FCC Acts on Waivers for Integrated Set-Top Box Rules

The FCC acted on several set-top box waiver requests seeking to delay implementation of a rule that requires cable set-top boxes distributed after July 1, 2007 to separate the "security" and "navigation" functions.The FCC said its statutory requirements aim to facilitate a competitive market for set-top boxes in a reasonable and consistent manner. Separation of security functions will allow consumers to pick the products they want. The action...

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FCC Declares Carrier Call Blocking Unlawful Self-Help Remedy in Access Charge Dispute

The FCC issued an order stating that carriers may not resort to the "self-help" remedy of blocking calls to avoid potentially inflated termination charges resulting from alleged access stimulation activities. The FCC said its action affirms that all customers will continue to be able to connect with anyone on the network that they so choose. Numerous local exchange carriers (LECs) and consumers have expressed concern about the blocking or potential...

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KPN Upgrades Media Network with Net Insight

KPN Broadcast Services is upgrading its media transport network across The Netherlands using Net Insight's Nimbra platform. The core network, which is currently based on the Nimbra One multiservice switch, is now being upgraded to the high-capacity Nimbra 680 switch and new sites are added. The Net Insight order is valued at 10M SEK (US$1.4 million), and the equipment will be delivered during the third quarter. The order from KPN Broadcast Services...

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AT&T to Acquire Cellular One for $2.8 Billion

AT&T agreed to acquire Dobson Communications, which markets itself under the Cellular One brand, for approximately $2.8 billion in cash.Dobson Communications operates in more than 60 wireless markets in 17 states, covering a population base of over 12.4 million and serving 1.6 million subscribers. It is the largest wireless provider in Alaska. It uses both TDMA and GSM/GPRS/EDGE technologies. In addition to Alaska, Dobson's network covers rural...

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BCE Agrees to Acquisition by Investor Group Led by Teachers Private Capita

BCE, the parent company of Bell Canada, agreed to be acquired by an investor group led by Teachers Private Capital, the private investment arm of the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, Providence Equity Partners Inc. and Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC. The all-cash transaction is valued at C$51.7 billion (US$48.5 billion), including C$16.9 billion (US$15.9 billion) of debt, preferred equity and minority interests. The BCE Board of Directors unanimously...

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Nokia Siemens Networks Updates Board of Directors

Nokia Siemens Networks announced several changes to its Board of Directors.Klaus Kleinfeld, 49, President and CEO of Siemens AG until June 30, 2007 has resigned from the Board of Directors of Nokia Siemens Networks B.V., effective as of July 1, 2007. He will be replaced by Peter Loscher, 49, President and CEO of Siemens AG, effective as of July 1, 2007.After the changes the Board of Nokia Siemens Networks will consist of the following seven members: Nokia President and CEO, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo (Chairman of the Nokia Siemens Networks Board); Siemens...

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Toshiba Adds Web-Enabled Capabilities to HD DVD

Toshiba announced that new HD DVD titles will have web-enabled network capabilities that allow consumers to easily access additional content and bonus features online. Current users of Toshiba HD DVD players can enjoy the web-enabled network capabilities by updating to the latest HD DVD player firmware, now available from Toshiba.Using the Ethernet ports found on all Toshiba HD DVD players, and the currently available firmware update, once connected to the network, users can download bonus features, as available, from a movie studio's server....

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SingTel Launches Integrated Global Wide Area Network Solution

Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) has launched an integrated global IP Wide Area Network (WAN) solution that combines IP-VPN and satellite technologies. The service that marries four communication services -- BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) for mobile connectivity, satellite IP for land-based remote communications, maritime VSAT for maritime communications and ConnectPlus IP-VPN for other global business locations. SingTel ConnectPlus IP-VPN is a fully managed, MPLS-based private and secure voice and data network. SingTel's BGAN or Broadband...

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Nokia Offers Mobile Photo Printing Services in Europe

Nokia has begun offering a mobile printing service in Europe that allows users of compatible Nokia Nseries multimedia devices to upload their photos via the cellular or Wi-Fi network. The mobile printing service is accessible from the device's Gallery application. http://www.nokia....

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SOFTBANK Demos Femtocell FMC for Japan

SOFTBANK, which recently has acquired a wireless spectrum license from Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, has begun demonstrating a femtocell solution for fixed-mobile-convergence (FMC) in the home.Sonus Networks and Ubiquisys both announced their participation in the SOFTBANK femtocell demo.Sonus recently announced the acquisition of privately-held Zynetix Ltd. Sonus' femtocell solution will combine an access point inside the...

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Verizon Wireless Completes EV-DO Rev. A Nationwide Upgrade

Verizon Wireless has completed an upgrade of its CDMA 1x Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) network nationwide to Revision (Rev.) A technology. The company's flagship business data service, BroadbandAccess, with Rev. A-compatible devices can now expect average download speeds of 600 kbps to 1.4 megabits per second and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps.http://www.verizonwireless....

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