Verizon Previews "iobi", Plans $3B in Network Upgrades

Verizon Communications is preparing to launch a new "iobi"
(eye-OH-bee) service that leverages application intelligence
across all the its networks - wireline, wireless, data or IP -
to link a customer's various communication devices into a
seamless, customized, personal communications network. Verizon
is also preparing to launch a related customer premise device
that combines a DSL modem and wireless router with a
touch-screen computer and a cordless telephone. Both of these
were unveiled by Verizon Chairman and CEO Ivan Seidenberg
in a keynote presentation at the International Consumer
Electronics Show in Las Vegas.



In his speech, Seidenberg outlined two major new network
expansions underway at Verizon -- the nationwide Evolution-Data
Optimized (EV-DO) 3G wireless expansion and the rollout of FTTP
to business and residential customers. Seidenberg said Verizon
will invest a total of $3 billion in these networks over the
next two years "to bring broadband to the mass
market." Earlier this week, Verizon also announced plans to
begin replacing many of its traditional telecom switches with
Nortel's VoIP equipment in its local and long-distance voice
wireline networks later this year.



The new Verizon "iobi" service will let customers
manage phone calls, voice mails, calendars, address books,
e-mails, etc. using wireline and wireless phones, computers,
laptops and PDAs. It will have 3 different access methods: a web
browser, a desktop application or a mobile phone interface.
Verizon will begin introducing iobi in 2004, adding new
capabilities with each release. The planned capabilities
include:

• real-time call management - customers decide how, where
  and if they want to receive calls and messages
  
• call notifications on PCs and the screens of other devices
  
• programmable call-forwarding so calls can follow customers
  wherever they go
  
• interactive call and e-mail logs
  
• automated "on demand" or scheduled conference
  calling
  
• electronic contact information-sharing that updates
  automatically
  
• click-to-dial contact of people at the touch of a mouse
  
• multi-modal communications -- a customer can decide how to
  receive messages, including by e-mail, voice mail, text
  messaging and more

The new Verizon One appliance combines a DSL modem and wireless router with a touch-screen computer and a cordless telephone. The device is configured for iobi service. Capabilities include:

call with one click from their address book or online directory assistance view information such as weather, movie show times or news scroll through Verizon SuperPages.com to look up and call phone numbers view maps and driving instructions use a memo pad to leave notes for the family manage calls as they are received use voice mail more efficiently forward calls in real time, or on a pre-set schedule manage contact lists and calendars

Verizon plans to introduce an initial version of Verizon One later in 2004. Pricing was not disclosed.

http://www.verizon.com