Uganda Telecom Deploys Redback's SmartEdge

Uganda Telecom, the national incumbent telecommunications provider of Uganda, has deployed Redback's SmartEdge Multi-Service Edge Router to support broadband services for business and residential customers. The implementation of the SmartEdge400 service capabilities enables Uganda Telecom to deliver traditional voice service as well as video and data over one single IP-based broadband network. Financial terms were not disclosed.

http://www.redback.com

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MFA Forum Approves Ethernet-over-MPLS Specification

The MFA Forum announced the approval of five technical specifications, including two that address multi-service interworking. Additional specifications cover high-speed connections, ATM and Frame Relay-to-MPLS control plane interworking, and virtual trunks for ATM/MPLS control plane interworking.



The Multi-Service Interworking -- Ethernet over MPLS (MFA Forum 12.0.0) specification is aimed at the delivery of Ethernet services utilizing an MPLS core network. The term "multi-service interworking" means that Ethernet frames are transported across the MPLS core in a pseudo wire (PW), and that the two attachment circuits (ACs) associated with the PW employ different Layer 2 technologies (e.g. ATM on one AC and Ethernet on the other). The specification enables carriers and service providers to introduce new Ethernet services, while preserving existing infrastructure and ATM and Frame Relay service end-points.



The Fault Management for Multi-Service Interworking over MPLS Version 1.0 (MFA Forum 13.0.0) specification allows service providers to detect and isolate faults, and propagate alarms so that action can be taken to minimize or avoid service outages, and thus meet customer service expectations. This continues to be important as traditional ATM and Frame Relay, as well as emerging Ethernet and IP services are migrated to MPLS networks.



The High Speed Connections (MFA Forum 11.0.0) specification defines a maximum rate of approximately 1.8 Terabits per second for data transfer between storage servers, maximizing optical links when ATM is part of the network solution.



The ATM and Frame Relay to MPLS Control Plane Interworking: Client-Server (MFA Forum 10.0.0) specification defines the control plane and protocol interworking procedures for ATM and Frame Relay connections across an IP/MPLS network using pseudo wires, simplifying migration from ATM to next-generation multi-service packet networks. The specification is designed to protect carrier investment in current services and revenue streams while enabling emerging IP applications and services.



The Virtual Trunks for ATM/MPLS Control Plane Interworking (MFA Forum 9.0.0) specification is a distributed interworking approach to the ATM and MPLS control planes, enabling separation of the MPLS network routing domains and the ATM routing domains.



All of the specs are available on the MFA website.

http://www.mfaforum.org

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North American FTTH Subscribers Climb to 1 Million, 6 Million Homes Passed

The number of North American homes and businesses directly connected via end-to-end fiber now exceeds one million, according to the Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). The number of homes passed and eligible for fiber service now exceeds 6 million.



The growth rate is accelerating, with well over 300,000 additional homes being passed every month.



"In 2006, FTTH providers in the United States have moved from pioneer efforts in the United States into the mainstream," said FTTH Council President Joe Savage, "and are confirming that it is a question of when, not if, to deploy FTTH."http://www.ftthcouncil.org

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Ericsson Supplies GSM/GPRS Core to América Móvil in Chile

Claro Chile, a subsidiary of América Móvil, has selected Ericsson as the sole supplier of its new GSM/GPRS core network. In the turnkey project, Ericsson also delivered a series of services that facilitated the August launch of the new network, including business consultancy, design and initial installation of the network, and core optimization. Financial terms were not disclosed.

http://www.ericsson.com

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Cable Consortium Comments on Spectrum Acquisition, Readies Sprint JV Trial Launch

SpectrumCo, a joint venture including Comcast Corporation, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, Advance/Newhouse (cable MSOs) and Sprint Nextel Communications, confirmed its winning bid of $2.37 billion for 137 wireless spectrum licenses in the FCC's recent advanced wireless services auction.



Comcast's portion of the total costs to purchase the licenses is $1.29 billion. Time Warner Cable's portion of the costs is $632.2 million and Cox Communications' portion is $248.3 million.



The consortium said the new spectrum provides many options and significant flexibility as its members evolve their plans for wireless. The members of SpectrumCo did not approach this investment with the intent of becoming the nation's fifth wireless voice provider, but to obtain greater flexibility in developing options for more advanced wireless services.



While no plans have as yet been finalized, including no specific plans to build out the networks at this time, in coming months the members of SpectrumCo will fully evaluate all options including possible testing in limited markets.



The cable MSOs also confirmed that they remain active with Sprint Nextel in the joint venture announced in November 2005. The acquired wireless spectrum could be used in conjunction with this JV. The cable MSOs expect to launch trials of the Sprint Nextel product in seven markets before the end of the year.

http://www.comcast.comhttp://www.cox.com

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Nokia Wins GSM Core Deal with Telefonica Moviles Peru

Nokia has implemented a complete GSM core network for Telefonica Moviles Peru -- a new customer for Nokia. As part of the deal, Nokia has provided its mobile softswitch MSC Server System, along with network planning and optimization services, training and operations support for six months. The network is supported by the multivendor, multitechnology Nokia NetAct network and service management system.
http://www.nokia.com

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AT&T Blue Room Expands its Content Aggregation

AT&T announced the expansion of its "Blue Room" content aggregation service as part of its strategy to link the AT&T brand to premier communications and entertainment experiences. The new AT&T blue room features exclusive music, sports and other entertainment content, along with a new Internet gaming portal.



The new blue room site features a "city-environment" that will rotate throughout the year to feature different key cities. Visitors are encouraged to explore areas of the city -- such as the concert, arcade and stadium -- to access one of the four featured "channels".

http://www.attblueroom.com

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BellSouth Expands pre-WiMAX Service to 2 More Markets

BellSouth announced the expansion of its pre-WiMAX broadband wireless into two new markets by late October -- select parts of Albany, Georgia and Paducah, Kentucky. Additionally, service will be expanded in the New Orleans area to include New Orleans East. With these expansions, BellSouth will offer the service in 10 Southeastern markets, including four markets recently launched in September: North Charleston, S.C.; Melbourne, Fla.; Greenville, Miss.; and Chattanooga, Tenn.



BellSouth Wireless Broadband Service offers downstream speeds up to 1.5Mbps using its licensed WCS 2.3GHz spectrum.

http://www.bellsouth.net/wirelessbb

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Occam Networks Announces NASDAQ Listing

Shares in Occam Networks will begin trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol "OCNW" on October 9, 2006. The company's common shares have been trading on the NASD Electronic Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under (OCNW).

http://www.occamnetworks.com

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