http://www.convergedigest.com/qa655.aspWednesday, February 23, 2011
DOCOMO Rolls out Three Mobile Devices for New BeeTV
NTT DOCOMO introduced three mobile devices:
The MEDIAS N-04C is the world's thinnest 3G smartphone, measuring just 7.7 mm, and weighs only 105 grams. It is equipped for popular services such as mobile wallet (Osaifu-Keitai) and One-Seg mobile digital terrestrial television, convenient infrared-based data exchange, etc.
The Xperia arc SO-01C is powered by Android 2.3 and will achieve a maximum downlink of 14 Mbps. It is the first handset compatible with DOCOMO's enhanced extra-high-speed downlink service, which is set to launch in HSDPA service areas this June.
The Optimus Pad L-06C is powered by the Android 3.0 operating system for tablet PCs. The model, which only weighs 620 grams, features a high-resolution 8.9-inch display and dynamic stereo speakers for "mobile-theater" experiences.
All three models are compatible with the BeeTV video distribution service for Android smartphones that will launch on March 24.
http://www.nttdocomo.com
The MEDIAS N-04C is the world's thinnest 3G smartphone, measuring just 7.7 mm, and weighs only 105 grams. It is equipped for popular services such as mobile wallet (Osaifu-Keitai) and One-Seg mobile digital terrestrial television, convenient infrared-based data exchange, etc.
The Xperia arc SO-01C is powered by Android 2.3 and will achieve a maximum downlink of 14 Mbps. It is the first handset compatible with DOCOMO's enhanced extra-high-speed downlink service, which is set to launch in HSDPA service areas this June.
The Optimus Pad L-06C is powered by the Android 3.0 operating system for tablet PCs. The model, which only weighs 620 grams, features a high-resolution 8.9-inch display and dynamic stereo speakers for "mobile-theater" experiences.
All three models are compatible with the BeeTV video distribution service for Android smartphones that will launch on March 24.
http://www.nttdocomo.com
SandForce Debuts 2nd Gen SSD Processors
SandForce,
a start-up based in Milpitas, California, released its second-generation SF-2200 and SF-2100 SSD Processors optimized for SSDs deployed in client computing applications.
The SandForce SF-2200 processors feature a 6 Gigabit-per-second (Gb/s) SATA host interface, a sustained sequential read/write performance of up to 500 Megabytes per second (MB/s), and its "DuraClass" technology. The SF-2100 processors feature a 3 Gb/s SATA host interface, read/write performance up to 250 MB/s, and the same DuraClass Technology.
http://www.sandforce.com
a start-up based in Milpitas, California, released its second-generation SF-2200 and SF-2100 SSD Processors optimized for SSDs deployed in client computing applications. The SandForce SF-2200 processors feature a 6 Gigabit-per-second (Gb/s) SATA host interface, a sustained sequential read/write performance of up to 500 Megabytes per second (MB/s), and its "DuraClass" technology. The SF-2100 processors feature a 3 Gb/s SATA host interface, read/write performance up to 250 MB/s, and the same DuraClass Technology.
http://www.sandforce.com
- In September 2010, Sandforce raised $25 million in Series D funding for its SSD (Solid State Drive) processors. SandForce's chips are designed to overcome data retention issues associated with NAND flash memory, making it possible to build SSDs that deliver unprecedented performance over the life of the drive with orders-of-magnitude higher reliability than enterprise-class HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). The new funding was led by Canaan Partners. Existing investors who also participated include DCM, Storm Ventures, Translink Capital, LSI Corporation & UMC Capital.
MetroPCS Reaches 8.1 Million Users
MetroPCS Communications ended 2010 with over 8.1 million subscribers. The Company reported full year net income of $193 million, or $0.54 per common share, which includes approximately $59 million in net charges and gains recognized on FCC license exchanges consummated during the year. 
On a non-GAAP basis, excluding the loss on extinguishment of debt and gains on FCC license exchanges, net income would have been $252 million, or $0.70 per common share.
"We generated record full year net subscriber additions of over 1.5 million during 2010 and full year consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1.18 billion; also a record for the Company. Introduced at the beginning of 2010, adoption of our Wireless for All service plans primarily drove these record results and also contributed to a 190bps decline in full year churn to 3.6%. Our focus on execution, combined with the success of our Wireless for All initiatives, drove approximately 23% year over year subscriber growth and 23% year over year consolidated Adjusted EBITDA growth. Importantly, over the past five years, we have generated impressive results with a CAGR of 29% subscriber growth and 31% Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA growth, both significant accomplishments for a wireless company," said Roger D. Linquist, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of MetroPCS.
http://www.metropcs.com
On a non-GAAP basis, excluding the loss on extinguishment of debt and gains on FCC license exchanges, net income would have been $252 million, or $0.70 per common share.
"We generated record full year net subscriber additions of over 1.5 million during 2010 and full year consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1.18 billion; also a record for the Company. Introduced at the beginning of 2010, adoption of our Wireless for All service plans primarily drove these record results and also contributed to a 190bps decline in full year churn to 3.6%. Our focus on execution, combined with the success of our Wireless for All initiatives, drove approximately 23% year over year subscriber growth and 23% year over year consolidated Adjusted EBITDA growth. Importantly, over the past five years, we have generated impressive results with a CAGR of 29% subscriber growth and 31% Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA growth, both significant accomplishments for a wireless company," said Roger D. Linquist, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of MetroPCS.
http://www.metropcs.com
Chunghwa Telecom and Alcatel-Lucent for GPON
Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan's largest telecommunications provider, has selected Alcatel-Lucent to build the country's first GPON. Commercial operation of the initial phase of Chunghwa's GPON network is set to commence by Q3 of 2011.
Alcatel-Lucent will deploy its 7342 Intelligent Services Access Manager Fiber-to-the-User (ISAM FTTU) for the delivery of ultra-high-speed services to both residential and business users. The GPON platform will be complemented by the Alcatel-Lucent 5520 Access Management System (AMS) – Alcatel-Lucent's next-generation element management system that covers the entire ISAM product portfolio, encompassing DSL as well as fiber-based access. Alcatel-Lucent will also provide its professional services expertise – including software integration, as well as network management system installation and commissioning.http://www.alcatel-lucent.com
Alcatel-Lucent will deploy its 7342 Intelligent Services Access Manager Fiber-to-the-User (ISAM FTTU) for the delivery of ultra-high-speed services to both residential and business users. The GPON platform will be complemented by the Alcatel-Lucent 5520 Access Management System (AMS) – Alcatel-Lucent's next-generation element management system that covers the entire ISAM product portfolio, encompassing DSL as well as fiber-based access. Alcatel-Lucent will also provide its professional services expertise – including software integration, as well as network management system installation and commissioning.http://www.alcatel-lucent.com
Taiwan's Chunghwa Grows 2.1% for 2010
Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom's total consolidated revenue for the full year 2010 increased by 2.1% year-over-year to NT$202.49 billion, of which 44.0% was from the mobile business, 12.1% was from the Internet business, 34.9% was from the domestic fixed business, 7.7% was from the international fixed business, and the remainder was from others. Despite the National Communications Commission (NCC) tariff reduction that became effective from April 1, 2010, Chunghwa maintained its growth pattern, due mainly to an increase in mobile VAS, handset sales and internet services.
For the mobile business, total revenue for 2010 amounted to NT$89.04 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.9%, which was mainly due to growth in mobile VAS revenue relating to smartphone promotions and handset sales.
Chunghwa's Internet business revenue increased by 3.5% year-over-year to NT$24.48 billion in 2010, mainly attributable to growth in the number of broadband subscribers and the migration of ADSL subscribers to fiber solutions.
For 2010, domestic fixed revenue totaled NT$70.69 billion, representing a decrease of 1.1% year-over-year. Local and Domestic Long Distance (DLD) revenues decreased by 2.9% to NT$32.25 billion and 10.2% to NT$6.65 billion year-over-year, respectively. The decrease in local revenue was mainly due to mobile and VOIP substitution. The decrease in DLD revenue was also a result of mobile and VOIP substitution, as well as reflecting the mandated tariff reduction.
Broadband access revenue, including ADSL and FTTx, increased by 2.1% year-over-year to NT$20.32 billion. Although ADSL access revenue decreased as more ADSL subscribers migrated to fiber solutions, the decrease was fully offset by growth in FTTx access revenue.
International fixed revenue increased by 2.6% to NT$15.64 billion, primarily due to growth in leased line revenue.http://www.cht.com.tw
For the mobile business, total revenue for 2010 amounted to NT$89.04 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.9%, which was mainly due to growth in mobile VAS revenue relating to smartphone promotions and handset sales.
Chunghwa's Internet business revenue increased by 3.5% year-over-year to NT$24.48 billion in 2010, mainly attributable to growth in the number of broadband subscribers and the migration of ADSL subscribers to fiber solutions.
For 2010, domestic fixed revenue totaled NT$70.69 billion, representing a decrease of 1.1% year-over-year. Local and Domestic Long Distance (DLD) revenues decreased by 2.9% to NT$32.25 billion and 10.2% to NT$6.65 billion year-over-year, respectively. The decrease in local revenue was mainly due to mobile and VOIP substitution. The decrease in DLD revenue was also a result of mobile and VOIP substitution, as well as reflecting the mandated tariff reduction.
Broadband access revenue, including ADSL and FTTx, increased by 2.1% year-over-year to NT$20.32 billion. Although ADSL access revenue decreased as more ADSL subscribers migrated to fiber solutions, the decrease was fully offset by growth in FTTx access revenue.
International fixed revenue increased by 2.6% to NT$15.64 billion, primarily due to growth in leased line revenue.http://www.cht.com.tw
France Telecom-Orange Reaches 209.6 Million Users
France Telecom-Orange was serving 209.6 million mobile and fixed access lines as of the end of 2010, up by 6% for the year. Consolidated revenues rose 0.6% in 2010, excluding regulatory effects, to 45.503billion euros, with a second-half increase of 1.2% driven by all countries.
In its home market, the company captured an estimated 36% share of 4th quarter net additions in the ADSL market; and in mobile, its customer market share was 46.6%. However, margins slid -0.9 percentage points, reaching 34.4%, with a total restated EBITDA of 15.642 billion euros.
The company said it achieved many of its goals for 2010 as net debt was reduced, social factors inside the company were ameliorated, and the company's international presence was strengthened despite the turbulent economy.
France Telecom noted its recent alliance with Deutsche Telekom, saying it was looking at possible network sharing, a joint Wi-Fi network for offloading mobile traffic, and other project of joint interest. In a webcast conference, company executives also discussed an increased FTTH push in France as well as LTE rollout after mid-year 2012.
"The Group's strong performance in 2010 signals we are on the right track with our new business plan
Conquests 2015. Thanks to the collective commitment of all our colleagues we have restored both energy and
ambition to our commercial offering while also meeting all our financial objectives.
"For example in France our quadruple play offer, Open, met with great success and as a result our share of
new ADSL subscriber wins," stated France Telecom CEO Stéphane Richard.
Some highlights:
- Mobile services customers reached 150.4 million at 31 December 2010 (excluding MVNO customers), for year on-year growth of 9.1% and 12.5 million net additions in the period. The majority of this growth was in Africa
and the Middle East, where total customers reached 59.0 million at 31 December 2010, up 23.1% year on year
(+11.1 million net additions). France added 595,000 customers, reaching 26.9 million customers at 31
December 2010, a 2.3% increase. The customer base in Poland grew significantly, with 618,000 additional
customers in 2010, and Armenia continued to grow rapidly, with 403,000 additional customers for the year.
The Group added 3.2 million contract customers, bringing the total to 51.2 million with year-on-year growth of
6.6%, led by the success of smartphones. - Fixed broadband services customers totaled 13.7 million at 31 December 2010, for a year-on-year increase of 3.4%
and 455,000 additional customers, of which 274,000 in France and 188,000 in Africa and the Middle East (Egypt,
Tunisia, Jordan and Senegal). The share of net additions in France grew significantly for the second consecutive
4 New operations in Africa: Kenya, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, Central African Republic and Uganda.
6 quarter thanks to new offers and strengthened sales activities, with an estimated 36.0% share in the 4th quarter
versus 28.2% in the 3rd quarter. - Digital TV (IPTV and satellite) customer increased notably, with 4.1 million subscribers in Europe at 31 December 2010, a 28% increase (902,000 additional customers), primarily in France and Poland.
- Revenues in France rose 0.8% in 2010, with the second half (+1.3%) marked by very strong sales of mobile
services (+6.9%) led by data services and handset sales, and the rebound of ADSL continuing in the 4th
quarter, with the share of net additions improving significantly for the second consecutive quarter to an
estimated 36.0%, after reaching 28.2% in the 3rd quarter; - in Spain, the improvement seen in the previous quarters continued, producing annual growth of 2.8%, due to
steady growth in mobile services (+3.6% for the year) and improvement in fixed services sales, which were up
1.9% in the 2nd half; - in Poland, the success of segmented offers in mobile services resulted in renewed growth of the customer base
(+4.5% at 31 December 2010) and a 4.3% increase in revenues in the second half ; - in the Rest of World segment, Africa and the Middle East (excluding Egypt) showed continued strong growth at
+8.8% for the year, with new operations in Africa4 up sharply (+37%); Europe rose 0.9% for the year on continued
strong growth in Belgium (+5.6%), while Romania showed improvement (-7.8%) after the sharp downturn in the
previous year (-16.7%); - the Business segment's downturn in revenues was limited to 3.6% in the 2nd half on improved services sales
(deployment of service platforms and solutions) and the rebound in network equipment sales.
Intel's Thunderbolt offers Two 10 Gbps Bi-Directional Channels
Intel unveiled its Thunderbolt, a new high-speed PC connection technology that is featured on Apple's new line of MacBook Pro notebooks and a coming wave of higher performance peripherals.
Thunderbolt (formerly codenamed Light Peak) combines high-speed data transfer and HD video connections over a single cable. Thunderbolt uses two communications protocols -- PCI Express for data transfer and DisplayPort for displays. It can support two 10 Gbps bi-directional channels for a total throughput of 40 Gbps.
DisplayPort can drive greater than 1080p resolution displays and up to eight channels of audio simultaneously. Thunderbolt technology is compatible with existing DisplayPort displays and adapters. All Thunderbolt technology devices share a common connector and can be daisy chained.
Initially, Thunderbolt uses copper cables with a reach of 3 meters. It provides up to 10W of power. Intel also plans to introduce fiber-based Thunderbolt connectors, and these are expected to support distances of tens-of-meters.
Unlike with USB, Thunderbold is a proprietary technology and Intel is the only silicon vendor supplying the controller chip for Thunberbolt. Intel said it will continue to support USB 3.0, which offers peak connection speeds of 4.8 Gbps. Thunderbolt is expected to appeal to HD media enthusiasts.
Intel said it expects a range of Thunderbolt technology-enabled products will come to market, including computers, displays, storage devices, audio/video devices, cameras, docking stations, etc. Companies that announced Thunderbolt technology-based products are Aja, Apogee, Avid, Blackmagic, LaCie, Promise, and Western Digital. http://www.intel.com
Thunderbolt (formerly codenamed Light Peak) combines high-speed data transfer and HD video connections over a single cable. Thunderbolt uses two communications protocols -- PCI Express for data transfer and DisplayPort for displays. It can support two 10 Gbps bi-directional channels for a total throughput of 40 Gbps.
DisplayPort can drive greater than 1080p resolution displays and up to eight channels of audio simultaneously. Thunderbolt technology is compatible with existing DisplayPort displays and adapters. All Thunderbolt technology devices share a common connector and can be daisy chained.
Initially, Thunderbolt uses copper cables with a reach of 3 meters. It provides up to 10W of power. Intel also plans to introduce fiber-based Thunderbolt connectors, and these are expected to support distances of tens-of-meters.
Unlike with USB, Thunderbold is a proprietary technology and Intel is the only silicon vendor supplying the controller chip for Thunberbolt. Intel said it will continue to support USB 3.0, which offers peak connection speeds of 4.8 Gbps. Thunderbolt is expected to appeal to HD media enthusiasts.
Intel said it expects a range of Thunderbolt technology-enabled products will come to market, including computers, displays, storage devices, audio/video devices, cameras, docking stations, etc. Companies that announced Thunderbolt technology-based products are Aja, Apogee, Avid, Blackmagic, LaCie, Promise, and Western Digital. http://www.intel.com
