NCTA: New FCC Chairman Makes First Appearance

In his first industry appearance since being appointed the new Chairman of the FCC, Kevin Martin told an audience of cable executives that FCC must continue its deregulatory approach, preferring market and competition to regulation. The first questions put to Martin were "how do you define indecency? Will you seek to extend indecency regulations to cable and satellite?" Martin deflected the questions, saying only that the FCC is a creature of Congress, and that the FCC only reacts to public input. The first item on his agenda, said Martin, is personnel, as there has been significant staff turnover. He also said the role of the FCC should be to establish rules for various media to compete on a level playing field.
http://www.ncta.com

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Laurel Selected for FTTH Rollout in Texas

Grande Communications has selected Laurel Networks' ST50 Broadband Routing Platform to support a large-scale rollout of fiber-to-the-home in locations across Texas. The Laurel ST-series broadband platform provides the edge routing functionality for delivering advanced services such as VoIP, video-on-demand and IP VPNs. Grande will use the platform to recognize and separate high-speed data traffic from set-top box (digital receiver) traffic. http://www.laurelnetworks.com
http://www.grandecom.com

• In January 2005, Grande Communications began deploying FTTP in neighborhoods of Austin, Texas, where its network was not already present. The company has previously disclosed plans to deploy FTTH to as many as one million homes and businesses in Texas.

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Telution Collaborates with Microsoft on Unified Order Management

Telution collaborated with Microsoft on a unified Order Management and Customer Care solution for cable operators unveiled at this week's NCTA's 2005 National Cable Show in San Francisco. The collaboration combined Telution's COMX, an order management and assurance solution for both traditional and IP-based communication providers, with Microsoft's .NET technologies. COMX's ordering capabilities simplify complex service bundle delivery, from service offer management and order entry to workflow configuration and order fallout management. The integration with Microsoft .NET improves the speed and accuracy of order execution, decomposition, and workflow management.
http://www.telution.com

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Occam Supplies Broadband Loop Carrier to Tennessee IOC

Tennessee-based Millington Telephone has selected Occam Networks' BLC 6000 System to upgrade and expand its existing access network to deliver VoIP and high-speed data over DSL. The company also plans to deliver IP video services in the future. Millington is upgrading its entire existing access network and expanding it to with shorter loops to provide better service and higher quality services to it subscriber base over a two-year period. The independent operating company (IOC) has installed the BLC 6000 at two sites, service has been turned up and the BLC is delivering VoIP and DSL. Millington expects to have a total of nine sites operational by the end of 2005. http://www.occamnetworks.com

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Microsoft to Extend Connected Services Framework to Broadcast and Film Industries

Microsoft is extending its recently announced Connected Services Framework to the broadcast and film industries. The Connected Services Framework, an integrated, server-based software solution, aims to help broadcast companies and film studios streamline the creation, management and delivery of digital content. Microsoft is collaborating with Avid Technology, North Plains Systems, OmniBus Systems, Panasonic and Telestream Inc. to offer a comprehensive solution with Connected Services Framework at the core.


The Microsoft Connected Services Framework employs a service-oriented architecture (SOA) approach to deliver an interoperable, manageable and scalable infrastructure of shared services such as digital asset management and content distribution processes. It uses Extensible Markup Language (XML), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and Web Services Description Language (WSDL).
http://www.microsoft.com/serviceproviders/solutions/csf.mspx

• In February 2005, Microsoft introduced an integrated software framework that allows telecommunications operators and service providers to deliver converged communications services across multiple networks and a range of device types. The Microsoft Connected Services Framework, which was introduced at 3GSM World Congress 2005 in Cannes, is a server-based solution that integrates other Microsoft operating systems, including Microsoft BizTalk Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Windows Server and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET, to provide a unified platform for creating, aggregating and managing converged services.



• Microsoft said that by deploying its Connected Services Framework, operators can bring together not only Microsoft services such as Microsoft Solution for Hosted Exchange 2003, the Microsoft TV platform and Microsoft Office Live Communications Server, but also operator-developed services and a broad array of third-party services and content to create new combinations of services targeting specific customer segments. The Connected Services Framework would integrate with a variety of operations support systems (OSS), business support systems (BSS) and network service products based on industry standards.



• BT, Bell Canada and Celcom Malaysia are deploying the Microsoft Connected Services Framework to facilitate the delivery of services to their customers.

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RADCOM Introduces Portable Convergent Test Platform

RADCOM released its new P1000 portable Performer platform, a test solution for field troubleshooting of cellular, data and VoIP networks. Like RADCOM's existing rack-mounted version, the portable device can capture data at rates up to 2.4 Gbps. The unit offers three protocol, technology and rate independent hardware processors, allowing for field testing of up to three different lines, simultaneously. It can be used for real-time troubleshooting and protocol analysis of WAN/LAN/ATM/PoS/Metro networks at all seven layers. It also features Global Positioning System (GPS) and Network Time Protocol (NTP) to conduct time-related measurement such as round-trip delay and end-to-end latencies.
http://www.RADCOM.com

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MCI Provides IPv6 for Cray Supercomputers

MCI is providing Cray with an IPv6 network to perform interoperability testing on its leading Cray X1/X1E Supercomputers as well as other Cray supercomputer products when IPv6 is added. Cray is also using IPv6 to test and develop next-generation software and applications for its customers worldwide. Cray will leverage MCI's IPv6 overlay network that rides on its global IP backbone.


MCI said it has long been a proponent of IPv6, supporting native IPv6 services since 1998 when it deployed the first production IPv6 capable network in the U.S. , the vBNS+ network which is primarily used by government and academia. MCI currently offers a public IPv6 overlay network in the U.S., Europe and Asia Pac.
http://www.mci.com
http://www.cray.com

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AOL Germany Selects NetCentrex for Residential VoIP

AOL Germany will use NetCentrex' MyCall Residential Solution to introduce new SIP-based services on the German residential market. AOL will use the NetCentrex solution to extend existing broadband Internet services into the voice communications market, adding value to its current offer and opening up new integrated services.


AOL Germany, which is one of the country's leading Internet providers, has around 2.8 million members. Founded in 1995, the company is headquartered in Hamburg and a staff of approximately 1,400.


NetCentrex said it has already delivered over 1 million residential voice lines to over 40 operators worldwide. http://www.netcentrex.net

• In March 2005, America Online (AOL) announced plans to a consumer VoIP service in the U.S.

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Verizon to Sell Midtown NYC Building

Verizon announced a buyer for its 41-story headquarters building at 1095 Avenue of the Americas in NYC. Equity Office, the nation's largest publicly held office building owner and manager, will purchase for $505 million 1,030,000 square feet, or nearly 80% of the office tower, including approximately 30,000 square feet of retail space. Verizon New York would continue to occupy more than 200,000 square feet of the midtown Manhattan tower.


Verizon intends to relocate its world headquarters to its recently
renovated building at 140 West St. The 1926 landmark building, formerly the headquarters for New York Telephone, will ultimately house about 1,500 employees, including the principal offices for Verizon CEO and Chairman Ivan Seidenberg, along with his direct reports. Additionally Verizon's board offices will be located there, as will the leadership for the company's domestic telecom unit serving customers in the Northeast.
http://www.verizon.com

• In March 2005, Verizon announced plans to acquire AT&T's old headquarters in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. The operations center will house some 2,800 employees from New Jersey and around the country when fully occupied in about 18 months. The facility, to be called Verizon Center, is a 1.3 million-square-foot complex of seven interconnected buildings on a 135-acre campus originally built and occupied by AT&T. The facility, which is being acquired from current owner Pfizer, will be home to the leadership teams of Verizon's Domestic Telecom and International units and selected corporate staff and support personnel. Verizon Wireless, a subsidiary of Verizon Communications, will also be located at the center.

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Brazilian MSO Selects Motorola BSR 64000 CMTS/Edge Router

NET Servicos de Comunicacao, the largest cable operator in Brazil, selected Motorola's BSR 64000 CMTS/edge routers to serve as the foundation for enhanced IP services, including voice, throughout Brazil. The initiative marks NET Servicos' first expansion into IP-based voice services, and the first step on a path toward unifying the company's wireless and switched network assets on an IP platform.


Motorola will provide both network infrastructure and consumer premise equipment, including cable modems with integrated telephony and wireless features for the upgrade. The Motorola BSR 64000 will provide scalability and redundancy as NET expands its network with voice and high-speed data offerings.


NET Servicos will deploy 11 Motorola BSR 64000 units, leveraging the product's redundancy features to permit "always on" availability and density to accommodate future growth in subscribers and the addition of VoIP services. NET Servicos will also deploy the Motorola SBV5120 modem, which supports voice and data services. Additionally the operator will offer the Motorola SBG900, offering an integrated 802.11g wireless access point and a cable modem into a single unit. The products will be implemented as part of field trials of VoIP and Wi-Fi services throughout Brazil.
http://www.motorola.com

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Canada Requires VoIP Providers to Support 9-1-1 in 90 Days

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) issued a decision requiring VoIP service providers to provide the same level of 9-1-1 emergency service that is provided by the incumbent telephone companies within 90 days.


Specifically, the Commission requires VoIP service providers providing either nomadic VoIP service or foreign exchange VoIP service to implement, within 90 days of the date of this decision, an interim solution which provides a level of service comparable to Basic 9-1-1 service. In addition to the above service requirements, the Commission also requires all VoIP service providers to provide customers with notification, both before service commencement and during service provision, regarding any limitations associated with their emergency 9-1-1 service. The VoIP service providers must also secure the customer's express acknowledgement that they are aware of these limitations, prior to providing this type of service.
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/NEWS/RELEASES/2005/r050404.htm

• In March 2005, the state of Texas filed a lawsuit against Vonage, the country's largest Internet-based telephone service provider, for failing to make clear to consumers that the company's current service does not include access to traditional emergency 9-1-1 service. The story was widely reported in newspapers across the country. The state of Texas said the dangers posed by Vonage's failure "to clearly disclose the lack of traditional 9-1-1 access" have resulted in tragedy. On its website, Vonage says it offers 911 Dialing to all customers. 911 calls are routed from the Vonage network to the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for the physical area that the subscriber designates. However, 911 dialing is not automatically set-up for use and subscribers have the option to decline 911 dialing. Email reminders are sent to subscribers about 911 calls. The Vonage website also warns that 911 dialing and Vonage Service do not function during an electrical power or broadband provider outage.

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Optibase Adds H.264 (MPEG-4) Video Codec

Optibase announced H.264 encoding support within its carrier grade TV streaming solution. H.264, also known as MPEG-4 part 10 AVC (Advanced Video Coding), can provide DVD-quality video at less than 1.5 Mbps, and is considered promising for full-motion video over cable, satellite, and ADSL. http://www.optibase.com/

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Lingo Offers Local Phone Numbers in Mexico

Lingo announced a new capability that lets its U.S. customers add "local" phone numbers in Mexico to their VoIP phone service. Lingo phone numbers are being offered in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.


Lingo already offered local numbers in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan and the U.K..
http://www.lingo.com/

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Samsung Unveils Enterprise Telephony Solutions

Samsung Telecommunications America's Business Communications Systems group unveiled a broad suite of enterprise telephony solutions. The line-up includes IP-enabled iDCS communications platforms for large to small enterprises and a suite of "OfficeServ" Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) applications for PCs. The company also unveiled an E-mail Gateway solution and a Single-Line integrated Mobility (SLiM) solution for mobile professionals. Samsung said its iDCS suite of communications platforms scale up to 400 stations. Some highlights:

• Samsung's iDCS 500, the company's premier IP-enabled communications platform, now offers Enhanced Networking features to include a higher degree of feature transparency to a multi-site installation and new hardware and software features to provide small to medium enterprises greater call handling capabilities and efficiencies. The iDCS 500 also supports E-Mail Gateway, allowing employees to receive their voicemail message via email and Samsung SLiM, a DECT mobility solution that addresses employee mobility needs.



• The company's iDCS 100 is now IP-enabled and fully supports the ITP-5000 series VoIP keysets offered by Samsung. Additionally, the iDCS 100 now supports new software and enhanced networking including IP Networking, OfficeServ applications, Samsung's SLiM mobility solution and E-Mail Gateway.



• OfficeServ Link is the core of Samsung's OfficeServ suite of CTI applications. This software gateway mediates between OfficeServ CTI applications and a Samsung key system



• OfficeServ Operator is a PC-based Attendant Console solution, that when combined with a Samsung phone system, can help enterprises manage high-volume call traffic more efficiently. This solution displays real-time status of incoming calls, busy extensions and held calls on a single screen giving operators easy access to information. And, incoming and external calls can be easily managed with a simple "point and click" operation or the use of a keyboard.



• OfficeServ EasySet is a browser-based application that allows users to manage their own phone extension features such as call forwarding, speed dial and messaging. By managing this process through their PC, users can change basic settings on their Samsung iDCS or ITP keyset directly from a user- friendly browser interface, enhancing efficiency.




• OfficeServ Softphone delivers virtually identical functionality as select Samsung keyphones -- giving telecommuters or mobile professionals the accessibility of being at their desk without having to physically be there.



• Samsung's Single-Line integrated Mobility (SLiM) is an in-building wireless adjunct designed for small enterprise applications. Compatible on all Samsung business phone systems, SLiM can support up to eight Samsung D- 5000 mobility handsets. The SLiM controller can be deployed in a main office and up to six wireless repeaters can be placed throughout the rest of the building to create a larger coverage area. An optional directional antenna makes it possible for businesses to extend coverage to immediate outside areas around the building.

http://www.samsung.com/bcs

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Optibase Delivers IPTV for Vietnamese ISP

FPT Communications, a Vietnamese Internet Service Provider (ISP), has chosen the Optibase MGW 1100 Media Gateway to launch a new live television streaming service to its DSL subscribers. Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.optibase.com

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