Saturday, December 31, 2005
Web services thrive, but outages outrage users - Yahoo! News
Web services thrive, but outages outrage users - Yahoo! News: "LONDON (Reuters) - Web sites that share blogs, bookmarks and photos exploded in popularity in 2005, but in recent weeks a number of major outages left users stranded and frustrated.
The new breed of Web site includes blogging services such as TypePad, the photo site Flickr, the shared bookmark site del.icio.us and many others. They are sometimes known collectively as 'Web 2.0': hosted online, relying heavily on users' submissions, and frequently updated and tweaked by their owners."
The new breed of Web site includes blogging services such as TypePad, the photo site Flickr, the shared bookmark site del.icio.us and many others. They are sometimes known collectively as 'Web 2.0': hosted online, relying heavily on users' submissions, and frequently updated and tweaked by their owners."
GNU Telephony Stack Opens Up VoIP
GNU Telephony Stack Opens Up VoIP: "The GNU (define) Telephony stack is out and aiming to provide users of proprietary VoIP (define) stacks with a free software alternative.
The GNU Telephony stack is backed by support from Tycho Softworks, whose owner is also the maintainer of GNU Bayonne, one of the key components of the stack.
The GNU Telephony stack includes a long list of GNU-sponsored telephony related applications. GNU (which is a recursive acronym for GNU is not UNIX) is an effort sponsored by the Free Software Foundation."
The GNU Telephony stack is backed by support from Tycho Softworks, whose owner is also the maintainer of GNU Bayonne, one of the key components of the stack.
The GNU Telephony stack includes a long list of GNU-sponsored telephony related applications. GNU (which is a recursive acronym for GNU is not UNIX) is an effort sponsored by the Free Software Foundation."
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Study Shows Differences in Internet Use - Yahoo! News
Study Shows Differences in Internet Use - Yahoo! News: "NEW YORK - Women are now as likely to use the Internet as men — about two-thirds of both genders — yet a new study shows that gaps remain in what each sex does online."
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Yahoo Showing Free CBS Sitcoms
Yahoo Showing Free CBS Sitcoms: "CBS made two of its sitcoms available as free streaming downloads on a Yahoo Web site yesterday, marking the television network's entry into Web-based distribution under a model that differs from what its competitors are doing with their shows."
Verizon Loses Some Edge Atop the Bells - New York Times
Cablevision, which serves mostly the New York metropolitan area, has signed up more than 600,000 customers for its Internet-based phone service. Time Warner Cable, which also operates in the New York area, has 854,000 Internet phone customers. Comcast, which operates in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington and other cities in Verizon's territory, is entering the phone market, too.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Chicago Tribune | Boom is coming at high speed
Chicago Tribune | Boom is coming at high speed: "Led by a surge of people connecting to the Internet at higher speeds, entrepreneurs are fueling another information technology boom that will grow in 2006.
This year, for the first time, a majority of Americans begin using high-speed broadband connections to go online rather than low-speed dial-ups. The proliferation of broadband access provides video and audio to millions of computer users who once obtained them solely from TV and radio sets."
This year, for the first time, a majority of Americans begin using high-speed broadband connections to go online rather than low-speed dial-ups. The proliferation of broadband access provides video and audio to millions of computer users who once obtained them solely from TV and radio sets."
Playing favorites on the Net? | CNET News.com
Playing favorites on the Net? | CNET News.com: "Broadband providers and e-commerce companies, historic allies on many political fronts, are finding themselves butting heads over federal legislation that could change the way either side does business.
A bill expected early next year in the U.S. House of Representatives, coupled with recent comments made by executives from BellSouth and the newly merged AT&T and SBC Communications, has raised the prospect of a two-tiered Internet in which some services--especially video--would be favored over others."
A bill expected early next year in the U.S. House of Representatives, coupled with recent comments made by executives from BellSouth and the newly merged AT&T and SBC Communications, has raised the prospect of a two-tiered Internet in which some services--especially video--would be favored over others."
Agenda at FCC Depends On Powers of Persuasion
Agenda at FCC Depends On Powers of Persuasion: "n the nine months since he became chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Kevin J. Martin has pushed through a series of decisions that have made the country's largest phone companies even bigger and, in the view of critics, made it harder for smaller companies to compete with them."
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Google-AOL: The First Step to VoIP Interoperability?
Google-AOL: The First Step to VoIP Interoperability?: "Word is that now that Google has purchased a stake in AOL, the two companies will allow their VoIP services' users to talk to each other."
VoIP technology develops faster than applicable law
VoIP technology develops faster than applicable law: "Despite issues with quality, security and regulations that are still being resolved, companies are adopting VoIP technology in phased implementations that insert VoIP as TDM assets age and are retired. There is no question that VoIP and IP technology are the future, and the advantages of VoIP are hard to refute."
Microsoft Is Losing Some Of Its Elbow Room
Microsoft Is Losing Some Of Its Elbow Room: "Rob Enderle, a longtime Silicon Valley analyst and observer of Microsoft Corp., remembers what used to happen when a tech start-up sought funding for a business that might brush up against the software giant's universe.
'It would be hard to get a meeting' with venture capitalists, Enderle recalls. 'It would be harder not to get laughed at in the meeting. And to get any money, you'd have to get them drunk first.'"
'It would be hard to get a meeting' with venture capitalists, Enderle recalls. 'It would be harder not to get laughed at in the meeting. And to get any money, you'd have to get them drunk first.'"
Digital TV switch set for early 2009 | CNET News.com
Digital TV switch set for early 2009 | CNET News.com: "It's almost official: Starting Feb. 18, 2009, millions of televisions in American households will go black unless they're outfitted to receive all-digital broadcasts."
Senators propose taxing Internet shopping | CNET News.com
Senators propose taxing Internet shopping | CNET News.com: "This may be the last holiday season to enjoy tax-free Internet shopping, thanks to new legislation in the U.S. Congress.
Two bills introduced Wednesday propose sweeping changes to how Americans are taxed for online and mail order purchases. Businesses initially would be required to collect sales taxes on purchases shipped to roughly half of the country, and that percentage is expected to rapidly increase."
Two bills introduced Wednesday propose sweeping changes to how Americans are taxed for online and mail order purchases. Businesses initially would be required to collect sales taxes on purchases shipped to roughly half of the country, and that percentage is expected to rapidly increase."
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Year in review: Telephony's transformation | CNET News.com
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Broadband bill hews to laissez-faire line
Broadband bill hews to laissez-faire line | CNET News.com: "As part of a planned update of a 1996 telecommunications law, Congress will consider a new proposal that starts with a simple premise: The government should be minimally intrusive when enacting regulations."
Pro-Hollywood bill aims to restrict digital tuners
Pro-Hollywood bill aims to restrict digital tuners | CNET News.com: "A new proposal in Congress could please Hollywood studios, which are increasingly worried about Internet piracy, by embedding anticopying technology into the next generation of digital video products."
Wikipedia alternative aims to be 'PBS of the Web' | CNET News.com
Wikipedia alternative aims to be 'PBS of the Web' | CNET News.com: "A new online information service launching in early 2006 aims to build on the model of free online encyclopedia Wikipedia by inviting acknowledged experts in a range of subjects to review material contributed by the general public."
Rural living, high-speed Internet access? | CNET News.com
Rural living, high-speed Internet access? | CNET News.com: "Newell and others will finally be able to join the broadband world with help from an unlikely source: the state of Maine.
Gov. John E. Baldacci is leading an initiative to bring wireless Internet service to 90 percent of Maine communities that meet a population threshold (five people per square mile) by 2010. Baldacci, who announced the initiative, Connect Maine, last January, is also pledging universal cell phone coverage by 2008."
Gov. John E. Baldacci is leading an initiative to bring wireless Internet service to 90 percent of Maine communities that meet a population threshold (five people per square mile) by 2010. Baldacci, who announced the initiative, Connect Maine, last January, is also pledging universal cell phone coverage by 2008."
Lawmakers Establish 2009 Deadline for Analog TV Phaseout
Lawmakers Establish 2009 Deadline for Analog TV Phaseout: "They've finally set a date -- Feb. 17, 2009.
That's the last day the over-the-air analog signals that have brought television programs into Americans' homes for decades will be broadcast, leaving only digital signals, under an agreement reached by House and Senate negotiators over the weekend."
That's the last day the over-the-air analog signals that have brought television programs into Americans' homes for decades will be broadcast, leaving only digital signals, under an agreement reached by House and Senate negotiators over the weekend."
WSJ.com - Beyond Google
WSJ.com - Beyond Google: "One size doesn't necessarily fit all.
It's true whether you're talking about clothes or screwdrivers. And it's also true in search engines."
It's true whether you're talking about clothes or screwdrivers. And it's also true in search engines."
WSJ.com - Companies Introduce Faster Internet Access
WSJ.com - Companies Introduce Faster Internet Access: "Cable and phone companies are introducing new souped up high-speed Internet services that allow consumers to send photos, large files and videos at speeds up to 50 times faster than regular broadband.
Verizon Communications Inc., Cablevision Systems Corp., AT&T Inc. and BellSouth Corp. each have launched premium versions of their broadband service; the fees for the new offerings can run as high as $179 a month."
Verizon Communications Inc., Cablevision Systems Corp., AT&T Inc. and BellSouth Corp. each have launched premium versions of their broadband service; the fees for the new offerings can run as high as $179 a month."
WSJ.com - High-Speed Internet Over Power Lines Could Serve Millions
WSJ.com - High-Speed Internet Over Power Lines Could Serve Millions: "In a deal that could pose a new threat to cable and phone companies, Current Communications Group LLC and TXU Electric Delivery, a unit of TXU Corp., said they plan to offer high-speed Internet over electric power lines to more than two million customers in Texas.
The move marks the biggest deployment of broadband over power lines in the U.S."
The move marks the biggest deployment of broadband over power lines in the U.S."
Google Offers a Bird's-Eye View, and Some Governments Tremble - New York Times
Google Offers a Bird's-Eye View, and Some Governments Tremble - New York Times: "When Google introduced Google Earth, free software that marries satellite and aerial images with mapping capabilities, the company emphasized its usefulness as a teaching and navigation tool, while advertising the pure entertainment value of high-resolution flyover images of the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and the pyramids."
Saturday, December 17, 2005
NPR : Widening the Internet Highway to Rural America
NPR : Widening the Internet Highway to Rural America: "More and more Americans take high-speed Internet service for granted. But for rural America, getting broadband access can be a major challenge. Cable and phone companies often won't provide it: it would be a huge investment with minimal return. So some communities are figuring out solutions for themselves."
Friday, December 16, 2005
Traditional phones may be nearing end of line
Traditional phones may be nearing end of line: "Here's more evidence that we're talking about a trend of today. The three major traditional telecoms in Washington -- Qwest, Verizon and Sprint -- lost 6.8 percent of their residential primary lines from 2002 to 2004, according to Mark Sidran, chairman of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. That was while the number of households with telephone service was growing. And that's not counting the loss of secondary lines that people added for dial-up Internet access and subtracted when they moved to something faster."
Microsoft, Google, AOL and Yahoo as VoIP service providers?
Microsoft, Google, AOL and Yahoo as VoIP service providers?: "n our last newsletter, we reported that Cox Communications is now offering an unlimited voice-calling plan for a $2.50 promotional price when bundled with other services. Cable companies aren't the only ones competing with phone companies by aggressively bundling voice calls into their core offering. Microsoft, Google, AOL and Yahoo are also nipping at the heels of the phone companies. "
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Telecoms want their products to travel on a faster Internet - The Boston Globe
Telecoms want their products to travel on a faster Internet - The Boston Globe: "AT&T Inc. and BellSouth Corp. are lobbying Capitol Hill for the right to create a two-tiered Internet, where the telecom carriers' own Internet services would be transmitted faster and more efficiently than those of their competitors."
FCC Chief Tells VoIP Firms More Regulation Is An Option
FCC Chief Tells VoIP Firms More Regulation Is An Option: "Internet telephone companies unable to comply with the FCC's 911 dialing requirements because they lack emergency numbers and lines can always become regulated telephone carriers to obtain them, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said."
VoIP On Speed Dial - Forbes.com
VoIP On Speed Dial - Forbes.com: "LOS ANGELES - A couple years ago, Robin Richards got a call--yes, on a regular land line--from the principal of his daughter's school. It was an automated call sent to hundreds of parents reminding him to attend an event. 'Without the call, I probably would not have attended,' said Richards. 'The old way of doing things, by having a memo go in a student's backpack, needs to change.' "
The Impact of Emerging Technologies: Where Sensors Make Sense
The Impact of Emerging Technologies: Where Sensors Make Sense: "The idea of tiny, ubiquitous computers monitoring us and our environments from every nook and cranny might alarm a few civil libertarians -- but this is exactly the concept driving researchers who are trying to perfect networks of smart, wireless sensors."
Light Reading - Video - SureWest Lines Up HDTV - Telecom News Wire
Light Reading - Video - SureWest Lines Up HDTV - Telecom News Wire: "Leading independent telecommunications holding company SureWest Communications (Nasdaq: SURW - News) today announced that Turner Network Television (TNT) has been added as a core programmer in its anticipated high-definition television (HDTV) service rollout, which is set to launch this year offering 17 HDTV channels. SureWest is currently completing its beta testing as it prepares to become the first company in the United States to offer HDTV commercially over its Internet Protocol (IP)-based fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) network."
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
EarthLink buys New Edge Networks
EarthLink buys New Edge Networks: "wo survivors of the 1990s telecom meltdown are joining forces.
EarthLink today announced it is acquiring New Edge Networks, the Vancouver, Wash., based CLEC known for its small to mid-sized enterprise (SME) data services. EarthLink will pay approximately $144 million for New Edge, to include 2.6 million shares of EarthLink common stock and $114.3 million in cash, which includes payment of some New Edge liabilities."
EarthLink today announced it is acquiring New Edge Networks, the Vancouver, Wash., based CLEC known for its small to mid-sized enterprise (SME) data services. EarthLink will pay approximately $144 million for New Edge, to include 2.6 million shares of EarthLink common stock and $114.3 million in cash, which includes payment of some New Edge liabilities."
AT&T Offers Faster Web Service In Bid to Keep Pace With Rivals
WSJ.com - AT&T Offers Faster Web Service In Bid to Keep Pace With Rivals: "Following moves by other phone companies, AT&T Inc. is boosting the speed of its high-speed Internet service.
The San Antonio company formerly known as SBC Communications Inc. is doubling the speed of its broadband service to as much as six megabits per second. The new service, available as of yesterday, is priced at $49.99 a month for three months, and then $64.99 a month thereafter. It is being offered to all consumers, but is being marketed to small- and medium-size businesses."
The San Antonio company formerly known as SBC Communications Inc. is doubling the speed of its broadband service to as much as six megabits per second. The new service, available as of yesterday, is priced at $49.99 a month for three months, and then $64.99 a month thereafter. It is being offered to all consumers, but is being marketed to small- and medium-size businesses."
Can Wi-Fi make it in Manhattan?
Can Wi-Fi make it in Manhattan? | CNET News.com: "New York City lawmakers are taking a long, hard look at using 802.11-based Wi-Fi or some other technology to get the city's roughly 8 million citizens access to broadband.
New York's interest in municipal broadband comes just as the citywide Wi-Fi buzz hits a fever pitch. Other cities, such as Philadelphia, New Orleans and San Francisco, have already started down the Wi-Fi path, but if New York builds out its own Wi-Fi network, it will be the biggest deployment of municipal Wi-Fi in the country, and perhaps the world."
New York's interest in municipal broadband comes just as the citywide Wi-Fi buzz hits a fever pitch. Other cities, such as Philadelphia, New Orleans and San Francisco, have already started down the Wi-Fi path, but if New York builds out its own Wi-Fi network, it will be the biggest deployment of municipal Wi-Fi in the country, and perhaps the world."
Microsoft, MCI Plan PC-To-Phone Service
Microsoft, MCI Plan PC-To-Phone Service - Yahoo! News: "Microsoft Corp. and MCI Inc. said Monday they'll soon offer a service that lets customers place calls from their personal computers to regular phones."
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Ariz. Town Will Go Wall-To-Wall Wireless - Yahoo! News
Ariz. Town Will Go Wall-To-Wall Wireless - Yahoo! News: "TEMPE, Ariz. - Call it a municipal status symbol in the digital age: a city blanketed by a wireless Internet network, accessible at competitive prices throughout the town's homes, cafes, offices and parks."
Yahoo Offers E-mail linked VoIP Service
AXcessNews.com - Yahoo Offers E-mail linked VoIP Service: "Mountain View, CA - Yahoo! (Nasdaq: YHOO) is launching a voice-over-internet-protocol , or VoIP, service that links to Yahoo Mail and Yahoo Instant Messenger in 180 countries, the search engine company said."
Friday, December 09, 2005
WSJ.com - Act One
WSJ.com - Act One: "When Judy Coleman was a college student whose parents paid the bills, she always had a home telephone as well as a cellphone. But when the 24-year-old graduated and began law school, she dropped the landline.
'When I was cut off from my parents and realized what the costs are, I decided it wasn't actually necessary,' says Ms. Coleman, who is now in her third year at Yale Law School in New Haven, Ct."
'When I was cut off from my parents and realized what the costs are, I decided it wasn't actually necessary,' says Ms. Coleman, who is now in her third year at Yale Law School in New Haven, Ct."
» Google Transit Debuts-maybe with Google Talk on way? | IP Telephony, VoIP, Broadband | ZDNet.com
» Google Transit Debuts-maybe with Google Talk on way? | IP Telephony, VoIP, Broadband | ZDNet.com: "Of course, Google Talk would need to have PC to PSTN capability, but I have to think that's on the way.
You wouldn't think Google would let archrival Yahoo! - which this week announced imminent PC to phone capability in Yahoo! Messenger - get too much of a head start? "
You wouldn't think Google would let archrival Yahoo! - which this week announced imminent PC to phone capability in Yahoo! Messenger - get too much of a head start? "
» Here's who Yahoo! is really going after with VoIP | IP Telephony, VoIP, Broadband | ZDNet.com
» Here's who Yahoo! is really going after with VoIP | IP Telephony, VoIP, Broadband | ZDNet.com: "What's the end game for Yahoo!'s just announced new PC-to-phone VoIP services?"
Standard approved for VOIP 911 calls
Standard approved for VOIP 911 calls: "A major standard enabling voice-over-IP telecommunications providers to deliver enhanced 911 (E911) service has been approved by a non-profit organization promoting implementation of the three-digit emergency phone number system across the nation."
Just Let Us Play The Movie
Just Let Us Play The Movie: "To win public acceptance, the industries involved -- content, information technology, and consumer electronics -- are going to have to put maneuvering for advantage aside and stick to clear, consumer-first goals. Above all, users should not have to notice the existence of the particular DRM as long as they abide by clearly stated copying limitations. Digital content should use standard DRM technology built into players such as iTunes and Windows Media Player. And any content should play on any device that can physically display it, without regard to operating system."
Cable penetration hits 13-year low
Cable penetration hits 13-year low: "Cable MSOs lost 1.4 million subscribers in the year ending November 2005, and its market penetration hit a 13-year low of 64.8%, according to the Television Bureau of Advertising, an industry trade group."
Report: BellSouth rescinds N.O. donation after WiFi news
Report: BellSouth rescinds N.O. donation after WiFi news: "BellSouth withdrew its offer to donate one of its buildings to the New Orleans Police Department in the wake of that city’s announcement of a city-owned Wi-Fi Internet access network, according to the Washington Post."
Thursday, December 08, 2005
BellSouth FTTC
Last Mile News: "BellSouth expects to be able to offer 12 to 24 Mbps residential service in 50% of households it covers by year-end 2007. In its top 30 markets, BellSouth expects to offer this level of service in 70% of homes. The company estimates the cost for the upgrade at roughly $150 per household at current levels.
Currently, BellSouth has 2.7 million DSL customers. The number of homes passed by its FTTC architecture is now 1.2 million and rising by 150,000 to 200,000 per year."
Currently, BellSouth has 2.7 million DSL customers. The number of homes passed by its FTTC architecture is now 1.2 million and rising by 150,000 to 200,000 per year."
Yahoo makes its telecom play | CNET News.com
Yahoo makes its telecom play | CNET News.com: "Yahoo will offer two new fee-based voice over IP services so customers can make voice calls from a PC to a telephone and receive phone calls on a PC, the company said Wednesday.
Called Phone Out and Phone In, the new VoIP services are part of Yahoo Messenger with Voice."
Called Phone Out and Phone In, the new VoIP services are part of Yahoo Messenger with Voice."
Web gives power to the people, surfers say | CNET News.com
Web gives power to the people, surfers say | CNET News.com: "American Internet users believe they can wield influence in politics simply by going online, a survey released on Wednesday suggests.
Nearly 40 percent of U.S. Web surfers polled by researchers at the Center for the Digital Future at the USC Annenberg School said they agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, 'By using the Internet, people like you can have more political power.' That tally is several points higher than last year, according to the report."
Nearly 40 percent of U.S. Web surfers polled by researchers at the Center for the Digital Future at the USC Annenberg School said they agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, 'By using the Internet, people like you can have more political power.' That tally is several points higher than last year, according to the report."
Yankee Group Report Points to VoIP's SMB Potential - Americas Network
Yankee Group Report Points to VoIP's SMB Potential - Americas Network: "Although still in the early stages of adoption among small and medium businesses and mid-market enterprises, VoIP is gaining momentum according to a Yankee Group recent report. In particular, hosted VoIP solutions are finding particular favor within SMBs, as 70% indicate they would prefer a hosted VoIP solution to a premises-based."
20 Percent of Recent Wireless Buyers Have No Landline Phone, Study Says - Americas Network
20 Percent of Recent Wireless Buyers Have No Landline Phone, Study Says - Americas Network: "New research by trade group Consumer Electronics Association shows a shift away from landlines to wireless phones for many consumers, particularly younger age groups, those who rent their homes and singles. A full 17 percent of consumers who purchased wireless phones in the last 90 days reported using their wireless phones exclusively."
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
WSJ.com - Google to Go: Web Access On Gadgets Gets Better
WSJ.com - Google to Go: Web Access On Gadgets Gets Better: "The nation's biggest Internet companies have begun a major push to make it easier to access the Web from cellphones, BlackBerrys and other mobile devices."
� More proof VoIP marketing is confusing consumers | IP Telephony, VoIP, Broadband | ZDNet.com
� More proof VoIP marketing is confusing consumers | IP Telephony, VoIP, Broadband | ZDNet.com: "All of this 'VoIP marketing is confusing consumers. I have some just-released data to back this up.
According to VoIPAction's print of the top search terms in September's traffic on Yahoo! Search Services, The Top 10 searched-for keywords in Yahoo!'s September search traffic were:
1. VoIP 1,407,465
2. IP Telephony 558,847
3. Broadband Phone 306,048
4. Internet Phone 272,213
5. Voice Over IP 160,642
6. Internet Telephony 125,885
7. VoIP Phone 91,445
8. VoIP Solution 81,667
9. VoIP Service 80,766
10. Business VoIP 78,558 "
According to VoIPAction's print of the top search terms in September's traffic on Yahoo! Search Services, The Top 10 searched-for keywords in Yahoo!'s September search traffic were:
1. VoIP 1,407,465
2. IP Telephony 558,847
3. Broadband Phone 306,048
4. Internet Phone 272,213
5. Voice Over IP 160,642
6. Internet Telephony 125,885
7. VoIP Phone 91,445
8. VoIP Solution 81,667
9. VoIP Service 80,766
10. Business VoIP 78,558 "
Some VoIP providers missed FCC 911 'deadline'
Some VoIP providers missed FCC 911 'deadline': "Despite a Nov. 28 deadline, more than 30 VoIP providers have not met U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirements to offer an emergency dialing service called enhanced 911."
Time Warner Cable hits million-phone milestone | CNET News.com
Time Warner Cable hits million-phone milestone | CNET News.com: "Time Warner Cable on Monday said its digital phone service has more than 1 million customers, a month ahead of when the Time Warner unit told Wall Street it would hit that milestone.
The company told Wall Street it would have 1 million customers by the end of the year. It had 854,000 phone subscribers as of Sept. 30, implying 146,000 net additions for October and November. Time Warner Cable added 240,000 phone subscribers in the third quarter."
The company told Wall Street it would have 1 million customers by the end of the year. It had 854,000 phone subscribers as of Sept. 30, implying 146,000 net additions for October and November. Time Warner Cable added 240,000 phone subscribers in the third quarter."
Deep discounts on IP telephony | CNET News.com
Deep discounts on IP telephony | CNET News.com: "Internet phone company SunRocket is setting new pricing lows to get more people interested in Internet telephony by slashing its service to $9.95 per month.
On Tuesday SunRocket is expected to announce its Limited Edition service, designed to give consumers an opportunity to try voice over IP (VoIP) without severing ties with their old phone companies."
On Tuesday SunRocket is expected to announce its Limited Edition service, designed to give consumers an opportunity to try voice over IP (VoIP) without severing ties with their old phone companies."
BellSouth testing IPTV but not sold yet
BellSouth testing IPTV but not sold yet: "BellSouth said today that it has a small trial of IPTV operating today with a handful of employees and expects to test the service with about 1000 customers in Atlanta next year. However, the move should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the technology or as a precursor to any large-scale rollout."
Monday, December 05, 2005
Skype 2.0
WSJ.com - Personal Technology: "One of the cult hits of the Internet has been a service called Skype, based in Luxembourg, that allows its registered users to make free computer-to-computer phone calls to each other anywhere in the world. Millions of people world-wide use it, and the company was recently snapped up by eBay, the e-commerce giant."
Looking for the Proceeds in TV-on-Demand - New York Times
Looking for the Proceeds in TV-on-Demand - New York Times: "For five decades or so, the television industry's main mission has been to come up with hit programs, get them on screens, and hope people will stop and watch. Now, that is just the starting point."
A la carte TV | CNET News.com
A la carte TV | CNET News.com: "Cable TV prices are on the rise, but consumers complain there still isn't enough flexibility in the programming packages offered by cable providers.
That could change if the Federal Communications Commission and TV distributors Cablevision and AT&T have their way. Last week, FCC chairman Kevin Martin told a forum sponsored by the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, which has been examining indecency on radio and television, that consumers could have more choice in what they view for cheaper prices if operators would sell content a la carte."
That could change if the Federal Communications Commission and TV distributors Cablevision and AT&T have their way. Last week, FCC chairman Kevin Martin told a forum sponsored by the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, which has been examining indecency on radio and television, that consumers could have more choice in what they view for cheaper prices if operators would sell content a la carte."
One rule for the telcos; another for the ...
newswireless.net .:. News .:. One rule for the telcos; another for the ...: "One of the longest-running scandals of the American telco business, has been the way the US Government passed laws requiring mobile emergency calls to contain location information - and somehow, the telcos managed not to implement the E911 directive. Nobody enforced that (see map, left). Will the same lax standards apply to the Voice over IP brigade?"
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Message to FCC: Stop Hurting VoIP
InformationWeek Weblog: Message to FCC: Stop Hurting VoIP: "When the FCC mandated enhanced 911 capabilities for VoIP providers, it opened a potentially anti-innovative can of worms commissioners can't solve with one punitive pen stroke. VoIP E911 is a complex problem with no simple answers, but if the FCC wants to keep the burgeoning industry growing quickly, it should stimulate discussion and aid compliance instead of fixing itself into a scolding pattern."
