Cable&Wireless Worldwide Picks Cisco's Unified Computing System

Cable&Wireless Worldwide has selected Cisco's Unified Computing System (UCS) as its next-generation data centre platform to deliver an enterprise cloud computing solution. Cable&Wireless Worldwide plans to launch its service later this year.
http://www/cw.com

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3GPP to Include RF Pattern Matching LBS in Release 10

The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards organization has technically endorsed RF Pattern Matching technology for incorporation into its 3G UMTS specifications. The endorsement was made by the Radio Access Network (RAN) Work Group 2 on UMTS during the recent 3GPP standards meeting in Madrid. RF Pattern Matching will be incorporated into Release 10 of the 3G UMTS specifications, expected to become final in late 2010 or early 2011. This will also set the stage for opportunities to incorporate RF Pattern Matching into LTE and other future air interfaces.


Polaris Wireless, which supplies high-accuracy software-based wireless location solutions using Radio Frequency (RF) Pattern Matching, said the endorsement will lead to a higher level of location-based services (LBS) accuracy and improved experiences for wireless customers compared with current Cell-ID based technologies.


"The decision to incorporate RF Pattern Matching into the 3G UMTS specifications is needed for all service providers wanting to provide the highest-SLA option for LBS as it gives them more credible options for public safety and commercial applications," said Manlio Allegra, president and chief executive officer at Polaris Wireless. "This level of LBS accuracy will create an improved user experience for wireless customers, which ultimately generates additional revenue streams for carriers and other enterprises offering LBS applications."


Polaris also noted that the FCC is currently considering new E911 Phase II regulations that would improve indoor location capabilities for first responders. Using RF Pattern Matching, Polaris' WLS software solution enables carriers and OEMs to be prepared to meet these new FCC requirements with little or no investment in new infrastructure or hardware.
http://www.polariswireless.com

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ng Connect Program Builds Momentum for LTE Apps

The ng Connect Program, which was co-founded by Alcatel-Lucent to stimulate the development of network-ready applications, services, content and devices for LTE, has added 11 new members, bringing its roster to 47 companies.


ng Connect is a cross-industry effort to collaboratively develop new services, devices and business models for emerging LTE networks.


"We've just conducted our most recent ng Connect Program member meeting where members from around the world were represented and the excitement about the capabilities and opportunities presented by 4G and LTE networks was intense," said Steve West, Vice President of Emerging Technology & Media at Alcatel-Lucent. "In addition to the showcase demos that the program members have delivered, our membership sees tremendous opportunities for program expansion into high growth areas such as telematics, retail and media where smart, high capacity networks will drive a new era of innovation."


The new ng Connect Program members include:


Atrato --- a storage innovator specializing in high performance, autonomic tiered storage solutions.


BlogRadio -- a mobile media services developer working on a solution to turn written materials into cloud-based audio and video streams available anywhere, anytime.


Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc. (IMS) --- a developer of in-vehicle, voice-interactive services and turn-key, end-to-end telematics solutions.


IVOX --- an information services provider of predictive, driver-based information for Driver Risk Management.


Netsweeper -- a provider of Internet content filtering and web threat management solutions and services.


Nuance Communications -- a leader in mobile voice technology supplying solutions to the world's leading automotive manufacturers, Tier One suppliers and third-party platforms.


Skymeter --- a developer of financial-grade GPS (FGPS) applications.


STRATACACHE --- a provider of scalable and cost-effective digital signage, IP video, content distribution and enterprise video acceleration solutions.


Telepresence Tech -- a provider of advanced telepresence solutions.


VisionMAX --- a multi-platform custom applications and business system integrator.


Wcities.com --- a travel and entertainment content publisher and developer of a database of authoritative travel content.
http://www.ngconnect.org

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Holland's IP2 Internet Builds Data Center with Juniper

IP2 Internet, a Dutch business Internet Service Provider, has deployed an all Juniper Networks infrastructure for its new data center. By running Junos across its routing, switching and security deployment as a single network operating system, IP2 has a centralized architecture to reduce cost and complexity in the network. The installation comprises routers, switches and security appliances that run on Junos OS, Juniper's single operating system. The companies estimate that this unified approach has reduced OPEX by as much as 20 percent. Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.juniper.net

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LightSquared Donates Satellite Access to Tribal Communities

LightSquared, which recently unveiled plans to build a wholesale LTE network across the U.S., signed an agreement with Indian Health Service (IHS), the lead federal agency to serve health needs of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons, to donate satellite phones and associated service for use in AI/AN communities. All satellite phones will come with service provided free of charge through 2020 to address the lack of reliable telecommunications connectivity which often plagues Tribal communities.


LightSquared includes the satellite services assets of the former SkyTerra Communications. LightSquared will provide up to 2,000 satellite phones and service to this project, depending on the requirements of IHS.


"The lack of ubiquitous telephone connectivity, let alone broadband, for residents of these Tribal communities is highly regrettable, and we commend FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski for shining the spotlight on this serious issue," said Sanjiv Ahuja, chief executive officer of LightSquared. "Our goal is to deliver the benefits of modern communications to people who have little or no access and bolster their ability to provide potentially lifesaving services to their fellow citizens."http://www.LightSquared.com

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Ericsson's First Live LTE Network in North America

Ericsson confirmed that it is the primary supplier of LTE infrastructure for MetroPCS and its equipment is being used in the company's Dallas/Fort Worth network. This is Ericsson's first commercial LTE deployment in North America.


Ericsson's full end-to-end LTE solution for MetroPCS includes:


RBS 6000 Base Station -- along with LTE, the software-upgradeable base station supports Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), GSM and GPRS/EDGE.


IP-RAN -- makes it possible for MetroPCS to be the world's first operator to run both CDMA and LTE over a common connection. This simplifies network management and lowers operating costs by allowing MetroPCS to leverage its CDMA and LTE assets and reduces power consumption.


Evolved Packet Core -- Ericsson's Evolved Packet Core solution for MetroPCS includes the Serving GPRS Support Node - Mobility Management Entity (SGSN-MME) and the Converged Packet Gateway (CPG) products. The SGSN-MME is an evolution of Ericsson's SGSN product, upgradeable by software-only means, and providing pooled and triple-access operation. The CPG provides high-quality broadband services for mobile and fixed traffic in the packet core network, and permits consolidated mobile gateway and aggregation router capabilities in a compact platform.


Network Services -- Ericsson has provided MetroPCS with LTE network design, optimization, engineering, implementation, integration and customer support services for the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area.
http://www.ericsson.com

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MetroPCS Launches LTE in Dallas/Fort Worth

MetroPCS Communications launched commercial LTE service in its second market -- the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex (DFW). LTE service in Las Vegas began earlier this month.

The MetroPCS LTE network in Dallas was supplied by Ericsson.


MetroPCS is selling the Samsung Craft 4G handset as its first LTE device. MetroPCS offers monthly 4G LTE service plans for $55 or $60, which include talk, text and a 4G Web experience initially on an unlimited basis.


"MetroPCS will continue to expand 4G LTE network coverage into all of our markets through 2011 to offer unmatched value in 4G LTE services on a no-contract basis for all of our customers," said Roger D. Linquist, president, CEO and chairman of MetroPCS. "The launch of our 4G LTE network in the metroplex is yet another milestone in our expansion and our vision of the Internet going mobile."http://www.metropcs.com

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