Viatel Acquires UK-Based Netcom, an ISP

Viatel has acquired Netcom Internet Limited, an ISP focused on business customers in the UK. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.viatel.comLast week, Viatel announced its acquisition of Cybernet (Schweiz) AG, a Swiss ISP. Viatel operates a multiduct, 7,000 km fiber network linking major European cities.Viatel emerged from bankruptcy protection in June 20...

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TIA Publishes New Fiber Standard for Connectors

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) published a new "Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability" standard for simplex and duplex connectors. Intermateability standards define the minimum physical attributes of mating connector components. http://www.tiaonline....

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NEC Incorporates Genoa's Linear Optical Amplifier

NEC has integrated Genoa's second-generation, single-chip linear optical amplifier (LOA) into a 10 Gbps optical transponder module for long reach applications of up to 80 km. The transponder offers 20% less power consumption, 50% smaller size, and a significant cost reduction. Genoa's amplifier, which on its sub-mount is comparable in size to a grain of rice, also features a doubling in output power over first generation LOAs. http://www.genoa....

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MFN Presents Reorganization Plan to Bankruptcy Court

Metromedia Fiber Network (MFN) filed its plan of reorganization with a bankruptcy court in New York. MFN's post-bankruptcy business strategy includes continued operation of all its core business segments - metropolitan fiber network, data centers, IP transit and managed services. The company said its financial condition has been improving since it filed for bankruptcy protection in May 2002. http://www.mfn....

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WorldCom Announces $80 Billion Write-Down of Goodwill and Assets

WorldCom announced the write-off of all existing goodwill and a substantial write-down of the carrying value of its other intangible assets and property and equipment (PP&E). Specifics include: The value of goodwill reflected on the company's last reported balance sheet, $45 billion, is impaired and will be written off completely; and The value of PP&E and other intangible assets reflected on the Company's last reported balance sheet, $39.2 billion and $5.6 billion, respectively, is impaired and will be adjusted to a value of approximately...

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Network Reliability and Interoperability Council Presents Homeland Security Findings

The Network Reliability and Interoperability Council presented its finding and recommendations concerning the telecommunications needs of first responders and public safety officials from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services, and fire departments in the US and Canada. Best practice recommendations include:Priority Access: Increase awareness of priority access programs, including Telecommunications Service Priority System (TSP) and Wireless Priority Access Service (WPS) and encourage subscription, as appropriate....

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FCC Seeks to Open 2500-2690 MHz Bands for Wireless Broadband

The FCC opened a proceeding to facilitate the provision of fixed and mobile broadband services in the 2500-2690 MHz bands. This is more than double the 83 MHz that spurred the development of Wi-Fi at 2.4 GHz and roughly equal to all spectrum currently devoted to terrestrial, mobile wireless. Currently, the 190 megahertz of spectrum in the 2500-2690 MHz bands is designated for the provision of Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS), Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) and the Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS). The FCC...

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FCC Issues Biennial Regulatory Review Report

The FCC issued its biennial regulatory review report for year 2002, in which it identifies and reviews all regulations issued under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to determine which should be modified or withdrawn if they no longer serve the public interest. The Commissioners struggled with interpretations of the key phrases "meaningful economic competition" and "necessary in the public interest." Comments from various industry participants were also considered to determine if certain...

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