Telefónica Launches Movistar ONE Smartphone in Latin America

Telefónica is launching a low-cost Movistar ONE smartphone in Latin America during the 2011/12 Christmas campaign based on Android Gingerbread . The device, which is manufactured by ZTE, features a 2.8 inch capacitive touch screen, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, a 2 Mpx camera and download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps. The first countries of availability are Mexico, Colombia, Uruguay, Chile, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama and Nicaragua.


The new Movistar ONE handset is the result of the collaboration agreement forged between handset manufacturer ZTE and Telefónica in Latin America, initiated in early 2010, and which has seen the successful marketing of over a dozen Movistar devices in the region.


Citing figures from Pyramid Research, Telefónica noted that smartphones now account for 17.9% of the total amount of devices purchased in the Latin America, a figure expected to grow up to 24.5% and 32.3%, in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
http://www.telefonica.com

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Private Equity Firm to Acquire Blue Coat for $1.3 Billion

An investor group led by San Francisco-based private equity investment firm Thoma Bravo will acquire Blue Coat Systems in a deal valued at $1.3 billion. Blue Coat shareholders will receive $25.81 in cash for each share of Blue Coat common stock they hold, representing a premium of approximately 48% over Blue Coat’s closing price on December 8, 2011 and a premium of approximately 62% over the 60-day trailing average for the period ended December 8, 2011.


Blue Coat is a supplier of Web security and WAN optimization solutions. The company is based in Sunnyvale, California.


“Blue Coat has strong, differentiated products for protecting enterprises from the ever increasing levels of Web-based security threats and for accelerating and optimizing applications and rich media content, such as video, over their networks,�? said Gregory S. Clark, president and chief executive officer, Blue Coat Systems, Inc. “Our partnership with Thoma Bravo will assist Blue Coat in more aggressively realizing the opportunities in its two markets, by providing a platform that enables greater focus on the business that supports the future growth of the company.�?http://www.bluecoat.comSome other private equity deals this year include:


Tekelec, to be acquired by a consortium led by Siris Capital Group.


Alcatel-Lucent's Genesys division, to be acquired by the Permira funds.


Alpheus Communications (fiber network in Texas, acquired by The Gores Group.


Cambium Networks, a spin-out from Motorola Solutions backed by Vector Capital, a leading global private equity firm.


Tollgrade Communications, acquired by Golden Gate Capital, a global private equity firm.


Go Daddy, acquired by KKR, Silver Lake and Technology Crossover Ventures.


Masergy Communications, acquired by ABRY Partners.




Conexant Systems, acquired by Golden Gate Capital.

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KPN Continues Exit from Mobile Tower Business

KPN has agreed to sell part of its Dutch mobile towers portfolio to a subsidiary of Shere Group Limited (UK) for approximately EUR 115 million.


KPN does not regards the towers as part of its core business. In The Netherlands, mobile towers are generally used by multiple mobile operators. Following the sale, KPN will lease back the space it requires for its equipment.


KPN previously disposed of mobile towers in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
http://www.kpn.com/

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Huawei to Restrict its Sales in Iran

Huawei issued a press statement concerning its sales in Iran.


The company said it will "voluntarily restrict its business development there by no longer seeking new customers and limiting its business activities with existing customers." It will continue to support customers networks in Iran that are already deployed or under delivery.

http://www.huawei.com

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O3b Books Another Satellite Launch Deal with Arianspace

O3b Networks, which is planning a new global, high-speed, satellite-based Internet network for telecommunications operators and ISPs, has exercised the first of the two options in its contract with Arianespace for an additional launch in 2014 for the O3b Networks' satellite constellation. By exercising this option, O3b has allocated a total of three launches of 12 satellites to Arianespace.


O3b stands for the "Other 3 billion", a reference to nearly half of the world's population that is not adequately served with broadband internet access. Its investors include SES, Google Inc., Liberty Global Inc., and HSBC.


The first eight O3b satellites are planned to be lofted into orbit during 2013 by two Soyuz launch vehicles operating from the Guiana Space Center. Each satellite will weigh about 700kg at launch, has a design life of 10 years, and provides greater than 10 Gbps of capacity. The satellites will be positioned in medium Earth orbit at an altitude of just over 8000km. The satellites will be built by Thales Alenia Space.


Arianespace will now launch a third tranche of four satellites for O3b from the CSG in 2014 on a Soyuz. In addition, Arianespace is beginning construction of a third dispenser and is accelerating the launch schedule allowing O3b to meet the growing capacity needs of its customers.
http://www.arianespace.com http://www.o3bnetworks.com

• In November 2011. O3b announced that it had raised US $137 million for the construction of four additional satellites that will boost both capacity and redundancy over the emerging markets. The additional spacecraft, set to launch in 2014, will nearly double the capacity of O3b Networks’ initial fleet of eight Medium Earth Orbit satellites, which are scheduled to be launched in early 2013.

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Report Finds Significant GPS Interference from LightSquared

An upcoming government report will conclude that LightSquared's proposed network causes harmful interference to the majority of GPS devices in the field, according to reports from Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal that cite a congressional aide with knowledge of the findings. The testing reportedly was conducted by the National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing Systems Engineering Forum, which is expected to present its report later this month.


In a press statement, LightSquared said it is "outraged by the illegal leak of incomplete government data to news organizations." The company contends that the is "no way that such a conclusion could be drawn without deliberately ignoring a critical element in LightSquared’s mitigation proposal to manage the power from its network that GPS devices will be able to receive. "http://www.lightsquared.com
http://www.wsj.com

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LightSquared: 30 Wholesale Customers

LightSquared has now signed more than 30 wholesale agreements for capacity on its forthcoming LTE + satellite network. The company argues that the domination of the 4G-LTE market in the U.S. by two incumbent carriers is fueling the market demand for an alternative low-cost, high-quality nationwide wireless broadband network that will allow many industry participants to remain or become competitive.


"Even as LightSquared's network has been delayed by the ongoing process in Washington, dozens of American companies – big and small – continue to seek access to our network," said LightSquared Executive Vice President Frank Boulben, who leads the company's strategy, marketing and sales efforts. "These contracts demonstrate the magnitude of the pent-up market demand for an alternative wireless broadband solution. LightSquared's success is not just about LightSquared. It's about enabling the success of other companies as well."


The list of wholesale customers range from major wireless companies like Sprint to regional carriers such as Leap Wireless and C Spire to rural carriers such as SI Wireless. National retailers such as Best Buy and online retailers like Simplexity have signed on. Other customers include digital services companies like Elevate, as well as regional wireline players across the country such as PowerNet Global and EATEL, which are now able to offer the affordable wireless services that their customers are demanding.
http://www.lightsquared.com

Read More

Vodafone Signs Partner in Afghanistan

Vodafone has signed a "Partner Market" agreement with Roshan, Afghanistan's total communications provider. The strategic partnership is exclusive to the Afghan market and will help Roshan better serve its 5 million customers through the sharing of best practices, innovation and knowledge.
http://www.vodafone.com

Read More

DOJ Seeks to Dismiss AT&T + T-Mobile USA Proceedings

The U.S. Department of Justice will file a motion to stay or dismiss its lawsuit seeking to block AT"&T's acquisition of T-Mobile USA on grounds that the case is moot if the FCC approval process has been abandoned. The AT&T vs. Dept. of Justice trial had been schedule for February. However, in November, AT&T withdrew its petition with the FCC. A delay or dismissal of the trial would be another road block for AT&T. http://www.justice.gov

Read More

Telefónica Launches Movistar ONE Smartphone in Latin America

Telefónica is launching a low-cost Movistar ONE smartphone in Latin America during the 2011/12 Christmas campaign based on Android Gingerbread . The device, which is manufactured by ZTE, features a 2.8 inch capacitive touch screen, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, a 2 Mpx camera and download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps. The first countries of availability are Mexico, Colombia, Uruguay, Chile, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama and Nicaragua.


The new Movistar ONE handset is the result of the collaboration agreement forged between handset manufacturer ZTE and Telefónica in Latin America, initiated in early 2010, and which has seen the successful marketing of over a dozen Movistar devices in the region.


Citing figures from Pyramid Research, Telefónica noted that smartphones now account for 17.9% of the total amount of devices purchased in the Latin America, a figure expected to grow up to 24.5% and 32.3%, in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
http://www.telefonica.com

Read More

Private Equity Firm to Acquire Blue Coat for $1.3 Billion

An investor group led by San Francisco-based private equity investment firm Thoma Bravo will acquire Blue Coat Systems in a deal valued at $1.3 billion. Blue Coat shareholders will receive $25.81 in cash for each share of Blue Coat common stock they hold, representing a premium of approximately 48% over Blue Coat’s closing price on December 8, 2011 and a premium of approximately 62% over the 60-day trailing average for the period ended December 8, 2011.


Blue Coat is a supplier of Web security and WAN optimization solutions. The company is based in Sunnyvale, California.


“Blue Coat has strong, differentiated products for protecting enterprises from the ever increasing levels of Web-based security threats and for accelerating and optimizing applications and rich media content, such as video, over their networks,�? said Gregory S. Clark, president and chief executive officer, Blue Coat Systems, Inc. “Our partnership with Thoma Bravo will assist Blue Coat in more aggressively realizing the opportunities in its two markets, by providing a platform that enables greater focus on the business that supports the future growth of the company.�?http://www.bluecoat.comSome other private equity deals this year include:


Tekelec, to be acquired by a consortium led by Siris Capital Group.


Alcatel-Lucent's Genesys division, to be acquired by the Permira funds.


Alpheus Communications (fiber network in Texas, acquired by The Gores Group.


Cambium Networks, a spin-out from Motorola Solutions backed by Vector Capital, a leading global private equity firm.


Tollgrade Communications, acquired by Golden Gate Capital, a global private equity firm.


Go Daddy, acquired by KKR, Silver Lake and Technology Crossover Ventures.


Masergy Communications, acquired by ABRY Partners.




Conexant Systems, acquired by Golden Gate Capital.

Read More

KPN Continues Exit from Mobile Tower Business

KPN has agreed to sell part of its Dutch mobile towers portfolio to a subsidiary of Shere Group Limited (UK) for approximately EUR 115 million.


KPN does not regards the towers as part of its core business. In The Netherlands, mobile towers are generally used by multiple mobile operators. Following the sale, KPN will lease back the space it requires for its equipment.


KPN previously disposed of mobile towers in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
http://www.kpn.com/

Read More

Huawei to Restrict its Sales in Iran

Huawei issued a press statement concerning its sales in Iran.


The company said it will "voluntarily restrict its business development there by no longer seeking new customers and limiting its business activities with existing customers." It will continue to support customers networks in Iran that are already deployed or under delivery.

http://www.huawei.com

Read More

O3b Books Another Satellite Launch Deal with Arianspace

O3b Networks, which is planning a new global, high-speed, satellite-based Internet network for telecommunications operators and ISPs, has exercised the first of the two options in its contract with Arianespace for an additional launch in 2014 for the O3b Networks' satellite constellation. By exercising this option, O3b has allocated a total of three launches of 12 satellites to Arianespace.


O3b stands for the "Other 3 billion", a reference to nearly half of the world's population that is not adequately served with broadband internet access. Its investors include SES, Google Inc., Liberty Global Inc., and HSBC.


The first eight O3b satellites are planned to be lofted into orbit during 2013 by two Soyuz launch vehicles operating from the Guiana Space Center. Each satellite will weigh about 700kg at launch, has a design life of 10 years, and provides greater than 10 Gbps of capacity. The satellites will be positioned in medium Earth orbit at an altitude of just over 8000km. The satellites will be built by Thales Alenia Space.


Arianespace will now launch a third tranche of four satellites for O3b from the CSG in 2014 on a Soyuz. In addition, Arianespace is beginning construction of a third dispenser and is accelerating the launch schedule allowing O3b to meet the growing capacity needs of its customers.
http://www.arianespace.com http://www.o3bnetworks.com

• In November 2011. O3b announced that it had raised US $137 million for the construction of four additional satellites that will boost both capacity and redundancy over the emerging markets. The additional spacecraft, set to launch in 2014, will nearly double the capacity of O3b Networks’ initial fleet of eight Medium Earth Orbit satellites, which are scheduled to be launched in early 2013.

Read More

Report Finds Significant GPS Interference from LightSquared

An upcoming government report will conclude that LightSquared's proposed network causes harmful interference to the majority of GPS devices in the field, according to reports from Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal that cite a congressional aide with knowledge of the findings. The testing reportedly was conducted by the National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing Systems Engineering Forum, which is expected to present its report later this month.


In a press statement, LightSquared said it is "outraged by the illegal leak of incomplete government data to news organizations." The company contends that the is "no way that such a conclusion could be drawn without deliberately ignoring a critical element in LightSquared’s mitigation proposal to manage the power from its network that GPS devices will be able to receive. "http://www.lightsquared.com
http://www.wsj.com

Read More

LightSquared: 30 Wholesale Customers

LightSquared has now signed more than 30 wholesale agreements for capacity on its forthcoming LTE + satellite network. The company argues that the domination of the 4G-LTE market in the U.S. by two incumbent carriers is fueling the market demand for an alternative low-cost, high-quality nationwide wireless broadband network that will allow many industry participants to remain or become competitive.


"Even as LightSquared's network has been delayed by the ongoing process in Washington, dozens of American companies – big and small – continue to seek access to our network," said LightSquared Executive Vice President Frank Boulben, who leads the company's strategy, marketing and sales efforts. "These contracts demonstrate the magnitude of the pent-up market demand for an alternative wireless broadband solution. LightSquared's success is not just about LightSquared. It's about enabling the success of other companies as well."


The list of wholesale customers range from major wireless companies like Sprint to regional carriers such as Leap Wireless and C Spire to rural carriers such as SI Wireless. National retailers such as Best Buy and online retailers like Simplexity have signed on. Other customers include digital services companies like Elevate, as well as regional wireline players across the country such as PowerNet Global and EATEL, which are now able to offer the affordable wireless services that their customers are demanding.
http://www.lightsquared.com

Read More

Vodafone Signs Partner in Afghanistan

Vodafone has signed a "Partner Market" agreement with Roshan, Afghanistan's total communications provider. The strategic partnership is exclusive to the Afghan market and will help Roshan better serve its 5 million customers through the sharing of best practices, innovation and knowledge.
http://www.vodafone.com

Read More

DOJ Seeks to Dismiss AT&T + T-Mobile USA Proceedings

The U.S. Department of Justice will file a motion to stay or dismiss its lawsuit seeking to block AT"&T's acquisition of T-Mobile USA on grounds that the case is moot if the FCC approval process has been abandoned. The AT&T vs. Dept. of Justice trial had been schedule for February. However, in November, AT&T withdrew its petition with the FCC. A delay or dismissal of the trial would be another road block for AT&T. http://www.justice.gov

Read More

Ericsson Delivers Circuit Switched Fallback for LTE

Ericsson announced the commercial deployment of Circuit Switched Fallback (CSFB) in LTE networks in several networks around the world, ensuring telecom quality voice and SMS services in LTE smartphones on the global GSM/WCDMA market.


Circuit Switched Fallback network functionality means that mobile broadband data traffic is run over LTE, or HSPA when LTE coverage is not available, while voice and SMS services are provided using GSM or WCDMA circuit-switched networks.


CSFB functionality is delivered as a software upgrade to operators’ core and radio networks, which include circuit-switched core (Mobile Softswitch Solution), Evolved Packet Core (Serving GPRS Support Node-Mobility Management Entity or SGSN-MME) and radio access (GSM, WCDMA and LTE).


"We now introduce telecom grade voice services to work in combination with the superior data connection speeds that are available in LTE smartphones for the global GSM/WCDMA market. These commercial deployments of Circuit Switched Fallback prove the market maturity of this new technology and demonstrate Ericsson’s technology leadership and commitment to helping operators launch services on the latest consumer devices," says Magnus Furustam, Head of Core & IMS at Business Unit Networks at Ericsson.




http://www.ericsson.com

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NEC Partners with Telefónica for Cloud Services in Argentina

Telefónica has launched "APLICATECA" cloud computing services in Argentina using NEC's cloud platform. The SaaS business system (Software as a Service), designed to facilitate access to a variety of digital applications and services where the customer only pays for the number of licenses that are used.


In February 2011, Telefónica selected NEC as a strategic partner to promote cloud computing in Latin America. http://www.nec.co.jp

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