Ralink + Trend Chip Merger Targets WiFi + DSL

Ralink Technology, a leading supplier of WiFi silicon solutions, has agreed to acquire TrendChip Technologies Corporation, a leading supplier of DSL chipsets. Both companies are listed on the listed on Taiwan's TAIEX exchange.


Each 0.8209 share of TrendChip will be exchanged for 1 share of Ralink. With a combined stock valuation of approximately NT$20 billion, and combined 2009 revenues of over NT$7.3 billion, the new Ralink Technology Corporation is estimated to be among the world's "Top 30" fabless semiconductor companies.


Ralink, founded in 2001, is headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, and operates an advanced development center in Cupertino, California. Ralink's 802.11n solutions are shipping with customers in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and are embedded in hundreds of products across all major Wi-Fi market segments including personal computers, broadband gateways, digital televisions, Blu-Ray players, web cameras, and IPTV set-top-boxes.


TrendChip, also founded in 2001, is headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, and maintains development centers in Suzhou and Nanjing China. TrendChip posted a 90% growth in 2009. It's xDSL solutions have been deployed by 50 carriers in 45 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.


"By combining Ralink and TrendChip into a single company, Ralink Technology Corporation will be positioned to drive the growth of high-performance yet cost-effective "triple play" voice, video, and data services throughout the Networked Digital Home," said Chris Kao, Chairman of Ralink Technology. "Broadband Gateways will incorporate our DSL and Wi-Fi chipsets, and they will deliver wireless content throughout the home to personal computers, televisions, phones, and other consumer electronics devices. With our combined forces and technologies, we anticipate accelerated growth in both existing and adjacent market segments over the coming years."http://www.ralinktech.com/

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RCN to Build Fiber-Based, Middle Mile Network in Cape Cod

OpenCape Corporation has been awarded a $32M broadband stimulus grant for a 350-mile network will span from the South Coast of Massachusetts onto Cape Cod and the Islands. RCN Metro Optical Networks will design, build and manage the network on OpenCape Corporation's behalf.


The OpenCape project, expected to be completed in phases over three years, consists of a core fiber backbone that connects Cape Cod to two of RCN Metro's major regional network access points in Providence and Brockton, a high capacity optical transport system, a microwave radio overlay, and a regional colocation center.


Initial services on this network include dedicated point-to-point SONET and Ethernet from 1.5 Mbps to 10 Gbps., Switched Ethernet Services from 1.5 Mbps to 10 Gbps, Wavelength Services from 1.25 Mbps to 10 Gbps, and Internet Access with the network designed to be able to support additional capabilities required to meet the future needs of the community.


RCN Metro was selected in a competitive process last July to design, build and maintain this regional open access network as part of a public-private partnership.


"OpenCape is thrilled to be a stimulus grant recipient. Cape Cod and the Islands are in desperate need of a ubiquitous, reliable, redundant, and cost competitive telecommunications infrastructure," said Dan Gallagher, President of OpenCape Corporation.
http://www.rcnmetro.com/services-private-network.phphttp://www.opencape.com/

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Cisco Teams with India's CSC e-Governance Services

Cisco signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CSC e-Governance Services India, a private company established to catalyze and accelerate the delivery of various eGovernance services. Cisco will help make education and health care solutions available and to promote social inclusion.


The Common Service Centres program is a strategic cornerstone of the government of India's National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), which calls for 250,000 CSCs to be set-up in 600,000 villages. The goal is to offer Web-enabled e-governance services in rural areas as well as to provide high-quality and cost-effective video, voice and data content and services in areas such as education, health and entertainment.
http://www.cisco.com

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Nokia Updates its Mobile Device Market Estimates

Nokia has updated its definition of the industry mobile device market which it uses to estimate industry volumes. The company said it now has better visibility of the overall market size, including the number of mobile devices sold by certain new entrants selling legitimate, as well as unlicensed and counterfeit, products. The new estimated market size is bigger than the company had previously estimated and Nokia's market share is, hence, lower.


For comparative purposes only going forward, applying the revised definition and improved measurement processes and tools retrospectively to 2009, Nokia estimates that industry mobile device volumes in 2009 would have been 1.26 billion units. Based on the industry mobile device market definition used in 2009, Nokia estimated that industry mobile device volumes were 1.14 billion units. Similarly, for comparative purposes only going forward, applying the revised definition retrospectively to 2009, Nokia estimates that its mobile device volume market share would have been 34% in 2009 on an annual basis. Based on the industry mobile device market definition used in 2009, Nokia's volume market share estimate was 38%.


Applying its revised definition of the industry mobile device market applicable beginning in 2010 on a comparable year-over-year basis, - Nokia expects industry mobile device volumes to be up approximately 10% in 2010, compared to 2009; - Nokia targets its mobile device volume market share to be flat in 2010, compared to 2009; and - Nokia targets to increase its mobile device value market share slightly in 2010, compared to 2009.
http://www.nokia.com

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EXFO Acquires Finland's NetHawk for Wireless Test

EXFO has acquired NetHawk Oyj, a leading supplier of 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE protocol analyzers and simulators for wireless network equipment manufacturers (NEMs) and network operators. The all-cash deal was valued at EUR 37.3 million for all outstanding shares on a fully diluted basis, or EUR 27.6 million excluding NetHawk's net cash. An additional earn-out, based on sales over the next three years, could raise the total value of the transaction by EUR 8.7 million.


NetHawk's key products consist of protocol analyzers for protocol development, network deployment, optimization and performance measurement as well as network simulators for load generation, regression and functional testing. Solutions cover 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE. It is estimated that NetHawk holds the No. 2 position for both protocol analysis and network simulation in terms of global market share.


NetHawk has also developed a 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE service assurance solution, based on iPro's 1G and 10G wireline stream capture and M5's deep protocol and KPI analysis, to focus on testing the core and radio access networks of a wireless telecommunications infrastructure. EXFO said this offering is highly complementary to its own BrixCall, BrixNGN and BrixVision suite of service assurance solutions for active and passive monitoring of the application layer on next-generation IP networks.


NetHawk posted revenue of €28.5 million and EBITDA of €4.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
The company is headquartered in Oulu, Finland.


"This acquisition represents a defining milestone in EXFO's near 25-year history, since it not only transforms us into a global force in wireless testing, but it also moves us among the top five suppliers in the telecom test and service assurance industry with more than 1,600 employees in 25 countries supporting in excess of 2,000 customers," said Germain Lamonde, EXFO's Chairman, President and CEO.
http://www.exfo.comhttps://www.nethawk.fi/

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Verizon Dual Lists Its Stock on NASDAQ and NYSE

Verizon Communications has dual listed its common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. The stock also trades on the New York Stock Exchange.


John Killian, Verizon's chief financial officer, said, "Verizon has a broad and diverse shareholder base, and we believe that the additional support provided by dual listing will benefit our current and potential investors. We are pleased to now be listed on both of these great exchanges."http://www.verizon.comhttp://

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Alcatel-Lucent Releases APIs for Accelerating Application Development Business Model

Alcatel-Lucent released its first API (Application Programming Interfaces) bundles that blend service provider and third party application capabilities to enable the faster creation of new applications. Alcatel-Lucent's goal with these API bundles is to enable a new revenue share model to transform service provider networks into an application development platform by unlocking network resources and functionality -- similar to what smartphones and apps stores did for the device world.


The company's first vertical API bundles include three social bundles supporting the creation of new mashups in social gaming, advertising and virtual goods markets. Collectively, the APIs included are SMS, advertising, location, virtual goods, credit card and billing. The initial delivery of these API bundles targets the 14+ million developers worldwide and the two fastest growing and increasingly profitable applications markets today: mobile advertising and virtual goods.


Earlier this year, Alcatel-Lucent introduced its cloud-based developer platform, which leverages the Application Exposure Suite to build, test, manage and distribute applications across networks, including television, broadband Internet and mobile.


With the release of the APIs, Alcatel-Lucent also announced a new business and application modeling tool that allows developers to get the most out of their applications. This new functionality helps developers and service providers improve the potential for the success of services they are introducing and helps them better manage the overall business of their applications.


"The business model benefits everyone across the value chain. Whereas service providers did not share in an application's revenue before, they now gain new sources of revenue from ad network or virtual goods applications. They can invest that income back into their network, which in turn supports new services innovation," said Johnson Agogbua, head of Application Enablement solutions for Alcatel-Lucent.
http://www.alcatel-lucent.com

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FCC Releases Consumer Broadband Tests

The FCC released two applications -- the Consumer Broadband Test and the Broadband Dead Zone Report -- that allow consumers to test their broadband service and report areas where broadband is not available.


The Consumer Broadband Test measures broadband quality indicators such as speed and latency, and reports that information to consumers and the FCC. The mobile version -- the FCC's first mobile app -- is available through the Apple and Android app stores. The fixed version is available at www.broadband.gov.


The Broadband Dead Zone Report enables Americans to submit the street address location of a broadband"Dead Zone" where broadband is unavailable for purchase. The Broadband Dead Zone Report form is available on www.broadband.gov. Consumers can also submit availability information by e-mail to fccinfo@fcc.gov. Those who lack online access can call the FCC.


The FCC apps are using the Ookla, Inc. Speed Test and the Network Diagnostic Tool (NDT) running on the
Measurement Lab (M-Lab) platform. In the future, the FCC anticipates making additional broadband testing applications available for consumer use, but said it does not endorse any specific testing application.


"Transparency empowers consumers, promotes innovation and investment, and encourages competition," said Chairman Julius Genachowski. "The FCC's new digital tools will arm users with real-time information about their broadband connection and the agency with useful data about service across the country. By informing consumers about their broadband service quality, these tools help eliminate confusion and make the market work more effectively."http://www.fcc.govhttp://www.broadband.gov

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Cisco Opens Entrepreneur Institute in Paraguay

Cisco has opened an Entrepreneur Institute in Paraguay to help owners of small and medium-sized businesses improve their business skills and learn how to effectively use information and communications technologies. The first training center will be the Fundación Paraguaya, which during the first year will provide basic courses from the Cisco Entrepreneur Institute curriculum to more than 100 Paraguayan entrepreneurs.
http://www.cisco.comhttp://

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Procera Reports Fast Growth for its DPI Solutions

Procera Networks, a developer of Evolved Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) solutions providing traffic awareness, control and protection, reported Q4 2009 revenue of $9.4 million, an increase of 108% from $4.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. For the fiscal year 2009, total revenue was $20.1 million, an increase of 75% from $11.5 million in fiscal year 2008. The GAAP net income for the fourth quarter of 2009 was $877,000, or a net income of $0.01 per diluted share. This compares to a GAAP net loss of $2.7 million, or a net loss of $0.03 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2008.


Q4 2009 was the seventh consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth for Procera. It was also the first time the company achieved profitability in its history. The company said it also closed two new major carrier contracts in Q4.


"Fiscal year 2009 was a transformational year for Procera Networks as we established ourselves as a credible Tier 1 supplier," said James Brear, president and CEO of Procera.
http://www.proceranetworks.com

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Infonetics: Strong Growth for Ethernet-based Microwave Equipment

The worldwide microwave equipment market grew from $4.94 billion to $5.85 billion between 2008 and 2009 (up 18%), according to a newly published report from Infonetics Research. The report, published quarterly, tracks vendor market share and market size for TDM microwave equipment, dual Ethernet/TDM microwave equipment, and Ethernet-only equipment split by backhaul, transport, and access.


Some highlights:

• Following a down quarter in 3Q09, worldwide microwave equipment revenue increased 3% in 4Q09, a modest market performance in a quarter that is usually seasonally strong.



• Ethernet-only microwave equipment revenue is forecast by Infonetics to grow at a 100% compound annual growth rate from 2009 to 2014.



• The majority of microwave equipment purchased (81% in 4Q09) continues to be deployed to backhaul traffic for mobile backhaul networks.



• The single biggest obstacle to the continued adoption of microwave equipment as the dominant backhaul solution is spectrum availability, particularly in Western Europe.



• Ericsson and NEC continue in a tight race for revenue leadership in the worldwide microwave equipment market, with Ericsson eking ahead in 2009 by a fraction of a share point.



• The big mover of the quarter was Huawei, which jumped into the #3 spot in 4Q09, leap-frogging Nokia.

http://www.infonetics.comhttp://

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IntelliNet Granted Patent for Mobile Data Offload

IntelliNet Technologies was granted a U.S. patent (number 7,650,428) related to Wi-Fi-based mobile data offload.


The new patent was included in the technology gained in the company's acquisition of Azaire Networks in 2008.


Specifically, the patent for Mobile Cellular Network Selection from Wireless LAN is fundamental to Wi-Fi data offload, as it enables wireless subscribers to select from multiple Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) when connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots such as hotels, airports or coffee shops. This allows the transparent establishment of data sessions to a Wi-Fi network using the subscriber's preferred carrier or roaming partner. A subscriber utilizing a smartphone or laptop with both a cellular and a Wi-Fi interface can seamlessly transfer a data session from the cellular network to the Wi-Fi network while maintaining the connection to the subscriber's network operator. This gives the subscriber simplified access to less congested data networks, while the data session is offloaded from the limited bandwidth of the mobile network.
http://www.intellinet-tech.comhttp://

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RadiSys Acquires Pactolus for SIP Applications Software

RadiSys has acquired privately--held Pactolus Communications Software, a developer of solutions for converged TDM/IP and SIP--enabled VoIP networks. Financial terms were not disclosed.


Pactolus' customizable turnkey SIPware services include large operator--assisted event and reservationless audio conferencing, prepaid/post--paid long distance services, residential/business Class 5 VoIP, and voice messaging. The company says its software solutions are installed in over 45 telecommunication service provider customers worldwide including major Tier 1 and Tier 2 carriers.


"We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Pactolus," said Scott Grout, RadiSys President and CEO. "RadiSys and Pactolus have been partnering for years in the delivery of media server technology and applications. The addition of Pactolus strengthens our portfolio of telecommunication solutions for service providers and TEMs. The Pactolus team has extensive domain expertise in developing both legacy TDM enhanced services and next generation IP--based communication applications and platforms. We look forward to having them as part of the RadiSys team."http://www.radisys.com
http://www.pactolus.com

• Pactolus was founded in 1999 and is based in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

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TeliaSonera Upgrades Backhaul on LTE Base Stations to 100 Mbps

TeliaSonera, which activated the first commercial LTE service in the world in December 2009, announced the next step in its next-generation mobile broadband roll-out. The company is upgrading base stations to 100 Mbps, beginning with sites in central Stockholm and extending to the rest of the network in Spring. The upgraded backhaul will enable downlink speeds of up to 80 Mbps to customers in optimal locations.

Telia's 4G network is currently installed in the central parts of Stockholm and in parts of the Stockholm International, Kista and Hammarby Sjöstad. Telia plans to build out 4G in 25 locations in Sweden. During the third quarter of this year, the 4G network will be launched in Lund, Västerås, Malmö, Gothenburg, Uppsala and Linköping.

The carrier's common 4G/LTE core network will be delivered exclusively by Ericsson and the radio networks by Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks.
http://www.teliasonera.se

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TeliaSonera Deploys Juniper's TX Matrix Plus Super Core

TeliaSonera International Carrier is the first network operator to deploy Juniper Networks' TX Matrix Plus, a multi-chassis core routing system that works with the Juniper Control System (JCS) 1200 to allow the virtualization of routing systems, networks and services. The Juniper TX Matrix Plus architecture enables service providers to create "super-nodes" of up to 25 Tbps. This enables up to 256 40GbE ports or 1,024 GbE ports in a single routing node.



TeliaSonera International Carrier said the new solutions, based on Junos software, help networks scale dynamically and rapidly, on-demand, and support more bandwidth, for more subscribers and a wide range of services.


"We considered a number of options open to us, our customers demand capacity. We've focused on a number of areas and TX Matrix Plus fully fits our need as a business and supports our mission to be one of the top three global IP carriers. This deployment is evidence that TeliaSonera International Carrier lives up to our ambition to be the IP knowledge leader, putting new technology into the hands of our customers", said Anna Mossberg, Vice President and Head of Product & Business Management, TeliaSonera International Carrier.
http://www.teliasonera.se

• In February 2009, Juniper Networks introduced a number of enhancements for its T1600 core router, including the ability to integrate up to 16 routers into a 25 Tbps multi-chassis single node while adding physical virtualization capabilities. At the time, the company said it anticipated first commercial availability of the TX Matrix Plus in Q3 2009.

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STMicroelectronics Integrates CryptoFirewall into Set-top Box Chips

STMicroelectronics began sampling set-top-box System-on-Chip (SoC) devices featuring advanced "CryptoFirewall" security for combating Pay-TV piracy -- the illicit decryption of signals for viewing or redistribution.
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The CryptoFirewall security core, which was developed by Cryptography Research, features dedicated tamper-proof and emulation-resistant hardware designed to work with the STB's conditional access system. CryptoFirewall has been developed specifically to meet the pay-TV industry's needs, is already deployed in over 75 million devices.
http://www.st.comhttp://

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Turkcell Plans Dual Carrier HSPA+ for 42.2 Mbps this Year

Turkcell has successfully a HSPA multi carrier 42.2 Mbps test on its 3G network in Istanbul. The test, which was conducted on March 5, used Ericsson's HSPA Multi Carrier Solution.


Turkcell Chief Network Operations Officer, Ilter Terzioglu said: "Turkcell will provide these speed levels to its customers in 2010 and aims to reach 84 Mbps in 3G. As always, Turkcell continues to invest in cutting-edge infrastructures, to ensure its network can utilize the most up-to-date technologies."http://www.turkcell.com

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FCC's Clyburn Raises Concern on Broadband Affordability and Competition

FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn issued a statement raising her concern over news that a major broadband provider is raising its rates for its lowest tiers of broadband service. This came on the heels of plans unveiled by
other major providers throughout the country to increase prices as well.


"If we are serious as a nation -- both public and private sectors -- about connecting America; about leading the world technologically and economically; about ensuring that all Americans have meaningful access to on-line education, healthcare, and information essential to citizenry, then we should be very concerned about these ominous signs..."


"This is an issue we must examine closely going forward. Thirty-six percent of non-adopters cite a cost-related reason as their main barrier to adoption, with 15 percent pointing to the monthly cost of service, and 9 percent saying they do not want a long-term service contract or find the
installation fee too high. Across-the-board price increases, especially on those who can least afford it, should raise a red flag for the Commission. When prices rise across the industry, and where there are only a limited number of players in the game, we have to ask ourselves whether there is any meaningful competition in the marketplace."http://www.fcc.govhttp://

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ZTE Completes First 14.7 Mbps EV-DO Rev.B Data Call

ZTE has completed the first EV-DO Rev.B Phase II data call with a download rate of 14.7 Mbps.


ZTE, which introduced the world's first 9.3Mbps EV-DO Rev.B Phase I system last year, is now the first in the industry to introduce EV-DO Rev.B Phase II technology.


EV-DO Rev.B technology enhances spectrum efficiency to extend mobile talk-time by approximately 30 percent and effectively prolong standby time. A new baseband chip is also adopted in the Rev.B Phase II system. By introducing 64QAM high-order modulation technology, it supports a single carrier frequency with a downlink speed of 4.9 Mbps and with 3-carrier frequency bundling technology, it achieves a peak rate of 14.7 Mbps.


Upgrading from a 9.3 Mbps Phase I networks to a 14.7 Mbps network requires only a baseband channel board replacement and a software upgrade.


ZTE listed a number of global operators that have launched EV-DO Rev.B networks, including China Telecom, WANA, Smart Telecom and PTCL.
http://www.zte.com.cn

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Telekom Austria Adopts Alcatel-Lucent's TPSDA

Telekom Austria has adopted the Alcatel-Lucent Triple-Play Service Delivery Architecture (TPSDA) to bring smaller communities the same triple play services today provided to customers in larger metropolitan areas. Specifically, Telekom Austria will use the new Alcatel-Lucent 7750 SR-c12 multiservice IP/MPLS router to extend its Ethernet aggregation network for supporting broadband services such as "aon TV," the service provider's IPTV offering. The platform is also coupled with the Alcatel-Lucent 5620 Service Aware Manager (SAM) and 5650 Control Plane Assurance Manager (CPAM). Alcatel --Lucent will also provide project management, software subscription, support and repair maintenance and technical support services to deliver an unmatched Triple-Play Service Delivery network.
Financial terms were not disclosed.


"The rollout of the 2nd mile Ethernet aggregation network with Alcatel-Lucent Service Routers enables us to confidently and economically offer converged data, voice and video applications throughout the whole country, to the furthest reaches of the network, over a single and homogeneous platform," explained DI Walter Goldenits, CTO Telekom Austria. "Transforming our network to all-IP give us the opportunity to offer advanced services such as High speed Internet, Voice over IP, business services and mobile backhaul for 3G and LTE, all with the highest possible reliability and quality of service standards."http://www.alcatel-lucent.com
http://www.telekomaustria.com

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