement. “There will be no password or user logon process; users will pick up the Wi-Fi signal strength and be able to make and receive calls immediately…as part of the standard Vonage subscription - there will be no additional charges.”

Posted by TC — 10:00 AM


Annapolis going wireless, and it’s free.

Source: Annapolis is close to becoming the first city in the country to offer free wireless Internet access provided by a private company and paid for entirely by advertising - a model that analysts say could be adopted nationwide….

Annapolis is close to becoming the first city in the country to offer free wireless Internet access provided by a private company and paid for entirely by advertising - a model that analysts say could be adopted nationwide.

Posted by TC — 9:55 AM


Microsoft plans to buy videogame-ad company: report.

Source: Reuters. Microsoft Corp plans to pay $200 million to $400 million for Massive Inc., a privately held company that places ads in videogames, the Wall Street Journal said on Wednesday. The deal to buy the two-year-old start-up highlights the increasing…

Reuters.
Microsoft Corp plans to pay $200 million to $400 million for Massive Inc., a privately held company that places ads in videogames, the Wall Street Journal said on Wednesday.
The deal to buy the two-year-old start-up highlights the increasing importance of advertising in nontraditional media, the report said. It noted Massive’s clients include Coca-Cola Co., Honda Motor Co.

Posted by TC — 9:21 AM


Update to Digital Millenium Copyright Act Proposed.

Source: CNet News. A proposed copyright law seen by CNET News.com would expand the DMCA’s restrictions on software that can bypass copy protections and grant federal police more wiretapping and enforcement powers. Comment: The Inquirer…

CNet News.
A proposed copyright law seen by CNET News.com would expand the DMCA’s restrictions on software that can bypass copy protections and grant federal police more wiretapping and enforcement powers.
Comment: The Inquirer

Posted by TC — 7:43 AM

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Sprint launches SMS-to-landline.

Source: Sprint today launched a new SMS service that allows customers to send a text message to a landline phone. Text-to-speech technology converts the alphanumeric message to a voice recording, which the recipient hears once picking up the receiver….

Sprint today launched a new SMS service that allows customers to send a text message to a landline phone. Text-to-speech technology converts the alphanumeric message to a voice recording, which the recipient hears once picking up the receiver.

Posted by Penny — 4:40 PM


Cingular, DSL boost AT&T beyond expectations.

Source: Cingular’s success continued to drive AT&T’s financial success, but improved data revenues and greater success in the small to mid-sized business market also helped. In its first full-quarter report since SBC acquired AT&T, the company beat analysts’ estimates by four…

Cingular’s success continued to drive AT&T’s financial success, but improved data revenues and greater success in the small to mid-sized business market also helped. In its first full-quarter report since SBC acquired AT&T, the company beat analysts’ estimates by four cents per share with its 52 cents earnings per share. Net income was up to $1.45 billion from $1.32 billion in the previous quarter, based on a combination of SBC-AT&T from a year ago..

Posted by TC — 4:10 PM


Qualcomm issues Nokia licensing warning.

Source: Qualcomm has warned, in a financial filing, that there is no guarantee it will come to agreement with Nokia over its CDMA patents licensing deal, which is due to be renewed in April. It has taken the unusual step of…

Qualcomm has warned, in a financial filing, that there is no guarantee it will come to agreement with Nokia over its CDMA patents licensing deal, which is due to be renewed in April.
It has taken the unusual step of singling out Nokia in the statement as a potential financial risk factor, indicating how strained relations between the two giants have become. Nokia cannot work around the Qualcomm patents, which are fundamental to several of its target growth businesses, notably CDMA and 3G W-CDMA handsets.

Posted by TC — 9:06 AM


Hiwire Plans Dedicated Spectrum Mobile TV DVB-H Offering.

Source: Hiwire, a newly minted subsidiary of Aloha Partners L.P., is planning to join competitors MediaFlo and Modeo L.L.C. in offering mobile TV using dedicated spectrum. Aloha Partners … claims to be the nation’s largest 700 MHz spectrum holder with an…

Hiwire, a newly minted subsidiary of Aloha Partners L.P., is planning to join competitors MediaFlo and Modeo L.L.C. in offering mobile TV using dedicated spectrum. Aloha Partners … claims to be the nation’s largest 700 MHz spectrum holder with an average of 12 megahertz of spectrum covering 60 percent of the U.S., including holdings in the top 10 markets and 84 percent of the population in the top 40 markets. Hiwire is testing Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld (DVB-H) technology in Las Vegas, and plans to roll it out commercially later this year. Hiwire is set to compete with Qualcomm Inc.’s MediaFlo service and Crown Castle International Corp. subsidiary Modeo, each of which is planning to build out dedicated mobile TV networks.

Posted by TC — 8:57 AM


CTIA dismisses intercarrier compensation reform plan.

Source: CTIA dismissed plans to reform the way carriers pay each other to carry traffic because the plan was basically wireline centric, said Paul Garnett, CTIA assistant vice president of regulatory affairs. However, the wireless trade association plans to continue participating…

CTIA dismissed plans to reform the way carriers pay each other to carry traffic because the plan was basically wireline centric, said Paul Garnett, CTIA assistant vice president of regulatory affairs. However, the wireless trade association plans to continue participating in the process to reform intercarrier compensation. The plan, known as the Missoula Plan because negotiations began 18 months ago in that Montana town, was of no benefit to wireless, said George Reed-Dellinger of Washington Analysis, a policy research firm aimed at Wall Street.

Posted by TC — 8:52 AM


Microsoft extends “Genuine Advantage” antipiracy tool to Office.

Source: Microsoft officials said on April 24 that the company is introducting “Office Genuine Advantage,” a program that will operate almost identically to WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage). Microsoft is piloting OGA in seven languages, initially: Brazilian Portuguese, Czech, Greek, Korean, Simplified…

Microsoft officials said on April 24 that the company is introducting “Office Genuine Advantage,” a program that will operate almost identically to WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage). Microsoft is piloting OGA in seven languages, initially: Brazilian Portuguese, Czech, Greek, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Russian and Spanish.

Posted by TC — 8:45 AM

Monday, April 24, 2006

XO Launches Wireless Interconnect Service.

Source: XO, which is majority-owned by billionaire financier Carl Icahn, said its Nextlink service provides cellphone operators with wireless links to complete phone calls between their cellular broadcast towers and wired networks at a “significantly” lower cost than landline-based systems…..

XO, which is majority-owned by billionaire financier Carl Icahn, said its Nextlink service provides cellphone operators with wireless links to complete phone calls between their cellular broadcast towers and wired networks at a “significantly” lower cost than landline-based systems..

Posted by TC — 7:59 PM


McNealy Steps Down at Sun Microsystems.

Source: Scott McNealy has confirmed recent rumours by stepping down as chief executive. McNealy made a low-key departure, only mentioning his exit at the end of an earnings announcement. He will be replaced by Jonathan Schwartz, the company痴 president….

Scott McNealy has confirmed recent rumours by stepping down as chief executive.
McNealy made a low-key departure, only mentioning his exit at the end of an earnings announcement. He will be replaced by Jonathan Schwartz, the company痴 president.

Posted by TC — 7:39 PM


Universal and Microsoft collaborate on HD-DVD.

Source: Microsoft Digs Its Teeth Into Entertainment Among this week’s key announcements: Universal Pictures and Microsoft said they have collaborated on creating high-definition DVD discs using VC-1, the video compression standard recently approved by an entertainment industry trade group. ….

Microsoft Digs Its Teeth Into Entertainment
Among this week’s key announcements: Universal Pictures and Microsoft said they have collaborated on creating high-definition DVD discs using VC-1, the video compression standard recently approved by an entertainment industry trade group. .

Posted by TC — 7:35 PM


eBay launches on-line store

Source: . On-line auctioneer eBay launched eBay Express, an on-line store to sell new items ranging from cookware and books to electronics — all with no bidding involved….

.

On-line auctioneer eBay launched eBay Express, an on-line store to sell new items ranging from cookware and books to electronics — all with no bidding involved.

Posted by TC — 7:31 PM


Broadcom ships 802.11 chips.

Source: Broadcom has named some of the companies to whom it has shipped production quantities of its draft-802.11n standard compliant Wi-Fi chips. They include Buffalo Technologies, Netgear, and US Robotics….

Broadcom has named some of the companies to whom it has shipped production quantities of its draft-802.11n standard compliant Wi-Fi chips. They include Buffalo Technologies, Netgear, and US Robotics.

Posted by TC — 7:23 PM


St. Cloud free WiFi service still a “work in progress”.

Source: All technology has its hiccups, and sometimes more than hiccups, St. Cloud Mayor Donna Hart said. “I think that it’s going to be a major challenge, and it’ll probably be a major challenge for some time until the technology is…

All technology has its hiccups, and sometimes more than hiccups, St. Cloud Mayor Donna Hart said. “I think that it’s going to be a major challenge, and it’ll probably be a major challenge for some time until the technology is such that it works properly.”.

Posted by TC — 7:15 PM

Friday, April 21, 2006

Earthlink and Linksys announce VoIP solution.

Source: EarthLink and Linksys today announced a co-marketed Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) hardware and service solution that gives broadband customers everything they need to make phone calls over the Internet….

EarthLink and Linksys today announced a co-marketed Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) hardware and service solution that gives broadband customers everything they need to make phone calls over the Internet.

Posted by TC — 6:27 PM


Microsoft Plans On-line Storage Service.

Source: Fox News. Microsoft’s MSN team is working on a new Windows Live service, code-named Live Drive, that will provide users with a virtual hard drive for storing hosted personal data. Microsoft archrival Google is developing similar technology, code-named Gdrive, according…

Fox News.
Microsoft’s MSN team is working on a new Windows Live service, code-named Live Drive, that will provide users with a virtual hard drive for storing hosted personal data. Microsoft archrival Google is developing similar technology, code-named Gdrive, according to information Google accidentally shared with analysts in early March.

Posted by TC — 9:57 AM


Philips Patent to Prevent Channel Surfing.

Source: Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV, one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of television sets, is facing a backlash from irate consumers over technology it has invented that prevents viewers from channel surfing during commercial breaks… Philips has applied for a U.S….

Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV, one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of television sets, is facing a backlash from irate consumers over technology it has invented that prevents viewers from channel surfing during commercial breaks… Philips has applied for a U.S. patent on technology that lets broadcasters lock channels during commercial interludes of certain programs.

Posted by TC — 9:49 AM


Alcatel selected for Tokyo WiMax trial.

Source: Alcatel has been selected by ACCA Networks, one of Japan痴 largest DSL and Optical Fiber Access service providers with over a million subscribers, to launch a Mobile WiMAX trial in the Tokyo area. Alcatel’s Evolium WiMAX radio solution, available in…

Alcatel has been selected by ACCA Networks, one of Japan痴 largest DSL and Optical Fiber Access service providers with over a million subscribers, to launch a Mobile WiMAX trial in the Tokyo area. Alcatel’s Evolium WiMAX radio solution, available in mid-2006, will be used.

Posted by TC — 9:45 AM

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Yuma goes Muni Mesh Wireless

Source: The City of Yuma, AZ, has selected MobilePro to build a municipal mesh wireless network serving residents, businesses and visitors….

The City of Yuma, AZ, has selected MobilePro to build a municipal mesh wireless network serving residents, businesses and visitors.

Posted by TC — 9:39 PM


Minnesota Open Data Legislation - Details Disclosed.

Source: Legislation calling for open data formats is gathering support in Minnesota. Passage could require proprietary software providers including Microsoft and Adobe to adhere to state-mandated documents standards. In the meantime, additional details on the proposed legislation have been disclosed….

Legislation calling for open data formats is gathering support in Minnesota. Passage could require proprietary software providers including Microsoft and Adobe to adhere to state-mandated documents standards. In the meantime, additional details on the proposed legislation have been disclosed.

Posted by TC — 4:51 PM


AMD, HP, IBM and Sun form “Green Grid” .

Source: CNET News.com Technology companies AMD, HP, IBM and Sun have formed an association - Green Grid - to drive standards and share best practices with the aim of reducing power consumption in data centers….

CNET News.com
Technology companies AMD, HP, IBM and Sun have formed an association - Green Grid - to drive standards and share best practices with the aim of reducing power consumption in data centers.

Posted by TC — 9:02 AM


Cisco invests in Widevine.

Source: DRM specialist Widevine Technologies Inc. scored a triple whammy today — it raised US$16m. and in doing so received a vote of confidence from a major infrastructure firm, Cisco Systems Inc. and from a telecom operator with IPTV aspirations, Telus…

DRM specialist Widevine Technologies Inc. scored a triple whammy today — it raised US$16m. and in doing so received a vote of confidence from a major infrastructure firm, Cisco Systems Inc. and from a telecom operator with IPTV aspirations, Telus Corp., both of whom contributed to the investment round.
It says it will use the funds to expand further its sales and marketing capabilities in Europe, Asia/Pacific, and Latin America, and invest further in its core technology and intellectual property.
Widevine has emerged as one of the key independent suppliers of DRM technology to telecom and cable operators, which need to ensure their content partners that content delivered over their networks is secure, traceable and billable.

Posted by Judith — 4:43 AM


Microsoft pioneers image-based web search.

Source: Microsoft is researching a technology that would allow users to perform a web search using an image snapped on a camera phone. According to a Microsoft employee’s blog posting, the Photo2Search technology gives users a way to search a web-based…

Microsoft is researching a technology that would allow users to perform a web search using an image snapped on a camera phone.
According to a Microsoft employee’s blog posting, the Photo2Search technology gives users a way to search a web-based database by using nothing more than an image captured by a phone.

Posted by Judith — 4:10 AM


Digiweb(Ireland)profits double on broadband growth.

Source: Irish Internet Service Provider Digiweb posted gross profits of €2.7m. in 2005, double the figure reported the previous year. Revenues climbed from €2m. to €5.6m. driven by a rapid uptake in broadband subscriptions, particularly for its Metro product. Digiweb plans…

Irish Internet Service Provider Digiweb posted gross profits of €2.7m. in 2005, double the figure reported the previous year. Revenues climbed from €2m. to €5.6m. driven by a rapid uptake in broadband subscriptions, particularly for its Metro product. Digiweb plans to expand Metro’s coverage to a further 20 locations in Ireland in 2006, as well as expanding to a number of locations elsewhere in Europe. It also hopes to enter the mobile data arena later in the year.

Posted by Judith — 3:38 AM

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

FCC Gets Tough on E-911 Delay.

Source: The Federal Communications Commission has proposed fining rural wireless provider Dobson Communications for not providing enhanced 911 services in a timely manner. According to the FCC, Dobson failed to deploy E-911 Phase I to nine public-safety answering points and Phase…

The Federal Communications Commission has proposed fining rural wireless provider Dobson Communications for not providing enhanced 911 services in a timely manner. According to the FCC, Dobson failed to deploy E-911 Phase I to nine public-safety answering points and Phase II to 41 PSAPs.

Posted by TC — 6:29 PM


Nokia expands presence in China.

Source: Nokia Corp. announced plans to bolster its research and development operations in China, adding wireless network product development to its center in Chengdu in order to be more responsive to customer needs as they emerge in the market. “The Chinese…

Nokia Corp. announced plans to bolster its research and development operations in China, adding wireless network product development to its center in Chengdu in order to be more responsive to customer needs as they emerge in the market.
“The Chinese mobile market is seeing tremendous growth and digital convergence is coming to the mobile mass market in China,” explained the head of Nokia’s Chengdu R&D Center. “We aim to develop Nokia Chengdu R&D Center into one of the major R&D centers for Nokia core networks, developing products for mobile and convergence communications for the global markets.”

Posted by Judith — 4:10 AM


Amdocs to acquire Qpass for US$275M.

Source: Software developer and billing platform provider Amdocs Ltd. plans to enter the digital transaction space with a US$275 million buyout of Seattle-based Qpass Inc. Qpass’ technology facilitates content sourcing, merchandising, delivery and billing across mobile, VoIP and Wi-Fi networks. Amdocs…

Software developer and billing platform provider Amdocs Ltd. plans to enter the digital transaction space with a US$275 million buyout of Seattle-based Qpass Inc.
Qpass’ technology facilitates content sourcing, merchandising, delivery and billing across mobile, VoIP and Wi-Fi networks. Amdocs said the all-cash deal, which has been the subject of rumours for several weeks, will allow its customers to create additional sources of revenue by selling digital goods across platforms and networks.

Posted by Judith — 4:07 AM


New blow for Microsoft in EU row.

Source: Microsoft has lost the latest round of its battle against sanctions in Europe. A US judge quashed the firm’s demands that rival Novell hand over documents it presented to the European Commission for use in an anti-trust case. The judge…

Microsoft has lost the latest round of its battle against sanctions in Europe.
A US judge quashed the firm’s demands that rival Novell hand over documents it presented to the European Commission for use in an anti-trust case.
The judge in the case said he had turned down the request as Microsoft was trying to “circumvent and undermine” European law.
Microsoft is fighting an EU ruling that could trigger fines of up to €2m.(US$2.4m; 」1.4m) a day.

Posted by Judith — 4:01 AM


Firms worry about EU broadcasting rules.

Source: Media and technology companies are warning that proposed European Union broadcasting rules would restrict the growth of emerging media formats such as video broadcasts on the Internet and mobile phones. An alliance of British companies, including ITV, BT Group, and…

Media and technology companies are warning that proposed European Union broadcasting rules would restrict the growth of emerging media formats such as video broadcasts on the Internet and mobile phones.
An alliance of British companies, including ITV, BT Group, and Vodafone Group, and the UK subsidiaries of Yahoo, Intel, and Cisco Systems , said a European Commission proposal to impose rules for traditional broadcasters on new media providers could have “unintended consequences” and hurt investment.
The European Commission wants to create a level playing field by making TV and TV-like services, such as broadcasts over high speed broadband and third-generation mobile phones, follow the same set of rules.
The EU proposal could ultimately mean less investment for an area that has enormous growth potential, leading to fewer companies, less innovation and higher prices, the group said in a statement.

Posted by Judith — 4:01 AM


Indian carriers seen inviting bids for contracts worth US$15bn.

Source: Indian Telecom service operators such as Bharti, Hutch, Idea, Reliance Info and MTNL are going to place orders for 150 million to 180 million additional lines, worth upwards of US$15bn. over the next 12 months, according to industry sources. To…

Indian Telecom service operators such as Bharti, Hutch, Idea, Reliance Info and MTNL are going to place orders for 150 million to 180 million additional lines, worth upwards of US$15bn. over the next 12 months, according to industry sources.
To cash in on the world’s biggest telecom boom, global majors such as Ericsson, Nortel, Siemens, Motorola and Alcatel have sent dozens of specialist negotiators to their India offices.

Posted by Judith — 3:33 AM

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Ofcom puts new mobile licences on the block.

Source: Six years after the frenzied bidding for licences to operate 3G mobile phone services, Britain痴 telecoms companies will return to the auction table this week. Although the auction will not be on the scale of the 2000 extravaganza, which was…

Six years after the frenzied bidding for licences to operate 3G mobile phone services, Britain痴 telecoms companies will return to the auction table this week.
Although the auction will not be on the scale of the 2000 extravaganza, which was at the height of the dot-com boom, it marks the first such airwave sell-off by Ofcom since it took charge as the telecoms and media regulator.
It will also begin a series of spectrum sell-offs by the telecoms watchdog of a total of more than 400 megahertz of prime spectrum.

Posted by Judith — 4:41 AM


UMA services near reality.

Source: If carrier requests for proposals (RFPs) are any indication, several U.S. and European wireless carriers plan to deploy WiFi/cellular roaming services based on the UMA specification. Initiated in January 2004, UMA was the brainchild of 14 carriers and hardware makers…

If carrier requests for proposals (RFPs) are any indication, several U.S. and European wireless carriers plan to deploy WiFi/cellular roaming services based on the UMA specification.
Initiated in January 2004, UMA was the brainchild of 14 carriers and hardware makers that wanted to extend GSM/GPRS voice and data services to unlicensed spectrum — including both Bluetooth and WiFi.
In terms of its ability to offer dual-mode roaming, UMA is considered a predecessor to using IMS technology to tie together cellular networks with unlicensed data systems such as WiFi.
In the last six months, “we’ve responded to more than 10, probably closer to 15, UMA-specific RFPs from carriers,” says the director of marketing at Kineto Wireless, which makes both core equipment and handset components for the UMA spec.

Posted by Judith — 4:03 AM


FT loses close to a million fixed line subs.

Source: According to the latest figures published by the French telecoms regulator Arcep, almost a million French householders have cancelled their subscription with incumbent FT in favour of an alternative service provider. As of 31 March this year, 950,000 customers had…

According to the latest figures published by the French telecoms regulator Arcep, almost a million French householders have cancelled their subscription with incumbent FT in favour of an alternative service provider. As of 31 March this year, 950,000 customers had taken advantage of full LLU to switch from the former monopoly, while a further 2.2 million people had partially unbundled lines. Full LLU lines now account for 30% of total unbundled lines, up from 7% just a year ago. In addition, Arcep reports that 54% of installed lines are now capable of being unbundled.

Posted by Judith — 3:44 AM

Monday, April 17, 2006

Motorola eyes Siemens’ telecoms unit.

Source: Motorola Inc. is interested in Siemens’ loss-making telecoms unit Com, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reported. In an advance copy of its Sunday edition, the paper said one option in the talks between Siemens and Motorola was the complete takeover of…

Motorola Inc. is interested in Siemens’ loss-making telecoms unit Com, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reported.
In an advance copy of its Sunday edition, the paper said one option in the talks between Siemens and Motorola was the complete takeover of Siemens Com — its biggest unit — that had sales of €13bn. (US$16bn.) and 55,000 employees.
Mobile networks is the most successful part of Siemens Com, which also makes equipment for fixed-line telecoms companies.

Posted by Judith — 5:19 AM


Fife firm at the heart of Vodafone’s revolutionary phone vending plans.

Source: A Fife-based business is to provide the technology behind the first mobile phone-dispensing vending machines, which Vodafone plans to introduce across the UK later this year. Ingenico UK will provide the chip and PIN power for the “QuickPhone kiosk”, which…

A Fife-based business is to provide the technology behind the first mobile phone-dispensing vending machines, which Vodafone plans to introduce across the UK later this year.
Ingenico UK will provide the chip and PIN power for the “QuickPhone kiosk”, which will dispense a pay-as-you-talk phone, costing 」30, and a Sim pack(」5).

Posted by Judith — 4:56 AM

Saturday, April 15, 2006

Eircom receives €2.36bn.(US$2.6bn.) takeover offer.

Source: Australian venture capital company Babcock & Brown has issued a €2.36bn.(US$2.6bn.) takeover offer to Irish telco Eircom. The offer comes as no surprise, as B&B has been gradually building its stake, now 28.8 per cent, in Eircom over the past…

Australian venture capital company Babcock & Brown has issued a €2.36bn.(US$2.6bn.) takeover offer to Irish telco Eircom.
The offer comes as no surprise, as B&B has been gradually building its stake, now 28.8 per cent, in Eircom over the past few months. B&B has partnered with Eircom’s employee share ownership trust, effectively giving it a 50.6 per cent stake.

Posted by Judith — 5:02 AM


Cell phones ready to start dialing for dollars.

Source: There is now a new payment alternative for buying CDs, DVDs and other such entertainment pleasures — your cell phone. Online payment specialist PayPal, a unit of Internet auction giant eBay, has introduced PayPal Mobile to North America. The wireless…

There is now a new payment alternative for buying CDs, DVDs and other such entertainment pleasures — your cell phone.
Online payment specialist PayPal, a unit of Internet auction giant eBay, has introduced PayPal Mobile to North America. The wireless version of its service enables users to buy goods and exchange money using their phones. Transactions are conducted by secure text message.

Posted by Judith — 4:55 AM


Internet agency considers ‘.tel’ domain name.

Source: Reaching out and touching someone used to be as simple as dialing a string of numbers. But now there are home, cell and work phone numbers from which to choose, as well as e-mail addresses. To help people manage all…

Reaching out and touching someone used to be as simple as dialing a string of numbers.
But now there are home, cell and work phone numbers from which to choose, as well as e-mail addresses.
To help people manage all their contact information online, the Internet’s key oversight agency is considering a “.tel” domain name. If approved, the domain could be available this year.
As proposed, individuals could use a “.tel” Web site to provide the latest contact information and perhaps even let friends initiate a call or send a text message directly from the site. Businesses could use a “.tel” site to determine customers’ locations and route them automatically to the correct call center.

Posted by Judith — 4:49 AM

Friday, April 14, 2006

Belgacom looking to buy Vodafone out of mobile venture.

Source: Belgian incumbent Belgacom is looking to buy out Vodafone Group痴 stake in its mobile phone subsidiary Belgacom Mobile. Belgacom shares have jumped in recent weeks on the prospect of a buy out of Vodafone’s 25% stake in Belgacom Mobile, which…

Belgian incumbent Belgacom is looking to buy out Vodafone Group痴 stake in its mobile phone subsidiary Belgacom Mobile. Belgacom shares have jumped in recent weeks on the prospect of a buy out of Vodafone’s 25% stake in Belgacom Mobile, which offers services under the brand name Proximus. Belgacom Mobile is the country痴 largest mobile operator by far, with a 46% share of the 9.2 million subscribers in the country at the end of 2005.

Posted by Judith — 5:23 AM


Virginia governor signs wireless flat-tax legislation.

Source: Virginia Governor signed into law landmark legislation creating the nation痴 first flat tax on wireless and other communications services in the state. The legislation caps the communications tax at 5 percent. The mobile-phone industry, facing what it considers discriminatory state…

Virginia Governor signed into law landmark legislation creating the nation痴 first flat tax on wireless and other communications services in the state.
The legislation caps the communications tax at 5 percent. The mobile-phone industry, facing what it considers discriminatory state and local taxes throughout the nation, supports the flat-tax approach.

Posted by Judith — 5:19 AM


Wireless carriers seen continuing to spend on backhaul technologies.

Source: Wireless network operators of all types are increasing their spending on technology to improve the backhaul connections that link their base stations to their core networks, and this trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, according to a…

Wireless network operators of all types are increasing their spending on technology to improve the backhaul connections that link their base stations to their core networks, and this trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, according to a new report from Heavy Reading.
The market research company also said mobile operators are seriously considering implementing cost-reduction technologies in the backhaul network, including the radio access network (RAN) itself.

Posted by Judith — 4:44 AM

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Six months head start for China痴 own 3G standard.

Source: The latest rumours to emerge from China concerning the launch of 3G, predict that China Telecom, the country痴 largest fixed line operator, and China Mobile, the largest mobile operator in China, will join forces to build and operate a next…

The latest rumours to emerge from China concerning the launch of 3G, predict that China Telecom, the country痴 largest fixed line operator, and China Mobile, the largest mobile operator in China, will join forces to build and operate a next generation mobile phone network using the home grown TD-SCDMA standard. According to reports on the Asia in Focus website, this could happen as early as July of this year, when the government will issue the two domestic giants with the first licence.
Quoting a respected analyst from China the website predicts that the two telecoms giants will be handed a head start on other companies wishing to launch 鍍raditional� W-CDMA and CDMA2000, 3G networks.

Posted by Judith — 5:07 AM


Iceland: No.1 in Broadband.

Source: Broadband usage in the United States is mired in the 12th position internationally as Iceland and South Korea battle for the top concentration of broadband users, according to a broadband survey released Wednesday by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and…

Broadband usage in the United States is mired in the 12th position internationally as Iceland and South Korea battle for the top concentration of broadband users, according to a broadband survey released Wednesday by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Although the U.S. recorded the largest total number of broadband subscribers with 49 million, its 12th place finish has to be a disappointment for the Bush Administration, which has made broadband rollout a cornerstone of its technology and innovation campaigns.

Posted by Judith — 5:00 AM


Europe weighs up plan to regulate UK telecoms.

Source: European Officials are weighing up plans to take over the regulation of British telecoms companies such as BT with one-size-fits-all measures. Brussels is considering proposals that would give it the power to decide and impose the same rules on all…

European Officials are weighing up plans to take over the regulation of British telecoms companies such as BT with one-size-fits-all measures.
Brussels is considering proposals that would give it the power to decide and impose the same rules on all telecoms companies across Europe — regardless of the different situations that may apply in each country.

Posted by Judith — 4:43 AM


People don’t want to pay for public Wi-Fi.

Source: A growing number of people are using public Wi-Fi, but the majority are unwilling to pay for the wireless Internet service. By the end of last year, adoption of public Wi-Fi by the online population in the United States rose…

A growing number of people are using public Wi-Fi, but the majority are unwilling to pay for the wireless Internet service.
By the end of last year, adoption of public Wi-Fi by the online population in the United States rose to 20 percent from 14 percent the previous year, JupiterResearch said in a report. However, 58 percent of the people accessing the Internet over wireless hotspots said they only used the service when it’s free.

Posted by Judith — 4:26 AM

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

US cellcos on good form in fourth quarter.

Source: North American mobile operators are on good form, following the reporting of fourth quarter 2005 financial results, says industry analyst Strategy Analytics. According to a new report from the research firm, the margins for EBITDA among US cellular carriers jumped…

North American mobile operators are on good form, following the reporting of fourth quarter 2005 financial results, says industry analyst Strategy Analytics.
According to a new report from the research firm, the margins for EBITDA among US cellular carriers jumped 4 percentage points in the final quarter of last year to reach 32 per cent, their highest fourth quarter level this decade.
Deutsche Telekom’s US arm, T-Mobile USA, led the charge with margins jumping 7 percentage points during the quarter.

Posted by Judith — 5:25 AM


EU Commission: no change to ‘universal service’ for now.

Source: The European Commission announced today that telcos across Europe have endorsed the Commission’s view that there is at present no need to extend the ‘universal service’ safety net to mobile and high-speed internet services. In the opinion of the Commission,…

The European Commission announced today that telcos across Europe have endorsed the Commission’s view that there is at present no need to extend the ‘universal service’ safety net to mobile and high-speed internet services. In the opinion of the Commission, telcos and other stakeholders, consumers have widespread affordable access to these services.

Posted by Judith — 4:55 AM


DoCoMo buys into mobile WiMAX.

Source: DoCoMo Capital, the investment arm of the dominant Japanese mobile operator, has invested an undisclosed amount in Beceem Communications, a Mobile WiMAX chip-maker. Beceem concentrates its energies on developing solutions for the emerging IEEE 802.16 standard. However, while DoCoMo痴 move…

DoCoMo Capital, the investment arm of the dominant Japanese mobile operator, has invested an undisclosed amount in Beceem Communications, a Mobile WiMAX chip-maker. Beceem concentrates its energies on developing solutions for the emerging IEEE 802.16 standard. However, while DoCoMo痴 move into this area is significant, it may also be taking the plunge in a bid to best learn how to block others from eating into its revenues with mobile WiMAX when the standard finally emerges.

Posted by Judith — 4:46 AM


RIM to launch BlackBerry in China by mid-year.

Source: Research In Motion Ltd., the maker of the iconic BlackBerry device, said on Wednesday it expects to launch its wireless email service with China Mobile (Hong Kong) Ltd. by mid-year. China offers huge growth potential for RIM as it is…

Research In Motion Ltd., the maker of the iconic BlackBerry device, said on Wednesday it expects to launch its wireless email service with China Mobile (Hong Kong) Ltd. by mid-year.
China offers huge growth potential for RIM as it is the world’s largest telecommunications market and China Mobile, the world’s top cellular carrier by subscribers, holds two-thirds of the market.
The Ontario, Canada-based company expects to launch its BlackBerry wireless email service with another 100 telecoms providers globally this year, including over 10 carriers in the Asia Pacific region.

Posted by Judith — 4:27 AM


FCC set to vote on blind-bidding auction option.

Source: The FCC is set to vote on Wednesday on new rules likely to dramatically curtail bidder information at the advanced wireless services auction scheduled to begin June 29. The FCC, backed by the Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission and some…

The FCC is set to vote on Wednesday on new rules likely to dramatically curtail bidder information at the advanced wireless services auction scheduled to begin June 29.
The FCC, backed by the Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission and some academics, support anonymous bidding as a safeguard against collusion and other anti-competitive behavior at a high-stakes auction expected to generate US$15 billion.

Posted by Judith — 4:03 AM


Nokia raises estimate on cellphone prices.

Source: Nokia increased its estimate Tuesday for the average selling price of its handsets last quarter to US$125. In January, Nokia predicted that the average selling price, a figure closely watched in the industry, would be the same or slightly less…

Nokia increased its estimate Tuesday for the average selling price of its handsets last quarter to US$125.
In January, Nokia predicted that the average selling price, a figure closely watched in the industry, would be the same or slightly less than the US$120 price in the fourth quarter of 2005.
In a statement, Nokia, the world’s largest maker of mobile phones, said that its lower-price entry-level products had made up a lower-than-expected part of the recent quarter’s sales, with relatively more people buying more expensive devices.

Posted by Judith — 3:54 AM

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Samsung to bring Mobile WiMAX to the US.

Source: Mobile WiMAX is set to debut in the US early next year when broadband provider Arialink launches its new service. The Michigan based broadband connectivity company says it will employ technology developed by Korean giant Samsung. Arialink claimed in a…

Mobile WiMAX is set to debut in the US early next year when broadband provider Arialink launches its new service. The Michigan based broadband connectivity company says it will employ technology developed by Korean giant Samsung.
Arialink claimed in a recent press statement that its proposed deployment of mobile WiMAX equipment in Muskegon County will be the first commercial installation of this technology in North America. Samsung has already rolled out mobile WiMAX systems in Europe and Asia.

Posted by Judith — 4:53 AM


Global Crossing expands VoIP services to Europe.

Source: US telco Global Crossing today announced that it is expanding its VoIP services for enterprises in Europe. Global Crossing’s Enterprise VoIP Outbound and VoIP Local services were previously available only in North America. The VoIP Outbound service, which transports IP…

US telco Global Crossing today announced that it is expanding its VoIP services for enterprises in Europe. Global Crossing’s Enterprise VoIP Outbound and VoIP Local services were previously available only in North America.
The VoIP Outbound service, which transports IP calls to public switched telephone networks, is now available for both national and international calling from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK. International calling is available in Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Global Crossing hopes to extend national calling in these countries in the near future.

Posted by Judith — 4:41 AM


Carphone unveils ‘free’ broadband.

Source: The Carphone Warehouse has fleshed out details of a new bundled broadband and phone service that is half the price of its nearest rival. The offer, which is being plugged as “free broadband forever” massively undercuts similar services from leading…

The Carphone Warehouse has fleshed out details of a new bundled broadband and phone service that is half the price of its nearest rival. The offer, which is being plugged as “free broadband forever” massively undercuts similar services from leading players such as AOL, BT, and Telewest.
Announcing its ambitious plans to cut more than 60 per cent off the average cost of residential phone and broadband bills Carphone chief exec Charles Dunstone said: “The residential telecoms market in the UK will never be the same again. From today, broadband is a right, not a privilege.”
Carphone is able to offer such competitive prices because of considerable investment in LLU.

Posted by Judith — 4:17 AM


Comverse to acquire Netcentrex.

Source: Comverse Technology, a supplier of telecoms solutions, today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Netcentrex for approximately US$164m (」94m) in cash. Netcentrex offers IP-based solutions (namely VoIP) and fixed-mobile convergence solutions for service providers. Its customers…

Comverse Technology, a supplier of telecoms solutions, today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Netcentrex for approximately US$164m (」94m) in cash.
Netcentrex offers IP-based solutions (namely VoIP) and fixed-mobile convergence solutions for service providers. Its customers include AOL Germany, Fastweb, France Telecom and Tiscali.
Comverse, based in the US, will also benefit from Netcentrex’ global presence, with regional headquarters in Asia and the US in addition to its French office.

Posted by Judith — 4:17 AM


Telstra sale in danger.

Source: The Australian state’s proposed A$24bn (」10bn) privatisation of incumbent carrier Telstra could be forced off the rails over a disagreement with the national regulator. With Telstra’s earnings taking a dive on the back of losses in the fixed line space,…

The Australian state’s proposed A$24bn (」10bn) privatisation of incumbent carrier Telstra could be forced off the rails over a disagreement with the national regulator.
With Telstra’s earnings taking a dive on the back of losses in the fixed line space, the carrier has warned that future investment in its multi-billion dollar next generation networks depend on favourable terms from the regulator.
However, it seems neither the national operator, nor the regulator can agree on a pricing structure for allowing rival service providers access to Telstra’s infrastructure.

Posted by Judith — 4:07 AM

Monday, April 10, 2006

Privacy concerns marr Google joy.

Source: Not everyone on the West Coast of the US is happy with the idea of Google introducing free WiFi connections to San Francisco it seems. Recently, advocates of privacy in the City have warned that the company will use tracking…

Not everyone on the West Coast of the US is happy with the idea of Google introducing free WiFi connections to San Francisco it seems. Recently, advocates of privacy in the City have warned that the company will use tracking technology to match users’ locations with the adverts the search engine company feeds them.
For its part, the search engine giant has said it will track movements but will only keep the data on file for six months before disposing of it. However, some warn that this information could be used by private investigators and law enforcement agencies to compromise citizens’ privacy.

Posted by Judith — 5:30 AM


Virgin plans Chinese entry.

Source: It is reported that Richard Branson痴 Virgin Mobile is planning a move into China, and is reportedly in talks with China Unicom over the establishment of an MVNO joint venture, dubbed Virgin United Communications. According to China痴 commitment to the…

It is reported that Richard Branson痴 Virgin Mobile is planning a move into China, and is reportedly in talks with China Unicom over the establishment of an MVNO joint venture, dubbed Virgin United Communications.
According to China痴 commitment to the WTO, foreign companies are allowed to operate mobile voice and data services in and between 17 major cities including Shanghai and Beijing, by setting up joint ventures with domestic operators. Foreign firms are allowed to have up to 49% stakes; the geographical restriction will be removed in December, on the five year anniversary of the People痴 Republic becoming a member of the WTO.

Posted by Judith — 5:22 AM


Cable Companies bulk up in wireless phone services.

Source: In the race with the Bell companies to become one-stop shops for communications services, the country’s biggest cable companies are developing wireless products, the missing piece of their so-called quadruple-play bundle. The centerpiece of that effort is a venture involving…

In the race with the Bell companies to become one-stop shops for communications services, the country’s biggest cable companies are developing wireless products, the missing piece of their so-called quadruple-play bundle.
The centerpiece of that effort is a venture involving Sprint Nextel and Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications and Bright House Networks.

Posted by Judith — 5:14 AM


Watchdog to let BT set its own business user fees.

Source: Ofcom is set to lift tough controls dictating how much BT can charge its business customers, in a significant concession to the telecoms giant. The telecoms regulator, which recently laid out plans to lift price controls on BT’s consumer market,…

Ofcom is set to lift tough controls dictating how much BT can charge its business customers, in a significant concession to the telecoms giant.
The telecoms regulator, which recently laid out plans to lift price controls on BT’s consumer market, will announce shortly new proposals for the business market — which is worth 」1bn. a year to the company.
The move, which was proposed in a consultation document last year, will remove a further layer of bureaucracy from the former monopoly and allow it to compete more effectively with its rivals.

Posted by Judith — 5:08 AM


Mobile Giants size up DSL.

Source: Pure-play mobile operators such as O2 plc and Vodafone Group plc are set to enter the fixed-broadband fray in Europe, and are sizing up local loop unbundling options that would see them procure and deploy their own DSL equipment….

Pure-play mobile operators such as O2 plc and Vodafone Group plc are set to enter the fixed-broadband fray in Europe, and are sizing up local loop unbundling options that would see them procure and deploy their own DSL equipment.

Posted by Judith — 5:00 AM

Saturday, April 8, 2006

Carphone seen heralding free broadband in the UK.

Source: Europe’s top cell phone retailer Carphone Warehouse could announce Britain’s first free broadband offer when it lifts the wraps on its keenly-awaited broadband strategy next week, analysts and investors say. We think free broadband is on the way, pioneered by…

Europe’s top cell phone retailer Carphone Warehouse could announce Britain’s first free broadband offer when it lifts the wraps on its keenly-awaited broadband strategy next week, analysts and investors say.
We think free broadband is on the way, pioneered by Carphone, Merrill Lynch analysts said in a research note last week.
One investor said the company was likely to announce plans to offer free broadband to UK homes, which would help it quickly gain a critical mass of customers and mount a serious challenge to market leader BT. and other rivals.

Posted by Judith — 4:58 AM


Rush to grab European net names.

Source: Europeans have rushed to grab a virtual home in cyberspace. Hundreds of thousands of people have signed up for new .eu domain name since it became available to the public on Friday. It follows a four-month period that let firms…

Europeans have rushed to grab a virtual home in cyberspace.
Hundreds of thousands of people have signed up for new .eu domain name since it became available to the public on Friday.
It follows a four-month period that let firms reserve domains to match their trademarks.
Interest in .eu was expected to be high with speculators snapping up the most popular domain names.

Posted by Judith — 4:54 AM


BSkyB to offer broadband service.

Source: BSkyB is preparing to enter the broadband connection marketplace. Aiming to take on market leaders BT, AOL, Wanadoo and NTL, the broadcaster said it would be launching the service in the second half of this year. It is not yet…

BSkyB is preparing to enter the broadband connection marketplace.
Aiming to take on market leaders BT, AOL, Wanadoo and NTL, the broadcaster said it would be launching the service in the second half of this year.
It is not yet known whether BSkyB will be making any of its TV content available via its broadband service.

Posted by Judith — 4:51 AM

Friday, April 7, 2006

Vodafone rings the changes, creating three new divisions.

Source: Vodaphone rang radical organisational changes yesterday with the tripled-pronged aim of cutting costs in mature markets, boosting growth in emerging markets and tapping new technologies. The world’s biggest mobile telecoms group, battling with slower growth in core markets such as…

Vodaphone rang radical organisational changes yesterday with the tripled-pronged aim of cutting costs in mature markets, boosting growth in emerging markets and tapping new technologies.
The world’s biggest mobile telecoms group, battling with slower growth in core markets such as Germany and Italy, said it would in future be managed through three new business units, each with its own chief executive - Europe; Central Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific and affiliates; and a third division called New Business and Innovation.

Posted by Judith — 6:23 AM


China’s Internet policies in spotlight.

Source: China’s booming Internet usage continues unabated, with latest figures suggesting that as many as an estimated 110 million Web surfers are on the mainland. Wall Street analysts are predicting that China will be the world’s biggest Internet revenue producer by…

China’s booming Internet usage continues unabated, with latest figures suggesting that as many as an estimated 110 million Web surfers are on the mainland.
Wall Street analysts are predicting that China will be the world’s biggest Internet revenue producer by 2010.
But this rapid growth also has seen a massive attempt by Beijing to keep control over Internet activities.One ploy has been to introduce sophisticated Web filtering systems, as well as using at least 30,000 people to patrol the Web.

Posted by Judith — 5:52 AM


Adobe’s Flash coming to Verizon mobiles.

Source: Adobe Systems Inc., by far the world’s most successful digital imaging company unveiled a deal with Verizon Wireless on Wednesday to put Flash animation software onto Verizon mobile phones. Adobe Vice President said the deal pushes the company beyond computers…

Adobe Systems Inc., by far the world’s most successful digital imaging company unveiled a deal with Verizon Wireless on Wednesday to put Flash animation software onto Verizon mobile phones.
Adobe Vice President said the deal pushes the company beyond computers and into the potentially lucrative mobile phone market. “This is the first US-based Flash service for mobile phones,” he said. “It will be much easier to get at data.”

Posted by Judith — 5:46 AM


Users pulling plug on Landlines.

Source: Landline telephones may soon need a lifeline as more people cut the cord in favour of VoIP and wireless phone alternatives. VoIP subscribers in the U.S. are expected to hit the 32.6 million ma rk by 2010, which means that…

Landline telephones may soon need a lifeline as more people cut the cord in favour of VoIP and wireless phone alternatives.
VoIP subscribers in the U.S. are expected to hit the 32.6 million ma rk by 2010, which means that roughly 40 percent of all broadband households in the country will be using VoIP systems from Vonage, AT&T and others in the field.
Sitting in the line of fire is the US$190bn. fixed-line telephony industry, which is expected to lose users and revenues as cable companies, ISPs and others take a piece of the pie.
A “fierce battle is emerging in the VoIP market,” said report author Ben Macklin in a statement. “At stake is the so-called ‘triple-play’ of residential voice, video and data services, which is a market worth approximately US$300bn.”

Posted by Judith — 5:26 AM


Texas Instruments, NEC, Matsushita mull 3G tie-up.

Source: Matsushita and NEC said on Friday that they are in talks with top cellphone chip supplier Texas Instruments over a possible co-operation in 3G mobile phones, in what would be the latest cross-border alliance for embattled handset makers in Japan….

Matsushita and NEC said on Friday that they are in talks with top cellphone chip supplier Texas Instruments over a possible co-operation in 3G mobile phones, in what would be the latest cross-border alliance for embattled handset makers in Japan.
Matsushita and NEC said chip maker NEC Electronics Corp. and Panasonic Mobile Communications Co. — Matsushita’s cellphone unit — are also involved in the talks.
However, a source close to the talks said the five companies aim to set up a joint venture to develop microchips and software used in 3G mobile phones based on W-CDMA technology to cut costs and offer competitively priced cellphones.

Posted by Judith — 5:18 AM

Thursday, April 6, 2006

Sprint Nextel to slow MVNO adds.

Source: Sprint Nextel Corp. doesn稚 expect to add many new mobile virtual network operators to its network, and plans to take time to digest the ones it already has and see how they do, company officials said during a roundtable Monday…

Sprint Nextel Corp. doesn稚 expect to add many new mobile virtual network operators to its network, and plans to take time to digest the ones it already has and see how they do, company officials said during a roundtable Monday afternoon.
Sprint Nextel痴 chief operating officer, noted that a number of postpaid MVNOs are slated to launch service on the operator痴 network this year, including Helio L.L.C. and Disney Mobile. Mobile ESPN began offering service nationwide earlier this year.
He added that analysts should give MVNOs three to four quarters before judging what gains they make

Posted by Judith — 4:53 AM


Wireless bid in California.

Source: Google and EarthLink won a bid on Wednesday to provide free wireless Internet access in San Francisco. Under the proposal, Google will provide free connections and EarthLink will offer a higher-speed service for about US$20 a month. An EarthLink spokesman…

Google and EarthLink won a bid on Wednesday to provide free wireless Internet access in San Francisco.
Under the proposal, Google will provide free connections and EarthLink will offer a higher-speed service for about US$20 a month. An EarthLink spokesman said the network will cost US$8 million to US$10 million to build.
The proposal topped offers from companies including MetroFi, a start-up in Calif., and a group led by I.B.M. and Cisco Systems. Building the network is expected to take 6 to 10 months.

Posted by Judith — 4:40 AM


EU slaps wrists over telecoms rules.

Source: The European Commission is this week reported to have sent formal warnings to over a dozen countries for breach of EU telecoms rules. Eleven countries have been warned over failure to implement emergency telephone lines. Greece, Ireland, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia,…

The European Commission is this week reported to have sent formal warnings to over a dozen countries for breach of EU telecoms rules.
Eleven countries have been warned over failure to implement emergency telephone lines. Greece, Ireland, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, the Netherlands, Portugal and Slovakia have been identified as the offenders.
Meanwhile, Belgium and Poland received warnings for failing to conduct adequate reviews of the communications markets to ascertain whether these markets are effectively competitive.

Posted by Judith — 4:38 AM


Cingular wants more video.

Source: The largest cellular operator in the US is looking at new ways of bringing video services to mobile handsets. Cingular Wireless’ chief technology officer, speaking to Reuters at the CTIA wireless conference in Las Vegas, said that her firm is…

The largest cellular operator in the US is looking at new ways of bringing video services to mobile handsets. Cingular Wireless’ chief technology officer, speaking to Reuters at the CTIA wireless conference in Las Vegas, said that her firm is considering introducing live TV broadcasts to cellphones. It is also mulling the possibility of allowing users to download video clips from PCs to mobile handsets via Bluetooth or cable links, bypassing the need to pay to transfer files over the cellular network.

Posted by Judith — 4:26 AM


Disney offers teen-tracker mobile.

Source: Disney is launching a US service that will enable parents to monitor how their children use their mobile phones. They will be able to track voice, text, video and picture messages and set limits on their children’s calls. The phone…

Disney is launching a US service that will enable parents to monitor how their children use their mobile phones.
They will be able to track voice, text, video and picture messages and set limits on their children’s calls.
The phone will also allow parents to locate where their children are via GPS.
The decision follows market research showing that parents wanted to be able to find out where their children are at specific moments and to talk to them.

Posted by Judith — 4:23 AM

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

MSNBC to go Mobile – free.

Source: Major US news site MSNBC is to trial an advertising-supported mobile TV news service in an attempt to broaden its appeal to wireless users. The popular website, says it has embarked on a three month experimental service. Should the trials…

Major US news site MSNBC is to trial an advertising-supported mobile TV news service in an attempt to broaden its appeal to wireless users. The popular website, says it has embarked on a three month experimental service. Should the trials go well the two partners say they will launch a full service version later this summer.
MSNBC is aiming to increase the number of mobile users who access its site by adding still photos and stored downloadable video clips from its popular NBC news programmes.

Posted by Judith — 4:44 AM


WiFi in the Skies.

Source: The market for WiFi access onboard US aircraft took a major step forward yesterday when the Federal Communications Commission announced it had accepted five bids for its May 10 sale of the airwaves necessary to provide the service. However, several…

The market for WiFi access onboard US aircraft took a major step forward yesterday when the Federal Communications Commission announced it had accepted five bids for its May 10 sale of the airwaves necessary to provide the service. However, several applications including one from Verizon Airfone were ruled out as incomplete.
The Federal agency accepted applications from AC BidCo, AMTS Consortium, Intelligent Transportation & Monitoring Wireless, Unison Spectrum and WorldCell.
The rejected companies have until April 17th to get their bids in order.

Posted by Judith — 4:37 AM


RIM to add Yahoo Web services to BlackBerry.

Source: Research In Motion will put such Yahoo Inc. Web offerings as search, e-mail, instant messaging, and news on its BlackBerry devices, and will start rolling out the service in 60 countries in about two weeks. The deal greatly expands RIM’s…

Research In Motion will put such Yahoo Inc. Web offerings as search, e-mail, instant messaging, and news on its BlackBerry devices, and will start rolling out the service in 60 countries in about two weeks.
The deal greatly expands RIM’s relationship with Yahoo, the operator of one of the Web’s most-visited sites. RIM is seeking to widen its sales to include everyday consumers and enhance services to its existing, mostly corporate, base.

Posted by Judith — 4:18 AM


Virgin birth in France.

Source: Virgin Mobile and Carphone Warehouse have confirmed plans for a nationwide MVNO in France. The virtual network operator - which will take the Virgin brand - will use the network of Orange France. The assets and customers of Carphone Warehouse痴…

Virgin Mobile and Carphone Warehouse have confirmed plans for a nationwide MVNO in France. The virtual network operator - which will take the Virgin brand - will use the network of Orange France. The assets and customers of Carphone Warehouse痴 existing French operation, Omer Telecom, will be included in the joint venture.
The operator will adopt a similar 惣outh-targeted� strategy to the one it uses already in the UK, US, Australia and Canada.

Posted by Judith — 4:07 AM


Canadian VoIP awareness growing.

Source: Telephone customers are becoming more aware of new types of phone service as rival cable companies and other providers enter the market, a Bell Canada executive says. VoIP awareness has jumped in Quebec from 16% nine months ago to 33%…

Telephone customers are becoming more aware of new types of phone service as rival cable companies and other providers enter the market, a Bell Canada executive says.
VoIP awareness has jumped in Quebec from 16% nine months ago to 33% and from 22% to 47% in Ontario, according to data compiled at the end of 2005.
The growing popularity of VoIP is a formidable challenge for Bell and other former phone monopolies.

Posted by Judith — 3:56 AM

Tuesday, April 4, 2006

Nokia rolls out Mobility Hosting solution.

Source: Nokia introduced a Mobility Hosting solution that helps mobile service providers roll out new services for subscribers while keeping investments in check. The hosting models enables operators to share initial start-up costs. Nokia expects the market for mobile hosting to…

Nokia introduced a Mobility Hosting solution that helps mobile service providers roll out new services for subscribers while keeping investments in check. The hosting models enables operators to share initial start-up costs.
Nokia expects the market for mobile hosting to grow sharply in the coming years as operator competition intensifies. Research group Ovum forecasts the size of the hosting market to double to €1.35 bn. by 2009 from around €670m. 2005.

Posted by Judith — 4:58 AM


NTL in takeover of Virgin Mobile.

Source: NTL has reached agreement with Virgin Mobile over the terms of a takeover offer, which values the mobile operator at 」962.4m (US$1.62bn). Owners of Virgin Mobile shares will be offered 372p cash per share, or NTL shares, or a mixture…

NTL has reached agreement with Virgin Mobile over the terms of a takeover offer, which values the mobile operator at 」962.4m (US$1.62bn).
Owners of Virgin Mobile shares will be offered 372p cash per share, or NTL shares, or a mixture of both.
The deal aims to create a media company capable of challenging BSkyB, the UK’s dominant pay-TV provider.

Posted by Judith — 4:54 AM


3 Verizon Caribbean Units sold to Mexican Magnate.

Source: Verizon Communications announced on Monday that it was selling its interests in phone companies in Venezuela, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic for US$3.7 bn. saying they no longer fit in with its business focus. Verizon’s move fits in with…

Verizon Communications announced on Monday that it was selling its interests in phone companies in Venezuela, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic for US$3.7 bn. saying they no longer fit in with its business focus.
Verizon’s move fits in with a broader shift by phone companies in the United States, which are concentrating on their domestic wireless and Internet businesses. Companies including BellSouth, AT&T and the Vodafone Group have left Latin America in recent years, either because their business strategies there failed or because they were struggling at home.

Posted by Judith — 4:39 AM


Pipex and Intel to work on UK WiMax.

Source: UK ISP Pipex Communications has announced a 」14.5 million deal with US chip company Intel to roll-out high-speed wireless services using Pipex痴 WiMax licence. The ISP says it will launch WiMax services across 50 UK cities, starting with London and…

UK ISP Pipex Communications has announced a 」14.5 million deal with US chip company Intel to roll-out high-speed wireless services using Pipex痴 WiMax licence.
The ISP says it will launch WiMax services across 50 UK cities, starting with London and Manchester.
Intel has been a major player in the developing WiMax sector and last year announced a joint plan with Motorola to generate greater momentum behind WiMax technology, based on the proposed IEEE 802.16e standard, for both fixed and wireless broadband applications.

Posted by Judith — 4:17 AM


New Orleans may face showdown over Internet.

Source: A showdown may be looming over a free wireless Internet network that New Orleans set up to boost recovery after Hurricane Katrina. Calling the network vital to the city’s economic comeback, New Orleans technology chief Greg Meffert is vowing to…

A showdown may be looming over a free wireless Internet network that New Orleans set up to boost recovery after Hurricane Katrina.
Calling the network vital to the city’s economic comeback, New Orleans technology chief Greg Meffert is vowing to keep the system running as is, even if it means breaking a state law that permits its full operation only during emergencies.
But a state law, passed two years ago in response to other attempts to establish government-owned Internet systems, dictates the network can run at 512 kbps only as long as the city remains under a state of emergency. However, it must be reduced to 128kbps when this is lifted, making the service virtually useless for business in the city.

Posted by Judith — 4:09 AM

Monday, April 3, 2006

Alcatel, Lucent seal deal.

Source: Alcatel and Lucent Technologies Inc. have announced that they’ve agreed to merge, creating a global supplier of fixed and wireless telecom infrastructure with annual revenues of $25 billion, a market capitalization of about $36 billion and 88,000 employees. Lucent CEO…

Alcatel and Lucent Technologies Inc. have announced that they’ve agreed to merge, creating a global supplier of fixed and wireless telecom infrastructure with annual revenues of $25 billion, a market capitalization of about $36 billion and 88,000 employees.
Lucent CEO Pat Russo will retain that position at the newly formed company, which will be named at a later date.

Posted by Judith — 3:55 AM


Mapquest unveils navigation help on mobile phones.

Source: AOL unit MapQuest on Monday unveiled a mobile map service that customers can use on their cellular phones, complete with voice directions, text and maps in a bid to expand on the popularity of its Internet maps. The MapQuest Navigator…

AOL unit MapQuest on Monday unveiled a mobile map service that customers can use on their cellular phones, complete with voice directions, text and maps in a bid to expand on the popularity of its Internet maps.
The MapQuest Navigator will be marketed as a cheaper alternative to navigation systems built into cars.
In order to get the software for the service to consumers’ phones, MapQuest is working on agreements with cellphone operators.

Posted by Judith — 3:50 AM

Saturday, April 1, 2006

Poor regulation results in over €10bn. in lost investment.

Source: Europe is missing out on up to €14bn investment in the telecoms industry every year due to ineffective regulation, according to a report from Strategy and Policy Consultants The key finding of the SPC’s analysis is that effective, pro-competitive regulation…

Europe is missing out on up to €14bn investment in the telecoms industry every year due to ineffective regulation, according to a report from Strategy and Policy Consultants
The key finding of the SPC’s analysis is that effective, pro-competitive regulation is strongly correlated with increased telecoms investment. Based on these findings, SPC feels that improved regulation could increase annual investment in the telecoms industry by as much as €14bn.

Posted by Judith — 4:08 AM


OSS firms jump on IMS.

Source: Major service providers, including Bell Canada, BT Group plc., NTT Group, Telecom Italia SpA and Telenor ASA all stressed the critical role that OSS will play in their next-generation networks at this week’s 21C World Communications event here. BT’s group…

Major service providers, including Bell Canada, BT Group plc., NTT Group, Telecom Italia SpA and Telenor ASA all stressed the critical role that OSS will play in their next-generation networks at this week’s 21C World Communications event here.
BT’s group technology officer, for example, noted that there is belief in the industry that service delivery platforms “will reduce the time to create services.” That might be the case, he noted, but an SDP can’t do that on its own. Having the right back-office software is critical to helping SDPs deliver the benefits they claim.
And it seems the OSS vendor are on the case, with some of the telecom software sector’s top names announcing new or upgraded products targeted at carriers with IMS and SDP plans.

Posted by Judith — 3:50 AM


Ofcom starts radio spectrum sale.

Source: A 40 megahertz range of the airwaves will be sold next year, for use in wireless and mobile communications. Regulator Ofcom said the frequencies could be used for mobile multimedia services, broadband wireless internet access or satellite digital radio. It…

A 40 megahertz range of the airwaves will be sold next year, for use in wireless and mobile communications.
Regulator Ofcom said the frequencies could be used for mobile multimedia services, broadband wireless internet access or satellite digital radio.
It said a number of organisations had already expressed an interest.
The technology and application neutral licences will be auctioned off by March 2007.
A similar auction of third-generation (3G licences) in 2000 raised 」22.5bn, but left many operators struggling to find a return on their huge investments.

Posted by Judith — 3:42 AM

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