Friday, June 24, 2005
Two U.S. Senators Back Municipalities Offering Broadband Service
Two U.S. Senators Back Municipalities Offering Broadband Service: "The “Community Broadband Act of 2005” would prevent states from enacting laws that prohibit cities and towns from offering broadband services.
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Should cities be ISPs? | CNET News.com
Should cities be ISPs? | CNET News.com: "The Bell phone companies and local cable companies have spent millions of dollars lobbying local and state officials to pass laws that would prohibit cities and towns from building their own broadband networks. In the last year, 14 bills were introduced in state legislatures to prohibit the build-out of municipal networks. But state legislatures typically only meet for the first six months of the year."
The Future Internet: Open or Closed?
hearusnow.org: The Future Internet: Open or Closed?: "Many inside, as well as outside, America’s creative community passionately hope and believe that the rapidly approaching Internet of tomorrow -- high-speed, low-cost, and utterly pervasive -- will empower creators of media to better realize their creative visions and then share them directly with the audience, eliminating the corporate middleman distributor. Or, to hear some indelicately say it, excited voices full of glee, no more “clueless, tasteless, penny-pinching” studio and network “suits” to “muck up” a creator’s vision. No more “exorbitant” distribution costs, gatekeepers, and bottlenecks. No more “warping” a creative vision to appeal to a narrow and finicky demographic of television watchers or to sell the greatest amount of popcorn in theaters that may no longer exist."
hearusnow.org: Supporting McCain/Lautenberg Community Internet Legislation
hearusnow.org: Supporting McCain/Lautenberg Community Internet Legislation: "WASHINGTON, D.C. – Joining with a broad coalition of municipalities, public interest organizations and technology advocates, Consumers Union today offered its strong support for new legislation that protects the rights of communities to offer broadband Internet service."
Almost All Libraries in U.S. Offer Free Access to Internet
Almost All Libraries in U.S. Offer Free Access to Internet - New York Times: "CHICAGO, June 23 - Nearly all libraries around the country have free public Internet access and an increasing number are offering wireless connections, according to a study released Thursday by the American Library Association here."
An Army of Soulless 1's and 0's - New York Times
An Army of Soulless 1's and 0's - New York Times: "Experts say hundreds of thousands of computers each week are being added to the ranks of zombies, infected with software that makes them susceptible to remote deployment for a variety of illicit purposes, from overwhelming a Web site with traffic - a so-called denial-of-service attack - to cracking complicated security codes. In most instances, the user of a zombie computer is never aware that it has been commandeered."
Podcasting - A new way of listening
WSJ.com - Loose Wire: "Podcasting is one of those ideas that didn't exist a few months ago but is now so commonplace that you wonder why we didn't think of it earlier. For those of you still in the dark, Podcasting is basically a way to syndicate audio files -- recordings, to you and me -- on the Internet in a way that makes it easy for listeners to find and get what they want, when they want. The recordings themselves are in the popular MP3 format, meaning you can transfer them to your MP3 player or iPod. Hence the term podcasting. "
WSJ.com - Phone Companies Using Microsoft Hit TV Service Snags
WSJ.com - Phone Companies Using Microsoft Hit TV Service Snags: "Over the past two years, Microsoft Corp. has convinced some of the largest telephone companies in the world to use its cutting-edge software in their plans to roll out television over Internet technology.
Now, as the carriers race to get TV services to millions of customers, they are experiencing growing pains trying to move the services from development labs to broad commercial rollouts within the next year. Most of the challenges focus on melding for the first time Microsoft software, complex hardware, existing telecommunications networks and other pieces of the infrastructure for a cohesive service."
Now, as the carriers race to get TV services to millions of customers, they are experiencing growing pains trying to move the services from development labs to broad commercial rollouts within the next year. Most of the challenges focus on melding for the first time Microsoft software, complex hardware, existing telecommunications networks and other pieces of the infrastructure for a cohesive service."
Backwater Broadband - Forbes.com
Backwater Broadband - Forbes.com: "Supercheap and superfast, mesh networks fuel the next wireless revolution--and drive cable and telco titans nuts.
The banter at Glenn Goehring's barbershop in Chaska, Minn. (pop. 22,500) is still heavy on the weather and the resurgent pitching of the Minnesota Twins. But ever since this blue-collar suburb of Minneapolis launched one of the first large wireless 'mesh'networks last year, customers also rave about surfing the Internet at blazing speeds for just $16 a month, less than half the cost of high-speed cable-modem service. "
The banter at Glenn Goehring's barbershop in Chaska, Minn. (pop. 22,500) is still heavy on the weather and the resurgent pitching of the Minnesota Twins. But ever since this blue-collar suburb of Minneapolis launched one of the first large wireless 'mesh'networks last year, customers also rave about surfing the Internet at blazing speeds for just $16 a month, less than half the cost of high-speed cable-modem service. "
It’s McCain Vs. Telecom Firms On Broadband
It’s McCain Vs. Telecom Firms On Broadband: "Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., Thursday will introduce legislation that would permit municipalities to offer low-cost broadband service – putting the legislators at odds with SBC Communications and other telecom giants that oppose such networks.
Their measure, dubbed the “Community Broadband Act of 2005,” would serve as a counterweight to a bill offered in late May by Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, that would bar such municipal networks in areas where private companies offer high-speed Internet access."
Their measure, dubbed the “Community Broadband Act of 2005,” would serve as a counterweight to a bill offered in late May by Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, that would bar such municipal networks in areas where private companies offer high-speed Internet access."
Thursday, June 23, 2005
A Ringing Headache? - Forbes.com
A Ringing Headache? - Forbes.com: "That means the next battle over copyright protection for music and video could be fought on cellular turf. "
Library Internet Access Better Than Ever - Yahoo! News
Library Internet Access Better Than Ever - Yahoo! News: "NEW YORK - Virtually every U.S. public library now offers free Internet access but most ration it, inhibiting the ability of lower-income families to benefit from the Information Age."
Orlando Kills Municipal Wi-Fi Project - Forbes.com
Orlando Kills Municipal Wi-Fi Project - Forbes.com: "No more free Web surfing for Mickey Mouse. The city of Orlando, Fla., has cancelled a pilot program that offered free wireless Internet access to visitors at a downtown park, saying that the service wasn't popular enough to justify the cost. "
CNN.com - Wireless Web puts personal data at risk - Jun 21, 2005
CNN.com - Wireless Web puts personal data at risk - Jun 21, 2005: "ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- What comes to mind when you think of wireless Web surfing? It may not be security, or lack of it. There are nearly 30,000 public wireless 'hot spots' in the United States at places such as parks and cafes, but there's more to consider than just where to log on. The convenience comes with a caveat."
Cities brace for broadband war | CNET News.com
Cities brace for broadband war | CNET News.com: "A hundred years ago, when Louisiana was still literally in the dark, residents of Lafayette banded together to build a city-owned electric utility where once there was little more than swampland. Today, at the dawn of the 21st century, it is hatching plans to lay out its own state-of-the-art fiber-optic broadband network."
A Dizzying Array of Options for Using the Web on Cellphones - New York Times
A Dizzying Array of Options for Using the Web on Cellphones - New York Times: "As the market for cellular phone service matures, the wireless industry is counting on creating and filling a new need: data services that allow phones to receive e-mail, navigate the Web and download games, music and video."
Beyond Wi-Fi: Laptop Heaven but a Price - New York Times
Beyond Wi-Fi: Laptop Heaven but a Price - New York Times: "PLENTY of technologies can get you online wirelessly these days, but there's always a catch. Wi-Fi Internet hot spots are fast and cheap, but they keep you tethered to the airport, hotel or coffee shop where the hot spot originates. A Bluetooth cellphone can get your laptop online, but at the speed of a slug. And smoke signals - well, you know. The privacy issues are a nightmare."
WSJ.com - Phone Giants Are Lobbying Hard To Block Towns' Wireless Plans
WSJ.com - Phone Giants Are Lobbying Hard To Block Towns' Wireless Plans: "GRANBURY, Texas -- After years of waiting for a local phone company to roll out high-speed Internet access in this growing lakeside town of about 6,400 people, municipal information-technology director Tony Tull took matters into his own hands. The city last year invited a start-up telecom firm to hang wireless equipment from a water tower and connect the town.
The network now provides high-speed wireless Web access to most of Granbury, and the town is negotiating to buy some of the equipment. But Granbury's foray into the wireless business has propelled it into a battle between cities and technology companies on one side and big telephone companies on the other."
The network now provides high-speed wireless Web access to most of Granbury, and the town is negotiating to buy some of the equipment. But Granbury's foray into the wireless business has propelled it into a battle between cities and technology companies on one side and big telephone companies on the other."
Microsoft TV dealt blow Down Under | CNET News.com
Microsoft TV dealt blow Down Under | CNET News.com: "Australian telephone giant Telstra has canceled its field test of Microsoft Internet Protocol TV, another setback for the software giant's TV technology efforts."
Should cities be ISPs? | CNET News.com
Should cities be ISPs? | CNET News.com: "When Philadelphia's city government decided to sell wireless access to downtown residents last year, a furious political fight in the state capital erupted."
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
VoIP no bargain for cities losing phone-tax revenue
USATODAY.com - VoIP no bargain for cities losing phone-tax revenue: "NEW YORK — Internet telephony may be one of the best bargains around for consumers. But it may also be a threat to the economic stability of cities across the USA."
USATODAY.com - Techno-rebels spread wireless network vision
USATODAY.com - Techno-rebels spread wireless network vision: "PORTLAND, ORE — On the surface, it looks like an ordinary weeknight gathering of aimless guys. A dozen men on a back porch chew thick slices of delivered pizza between rat-a-tat banter. One wears a bandanna. Another sports a John Deere T-shirt. Several have counterculture beards."
Broadband Bonanza - Yahoo! News
Broadband Bonanza - Yahoo! News: "Eight years later, I'm hooked on cable. But friends who live less than 30 minutes away aren't so fortunate. They still live in a digital Jurassic age, victims of geography and circumstance.
To hear the telephone and cable industries tell it, my friends are in the minority. According to their estimates, 90 percent of U.S. households now have access to cable, DSL, or both. They may be right, considering much of the nation lives in or near large cities. Still, much of the nation does not. And even if everyone did have access to at least one form of broadband, a choice among several is even better."
To hear the telephone and cable industries tell it, my friends are in the minority. According to their estimates, 90 percent of U.S. households now have access to cable, DSL, or both. They may be right, considering much of the nation lives in or near large cities. Still, much of the nation does not. And even if everyone did have access to at least one form of broadband, a choice among several is even better."
Grand Ledge, St. Johns to Receive Broadband Via Power Lines
Grand Ledge, St. Johns to Receive Broadband Via Power Lines: "he Michigan Broadband Development Authority (MBDA) today announced it has closed on a $520,000 loan with the New York-based Shpigler Group, Inc. that will bring broadband over power line (BPL) service to two mid-Michigan communities. Starting later this fall, customers in Grand Ledge and St. Johns will be able to choose BPL for their home and business Internet needs. This will be only the 5th such commercial deployment of BPL technology in the nation."
Wi-Fi used for location services | CNET News.com
Wi-Fi used for location services | CNET News.com: "A Boston, Mass.-based start-up says it has developed software that uses Wi-Fi signals to pinpoint locations better than satellite-based global positioning systems can.
On Monday Skyhook Wireless announced the commercial availability of its Wi-Fi Positioning System, or WPS. The software, which is now available to application developers and device manufacturers, uses 802.11 radio signals emitted from wireless routers to determine the precise location of any Wi-Fi enabled device, whether it be a PC, laptop, PDA, Tablet PC, smart phone or RFID tag."
On Monday Skyhook Wireless announced the commercial availability of its Wi-Fi Positioning System, or WPS. The software, which is now available to application developers and device manufacturers, uses 802.11 radio signals emitted from wireless routers to determine the precise location of any Wi-Fi enabled device, whether it be a PC, laptop, PDA, Tablet PC, smart phone or RFID tag."
Monday, June 20, 2005
Rocky Mountain News: Technology
Rocky Mountain News: Technology: "Qwest plans to use a town near Denver to test an emerging wireless technology designed to give residents high-speed Internet access over longer distances."
Telecom NZ tests Microsoft IPTV
STUFF : TECHNOLOGY - STORY : New Zealand's leading news and information website: "Telecom has selected Microsoft's IPTV platform to test its ability to deliver video to customers' TV sets over its copper phones lines and fibre optic cable."
Skype claims VoIP lead - IT Week
Skype claims VoIP lead - IT Week: "Skype has claimed the top spot in the global voice over IP league, according to web traffic analysis by broadband management firm Sandvine."
Here Comes WiMAX World
Here Comes WiMAX World: "You can't blame Internet users for wanting something better. Say you're sipping a latte and surfing the Web wirelessly at your favorite Starbucks (SBUX ). Then you think to yourself: What would it be like if I could use broadband wireless anywhere anytime?"
Sunday, June 19, 2005
WSJ.com - AT&T to Test Wireless Broadband In a Large-Scale Trial This Fall
WSJ.com - AT&T to Test Wireless Broadband In a Large-Scale Trial This Fall: "AT&T Corp. is launching a large-scale commercial trial of new wireless-broadband technology in Georgia this fall, the latest large telephone company to kick off such a trial in recent months.
The company plans to start offering the service to corporate customers after the trial ends next year. The technology, an early version of WiMAX, provides wireless connections to the Internet at speeds comparable to high-speed wired connections."
The company plans to start offering the service to corporate customers after the trial ends next year. The technology, an early version of WiMAX, provides wireless connections to the Internet at speeds comparable to high-speed wired connections."
WSJ.com - Ultrawideband Promises Boost to Wireless World
WSJ.com - Ultrawideband Promises Boost to Wireless World: "For all the talk about wireless, many electronic products remain tethered by cables because wireless technology lacks the capacity and speed to cut the cord.
But starting next year, a short-range technology called ultrawideband, or UWB, will give consumers a big boost in speed and data capacity. Before long, music lovers will be able to wirelessly download tunes from their computers to their MP3 portable music players -- something they can't do with existing technology."
But starting next year, a short-range technology called ultrawideband, or UWB, will give consumers a big boost in speed and data capacity. Before long, music lovers will be able to wirelessly download tunes from their computers to their MP3 portable music players -- something they can't do with existing technology."
Saturday, June 18, 2005
ISPs Attempt to Stop Public Broadband - Yahoo! News
ISPs Attempt to Stop Public Broadband - Yahoo! News: "When tiny north Kansas City, Missouri, announced that it planned to offer affordable high-speed Internet access much the way it does other public services, local attorney Brian Hall was ecstatic. Though Hall could get DSL service from SBC Communications, he says that he found the service unreliable, supplying lower speeds than he expected. But then goliath Time Warner Cable asked a Missouri federal court to block the city's efforts."
Techdirt:IPTV Saga: Verizon Sticks With Good Ol' Lobbying, Adds Cash Incentive
Techdirt:IPTV Saga: Verizon Sticks With Good Ol' Lobbying, Adds Cash Incentive: "SBC may have stopped negotiating with lawmakers on IPTV requirements, but Verizon is still working the legislative angle."
Handicapping VoIP Winners And Losers - Forbes.com
Handicapping VoIP Winners And Losers - Forbes.com: "NEW YORK - Internet giant Yahoo! announced earlier this week that it had acquired Dialpad Communications, a privately held voice-over-Internet Protocol services provider. Terms of the deal were not announced"
Friday, June 17, 2005
Microsoft Builds Its Own Peer-to-Peer App - Yahoo! News
Microsoft Builds Its Own Peer-to-Peer App - Yahoo! News: "Researchers at Microsoft's labs in Cambridge, England, are developing a file-sharing technology that they say could make it easier to distribute big files such as films, television programs, and software applications to end users over the Internet."
PSC rejects cable industry petition to block Verizon's FTTP rollout - 2005-06-16
PSC rejects cable industry petition to block Verizon's FTTP rollout - 2005-06-16: "The New York state Public Service Commission on Wednesday rejected a petition from Cablevision and the Cable Telecommunications Association of New York Inc. that would have prevented Verizon from constructing a cable television system.
The petition was filed in the wake of Verizon providing fiber-to-the-premises connectivity with the ability to offer video services"
The petition was filed in the wake of Verizon providing fiber-to-the-premises connectivity with the ability to offer video services"
Wireless Week - AT&T Plans Broad WiMAX Trial in Atlanta
Wireless Week - AT&T Plans Broad WiMAX Trial in Atlanta: "AT&T will start an intensive test of WiMAX technology, applications and its business case during a trial in Atlanta this fall, the carrier announced today."
Light Reading - Networking the Telecom Industry
Light Reading - Networking the Telecom Industry: "NEW YORK -- Stealth Communications Inc. is aptly named. The tiny company is 10 years old and has only eight employees. It isn’t widely known outside a small circle of service providers that use its technology.
All the same, it could turn out to be an incumbent killer."
All the same, it could turn out to be an incumbent killer."
Thursday, June 16, 2005
WSJ.com - Verizon Will Try New Strategy To Advance Its Television Plans
WSJ.com - Verizon Will Try New Strategy To Advance Its Television Plans: "Verizon Communications Inc. has launched a new strategy in New Jersey for getting bills passed to speed its rollout of television services, following defeats in the Texas and Virginia legislatures.
Verizon, the largest phone company in New Jersey, is offering to pay the state's municipalities higher franchise fees in exchange for statewide approval. Under current rules, Verizon has to get approval from individual municipalities to offer television programming."
Verizon, the largest phone company in New Jersey, is offering to pay the state's municipalities higher franchise fees in exchange for statewide approval. Under current rules, Verizon has to get approval from individual municipalities to offer television programming."
WSJ.com - BellSouth to Add Broadband Staff
WSJ.com - BellSouth to Add Broadband Staff: "BellSouth Corp. plans to expand its broadband staff by nearly 1,500 workers this year, marking the latest sign that local phone companies are moving away from their traditional phone business, and reflecting the sharp growth of high-speed Internet users in the U.S."
Online due diligence gains backers in M&A bankers - Yahoo! News
Online due diligence gains backers in M&A bankers - Yahoo! News: "For decades, merger advisers and lawyers have gathered information on their acquisition targets by logging countless hours in windowless rooms, combing through stacks of coffee-stained financial documents."
USATODAY.com - Wave of consolidation sweeps maturing Wi-Fi field
USATODAY.com - Wave of consolidation sweeps maturing Wi-Fi field: "The wireless Internet, or Wi-Fi, industry is finally consolidating after sparking dozens of start-ups."
USATODAY.com - Major sites hope to keep users 'tuned in'
USATODAY.com - Major sites hope to keep users 'tuned in': "In the next few weeks, America Online will offer what it considers a radical new feature. At its newly designed free Internet site, users will have a choice of two custom-designed start pages — one with picture and text links; the other loaded with video highlights"
Skype Does Videoconferencing and More - Yahoo! News
Skype Does Videoconferencing and More - Yahoo! News: "Skype Technologies' strategy of welcoming third-party vendors is spawning numerous extensions to its popular Internet telephony service, which is beginning to branch into videoconferencing, data collaboration, and mobile wireless calls."
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Yahoo Scoops Up Dialpad
Yahoo Scoops Up Dialpad - Yahoo! News: "Yahoo has bought VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) service provider Dialpad Communications to use its technology in Yahoo's VoIP services, Dialpad said this week."
VoIP pioneer aims for end of regular phone networks - Yahoo! News
VoIP pioneer aims for end of regular phone networks - Yahoo! News: "Jeff Pulver has a dream: That his invention a decade ago of making phone calls using the Internet will eventually be used by everyone and traditional phone networks and copper wires will be a thing of the past."
Opinion Column by PC Magazine: FTTP Changes Everything
Opinion Column by PC Magazine: FTTP Changes Everything: "We are on the cusp of some fundamental and significant changes in broadband content delivery. Forget cable, say sayonara to DSL, and get ready for fiber to the premises (FTTP). In what could only be described as the biggest sneak attack in technology history, for the past half decade telephone companies have been quietly replacing that last mile of copper lines running to your home with superfast fiber-optic lines, essentially bridging the gap between homes and the fiber that's been running at street level for almost ten years."
Monday, June 13, 2005
$50 Million Is Raised for Venture in Wireless - New York Times
$50 Million Is Raised for Venture in Wireless - New York Times: "SOMA Networks, a start-up that makes equipment used to deliver high-speed Internet access to homes over wireless networks, plans to announce on Monday that it has raised $50 million in venture capital financing."
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Prices of Tech Items
WSJ.com - Portals: "Declining PC prices have become the poster child for the free-lunch economics of the modern technology industry, where manufacturing efficiencies, especially in semiconductors, allow companies to continually sell more for less. This is most noticeable in hardware, but it is occurring as well in technology-related services -- at least when there is something resembling effective competition."
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Yahoo sees larger opportunity in voice services - Yahoo! News
Yahoo sees larger opportunity in voice services - Yahoo! News: "CHICAGO (Reuters) - Internet services company Yahoo Inc. (Nasdaq:YHOO - news) is looking to boost its business in the Internet's next big growth area -- voice communications."
Podcasting lures wary music biz - Yahoo! News
Podcasting lures wary music biz - Yahoo! News: "Podcasting has emerged as the Internet's hottest fad, but is it more than just a passing fancy?"
PluggedIn: Internet telephony grows with do-it-yourself help - Yahoo! News
PluggedIn: Internet telephony grows with do-it-yourself help - Yahoo! News: "LONDON (Reuters) - After nipping at the heels of the major telephone providers for years, Internet telephony is finally taking a big bite out of telephone call traffic."
Telecom Report: Verizon, SBC split paths on DSL
Telecom Report: Verizon, SBC split paths on DSL - Internet Hardware - Internet Services - Internet Software - Telecommunications - Computer Hardware - Internet - Fiber Optics - Company Announcements - Personal Finance: "When it comes to high-speed Internet service, the country's two largest phone companies are beating very different paths to the homes of new customers."
Friday, June 10, 2005
Wherever You Go, You're On The Job
Wherever You Go, You're On The Job: "Once confined to jet-setting CEOs and salespeople who demand day and night access to the office, mobile corporate computing is coming to the masses. Superfast wireless networks, innovative communications software, and a slew of relatively cheap devices from notebook PCs to palm-size handhelds let practically any worker bee stay connected to the corporate hive, from wherever they may be. Call it what you will, a productivity breakthrough or a new form of wage slavery, but it's clear that work is becoming an around-the-clock phenomenon."
FCC votes to speed move to digital TVs | CNET News.com
FCC votes to speed move to digital TVs: "U.S. communications regulators on Thursday agreed to move up to March 1, 2006, the deadline requiring television makers to ensure all mid-size sets they sell in the United States can receive digital signals."
BellSouth's IPTV strategy may pay off | CNET News.com
BellSouth's IPTV strategy may pay off | CNET News.com: "A decade-old bet on fiber-optic cables could end up paying big dividends for BellSouth.
While other local telephone carriers waited until regulatory issues were ironed out before deploying fiber into homes, BellSouth plowed ahead and deployed more than 5.2 million miles of fiber. It was considered a big risk at the time, because regulators could have forced the company to share the network it was building."
While other local telephone carriers waited until regulatory issues were ironed out before deploying fiber into homes, BellSouth plowed ahead and deployed more than 5.2 million miles of fiber. It was considered a big risk at the time, because regulators could have forced the company to share the network it was building."
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Microsoft's Lightspeed in Slo-Mo
Microsoft's Lightspeed in Slo-Mo: "With great fanfare, Microsoft (MSFT ) Chairman William H. Gates III premiered SBC Communications' (SBC ) groundbreaking television service, dubbed Project Lightspeed, at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. The service, which uses Microsoft's Internet protocol television (IPTV) software, dazzled onlookers, showing how baseball fans could keep tabs on three games in tiny windows on their TVs while watching the game that mattered most to them."
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
WSJ.com - BT Group to Launch Hybrid Cellphone in U.K.
WSJ.com - BT Group to Launch Hybrid Cellphone in U.K.: "LONDON -- BT Group PLC is about to launch a cellphone in the United Kingdom that can make inexpensive calls over fixed-line networks. The handset, code-named Bluephone, is designed to function as an ordinary cellphone when the user is out and about, but then relay calls via a fixed-line connection when the user is at home or in the office."
TelecomWeb - Qwest Accuses Utopia Of Pole Poaching
TelecomWeb: "ILEC Qwest has gone to court accusing the Utah Telecommunications Open Infrastructure Agency (Utopia) – the $340 million, 14-city fiber-to-the-user project in Utah, of illegally stringing some of its fiber from Qwest-owned telephone poles. It’s asking the Utah courts to force Utopia to remove its fiber and to sign a standard contract Qwest demands of anyone using its poles before the fiber goes back up."
muni broadband
muni broadband
BellSouth says can compete with Verizon, SBC - Yahoo! News
BellSouth says can compete with Verizon, SBC - Yahoo! News: "BellSouth Corp. (NYSE:BLS - news), the No. 3 U.S. local telephone company, will compete for large business clients against Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ - news) and SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC - news) by working with independent network operators, its chief technical officer said on Wednesday."
FCC chairman 'sympathetic' to fewer video rules
FCC chairman 'sympathetic' to fewer video rules: "The chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission said on Tuesday he was 'sympathetic' to the arguments of large local telephone companies that want fewer legal barriers to launching video services."
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Phone companies hear call of the TV | CNET News.com
Phone companies hear call of the TV | CNET News.com: "At Supercomm 2005, a huge telephone trade show taking place here through Thursday, executives from local phone giants Verizon Communications, Qwest Communications International, SBC Communications and BellSouth will get a look at an array of new products intended to help them spruce up planned TV services."
Local-Telephone Luster Fades
WSJ.com - Heard on the Street: "After intense lobbying, large local-telephone companies finally got what they wanted last year: new rules dictating that they no longer had to provide rivals with access to their networks at a discount. Investors were euphoric, and Bell shares rose."
BellSouth to launch wireless broadband service - Jun. 7, 2005
BellSouth to launch wireless broadband service - Jun. 7, 2005: "CHICAGO (Reuters) - BellSouth Corp., the No. 3 U.S. local telephone company, said Tuesday it would launch a wireless high-speed Internet service for residential customers based on an early version of the WiMax technology backed by Intel Corp."
Point -- Community Wireless Networks: Why Not? - Government Technology
Point -- Community Wireless Networks: Why Not? - Government Technology: "Once considered a luxury, high-speed Internet access has become a vital part of American life. "
Seattle Tops List for Wireless Web Access
Seattle Tops List for Wireless Web Access: "SAN FRANCISCO -- Seattle and San Francisco are the most 'unwired cities' in America _ top spots for computer junkies who send e-mail and surf the Web at restaurants, libraries or public plazas."
SBC Seeks "Light Touch" Regulatory Policy for IPTV
Broadband Networking Regulatory News: "In an address at SUPERCOMM 2005, Forrest E. Miller, SBC group president and top public policy executive, outlined his wishes for a 'light touch' regulatory framework for IPTV services. SBC believes that a minimal regulatory environment would attract new competitors and encourage the deployment of new technologies in a TV video market dominated by cable companies."
Pharming and other security woes hector VoIP | Tech News on ZDNet
Pharming and other security woes hector VoIP | Tech News on ZDNet: "CHICAGO--There are few clearer signs that an information technology has hit the mainstream than when it becomes the focus of pharming and other security attacks."
Monday, June 06, 2005
Telecom Exec: VOIP Is a Pain
Light Reading - Networking the Telecom Industry: "CHICAGO – Supercomm 2005 – A Time Warner Telecom Inc. (Nasdaq: TWTC - message board) VOIP executive threw a bit of cold water on the excitement over VOIP at a panel here today, saying that VOIP architectures are more complex, expensive, and difficult to operate than the old TDM systems... and less profitable (see Does VOIP Business Add Up?)."
BellSouth to Launch a New High Speed Broadband Service
BellSouth to Launch a New High Speed Broadband Service: "BellSouth (NYSE: BLS - News) announced plans today to launch a new high-speed broadband service in the fourth quarter of 2005. The company's new service will deliver residential and business customers downstream connection speeds of up to 6Mbps."
WSJ.com - AT&T, Microsoft to Form Alliance Developing Services for Businesses
WSJ.com - AT&T, Microsoft to Form Alliance Developing Services for Businesses: "The companies say the arrangement will help phone giant AT&T cement its role as the largest communications-service provider to businesses, while it advances Microsoft's presence in telecommunications."
WSJ.com - EarthLink to Offer Internet Calling On Regular Phones
WSJ.com - EarthLink to Offer Internet Calling On Regular Phones: "The new service uses a technology called line-powered voice access and was developed by Covad Communications Group Inc., a small broadband, voice and data company based in San Jose. The technology links the Internet with the regular phone network, taking away some key issues with which some VOIP phone providers have struggled."
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Newly adopted standard means bandwidth boost for IPTV offerings | CNET News.com
Newly adopted standard means bandwidth boost for IPTV offerings | CNET News.com: "As telephone companies go through the biggest network makeover in their histories to get ready to offer a triple-play package of services--including voice, video and high speed data--a new optical-access technology is set to take center stage."
Friday, June 03, 2005
Technology News: Commentary: Broadband Battles
Technology News: Commentary: Broadband Battles: "ities all over the country, including San Francisco, Philadelphia, and New York, are moving towards running their own broadband networks. They claim that such networks would facilitate economic activity and make the cities cooler places to live. The cities also argue that the private sector isn't moving fast enough to deploy technology. The irony here should be evident."
Telecom Carriers View IPTV As Key To Their Long-Term Survival, Heavy Reading Reports
Telecom Carriers View IPTV As Key To Their Long-Term Survival, Heavy Reading Reports: "Incumbent phone companies are pushing IP- based video to the top of their next-generation service agendas, a strategic decision that is likely to have major long-term effects on the telecom equipment industry, according to a major new study released today by Heavy Reading "
Light Reading - Networking the Telecom Industry
Light Reading - Networking the Telecom Industry: "SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE: SBC - message board) is close to announcing delays to the commercial rollout of its fiber-based triple-play offering, stemming from difficulties in trialing its IPTV service, Light Reading has learned from sources close to the situation.
SBC has said it expects to roll out new commercial services by late 2005 or early 2006. The services will be offered over a massive new fiber network slated to reach two thirds of SBC’s customer base, or 18 million households, by the end of 2007 with a capital cost of $4 billion to $6 billion."
SBC has said it expects to roll out new commercial services by late 2005 or early 2006. The services will be offered over a massive new fiber network slated to reach two thirds of SBC’s customer base, or 18 million households, by the end of 2007 with a capital cost of $4 billion to $6 billion."
WSJ.com - Web by Satellite In Round Two: Will It Fly Now?
WSJ.com - Web by Satellite In Round Two: Will It Fly Now?: "Starting this week, a small, little-known company called WildBlue Communications Inc. is attempting something that has stumped billionaire entrepreneurs and international telecommunications giants alike: establishing a mass market for satellite-delivered Internet service."
Light Reading - Networking the Telecom Industry
Light Reading - Networking the Telecom Industry: "While the rest of the telecom industry seems to be talking about triple-play services across end-to-end IP networks, Net Insight's chief says IP isn't up to the task of effectively handling the transport of large amounts of video traffic, and that carriers with video service ambitions need to consider using next-generation SDH/Sonet technology"
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Verizon: IP Video Key to Telco Reform
Verizon: IP Video Key to Telco Reform: "WASHINGTON -- Verizon moved to Capitol Hill today in its campaign to reduce entry barriers for incumbent telephone companies pushing new video services.
Verizon's march on Congress comes after the Texas Legislature adjourned without taking action on a bill supported by Verizon (Quote, Chart) and SBC (Quote, Chart) that they claim would have streamlined the process for the incumbents to roll out their video-over-fiber product."
Verizon's march on Congress comes after the Texas Legislature adjourned without taking action on a bill supported by Verizon (Quote, Chart) and SBC (Quote, Chart) that they claim would have streamlined the process for the incumbents to roll out their video-over-fiber product."
Broadband Subs Pull Into Passing Lane
Broadband Subs Pull Into Passing Lane: "With broadband prices falling and demand rising, residential high-speed Internet adoption is expected to jump from slightly less than half of U.S. online households to 78 percent of households by the end of 2010, according to JupiterResearch."
Broadband Wireless Business Magazine
Broadband Wireless Business Magazine: "Broadband wireless Internet service providers (WISPs) see the writing on the wall. Their days of doing business are numbered if they do not have a strategy to bundle voice in with their data services. This is especially true for WISPs that target enterprise customers."
Wireless Networks on Verge of Makeover
Wireless Networks on Verge of Makeover: "The technology behind wireless data networks in homes and businesses is on the verge of a makeover that promises to fix long-standing complaints of spotty coverage, flaky connections and inconsistent speeds."
NewsFactor Network - Mobile Enterprise - The Future of WiMAX
NewsFactor Network - Mobile Enterprise - The Future of WiMAX: "There are a number of hurdles that must be overcome for mobile WiMAX to take off, including global spectrum availability and harmony, the development and adoption of mobile broadband applications, and a definition of the major differentiators of WiMAX products as compared to existing broadband and mobile technologies. "
WildBlue - Cable Digital News
Cable Digital News: "As they battle for data dominance on the ground, cable operators and DSL providers will soon face a potentially powerful broadband rival from the heavens. WildBlue Communications, after shaking off financing challenges, is preparing to introduce its satellite high-speed data service this month."
U.S. MSO Execs Aim to Generate $2 Billion in Business Revenues This Year - Cable Digital News
Cable Digital News: "ensing huge potential for revenue growth outside their core residential offerings, several leading U.S. cable operators are beefing up their campaign to make inroads in the small-to-medium-sized business (SMB) market. But the MSOs are still struggling with demands from commercial customers for greater network reliability and long-distance connectivity."
Cable IP Phone Subscriber Count Reaches 1 Million-Cable Digital News
Cable Digital News: "Following a solid first quarter, North American cable operators reached the 1-million mark for IP phone subscribers and the 25-million milestone for high-speed data customers in May, according to projections by Cable Digital News publisher Kinetic Strategies."
WSJ.com - Wireless Carriers' Veto Over How Phones Work Hampers Innovation
WSJ.com - Personal Technology: "I call these cellphone companies the new Soviet ministries, because they are reminiscent of the Communist bureaucracies in Russia that stood athwart the free market for decades. Like the real Soviet ministries, these technology middlemen too often believe they can decide better than the market what goods consumers need."
deseretnews.com | Qwest is suing UTOPIA
deseretnews.com | Qwest is suing UTOPIA: "Plans for a multicity telecommunications network have long drawn fire from competing communications companies. Now, one of them has taken the fight to court."
WSJ.com - Cutting the Phone Cord Isn't as Popular as Once Predicted
WSJ.com - Cutting the Phone Cord Isn't as Popular as Once Predicted: "While the number of wireless-only households is increasing -- close to 6% of all U.S. homes at the end of last year, according to Forrester Research Inc. -- the trend isn't accelerating as quickly as many experts predicted. And some consumers are reconsidering their decision to go wireless and are reconnecting to a landline."
Technology News: Networks: New DSL Standard Promises 10 Times the Speed
Technology News: Networks: New DSL Standard Promises 10 Times the Speed: "An international standards group has approved a new DSL standard that it says will increase the technology's upstream and downstream speeds to as much as 100 megabits per second -- 10 times faster than the fastest DSL now offered by carriers.
The Geneva, Switzerland-based International Telecommunications Union (ITU) approved the standard for Very-High-Bit-Rate Digital Subscriber Line 2 (VDSL2) last week, but it might be years before most consumers see it on their doorstep."
The Geneva, Switzerland-based International Telecommunications Union (ITU) approved the standard for Very-High-Bit-Rate Digital Subscriber Line 2 (VDSL2) last week, but it might be years before most consumers see it on their doorstep."
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
TV's Future Is Here, but It Needs Work
The New York Times > Technology > Circuits > TV's Future Is Here, but It Needs Work: "A company called Akimbo has a tantalizing idea. What if you had a TiVo-like set-top box, complete with a hard drive that could hold 200 hours of video - but instead of recording live broadcasts, you could tap into an enormous library of shows, stored on the Internet, and watch them whenever you liked?"
Comcast Has High Hopes for Digital Phones
Comcast Has High Hopes for Digital Phones: "PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Comcast Corp. hopes its fledgling digital telephone service will soon become the cable giant's next profitable venture as it continues efforts to expand its business, chairman and chief executive Brian Roberts told shareholders Wednesday."
'Tattered' MS IPTV strategy
p2pnet.net - the original daily p2p and digital media news site: "This delay message cannot remain unheard in the US, where Verizon and SBC have both publicly committed to using Microsoft IPTV and where Bellsouth has been rumored for the past 9 months to be on the verge of choosing Microsoft as well, to create a clean sweep of the major US Telcos. "
Microsoft's TV Stranglehold in Trouble? - Swisscom's troubles may worry U.S. telcos
broadband News Microsoft's TV Stranglehold in Trouble? - Swisscom's troubles may worry U.S. telcos: "The problem? According to this Register/Faultline report, Swisscom is having a hell of a time getting Microsoft's television software to actually work. While a large number of European providers are off and running using other solutions, Swisscom is finding Microsoft's solution expensive, clumsy, and difficult to manage. "
USATODAY.com - Arbinet service could lower the cost of Net-based calls
USATODAY.com - Arbinet service could lower the cost of Net-based calls: "NEW YORK — Arbinet, a communications exchange company that handles about 15 million calls a day, plans to launch a service next month that could eventually reduce the cost of using an Internet-based phone service."
WSJ.com - Verizon, SBC Lose TV Fight With Texas Bill
WSJ.com - Verizon, SBC Lose TV Fight With Texas Bill: "Phone companies are hoping to get similar legislation passed in numerous states, many of which are likely to look at the Texas decision as a model. The phone companies' loss gives cable companies a head start in the race to offer the most attractive packages of phone, TV and high-speed Internet service."
WSJ.com - A New Low Price For Broadband
WSJ.com - A New Low Price For Broadband: "In an aggressive move to cut the cost of high-speed Internet access, the nation's second-largest phone company plans to start charging $14.95 a month for new customers -- making broadband service less expensive than some dial-up plans."
Phone Firms Lose Out on Statewide TV Franchises
Phone Firms Lose Out on Statewide TV Franchises: "DALLAS -- Verizon Communications Inc. and SBC Communications Inc. think they can break cable's powerful grip and get consumers to switch to the enhanced television services they're cooking up, but they are having a tough time getting state legislators to help."
