Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Your next phone: new IM tools with VoIP - Internet
Your next phone: new IM tools with VoIP - Internet: "In recent years, instant text messaging and e-mail have replaced the phone for those who want to quickly and quietly use a computer to chat with friends, family, and colleagues. But the top IM apps are now pumping up their volume by integrating free, Web-based calling services. Will jumping on the VoIP bandwagon spur legions of IM users to pick up PC-to-PC phoning--making landline and cellular companies sweat? "
Microsoft to Acquire Teleo, an Internet Phone Company - New York Times
Microsoft to Acquire Teleo, an Internet Phone Company - New York Times: "Microsoft is expected to announce today that it is acquiring a San Francisco-based Internet phone company, Teleo, to add features to its MSN Internet portal service."
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
NewsFactor Network - - The New Generation of VoIP in the Workplace
NewsFactor Network - - The New Generation of VoIP in the Workplace: "'Integrated conferencing is driving video-conferencing capabilities to the desktop, with the result that scheduling a multimedia conference call becomes as easy as sending out an e-mail invitation to a meeting,' said Forsythe Technology's Richard Zimmermann. "
RED HERRING | MSN Buys VoIP Company
RED HERRING | MSN Buys VoIP Company: "Fresh on the heels of Google’s voice chat debut last week, Microsoft’s online portal MSN said Tuesday it has acquired Teleo, a San Francisco-based VoIP provider, for an undisclosed sum."
WiMax: Wireless pie in sky or the next tech revolution?
USATODAY.com - WiMax: Wireless pie in sky or the next tech revolution?: "SAN FRANCISCO — On a stormy day at an Argentine agricultural school, Maria del Carmen Villar stood in front of a camera that streamed her image over the Internet to a conference here — more than 6,500 miles away."
Overseas Phone Calls Get Cheaper
WSJ.com - Overseas Phone Calls Get Cheaper: "Rates for most land-line and cellphone calls have been falling for years. A smart consumer can, for example, make overseas calls from a home phone now for essentially local rates, or even less. International cellphone calls have been a big exception, however, with overseas wireless rates remaining stubbornly high over the years."
Monday, August 29, 2005
A Competitive Spirit
WSJ.com - Portals: "A specter is haunting the computer industry: the specter of competition.
With apologies to Marx and Engels for bastardizing their line on communism, one can't help but notice that the technology industry has become considerably more lively of late than anyone had a right to expect."
With apologies to Marx and Engels for bastardizing their line on communism, one can't help but notice that the technology industry has become considerably more lively of late than anyone had a right to expect."
WSJ.com - Verizon Wireless Cuts Broadband Prices by 25%
WSJ.com - Verizon Wireless Cuts Broadband Prices by 25%: "Verizon Wireless, opening another front in the war over high-speed Internet pricing, is cutting prices of its wireless-broadband service for the first time by 25%."
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Nortel wants broadband for all - even Bismarck
Rocky Mountain News: Business: "He's the other Bill Owens, former U.S. naval commander and now chief executive of Canada-based Nortel Networks, a multinational $10 billion a year telecommunications equipment maker.
Rather than governing a state, this Bill Owens is focused on bringing high-speed communications technology to cities, towns and remote areas across the globe."
Rather than governing a state, this Bill Owens is focused on bringing high-speed communications technology to cities, towns and remote areas across the globe."
Friday, August 26, 2005
Maturing net growing more slowly
BBC NEWS | Technology | Maturing net growing more slowly: "After years of huge increases, the rate at which net traffic is growing is slowing down, say analysts.
During 2004 the amount of net traffic travelling on backbone cables between nations grew by 104%, reported the consultancy Telegeography.
By contrast in 2005 the growth slumped to a less stellar 49%."
During 2004 the amount of net traffic travelling on backbone cables between nations grew by 104%, reported the consultancy Telegeography.
By contrast in 2005 the growth slumped to a less stellar 49%."
WSJ.com - Market for Internet Calling, Once Tiny, Gets Crowded Fast
WSJ.com - Market for Internet Calling, Once Tiny, Gets Crowded Fast: "In 2002, Vonage Holdings Corp., a tiny start-up with about 50 employees, sparked a revolution in the U.S. phone industry when it began offering an Internet-based telephone service at rates far below those for traditional phone calls. More than 800,000 subscribers signed up, and Vonage, which now counts 1,500 employees, is about to move to new headquarters and is planning an initial public offering that could raise as much as $600 million.
But its key selling point -- inexpensive phone service -- is no longer so special. "
But its key selling point -- inexpensive phone service -- is no longer so special. "
FCC Delays Cutoff of Internet Phone Users
FCC Delays Cutoff of Internet Phone Users - Yahoo! News: "But in Friday's notice, the agency said the deadline would be extended to Sept. 28 for the providers to get their acknowledgments. If by that time a provider still has not received confirmation from a customer, then the FCC said the companies should disconnect a customer's regular Internet phone service, but could still allow emergency calls to be made."
VoIP Providers Ask FCC to Extend Deadline
MSN Money - Associated Press Business News: VoIP Providers Ask FCC to Extend Deadline: "WASHINGTON (AP) - A coalition of Internet phone providers asked federal regulators Thursday to extend a disconnection deadline that could lead to tens of thousands of customers losing service next week."
VoIP Promises Are Overhyped: Forrester > August 25, 2005
InformationWeek > VoIP > VoIP Promises Are Overhyped: Forrester > August 25, 2005: "New survey says that 70% of consumers have no interest in switching to a VoIP service and that, so far, providers have focused on price instead of on compelling applications. "
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Melding of cell phones and Wi-Fi will be cosmic, man
USATODAY.com - Melding of cell phones and Wi-Fi will be cosmic, man: "Over the next few years, companies will start selling dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi phones. The phones will be able to make voice calls either on a cellular network, or by connecting via Wi-Fi wireless Internet to make calls using VoIP (a.k.a. Voice over Internet Protocol)."
Rocky Mountain News: Technology
Rocky Mountain News: Technology: "Providers of Internet-based phone services, including Qwest Communications and Vonage Holdings Corp., may be forced next week to cut off thousands of customers who haven't formally acknowledged that they understand the problems they may encounter dialing 911 in an emergency."
BBC NEWS | Magazine | The struggle over science
BBC NEWS | Magazine | The struggle over science: "I used to get mad at the way it was left to America to bring to full fruition fine achievements by Britain's scientists, inventors and engineers. Take Alexander Fleming's penicillin, Frank Whittle's jet engine, Alan Turing's computer and Robert Watson Watt's radar.
All these breakthroughs found their fullest exploitation in the United States. Indeed, they all contributed to America's pre-eminence in science-based manufacturing and services."
All these breakthroughs found their fullest exploitation in the United States. Indeed, they all contributed to America's pre-eminence in science-based manufacturing and services."
Wired 13.09: The Super Network
Wired 13.09: The Super Network: "A household with 300 cable or satellite channels has access to 7,000 hours of programming a day, almost 3 million per year. That's a lot, but it's only a fraction of the 31 million hours of total annual programming. Every major cable company is making investments to allow TV to be distributed over the Internet, giving you access to each one of those 31 million hours. And then there's this year's 36-fold explosion in consumer-generated video on the Internet."
Google unveils instant-messaging entry | CNET News.com
Google unveils instant-messaging entry | CNET News.com: "One advantage to Google Talk could be its ability to connect with users of competing services. The service is based on the Jabber open-source standard, which allows consumers to connect with other messaging systems that work with Jabber, such as Apple Computer's iChat, GAIM, Adium, Trillian Pro and Psi."
The benefits of mutual distrust | Perspectives | CNET News.com
The benefits of mutual distrust | Perspectives | CNET News.com: "The Grokster case hinged on whether the makers of popular online song-swapping programs like Grokster and Morpheus should be held responsible when people use those programs to illegally download music and movies."
Techworld.com - PacketHop kills access-points model of wireless network
Techworld.com - PacketHop kills access-points model of wireless network: "Software that creates a wireless mesh network with no need for conventional access points will be launched next month by start-up PacketHop."
States Shouldn't Meddle with IPTV
The Heartland Institute - States Shouldn't Meddle with IPTV - by Sonia Arrison: "Because old cable rules allowed local governments to grant near-monopolies to cable companies, bureaucrats have been able to use their power to extract big bucks and obtain special favors. Cable companies haven’t had much choice in the matter. This market distortion has raised prices and lowered quality for consumers ... but new competition should remedy those problems."
Power line broadband gets popular with tech firms | CNET News.com
Power line broadband gets popular with tech firms | CNET News.com: "The technology that allows the internal power wiring in a home to deliver broadband service is getting some heavy-hitting endorsements from large technology companies including Intel, Motorola and Cisco Systems."
Networking Pipeline | Cable Operators Hold Slim Lead On Telcos In Broadband Growth
Networking Pipeline | Cable Operators Hold Slim Lead On Telcos In Broadband Growth: "U.S. cable companies held a slim lead over telephone companies in subscriber growth for the second quarter, but commanded their lowest market share ever, a research firm said Wednesday.
Cable operators had 28 million high-speed Internet customers, compared to 17 million DSL subscribers reported by the telephone companies, Pike & Fischer's Communications Media Analysis Group said. Cable operators had 55 percent of the market, which was their lowest share ever."
Cable operators had 28 million high-speed Internet customers, compared to 17 million DSL subscribers reported by the telephone companies, Pike & Fischer's Communications Media Analysis Group said. Cable operators had 55 percent of the market, which was their lowest share ever."
Top Tech News - Tech Trends - Broadband Rulings Draw User Concerns
Top Tech News - Tech Trends - Broadband Rulings Draw User Concerns: "Rulings by the FCC and the Supreme Court that DSL and cable modem services are exempt from telecommunications regulation could boot some ISPs off these facilities or raise their access fees significantly. But the rulings might also prompt service providers to explore last-mile bypass alternatives. "
Blueprint: Telco Triple Play
Blueprint: Telco Triple Play: "With international approval of the VDSL2 (G.993.2) standard in May 2005, telephone carriers now have the opportunity to upgrade both upstream and downstream bandwidth to their subscribers and to thereby offer valuable new services such as IPTV, interactive gaming, peer-to-peer file sharing and videoconferencing. VDSL2 chipsets can be designed to deliver up to 100Mbps of symmetrical bandwidth to each subscriber. In addition, these chipsets incorporate previous functionality outlined in the ADSL (G.992.1), ADSL2 (G.992.3 and G.992.5) and VDSL (G.993.1) standards, making VDSL2 a multi-mode solution for a broad range of service needs. Asian and European carriers are already operating VDSL-based services, and U.S. carriers such as SBC and BellSouth have indicated that VDSL2 will be part of their fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) and fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) deployment plans."
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
New taxes could slam Net phone users
New taxes could slam Net phone users | CNET News.com: "A new proposal to federal regulators has once again raised the possibility of new taxes being levied on Internet phone users.
Buried in a 27-page public notice (click for PDF) released last week by the Federal Communications Commission's federal-state joint board on universal service is a call to force more companies to pay taxes into the Universal Service Fund."
Buried in a 27-page public notice (click for PDF) released last week by the Federal Communications Commission's federal-state joint board on universal service is a call to force more companies to pay taxes into the Universal Service Fund."
Bells slash prices to lure broadband customers
Bells slash prices to lure broadband customers | CNET News.com: "The fight for dial-up customers in the broadband market is heating up.
On Tuesday, Verizon Communications upped the ante with a new low-cost tier of service. For $14.95, Verizon customers can get a broadband service with a download speed of 768kbps and an upload speed of 128kbps. The new service is currently being offered throughout Verizon's territory and requires customers to sign up for a one-year contract."
On Tuesday, Verizon Communications upped the ante with a new low-cost tier of service. For $14.95, Verizon customers can get a broadband service with a download speed of 768kbps and an upload speed of 128kbps. The new service is currently being offered throughout Verizon's territory and requires customers to sign up for a one-year contract."
Skype releases IM developer tools
Skype releases IM developer tools | CNET News.com: "Internet telephone giant Skype is now letting lets Web sites and others Internet applications tap into the untold millions of people using Skype's instant message feature."
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
WSJ.com - Yahoo, Verizon To Offer Discounted DSL Service
WSJ.com - Yahoo, Verizon To Offer Discounted DSL Service: "Verizon Communications Inc. and Yahoo Inc. have teamed up to launch a cheaper high-speed Internet service designed to compete against cable operators and dial-up service providers."
DSL, cable providers spar with Vonage
DSL, cable providers spar with Vonage | CNET News.com: "ASPEN, Colo.--Executives at broadband providers said on Monday that there's no need for the federal government to ensure that companies treat all Internet sites equally."
Monday, August 22, 2005
ABC News: More U.S. Cities Pushing Public Wireless Nets
ABC News: More U.S. Cities Pushing Public Wireless Nets: "Local governments routinely provide water, sewer, sanitation, and emergency services such as police and fire. But pretty soon, you may be able to add low-cost — perhaps even free — wireless Internet access to the list."
Sunday, August 21, 2005
USATODAY.com - Number of Internet-phone consumers soars
USATODAY.com - Number of Internet-phone consumers soars: "BOSTON — The number of consumers bypassing the traditional phone network and opting for Internet voice service is soaring beyond expectations.
An analysis by the TeleGeography research group found 2.7 million subscribers nationwide in the second quarter, compared with just 440,000 a year earlier."
An analysis by the TeleGeography research group found 2.7 million subscribers nationwide in the second quarter, compared with just 440,000 a year earlier."
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Power-Line Networking: The Next Generation - Yahoo! News
Power-Line Networking: The Next Generation - Yahoo! News: "The long-awaited HomePlug AV specification for superfast networking through conventional electrical wiring in homes and small offices has been ratified, paving the way for products as early as next spring."
Friday, August 19, 2005
What would Joe Consumer say?
What would Joe Consumer say? | Perspectives | CNET News.com: "Even the most Panglossian optimist would find it hard to speak well of the Federal Communications Commission's sellout to the regional phone monopolies."
Cities join Intel's Wi-Fi program
Cities join Intel's Wi-Fi program | CNET News.com: "Intel and several corporate partners launched a program on Thursday aimed at helping cities use wireless networks to better serve their citizens--and perhaps make a little cash on the side."
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Expect a Net phone evolution, not revolution
Expect a Net phone evolution, not revolution | Perspectives | CNET News.com: "IP telephony has been the next big thing since the Internet boom.
Common wisdom suggested that you could save boatloads of money by stuffing long distance voice traffic onto the Internet and that exploding Internet growth would simply roll over the traditional Pubic Switched Telephone Network."
Common wisdom suggested that you could save boatloads of money by stuffing long distance voice traffic onto the Internet and that exploding Internet growth would simply roll over the traditional Pubic Switched Telephone Network."
S.F. keeps pushing citywide Wi-Fi
S.F. keeps pushing citywide Wi-Fi | CNET News.com: "San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom wants to make Wi-Fi coverage in the city as ubiquitous as the fog that blankets its neighborhoods."
SBC's $4 billion IPTV investment 'not much money'
USATODAY.com - SBC's $4 billion IPTV investment 'not much money': "SAN ANTONIO — Sitting in his office, Randall Stephenson, the point man on SBC Communications' Internet TV project, is a picture of confidence.
But pressed on the question of whether SBC has made the right choice in betting on 'IPTV' — short for Internet Protocol TV — a cool but largely unproven technology, the 6-foot-4-inch Oklahoman blanches."
But pressed on the question of whether SBC has made the right choice in betting on 'IPTV' — short for Internet Protocol TV — a cool but largely unproven technology, the 6-foot-4-inch Oklahoman blanches."
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Yahoo! to take on Skype with new VoIP service? - silicon.com
Yahoo! to take on Skype with new VoIP service? - silicon.com: "The battle for the consumer voice over IP (VoIP) market is heating up, with one analyst predicting Yahoo! will launch a new internet telephony service within the next two weeks."
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
WiMAX, Local Access Savior
WiMAX, Local Access Savior: "A couple of months ago, I discussed the proliferation of Wi-Fi across the US and the world. A super technology to be sure but there's a complimentary partner just waiting around the corner.
WiMAX has the range to provide the backhaul requirements for Wi-Fi, which has a much smaller footprint. However, I see a much bigger role for WiMax: local access. The coveted 'last mile' wired network technology that the regional bell operating companies (RBOCs) have hoarded and capitalized on since the divestiture of AT&T in 1984."
WiMAX has the range to provide the backhaul requirements for Wi-Fi, which has a much smaller footprint. However, I see a much bigger role for WiMax: local access. The coveted 'last mile' wired network technology that the regional bell operating companies (RBOCs) have hoarded and capitalized on since the divestiture of AT&T in 1984."
Appeal filed over Net phones' E911 rule | CNET News.com
Appeal filed over Net phones' E911 rule | CNET News.com: "A federal requirement forcing Internet phone companies to provide 911 service to all their customers by November is drawing criticism and a legal challenge."
Monday, August 15, 2005
Gloves are off over broadband pricing
Rocky Mountain News: Technology: "Telcos across the country have sparked a so-called high-speed Internet price war.
But some of the best deals - such as one by Qwest Communications - can be had only by ordering the service online."
But some of the best deals - such as one by Qwest Communications - can be had only by ordering the service online."
The FCC's invite to Big Brother |
The FCC's invite to Big Brother | Perspectives | CNET News.com: "It's cheaper and easier than ever to make phone calls over the Internet, thanks to innovative gadgets like a Wi-Fi handset from ZyXel."
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Broadband Is Too Important to Be Left to Cable-Phone Duopoly
Broadband Is Too Important to Be Left to Cable-Phone Duopoly: "Competition in the market for broadband Internet access remains alive, despite what can look like a concerted campaign by big business and government to abolish it. The latest such steps were a Supreme Court ruling and a Federal Communications Commission vote that allowed cable and phone companies to block competitors from their networks."
New FCC rules endanger ISPs
DenverPost.com - BUSINESS: "Now Aros, along with hundreds of independent ISPs across the nation, may face possible extinction because of new rules that allow Qwest and other phone companies to kick ISPs off their high-speed Internet, or DSL, lines."
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Light Reading - Networking the Telecom Industry
Light Reading - Networking the Telecom Industry: "Reports of a Skype Technologies SA sale have permeated VOIP circles in recent days, and the $3 billion price tag being bandied about reminds some of headier days (see Skype Rules North American VOIP).
Several reports say that Skype is ready to sell out, and that meetings took place in Europe last month in which Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. tried to buy the VOIP company. Rumors also persist that the firm has hired Morgan Stanley to manage the matchmaking and to help raise funds."
Several reports say that Skype is ready to sell out, and that meetings took place in Europe last month in which Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. tried to buy the VOIP company. Rumors also persist that the firm has hired Morgan Stanley to manage the matchmaking and to help raise funds."
» Broadband monopolists: please don't enact VoIP port-block rules | IP Telephony | ZDNet.com
» Broadband monopolists: please don't enact VoIP port-block rules | IP Telephony | ZDNet.com: "What's really going on here is that monopolies are hard-wired to hate being told what they can and cannot do. And just like the guy who chants 'freedom' while arguing for confinement of people who don't think and act like him, when megacorporations talk about 'free markets,' they don't mean 'free.' They mean being free enough to do whatever they want, as long as it pleases Wall Street."
Light Reading - Networking the Telecom Industry
Light Reading - Networking the Telecom Industry: "While more folks than ever are turning to VOIP services, VOIP's sway over the industry and its threat to traditional phone companies is now facing increased skepticism.
Insight Research Corp. says in a recent report that traditional phone companies will lose somewhere around $96 billion in revenues by 2010 thanks to the emergence of VOIP services. That's a huge number, but still relatively small compared to the total telecom service revenues of $1.8 trillion that phone companies are expected to pull in that year."
Insight Research Corp. says in a recent report that traditional phone companies will lose somewhere around $96 billion in revenues by 2010 thanks to the emergence of VOIP services. That's a huge number, but still relatively small compared to the total telecom service revenues of $1.8 trillion that phone companies are expected to pull in that year."
Friday, August 12, 2005
Consumers Frustrated With Static on the Service Line
Consumers Frustrated With Static on the Service Line: "Since last fall, Doris Margolis has been begging Comcast Corp. to fix a problem with the cable line running into her Silver Spring home. Now, roughly nine months later, service is restored but an unsightly black wire dangles like a giant necklace through her front yard."
NewsandSentinel.com: iTown gets Vienna City Council's support Thursday
NewsandSentinel.com: iTown gets Vienna City Council's support Thursday - - The Parkersburg News & Sentinel: "VIENNA - A feasibility study will be conducted to determine if iTown will work in the city.
City council voted 5-1, with one abstention, Thursday on a resolution to proceed with a feasibility study of iTown, a company that proposes to install a high-speed broadband network in Wood County through cooperation with local government. The network would provide the infrastructure that companies could use to provide services. Through the network, companies could provide cable, Internet, telephone and other services."
City council voted 5-1, with one abstention, Thursday on a resolution to proceed with a feasibility study of iTown, a company that proposes to install a high-speed broadband network in Wood County through cooperation with local government. The network would provide the infrastructure that companies could use to provide services. Through the network, companies could provide cable, Internet, telephone and other services."
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
3 Questions: Small Town Heroes
IT Business Edge: "With Sandy Fain, vice president of marketing, iTown Communications."
Texas lawmakers approve telecos' cable TV entry
Latest News and Financial Information | Reuters.com: "The Texas legislature on Wednesday approved a bill to allow telephone companies to enter the state's cable television market in a move that could yield billions in revenue for companies like SBC Communications Inc."
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Stealing your neighbor's Internet? Experts urge caution
Stealing your neighbor's Internet? Experts urge caution - Aug. 9, 2005: "The spread of wireless is opening lots of opportunity to log on for free, but experts urge caution."
File-swap TV comes into focus
File-swap TV comes into focus | CNET News.com: "Jeff Clarke, president of San Francisco's KQED Public Broadcasting, is a fan of Internet file swapping.
For the last several months, Clarke's television and radio stations have been putting content online using a four-month-old peer-to-peer service called the Open Media Network, which gives public broadcasters an affordable way to distribute high-quality versions of their work on the Net."
For the last several months, Clarke's television and radio stations have been putting content online using a four-month-old peer-to-peer service called the Open Media Network, which gives public broadcasters an affordable way to distribute high-quality versions of their work on the Net."
Monday, August 08, 2005
The Business of Television
Broadcasting & Cable: The Business of Television: "Time Warner Cable is making the convergence of the TV and the PC real. After years of offering customers access to Web sites and short video clips, Time Warner has given 9,000 broadband subscribers in San Diego access to up to 75 cable channels—including CNN, MTV and ESPN—on their computers"
WSJ.com - As Web Providers' Clout Grows, Fears Over Access Take Focus
WSJ.com - As Web Providers' Clout Grows, Fears Over Access Take Focus: "Doug Herring was on a business trip to Tennessee last fall when phone calls to his wife at home in Elberta, Ala., stopped going through. About a month before, the Herrings had switched to Vonage Holdings Corp.'s Internet phone service but hadn't experienced any previous problems."
AOL purchases wireless company Wildseed Ltd.
AOL purchases wireless company Wildseed Ltd.: "America Online, the world's largest Internet provider, has purchased a privately held wireless technology company as part of its initiative to more quickly get AOL service onto phones and other wireless devices, the company plans to announce Monday."
Battle for the Bundle
Battle for the Bundle: "Portland Place, a residential street in Silver Spring, is a major battlefield in the fight to control how people connect to the digital world.
Residents are barraged by offers from at least six companies offering combinations of telephone, television and high-speed Internet services. It is one of the most contested areas in the country, where the battle between cable and phone companies has touched off a marketing frenzy to grab each others' customers for the biggest prize of all: high-paying customers signing up for the full package of services."
Residents are barraged by offers from at least six companies offering combinations of telephone, television and high-speed Internet services. It is one of the most contested areas in the country, where the battle between cable and phone companies has touched off a marketing frenzy to grab each others' customers for the biggest prize of all: high-paying customers signing up for the full package of services."
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Ruling Gives Phone Firms Power Over Internet Access
Ruling Gives Phone Firms Power Over Internet Access: "The Federal Communications Commission ruled yesterday that big telephone companies no longer have to lease their high-speed Internet lines to competitors, giving the companies more power over the delivery of popular fast Internet services."
Friday, August 05, 2005
New wireless tech heralds the age of 'Internet Everywhere'
USATODAY.com - New wireless tech heralds the age of 'Internet Everywhere': "As our newsroom upgrades its computers this year, we're replacing the old PowerBooks that some reporters use with nice Windows laptops. Included in that upgrade are Wi-Fi network cards.
The idea, of course, is that a reporter out on assignment could get to a Wi-Fi hotspot — a hotel or Starbucks, for instance — and file the story from there over the Net."
The idea, of course, is that a reporter out on assignment could get to a Wi-Fi hotspot — a hotel or Starbucks, for instance — and file the story from there over the Net."
Disserving the Public
Disserving the Public - Yahoo! News: "The United States has dropped to 16th in the world in per capita broadband deployment, and we can expect to slip further until we probably settle at the level of sub-Saharan Africa. While there is local interest in improving the situation, state and federal officials will make sure it doesn't happen. It's as if they are mandating a dumbed-down public. Heaven forbid we should be on the Net discovering cronyism, favoritism, and corruption."
WSJ.com - FCC Clears DSL Deregulation
WSJ.com - FCC Clears DSL Deregulation: "The Federal Communications Commission on Friday voted unanimously to deregulate phone companies' high-speed Internet services by reclassifying DSL as an information service instead of a more tightly regulated telecommunications service."
DSL Deregulation Effort Sparks Opposition
DSL Deregulation Effort Sparks Opposition - Yahoo! News: "But an FCC decision to deregulate DSL could drive many ISPs out of business, says the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), a trade group representing several Internet firms. The FCC would 'condemn consumers to higher prices, fewer choices, lower service quality, and reduced innovation' if it removes the line-sharing rules, Harris Miller, ITAA president, said in a statement."
USATODAY.com - Storm clouds gather over podcasting
USATODAY.com - Storm clouds gather over podcasting: "At Seattle public radio station KEXP, there's a simple procedure for evaluating new technology. 'We just go ahead and do stuff,' says John Richards, the station's morning disc jockey."
Thursday, August 04, 2005
VoIP Providers Targeted in Rural Broadband Fund
VoIP Providers Targeted in Rural Broadband Fund: "Voice over IP service (define) companies will have to pay into the Universal Service Fund (USF) in order to accelerate the rural rollout of broadband services, if a bill pending in the U.S. Senate becomes law."
U.S. Goes High Speed, Slowly
RED HERRING | U.S. Goes High Speed, Slowly: "In the U.S., broadband will be in 62 percent of households by 2010—impressive or underwhelming? In South Korea, 75 percent of households already have high-speed access."
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
WSJ.com - FCC May Set Rules Allowing Bells Exclusive Access Over DSL Lines
WSJ.com - FCC May Set Rules Allowing Bells Exclusive Access Over DSL Lines: "The Federal Communications Commission could change the rules regulating phone companies' Internet services as early as tomorrow, making it more difficult for independent Internet providers to offer high-speed service but offering an incentive for the Bells to build out broadband networks."
Not Just TV: Cable Competes for the Office Domain
Not Just TV: Cable Competes for the Office Domain - New York Times
When Leon Thomas moved his company's headquarters across Omaha last month, one of his top priorities was to get improved high-speed data lines so his company, which helps clients manage their online strategies, could keep expanding.
Like most corporate clients, Mr. Thomas called the regional Bell company, Qwest Communications, and Alltel, another fixed-line phone carrier. Then he did what a growing number of small business owners are doing: he called his local cable provider, Cox Communications, to compare prices, services and installation times.
When Leon Thomas moved his company's headquarters across Omaha last month, one of his top priorities was to get improved high-speed data lines so his company, which helps clients manage their online strategies, could keep expanding.
Like most corporate clients, Mr. Thomas called the regional Bell company, Qwest Communications, and Alltel, another fixed-line phone carrier. Then he did what a growing number of small business owners are doing: he called his local cable provider, Cox Communications, to compare prices, services and installation times.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Vonage Signs WiMAX Deal
RED HERRING | Vonage Signs WiMAX Deal: "VoIP market leader Vonage announced on Monday an alliance with a broadband wireless company, TowerStream, allowing the carrier to bypass equipment owned by its cable and telecommunications competitors and give it a stronger foothold among smaller businesses."
WSJ.com - Heard on the Street
WSJ.com - Heard on the Street: "When cable companies, starting today with Comcast Corp., begin reporting second-quarter earnings, all eyes will be on their fledgling telephone businesses, which investors are hoping will power the industry's next growth surge and push up share prices.
The results likely will be good, especially from Time Warner Inc.'s cable business and Cablevision Systems Corp., which are attracting tens of thousands of land-line phone subscribers with offers of unlimited service for less than $40 a month. Comcast, the country's largest cable operator, is getting off to a slower start. Nevertheless, it is likely to get a boost from the strong numbers expected to be posted by other cable companies, which will show the potential of the business."
The results likely will be good, especially from Time Warner Inc.'s cable business and Cablevision Systems Corp., which are attracting tens of thousands of land-line phone subscribers with offers of unlimited service for less than $40 a month. Comcast, the country's largest cable operator, is getting off to a slower start. Nevertheless, it is likely to get a boost from the strong numbers expected to be posted by other cable companies, which will show the potential of the business."
Monday, August 01, 2005
New File-Sharing Techniques Are Likely to Test Court Decision
New File-Sharing Techniques Are Likely to Test Court Decision - New York Times: "Briefly buoyed by their Supreme Court victory on file sharing, Hollywood and the recording industry are on the verge of confronting more technically sophisticated opponents."
More People Turn to the Web to Watch TV
More People Turn to the Web to Watch TV - New York Times: "For two decades, media company executives and advertisers have been talking about creating fully interactive television that would allow viewers to watch exactly what they want, when they want it."
Study: Consumer broadband set to boom
Study: Consumer broadband set to boom: "The number of broadband households in the United States is projected to grow to 69 million by 2010--up from 32 million in 2004, Jupiter Research said in a statement Thursda"
Broadband In County: Haves and Have-Nots
Broadband In County: Haves and Have-Nots: "Although Loudoun County is home to the data centers that direct much of the country's Internet traffic, a new study says that nearly one-third of county households have no access to the high-speed connections called broadband."
Broadband Act's VoIP access provision means "watch out, here comes the fee monster" | IP Telephony | ZDNet.com
» Broadband Act's VoIP access provision means "watch out, here comes the fee monster" | IP Telephony | ZDNet.com: "Verizon absolutely luvvs Nevada Republican John Ensign's Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act. One of its many provisions is that traditional phone companies must continue to provide access to competing services on 'commercially reasonable' terms."
'Ultra' Broadband
Bluefield Daily Telegraph: "BLUEFIELD - Change is coming at the speed of light and iTown Communication has just the fiber optics needed to bring it home.
ITown Communications is launching a program aimed at bringing 'ultra' high capacity broadband infrastructure to rural America."
ITown Communications is launching a program aimed at bringing 'ultra' high capacity broadband infrastructure to rural America."
BellSouth launches wireless broadband service | CNET News.com
BellSouth launches wireless broadband service | CNET News.com: "BellSouth plans to begin offering a wireless broadband service on Monday to customers in Athens, Ga.
The new service, which was announced at the Supercomm trade show in June, will use a pre-standard version of technology called WiMax. BellSouth will be the first of the four Bell phone companies to use this technology to deliver a commercial wireless broadband service to homes and businesses. Qwest Communications International and SBC Communications also have indicated that they plan to test pre-standard forms of WiMax technology."
The new service, which was announced at the Supercomm trade show in June, will use a pre-standard version of technology called WiMax. BellSouth will be the first of the four Bell phone companies to use this technology to deliver a commercial wireless broadband service to homes and businesses. Qwest Communications International and SBC Communications also have indicated that they plan to test pre-standard forms of WiMax technology."
Ups and downs of consumer broadband | CNET News.com
Ups and downs of consumer broadband | CNET News.com: "Sharing videos and pictures across the Internet should be a snap for Ron Gonzales and his five siblings, who are scattered across California, Arizona and Colorado. Unfortunately, it's not.
Instead of posting photos and video of his 7-year-old son directly to a Web site, Gonzales saves them to DVDs and sends them by mail."
Instead of posting photos and video of his 7-year-old son directly to a Web site, Gonzales saves them to DVDs and sends them by mail."
Wireless Week - Big Steps Ahead for WiMAX
Wireless Week - Big Steps Ahead for WiMAX: "In a meeting room in a Vancouver, British Columbia, hotel last month, several companies betting on the future of WiMAX showed off how the wireless technology could provide multiple VoIP calls, streaming video, interactive gaming using Microsoft's Xbox, and audio and video conferencing.
At the same time, the WiMAX Forum's test lab in Spain began the certification process for hardware from a number of different vendors, with the expectation they'll be certified sometime in November."
At the same time, the WiMAX Forum's test lab in Spain began the certification process for hardware from a number of different vendors, with the expectation they'll be certified sometime in November."
Super-speed broadband seen coming in 2006 - Tech News & Reviews - MSNBC.com
Super-speed broadband seen coming in 2006 - Tech News & Reviews - MSNBC.com: "HELSINKI, Finland - Broadband Internet access via TV cables can reach 100 megabits per second as early as next year, 50 times faster than the average broadband speeds now offered to cable TV homes, a Finnish firm said on Wednesday.
Similar data transmission speeds are possible over fiber networks, but these cost much more for the operators to build."
Similar data transmission speeds are possible over fiber networks, but these cost much more for the operators to build."
Phone, cable in battle for customer loyalties - Denver - MSNBC.com
Phone, cable in battle for customer loyalties - Denver - MSNBC.com: "As incumbent phone companies and cable TV operations fight for a greater market share of the high-speed Internet market, lower prices, higher speeds and features take short-term precedence over the bottom line."
High Speed
Rocky Mountain News: Technology: "Kris Wilson doesn't worry any more about finding a place to connect his laptop computer to get Internet access.
Wilson, president of Environmental Development and Training LLC in Denver, is using a Sprint connection card that enables him to browse the Internet, e-mail clients and transfer files wirelessly while on the move."
Wilson, president of Environmental Development and Training LLC in Denver, is using a Sprint connection card that enables him to browse the Internet, e-mail clients and transfer files wirelessly while on the move."
