FCC Adopts Satellite Spectrum Sharing Plan

The FCC adopted a spectrum sharing plan for low earth orbit satellite systems (Big LEOs) in the 1.6 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. Key points include: In the 1.6 GHz or "L-band," mobile-satellite service (MSS) operators with satellite systems that utilize code division multiple access (CDMA) and time division multiple access (TDMA) technologies will share 3.1 megahertz of spectrum at 1618.25--1621.35 MHz. Previously, only CDMA MSS operators had access to this spectrum. The plan adopted today encourages CDMA and TDMA MSS operators to coordinate spectrum...

Read More

FCC Issues New Rules for Broadband Radio Service

The FCC adopted more flexible rules governing the Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) and Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) in the 2495-2690 MHz band. The new rules:create a new band plan for 2495-2690 MHz, which eliminates the use of interleaved channels by MDS and ITFS licensees and creates distinct band segments for high power operations, such as one-way video transmission, and low power operations, such as two-way fixed and mobile broadband applications. By grouping high and low power users into separate portions of the band,...

Read More

Aurora Networks Introduces 100GHz DWDM

Aurora Networks, a start-up based in Santa Clara, introduced a new 100GHz DWDM optical networking platform for cable operators. The Aurora 100GHz DWDM optical networking platform, which supports up to 40 wavelengths, is comprised of several products that mount in the Aurora universal chassis, as well as modules for Aurora's nodes. Aurora's universal chassis reduces optical interconnect cabling through the use of integrated multiplexing capabilities. http://www.aurora....

Read More

Covaro Networks Introduces Two "Etherjack" Products

Covaro Networks, a start-up based in Richardson, Texas, introduced two products to help carriers deliver Ethernet services over fiber, copper or leased DS1s/DS3s. These services include 10/100/1000BT Ethernet, GbE, 100FX, Ethernet Metallic eXtensions (EMX), DS1, DS3 and OC-3/12 (STM-1/4). Covaro's "Etherjack" technology allows carriers (or enterprises) to transport and manage Ethernet services using traditional management methods for T1/T3 services. The system provides an Ethernet demarcation point, which allows in-service performance monitoring,...

Read More

Siemens Invests in Xingtone for Ringtones

Xingtone, a start-up based in Los Angeles and Amsterdam, announced secured a first round of institutional financing led by Siemens Mobile Acceleration. Xingtone has developed a software application that bridges personal computers and mobile phones, enabling MP3 and CD libraries on a PC to be used to create custom ringtone. Users can also upload content, such as images and games, to their own wireless handsets. Xingtone's software is compatible with all open networks, including Sprint PCS, Cingular, AT&T Wireless, and T-Mobile. Financial...

Read More

FCC's Martin Drops Support for UNE Decision Appeal

FCC Commissioner Kevin J. Martin issued a statement saying that due to the Solicitor General's recent decision, he no longer supports an appeal to the Supreme Court of the recent court ruling that overturned the FCC's UNE-p policy. Martin (a Republican) had sided with Commissioners Copps and Adelstein (both Democrats) on the 3-to-2 vote that granted state commissions a role in setting UNE rates. http://www.fcc....

Read More

Bell Canada Suffers Fiber Sabotage in Eastern Canada

Two fiber optic cables were deliberately cut in Newfoundland & Labrador, which resulted in loss of service for close to 250,000 customers in the province. Both the main networkfiber cable and the backup cable were intentionally severed. This included underground and aboveground cables, indicating deliberate acts of sabotage by individuals who clearly knewwhere these cables were located and their importance to Aliant's network. Investigations are underway. http://www.bell...

Read More

net.com and Bridgewater Team on DSL TR-059

Bridgewater Systems and net.com announced a combined solution for the selection, provisioning and management of new services by DSL operators. The joint development is an implementation of the DSL Forum specification TR-059 for delivery of a "triple play" of voice, video and data over an existing DSL network. The solution combines net.com's SCREAM service creation platform and Bridgewater Systems' Dynamic Bandwidth Manager. Net.com's SCREAM, a next generation broadband remote access server (BRAS) with IP edge routing and ATM switching functionality,...

Read More