NewSteps' Calling Service Node Bridges TDM and IP Applications

NewStep Networks, a start-up based in Ottawa, introduced an IP service control solution that enables service providers to integrate telephony services with enterprise applications and deliver them across both TDM and IP networks. NewStep said its "Calling Service Node" extends IP applications across public and private network environments. It connects to legacy and next-generation signaling systems via SS7 or SIP signalling protocols, creating a service control layer between IP-based applications and the underlying signaling systems. This service control layer enables applications to reach users on any standard device, across any type of mobile or fixed network. By decoupling service control and management from voice transport within both TDM and IP-based infrastructures, NewStep's Calling Service Node would give service providers access to IP functionality for TDM networks.



Later this year, NewStep plans to introduce an "Office Anywhere" IP collaborative suite that leverages the Calling Service Node control technology to enable remote workers to access enterprise IP telephony applications regardless of their location, device or access network.



Bell Canada is using NewStep's Calling Service Node in its toll-free contact centers to incorporate advanced IP features -- including dynamic pre-termination routing under contact center control, advanced screening and queuing, blind transfer and conferencing functions -- without reprogramming its central office switches or AIN service platforms. http://www.newstep.com

• NewStep Networks, a spin-out from Bell Canada, was established as a separate company in January 2003. The company is funded by Newbury Ventures, VenGrowth Capital Partners, BDC Venture Capital, B.E.S.T. Capital, Bell Canada, and Terry Matthews (founder of Mitel and Newbridge Networks).

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MCI Closes the Sale of Embratel's Control Stake to TELMEX

Telefonos de Mexico (TELMEX) completed its acquisition of MCI's equity stake in Brazilian carrier Embratel. TELMEX paid an aggregate of US$400 million cash for MCI's 19.26% economic interest and 51.79% voting interest in Embratel. Embratel's network has countrywide coverage with 28,868 km of fiber routes. http://www.mci.comhttp://www.embratel.net.br/

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European Commission Urges More Spectrum for New Wireless Applications

The European Commission issued a report calling on EU member nations to expand their efforts to free up parts of the radio spectrum for innovative wireless technologies. The report looks at measures taken under the new telecoms package (in particular the Radio spectrum Decision) to allocate the radio spectrum more efficiently, to expand the single market for innovative new radio-based technologies. http://europa.eu.int

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Verizon Proposes Higher Local Telephone Rates in WA

Verizon filed a rate design proposal with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) for a substantial increase in the basic monthly rate the company charges for telephone service. Under the proposal, Verizon's basic monthly rate in the state would increase by $9.80 - from $13 to $22.80 for residential customers and from $29.70 to $39.50 for business customers.



Verizon estimates that these and other proposed changes would generate about $109.8 million in revenue. It noted that the filing represents its first general rate proceeding before the WUTC in 22 years and that its local network currently has a revenue shortfall of $239.5 million a year. The company said it would use the higher rates to reinvest in customer service. The company said that the proposal would not affect consumers in low-income households who are eligible for the Washington Telephone Assistance Program. These customers would continue to pay $8 a month for basic services.



Verizon operates about 850,000 lines in Washington, most of them clustered in the Puget Sound area from Blaine to Redmond, as well as the Pullman, Tri- Cities and Wenatchee areas of Eastern Washington. http://www.verizon.com/.

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Skype Signs 4 Carrier Agreements to Provide Global Call Termination

Skype Technologies announced agreements with COLT, iBasis, Level 3, and Teleglobe to provide call termination services worldwide. The agreements are in place in preparation for SkypeOut, a soon-to-be-launched pre-pay service that allows people to call any landline or mobile number in the world from anywhere in the world using the Skype software. Terms of the agreements were not disclosed.



Skype reports more than 7 million users in over 170 countries for its free VoIP service since its Internet telephony software was launched last year. The company said it is averaging more than 400,000 active users at any point in time. It's web applications has been downloaded nearly 17 million times since last August. http://www.skype.com

• In March, Skype, the free VoIP service from the developers of KaZaA, raised US$18.8 million in second round funding for its consumer voice offering. Skype uses P2P (peer-to-peer) technology to provide free worldwide phone calls to other Skype users. The company is building a global user directory. It is also offering headsets and handsets that work with its service. The venture money will be used to expand global operations and enhance its consumer offering. The investment round was led by the venture capital firms, Draper Fisher Jurvetson and Index Ventures.

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Wave7 Optics Announces $6M in Additional Funding

Wave7 Optics, a start-up based in Alpharetta, Georgia, announced an additional $6M in funding for its active and passive Ethernet- and IP-based FTTP network equipment, Total venture capital investment in the company is now $68.5 million. The additional funding comes on a pro-rata basis from the company's six current investors: Advanced Technology Partners, Armada Venture Partners, Lucent Venture Partners, Mellon Ventures, Morgenthaler Ventures and Oak Investment Partners.



Wave7 said it now has over 30 network operator customers around the world. http://www.wave7optics.com

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