FCC Asks: Can America's Broadband Networks Survive Disaster

The FCC has launched a public inquiry to determine whether existing broadband networks can withstand significant damage or severe overloads as a result of natural disasters, terrorist attacks, pandemics or other major public emergencies. Although core broadband networks are generally presumed to be quite resilient, there may beweaknesses closer to the network edge. Specifically, the FCC's Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seeks comment, analysis and information on:What are the major single points of failure in broadband architectures?What measures do communications...

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EZchip Unveils its 200 Gbps Network Processor

EZchip outlined plans for its next-generation NP-5, a 200-Gigabit network processor with integrated 200-Gigabit traffic management for ultra-dense 10GE, 40GE and 100GE port line cards in switches and routers. Product timelines were not disclosed.The company said its new design will provide unprecedented integration and enable building routers and switches for Carrier Ethernet networks as well as data centers with exceptional density and functionality. The NP-5 will enable building line cards that feature multiple 40 and 100-Gigabit ports as well...

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FSAN and the Broadband Forum Collaborate on GPON

The Full Service Access Network (FSAN) and the Broadband Forum will collaborate on efforts to expedite GPONdeployments, enhance multi-vendor interoperability and enable better broadband network fiberintegration around the world. A new working group focused on defining GPON test suites, addressing interoperability and standards compliance has been established and will meet at each of the Broadband Forum's quarterly meetings.As a part of that effort,...

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Ixia Adds Fibre Channel Interface to its Data Center Tests

Ixia introduced a native Fibre Channel test solution offering selectable 2/4/8 Gbps native Fibre Channel ports -- up to 96 ports per chassis. The native Fibre Channel interface combined with Ethernet interfaces enables the Ixia testing solution to evaluate Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) switches, converged network adapters (CNAs) and SAN controllers. The FCoE testing could be used by network equipment manufacturers (NEMs), enterprise data centers,...

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Equinix Posts Revenue of $249 Million, up 25% YoY

Equinix reported quarterly revenues of $248.6 million, a 3% increase over the previous quarter and a 25% increase over the same quarter last year. Net income for the first quarter was $14.2 million.Recurring revenues, consisting primarily of colocation, interconnection and managed services were $237.2 million for the first quarter, a 2% increase over the previous quarter and a 25% increase over the same quarter last year. Non-recurring revenues were $11.4 million in the quarter."Our first quarter results have set the foundation to deliver another...

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Verizon Names VP of Communications, Products and Services

Verizon has named Torod Neptune as vice president of communications, products and services. He will lead strategy and implementation for Verizon's telecom and business product lines, and will be a key part of the communications leadership on issues and initiatives affecting the company. Neptune most recently was senior vice president and global public affairs practice leader for Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, one of the world's largest public relations and communications firms. Prior to that role, Neptune led development of an institution-wide crisis...

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NSN Starts Production of LTE Gear for 800 MHz spectrum

Nokia Siemens Networks has begun production of its LTE-ready Flexi Multiradio Base Station radio frequency modules for the 800 MHz spectrum band, which is becoming available in many countries as they make the transition from analog to digital terrestrial TV. The longer range of the 800 MHz band makes it especially attractive for suburban or rural coverage. Nokia Siemens Networks said operators deploying LTE in 800 MHz can achieve the same coverage...

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Saudi Telecom Awards pre-LTE Contract to Huawei

Saudi Telecom Company (STC) has selected Huawei Technologies to deploy the Middle East' s largest pre-commercial LTE network. Financial terms were not disclosed.The first phase of the project is operational and offering peak downlink data rates of up to 100 Mbps per user with commercial LTE data cards in the field. This pre-commercial LTE network is expected to complete its roll out by the end of 2010, covering major metropolitan areas such as Riyadh...

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AT&T's Q1: 29.8% Wireless Data Revenue Growth

AT&T reported Q1 2010 revenues of $30.6 billion, up $78 million, or 0.3 percent, versus the year-earlier period. performance was driven by a 1.9 million net gain in total wireless subscribers, the highest first-quarter total in the company's history, to reach 87.0 million. This was matched by 29.8 percent growth in wireless data revenues, up $947 million versus the year-earlier quarter to $4.1 billion. Some highlights:Wireless Operational HighlightsRecord...

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Netgear Posts Revenue of $211.6 million, Beating Expectations

NETGEAR reported net revenue of $211.6 million, compared to $152.0 million in the comparable prior year quarter, 39% year-over-year growth, and as compared to $218.8 million in the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009. Net income, computed in accordance with GAAP, for the first quarter of 2010 was $13.7 million, or $0.38 per diluted share. This compared to GAAP net loss of $3.8 million, or $0.11 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2009,...

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Qualcomm Posts Revenue of $2.7 Billion, Sees Healthy 3G Demand

Qualcomm reported quarterly revenue of $2.66 billion, compared to $2.46 billion in the prior year and $2.67 billion in the prior quarter. Operating income came in at $776 million, compared to an operating loss of $10 million in the prior year and operating income of $879 million in the prior quarter. Diluted earnings per share were $0.46, compared to a diluted loss per share of $0.18 in the prior year* and diluted earnings per share of $0.50 in the prior quarter."We delivered strong financial results this quarter, driven by healthy 3G device shipments...

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FCC Issues Orders on Mobile Roaming

The FCC issued an Order on Reconsideration that aims at expanding the availability of mobile voice services by eliminating a home roaming exclusion. By eliminating the exclusion, the Order encourages carriers ofall sizes to reach commercially reasonable voice roaming agreements, and promotes competition, fostersinnovation and empowers consumers, while creating a fair process for the Commission to handle disputesthat may arise in an expedited and...

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FCC Launches its USF Reform Effort

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took its first step toward Universal Service Fund (USF) reform by issuing a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that seeks public comment on its plan to create a Connect America Fund (CAF) that directly supports broadband without increasing the size of the Universal Service Fund over the current baseline projection.The NOI asks for public comment on the use of an economic model...

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FiberTower to provide Ethernet-based backhaul for MetroPCS

FiberTower will to provide Ethernet-based backhaul services for MetroPCS in select markets across the U.S.. The evolution to Ethernet for network backhaul helps prepare MetroPCS for its LTE network launch, which is planned during the second half of 2010. Financial terms were not disclosed.FiberTower's backhaul solution includes fiber-based Ethernet services to cell sites and microwave extensions for maximum coverage. MetroPCS will have the ability to scale capacity from 5 Mbps to as much as 1 Gbps per site as its backhaul needs evolve over time....

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Bell Labs' Phantom-mode DSL Achieves 300 Mbps at 400m

Alcatel-Lucent's Bell Labs unveiled a "DSL Phantom Mode" technique that achieves downstream transmission speeds of300 Mbps over distances up to 400 meters and up to 100 Mbps at 1km. This new DSL performance boost is expected to reinvigorate copper access network, including in-building VDSL2 network, for 100+ Mbps services.The gains are achieved using a virtual or "phantom" channel that supplements the two physical wires that are the standard configuration...

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Ericsson to Acquire Nortel's 50% Stake in LG-Nortel

Ericsson will acquire Nortel's majority shareholding (50%+1 share) in LG-Nortel, the joint venture of LG Electronics and Nortel Networks. The joint venture includes important contracts with Korean operators such as KT, LG Telecom and SK Telecom. Financials were not yet disclosed.Ericsson said the deal significantly expand its footprint in Korea. Furthermore, the acquisition will provide Ericsson with an industrial base and the ability to build...

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