BT Wins MPLS-VPN Contract with Munich Re

Munich Re, the world's largest re-insurance company, has again chosen BT as its international partner for networked IT services. BT's MPLS network is connecting more than 60 company sites in 33 countries. The contract runs for 42 months and is worth several million euros.
http://www.btplc.com

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Sprint Awarded Managed Trusted IP Services Bid from U.S. GSA

Sprint has been awarded the Managed Trusted IP Services (MTIPS) from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). MTIPS meets an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) mandate for bundled, secure managed Internet access solutions for federal government agencies. Agencies can now benefit from Sprint's global IP network and managed services expertise to deploy the appropriate MTIPS solution to minimize risk and threats to federal information systems.


MTIPS is a modification to the Networx Enterprise contract that allows federal agencies to order IP services that comply with OMB Memorandum 08-05 that was issued November 20, 2007. The OMB action calls for implementation of Trusted Internet Connection (TIC) mandate, which required agencies to reduce the number of connections to the public Internet and provide secure IP portals for agency traffic to and from the public Internet.


"In addition to the MTIPS award, Sprint has made a number of important modifications to its Networx Enterprise contract including a capability that extends the PBX functionality of a desktop phone to a wireless device, Private Wireless Network solutions and an exciting Unified Communications solution that allows customers to fully leverage your MPLS network for converged voice, data and video," says Bill White, vice president of Federal Programs at Sprint. "Sprint has a rich history of providing innovative, secure wireline and wireless solutions to Federal agencies. Sprint's offerings under the MTIPS award will make it easier for government agencies to resolve their security challenges, both now and in the future."http://www.sprint.com

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Teradici Raises $17 Million for PC-over-IP Technology

Teradici, a start-up based in Burnaby, British Columbia, has raised US$17 million in series C funding round for its PC-over-IP network-delivered computing technology. The technology allows users to work at an inexpensive terminal to access an operating systems, applications, and data residing in central datacenters. They receive exceptional graphics, multimedia, audio and USB connectivity without having to purchase, manage or maintain a PC.


Teradici will use the new funds to continue to market its ground-breaking enterprise PC-over-IP technology around the world and to develop a new offering for consumers and small businesses.


Investors in the over-subscribed funding round include TELUS Ventures, the venture arm of TELUS, as well as Alloy Ventures, GrowthWorks Capital, Skypoint Capital, BDC Venture Capital, and Alta Berkeley Venture Partners.


Teradici also announced that Kevin Salvadori, Executive Vice President of Business Transformation & Technology Operations at TELUS, will assume a seat on its board of directors. Mr. Salvadori brings to the board extensive strategic and operational experience in Information Technology systems architecture, application development and maintenance, technology operations, and physical and technology security.
http://www.teradici.com
http://www.telus.com

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China Telecom Uses EPON Backhaul for 3G Services

China Telecom has deployed ZTE's Ethernet Passive Optical Networks (EPON) solution to carry its CDMA 1X services and EVDO traffic.


The announcement is the culmination of the successful trial conducted by Shanghai Telecom, a subsidiary of China Telecom, in February 2009. Early last month, the company finally completed the cutover of the CDMA 1X service and EVDO high-speed data service over EPON and achieved on-site service test results with flying colors. During nearly one hour of continuous call testing, the voice service demonstrated good quality and stable signals, while the EVDO data service smoothly and steadily play online videos. This only proves that EPON is an alternative technology platform to help operators offer 3G services.


ZTE said its EPON helped Shanghai Telecom to provide transmission between its backend machine rooms and CDMA base stations located in a remote facility. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Apart from Shanghai Telecom, another leading operator in China, the China Mobile has adopted EPON technology to carry its GSM services. It has been providing the services for more than a year now in mainland China.
http://www.zte.com.cn

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Juniper Sees Lower Sales to Service Providers

Juniper Networks announced that its revenue for the quarter ended 31-MArch-2009 is expected to range between $760 to $765 million, below the company s guidance of $800 to $830 million, primarily driven by lower than expected sales to Service Providers.


As a result of previously communicated expense reduction initiatives, total non-GAAP operating expenses for the quarter are expected to range between $375 and $380 million, better than the company's guidance of approximately $408 million. Therefore, the company expects non-GAAP operating margin to be approximately 16%, resulting in non-GAAP EPS of $0.16 to $0.17 per diluted share, within the company s guidance range of $0.15 and $0.17.
http://www.juniper.net

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Cable&Wireless Upgrades Network in Japan

Cable&Wireless announced significant enhancements to its Points-of-Presence (PoPs) in Osaka, Tokyo and Yokohama. The Osaka PoP is engineered to be physically separate from the other PoPs in Japan, with access to a completely different set of cable systems to connect to Asia and the United States. This enhanced resilience and capacity in to and out of Japan is crucial, providing diversity for multi-national companies in the event of natural disasters or sub-sea cable breaks. In addition, Cable&Wireless' has upgraded its network to run across a next-generation Multi Service Platform (MSP) in Japan.


Nick Lambert, Managing Director Worldwide & President of Asia Pacific at Cable&Wireless EAUS, added: "Our successful partnership with SOFTBANK TELECOM gives us unique capability to meet our customers' need for value-added telecommunications services in to and out of Japan."http://www.cw.com

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Aricent Simplifies LTE Development With eNodeB Software Framework

Aricent will create a Long Term Evolution (LTE) eNodeB reference solution that includes Layer 1 (PHY) and Layer 2 protocol stacks based on the next-generation Intel Xeon processor for LTE base station applications.


Aricent said the Intel architecture provides its solution performance benefits and simplifies the OEM development of eNodeB solutions.


Aricent LTE eNodeB Framework (eNBF) is a leading software solution for LTE eNodeB nodes that combines Layer 1, 2 and 3 components. The software enables complete LTE Uu functionality of the Layer 1 (DAP-PHY) processing, Layer 2 (MAC, RLC and PDCP), Layer 3 (RRC, Cell control, Call control) and S1AP, GTPu and SCTP. This framework accelerates and simplifies development of a carrier deployable solution. Aricent eNBF harnesses the power of Intel technology to integrate signal processing, packet processing and security capabilities, in addition to Macro eNodeB.
http://www.aricent.com/lte

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Amdocs Selected by Clearwire

Clearwire Communications awarded a multi-year agreement to Amdocs for the license and implementation of Amdocs CES 7.5 products and managed services. The Amdocs products and services will support Clearwire's retail and wholesale business. Under the contract, Clearwire has licensed products from the Amdocs CES (customer experience systems) 7.5 Portfolio including customer management, self service, billing, mediation, ordering and other products. Additionally, Amdocs will manage Clearwire's existing business support systems (BSS) and the conversion to Amdocs CES 7.5.
http://www.amdocs.com/cesportfolio

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MetaSwitch Appoints John Lazar as CEO for both Carrier and Network Protocols Divisions

John Lazar, formerly President and COO of MetaSwitch's Carrier Division, has been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer, taking over executive responsibility for the entire company from founder Ian Ferguson, who continues as Chairman.


In his new role, Lazar will oversee the company's Network Protocols and Carrier Divisions, while Phil McConnell and Graeme MacArthur, respectively, continue as General Managers of the two divisions. Over the coming months, the company plans to consolidate all its products and business operations, including the Network Protocols Division, under the MetaSwitch brand. Until that transition is complete, the network protocols business will continue to operate as Data Connection (DCL).
http://www.metaswitch.com

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Tellabs Offers Ethernet Upgrade for Remote Subscriber Terminals

Tellabs announced a new Feature Package 14 for its Tellabs 1000 Multiservice Access Platform (MSAP). The upgrade helps service providers lower costs and speeds time to market for IP/Ethernet transport and services. Tellabs noted that it has more than 84,000 Tellabs 1000 Remote Subscriber Terminals (RSTs) installed in North America. The Ethernet upgrade does not require infrastructure changes, eliminating the "rip-and-replace" approach. It enables service providers to continue delivering profitable traditional services as they add next-generation high-speed Ethernet and IP services via an end-to-end Ethernet access platform.
http://www.tellabs.com

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Motorola Introduces MicroEncoder for Video Distribution in MDUs

Motorola announced its QUE100 QAM MicroEncoder, which allows operators to migrate the video content generated and consumed within multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and commercial buildings from analog to digital more easily and cost effectively. The QUE100 enables locally generated analog content, such as security camera feeds, to be incorporated into the digital program lineup.


Motorola said its QUE100 QAM MicroEncoder allows the owners of MDUs or hotels to take advantage of lower cost digital set tops for tenants while still providing easy access to this content as a tuneable digital channel. For instance, existing local analog video feeds from parking lot cameras, door cameras, lobby cameras and facility cameras and other channels featuring content such as local events can be delivered in QAM modulated digital form to tenants' set tops and digital televisions. Its standard QAM RF output merges into the buildings' all-digital service lineup, creating a cost-efficient and easily deployed solution. The QUE100 family provides MPEG-2 SD video encoding and will be offered in several models.
http://www.motorola.com

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Bytemobile Introduces MobileMatch to Enables Mobile Operators to Analyze Browsing Trends

Bytemobile introduced its MobileMatch application, a new software application that enables operators to dynamically present users with personalized content and services through real-time analysis of browsing behavior, application data and subscriber data.


The MobileMatch software is a new application of Bytemobile's Optimization and Services Node (OSN). Deployed in the core data path of the network, the OSN provides intelligent policy-based gateway functions and optimization services that enable operators to improve network efficiency, capacity and scalability while delivering faster web browsing to mobile subscribers.


Bytemobile said that by deploying the MobileMatch application in conjunction with its other solutions, operators can leverage their insight into user preferences for the effective delivery and monetization of personalized content and services. As an enabler of the Widget Bar and Ad Insertion applications of Bytemobile's Web Fidelity Suite, MobileMatch supports the selection of the most personally relevant value-added services and delivers network-based widgets and advertisements to a mobile user that are based on his or her unique browsing behavior. Since targeted content generates significantly higher click-through rates, they increase revenue and business value with their potential to influence a consumer's purchasing decision.


Bytemobile noted that since its launch in 2001, the OSN has been commercially deployed by 104 wireless network operators worldwide.
http://www.bytemobile.com

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EB Delivers Multi-Antenna Over-the-Air (OTA) Test Solution for LG Electronics

LG Electronics (LG) has selected EB to deliver a multi-antenna Over-the-Air (OTA) performance testing solution for its mobile devices. LG will now be able to test full mobile device functionality and performance in realistic radio channel environments without any compromises to the performance verification.



EB's multi-antenna OTA testing application is built around the EB Propsim F8 radio channel emulator and related channel modeling software allowing LG to test final mobile phone designs with embedded antennas and cover in place. The OTA application utilizes state of the art geometrical radio channel models to replicate real network-like conditions in the laboratory. The EB OTA testing application enables LG to ensure the highest performance for mobile devices and therefore, further improve the end-user experience of its customers. EB's OTA testing application enables repeatable testing in various radio channel conditions which shortens the mobile phone development cycle and enables early market introduction of new mobile devices.
http://www.elektrobit.com/ebpropsim

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Tropos Introduces 802.11n Compatible Outdoor Wireless Mesh Routers

Tropos Networks has released a new line of outdoor wireless routers that support 802.11n and are fully interoperable with Tropos' existing line of fixed and mobile mesh routers, which are deployed by utilities and municipalities. Each of the new line of routers can be deployed as a gateway or a node.


The new products include:

• Tropos 7320 Outdoor Mesh Router -- a dual radio (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) router with flexible configuration options. Its modular form factor can accommodate different types of antennas depending upon desired coverage area, and its flexible power input simplifies site design and power source planning. Two integrated Ethernet ports can supply Power over Ethernet (PoE), eliminating the need for separate power connections and simplifying the deployment of utility metering collectors, video cameras, and capacity injection devices. An optional integrated battery backup module provides even greater system resiliency.



• Tropos 6320 Outdoor Mesh Router - a fixed configuration dual radio (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) router that supports mesh and client connectivity on both bands for superior performance, resiliency and capacity. Its light weight and compact design allows it to be mounted almost anywhere, simplifying deployment.



• Tropos 6310 Outdoor Mesh Router -- a fixed configuration single radio (2.4 GHz) router that provides an economic solution for networks with lighter traffic loads or for fill-in connectivity in larger scale networks. Similar to the Tropos 6320, it is light weight and has a compact design, simplifying deployment and enabling mounting almost anywhere.
  

Tropos noted that is 802.11n compatible routers have been operational in customers' production networks for more than six months. Below is a summary of actual field test results of the new routers in a live customer network with low-power mobile clients and smart phones:

• Latency reduction of up to 50 percent within the mesh, and dramatic increases in throughput


• An increase of over 20% in coverage area, and higher data rates within the coverage footprint



• Two to three times gains in uplink performance as a result of greater signal strength -- applicable to both 802.11n and legacy 802.11b/g clients

Tropos is announcing list prices have been reduced up to 29 percent on select models of its legacy outdoor wireless broadband routers which provide support for 802.11a/b/g. The price changes are effective immediately; customers should contact their Tropos reseller for details.
http://www.tropos.com

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Australia's AAPT Implements 2Wire's Remote Mgt.

AAPT, one of Australia's largest telecommunications companies, has simplified self-installation of home broadband technology, with the introduction of 2Wire's CMS remote management system. 2Wire CMS enables AAPT to simplify initial configuration and troubleshooting of residential broadband modems. When employed in customer support scenarios, 2Wire CMS remotely performs real-time diagnostic checks on the AAPT gateway supplied to the customer. Data is collected from the CPE and filtered through a diagnostic engine to convert complex data into simple, straightforward, actionable indicators that allow the quick assessment of customer problem areas.


CMS is industry compliant with TR-069, TR-098, TR-104, and TR-106 communication protocols and can be used for basic broadband data, VoIP, IPTV, or Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC)/dual-mode services. For CPE interoperability, 2Wire utilizes the DSL Forum's PD-128 standard, while continuing to drive additional standards such as WT-131 and WT-132 for auto-configuration server (ACS) northbound interfaces. In addition to flexible deployment models, the CMS product and services portfolio includes customizable training programs, veteran customer support operations, and an experienced professional services organization with a global reach. Now in its third generation, CMS is managing devices in more than four million homes and offices around the world.
http://home.aapt.com.au/http://www.2Wire.com

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AboveNet Joins Equinix Financial eXchange

AboveNet has joined the Equinix Financial eXchange community in Equinix's London-Slough (LD4) International Business Exchange (IBX) data centre. Specifically, AboveNet will provide direct fibre links between Equinix's LD4 and its London City (LD1) IBX centre, facilitating low latency access between the financial market participants operating in each of the centres, as well as other strategic partners and customers located in LD1. The installation builds upon existing AboveNet deployments servicing the Equinix Financial eXchange communities located within Equinix centres in the Chicago, New York and Frankfurt areas.
http://www.above.net

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Qwest Provides Financial Update

Qwest Communications expects to report Q1 free cash flow and EBITDA results that are in line with the full-year guidance the company provided in its fourth quarter earnings release. Qwest expects that first quarter EBITDA will exceed consensus analyst estimates. Although the company did not provide revenue guidance, it expects that first quarter consolidated revenues will be modestly lower than consensus analyst estimates.
Full results are expected on April 29.


In addition, Qwest announced that it is offering $300 million aggregate principal amount of debt securities in a private placement.


The net proceeds of the offering will be used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of Qwest Corporation's indebtedness, and funding and refinancing investments in the company's telecommunications assets.
http://www.qwest.com

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WSJ: Nokia Siemens Networks Bids for Parts of Nortel

The Wall Street Journal reported that Nokia Siemens Networks is bidding for parts of Nortel, including its carrier networks unit. Neither company confirmed the report. http://www.wsj.com

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Telenor Sweden Builds IMS Network with Ericsson

Telenor Sweden will be the first carrier to deploy Ericsson's Business Communication Suite (BCS), which will enhance multimedia experiences for Telenor's enterprise customers with collaboration services in Sweden. Ericsson will also be responsible for the expansion, upgrade and systems integration of Telenor's IMS network. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Ericsson's Business Communication Suite, which is based on IMS, is a communication tool that enables mobile, unified communication for business users and increases efficiency with easy-to-use social-networking tools, such as presence, messaging, chat, video, incoming call management, file sharing and corporate directory. It can be used to communicate both with colleagues and other business associates.


Under the agreement, Ericsson will be the prime integrator of the IMS system, including systems-integration services. Ericsson IMS-based multimedia solutions will provide new, value-adding services for Telenor's customers, with the main focus on mobile applications for enterprises. The delivery and integration phase of the BCS and the extended IMS-based network has already begun.
http://www.ericsson.com

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Hong Kong's PCCW Clears Judicial Hurdle Toward Privatization

Hong Kong's PCCW prevailed in a High Court ruling concerning its proposed privatization by billionaire investor Richard T.K. Li. The ruling is subject to appeal by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission.
http://www.pccw.com

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Telstra Comments on Australia's NBN Announcement

In a press statement, Telstra welcomed the Australian government's announcement about its proposed A$43 billion new national broadband network (NBN). Telstra Chairman Donald McGauchie said: "We look forward to having constructive discussions with the Government at the earliest opportunity. There is a lot to absorb in the Government's announcement and we will consider every aspect in detail."


Telstra also noted that the new NBN will have little short-to-medium term financial impact on its business as it would take at least eight years before it is completed.


"This announcement does not change our forecasts or our guidance for financial years 2008-2009 or 2009-2010."
http://www.telstra.com

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Australian Government to Build National FTTP Wholesale Network

The Australian government rejected all five bids for the next generation national broadband network and instead announced plans to build the A$43 billion (US$30.7 billion) FTTP network itself.


Under the Rudd Government's new national broadband network every house, school and business in Australia will get access to affordable fast broadband. The plan calls for the government to set-up a new entity that would install fiber connections to ninety percent of Australian homes and businesses over an eight year period. The network will deliver wholesale services of 100 Mbps or better. Locations outside the fiber footprint would be served by high-speed (12 Mbps) wireless connections. Private investors could take a minority stake in the project and after five years the government would sell its majority stake. The Government's investment in the company will be funded through the Building Australia Fund and the issuance of Aussie Infrastructure Bonds (AIBs), which will provide an opportunity for households and institutions to invest in the national broadband network.


Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd described the initiative as the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by the Australian government.
The project is expected to create 25,000 and possibly as many as 37,000 jobs during the peak of installation.


The Government said it decided to terminate its NBN Request for Proposals (RFP) process on the basis of advice from the independent Panel of Experts that none of the national proposals offered value for money. The Panel noted the rapid deterioration of the global economy had a significant impact on the process.


The project is also expected to represent the biggest reform in the nation's telecommunications in two decades because it delivers separation between the infrastructure provider and retail service providers. The aim is for better and fairer infrastructure access for service providers, greater retail competition, and better services for families and businesses.


The next steps for the Government include:

• Commence an implementation study to determine the operating arrangements, detailed network design, ways to attract private sector investment -- for roll-out early 2010, and ways to provide procurement opportunities for local businesses.



• Fast-track negotiations with the Tasmanian Government, as recommended by the Panel of Experts, to build upon its NBN proposal to begin the rollout of a FTTP network and next generation wireless services in Tasmania as early as July--an immediate start on a nation-wide investment.



• Implement measures to address 'black spots' through the timely rollout of fibre optic transmission links connecting cities, major regional centres and rural towns - delivering improvements to telecommunication services in the short term.



• Progress legislative changes that will govern the national broadband network company and facilitate the rollout of fibre networks, including requiring greenfields developments to use FTTP technology from 1 July 2010.



• Make an initial investment in the network of $4.7 billion.



• Commence a consultative process on necessary changes to the existing telecommunications regulatory regime.

http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media#mediareleases

• In December 2008. Telstra was excluded from any further consideration in Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Senator Stephen Conroy, Austalia's Minister for Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy, said Telstra "excluded itself" from the NBN process for failing to submit a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Participation Plan, which is one of five mandatory requirements of the RFP. He also confirmed that the five proponents who have made public statements about their participation in the process Acacia, Axia, Optus-Terria, TransACT and the Tasmanian Government have all met the requirements and conditions for participation.

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