Siemens Supplies ADSL2+ and Mobile Technology to Greenland

Siemens Communications is supplying ADSL2+ for the 57,000 inhabitants of Greenland. By the end of the year, all settlements on the island will be connected to the IP-DSLAMs of the ADSL2+ network, enabling Internet access at 12 to 24 Mbps. Currently, satellite or microwave links are used to link settlements across Greenland because it is not feasible to bury fiber in the ice. Siemens is also deploying IP-based nanoBTS GSM base stations in conjunction with the new local switching technology. This technology enables intra-village mobile phone conversations to be connected directly, eliminating the need for them to be routed via satellite. For the population of Greenland, this is an enormous advantage. In many villages, the number of mobile phone users is rapidly rising, and now totals more than 70%throughout Greenland -- some 37,000 subscribers.
http://www.siemens.com

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BNS Showcases MPEG-4 IPTV Middleware for Flexible Pricing Models

Broadband Network Systems Ltd (BNS) is showcasing MPEG-4 standard-based middleware at this week's IPTV Forum Asia in Hong Kong.


The BNS solution features a real-time pricing engine that enables service providers to create complex IPTV business models with highly flexible pricing.


The BNS booth will also feature key showcases by BNS's partners Entone (VOD content management), Envivio (MPEG-4 H.264 broadcast series encoders and middleware) and Widevine (conditional access and digital rights management solution).
http://www.bnsltd.com

• Hong Kong-based Broadband Network Systems (BNS) is a strategic consultant, technology integrator and content aggregator for broadband service providers deploying IPTV. Its customers include Chunghwa Telecom, Hanaro Telecom, Telekom Malaysia and others.

Why is Asia leading the Global IPTV Revolution?

Asia is leading the IPTV revolution. The region boasts the highest broadband penetration rates and is already the fastest growing market for IPTV. Forecasts predict IPTV subscribers set to double in the next 12 months for major markets in Hong Kong, Japan and Korea. There are a number of contributing factors for IPTV that are shared across other markets in Asia. However, IPTV business models and technologies are still evolving. The next 12-18 months will be an exciting time.

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China Reaches 380 million mobile subscribers, Further Growth Forecast

China currently has 380 million mobile subscribers. Nokia said it holds about 30% market share amongst handset makers in China. The company is forecasting an additional 250 million mobile subscribers in China by 2010.
http://www.nokia.com

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Marconi Posts Quarterly Profit

Marconi reported quarterly revenue of £312 million, up 9% sequentially and up 2% on the prior year. The adjusted gross margin was 30.8%, compared with 33.4% a year earlier. There was a profit of £7 million for the quarter, compared to a loss of £6 million in the prior quarter and a profit of GBP 2 million a year earlier.


Marconi said optical and access network solutions continue to be its main drivers of growth.
http://www.marconi.com

• In October 2005, Ericsson agreed to acquire most of Marconi for approximately £1.2 billion (US$2 billion). The deal, which continues the trend of consolidation in the industry, gives Ericsson access to a more comprehensive portfolio of solutions, an expanded R&D capability, and strategically important customer accounts worldwide.

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Swiss Federal Council to Block Swisscom-Eircom Acquisition

Switzerland's Federal Council has instructed its representative on the Board of Directors of SwissCom to vote against the company's proposed acquisition of Eircom, the incumbent telco in Ireland, and other possible acquisitions that Swisscom might make abroad. Market observers believed that Swisscom might have been contemplating a bid for Tele Danmark (TDC). Instead, the Swiss government is encouraging SwissCom to distribute available capital to its shareholders.


The Swiss state holds approximately 66% equity stake in SwissCom. In a statement on Thursday, representatives of the government's finance and communications ministries also said the state would sell additional shares in Swisscom, encouraging the move toward privatization. http://www.swisscom.com
http://www.uvek.admin.ch/kommunikation/index.html?lang=en

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