Cable & Wireless Selects Cisco's CRS-1 for IP Core

Cable & Wireless awarded a contract to Cisco Systems' for the IP core of its Next Generation Network (NGN). Specifically, Cable & Wireless will deploy 15 Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System routers throughout its network, each equipped with the new Cisco IOS XR software. Financial terms were not disclosed. Further tenders for other key elements of the network, including optical network and voice over IP infrastructure, will be issued in due course. http://www.cisco.comIn April 2005, Cable & Wireless announced its GBP 190 million investment...

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Philips Showcases HDTV, Media Centers, Video Phones

Philips showcased new consumer products at IFA 2005 in Berlin under the theme "Sense and Simplicity." Products on display included:A full range of LCD and plasma FlatTV sets and Cineos audio-video peripherals for HDTV. The HDTV screens use Nexperia chips made by Philips Semiconductors, but most of the assembly is carried out by outsourcing partners, including LG. Philips' Cineos 9000 components feature HDMI digital interfaces, Pixel Plus, high...

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TOM Online, Skype Announce Joint Venture In China

TOM Online, China's leading wireless Internet company, and Skype will establish a joint venture to further cement their strategic partnership in China's rapidly growing online communication market. The deal will combine Skype's software and services with TOM Online's over 70 million wireless Internet users.Skype and Tom Online launched their relationship in November 2004 with a customized simplified Chinese version of Skype, which was co-developed by the companies. The co-branded software has attracted about 3.4 million registered users to date,...

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FCC to Allow Customers in Katrina-Affected Areas to Reinstate Disconnected Telephone Numbers

The FCC waived its rules for aging residential numbers in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. The current rules allow carriers to age numbers previously assigned to residential customers for no more than 90 days before making them available for assignment to another customer. Waiver of this rule will allow carriers to disconnect temporarily customers' telephone service, upon request, to avoid billing issues, and to reinstate the same number when the service is reconnected in the future. The FCC has also already granted a waiver to allow carriers...

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FCC Schedules Network Reliability and Interoperability Meeting

The FCC has scheduled the next meeting of the Network Reliability and Interoperability Council for September 21.During the meeting the Council will discuss potential recommendations in the areas of E911 implementation and evolution, network security, network reliability, and broadband. The Council will also review the status of various working groups. http://www.fcc....

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FCC Reassigns Toll-Free Number 1-800-RED-CROSS

The FCC granted an emergency request of the American Red Cross for reassignment of the toll free number 1-800-RED-CROSS in order to better respond to Hurricane Katrina.The toll-free database administrator, Database Service Management, was directed to temporarily reassign the toll-free number that spells 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to the national chapter of the American Red Cross. This action is particularly important given the role that charitable donations play in funding the American Red Cross. http://www.fcc....

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IP Video Quality Alliance Sets Benchmark for IPTV

The IP Video Quality Alliance (IPVQA), a new industry group backed by IIneoQuest Technologies and BridgeTech, has endorsed a Media Delivery Index (MDI) for measuring and monitoring IP-based networks and insuring subscribers the highest quality of experience of Video over IP and IPTV services.The Alliance said it has solved one of the major issues in successful deployments of video services over IP networks, namely, the ability to rapidly determine the status of the IP network in regards to delivering quality video. MDI gives network service providers...

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TI and RadioScape Develop Receivers for Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM)

Multiple companies attending IFA in Berlin demonstrated product prototypes for the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) standard that were developed around chips and modules from Texas Instruments and RadioScape. The companies expect consumer brand products to appear on store shelves within the year.DRM is a universal, non-proprietary digital radio system for the short-wave, medium-wave and long-wave AM broadcast bands, enabling a single tower to broadcast over a large geographic area with near-FM quality sound. DRM is supported by a wide network of broadcasters,...

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