TerreStar Updates Roll Out Schedule

TerreStar Networks announced it expects to begin commercial roll out of the TerreStar GENUS(TM), the world's first dual-mode satellite-cellular smartphone, in September 2010. The company has renewed the in-orbit insurance on its TerreStar-1 communications satellite for one additional year.


"TerreStar-1 continues to exceed performance expectations, and I am pleased with support we received from the insurance community," stated Jeffrey W. Epstein, president and chief executive officer, TerreStar. "Further, while we have delayed the launch of our GENUS handset, this additional time ensures that when we launch service, the GENUS will truly revolutionize mobile communications for first responders, enterprise users, and those in areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable."http://www.terrestar.com

• In February 2010, TerreStar Networks completed its initial on-orbit testing of Ground Based Beam Forming (GBBF), clearing another hurdle prior to the launch of its hybrid satellite+terrestrial smartphone service. The service is expected to launch in the second half of this year. The TerreStar GBBF system is the first two-way GBBF system to employ both ground based calibration and beam forming. The system provides the flexibility to deploy over 500 spot beams and manage power and capacity as customer demand dictates.

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AT&T Proposes Settlement in Wireless Billing Practices Lawsuit

AT&T proposed settlements of class action lawsuits relating to certain billing practices of AT&T Wireless Services, Inc., which was merged out of existence when it combined with Cingular in 2004. The Settlements do not concern the practices of Cingular Wireless or AT&T Mobility. The class actions that are part of the proposed settlements challenge the following alleged billing practices of AT&T Wireless Services, Inc. and related entities, including Santa Barbara Cellular Systems: charges for mMode Data Service, if the subscriber did not authorize the charges or did not understand the disclosures about the charges; charges for ENH Discount International Dial ("EDID"); charges for cellular telephone calls during a billing period other than the billing period in which the calls were made ("Out-of-Cycle Billing"); and the Universal Connectivity Charge ("UCC"), if the subscriber was not aware at the time of subscribing that the UCC would be charged.


The representative plaintiffs claim that these practices violate the Federal Communications Act and consumer protection laws of California, Washington, and other states and territories of the United States. AT&T said it strongly denies the representative plaintiffs' claims of any wrongdoing, but has agreed to settle to avoid the burden and cost of further litigation. http://www.awssettlement.com

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Telstra and Huawei Test LTE at 1800MHz

Telstra and Huawei Technologies are testing LTE operating on 1800MHz spectrum in Victoria, Australia. The 1800MHz evaluation will include tests of throughput using MIMO antenna configurations as well as several industry-leading advanced features including Inter Cell Interference Coordination to reduce radio network interference and improve throughput, and Self Organizing Networks where LTE network technology automatically optimises its performance, reducing operating costs while improving customer service.


Michael Rocca, Telstra chief operations officer said that exploring LTE's performance across a variety of frequency bands is critical to creating deployment options that will bring the best outcomes for operators and customers.


"Our trials with Huawei are giving us valuable insights into the potential of LTE technology at 1800MHz and helping Telstra understand how we can make best use of both existing and potential future spectrum assets to continue to deliver a world class mobile broadband service," Mr. Rocca said.
http://www.telstra.com
http://www.huawei.com.au

• In March 2010, Telstra unveiled plans to begin LTE trials in May. The Australian carrier will spend the next three to six months testing the feasibility and technical capability of LTE. Three vendors were named for the LTE trials: Ericsson, Huawei and Nokia Siemens Networks. Ericsson has been the lead supplier of Telstra's Next G HSPA+ network. In Hong Kong, Telstra's subsidiary company CSL is already testing LTE equipment from ZTE.



• In June 2010, Telstra and Nokia Siemens Networks reported achieving peak LTE speeds of 100Mbps download and 31 Mbps upload over a record-breaking distance of 75 kilometers in a trial conducted in Victoria, Australia.



• Telstra has already completed the upgrade of its "Next G" HSPA+ network with Dual Carrier technology, providing peak network downlink speeds of 42Mbps. Actual customer rates will be below the theoretical peak.

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Spain's Endesa Outsources its Network to Ericsson

Endesa, the largest utility company in Spain with 23 million customers, has selected Ericsson to operate its entire corporate telecommunication network through a four-year managed services agreement. Ericsson will be the sole services provider for Endesa's corporate telecommunication network, including the daily operation of all services associated with the telecom network; network operations in the network operations center, maintenance, installation services, engineering and construction management. Financial terms were not disclosed.


The companies said that outsourcing allows Endesa to improve network efficiency and increase focus on its core business.
http://www.ericsson.com

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A Proposal for a New Digital Goods and Services Tax for U.S. Congress

Representatives Rick Boucher (D-Va.) and Lamar Smith (R-Texas) introduced the Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act (H.R. 5649) that calls for the creation of a national framework for taxing digital downloads and applications. Sponsors of the bill note that the first state tax on digital goods was imposed in 2007 and that already some 25 states have considered legislation imposing new taxes on digital goods and services.


"Duplicative or increased taxes imposed by states for online products could create significant disadvantages for U.S. companies competing in global high tech industries. This important legislation protects U.S. high tech companies and American consumers by establishing a uniform system for taxes on goods and services purchased online. Specifically, the legislation prevents states from applying duplicative taxing systems to products simply because they are purchased online," said Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith.


Verizon expressed support for the measure: "The Boucher-Smith bill offers a smart solution to a growing Internet-age problem. Consumers face potential multiple and discriminatory taxation of the music, movies, games and other goods and services they download from the Internet. Discouraging Internet use makes no sense, particularly at a time when jobs and the economy are top concerns. This legislation takes into account that the new digital economy has no borders, and it creates a uniform framework to protect consumers, much like the Internet Tax Moratorium has done for Internet access," stated Peter Davidson, Verizon senior vice president of federal government relations.


CTIA-The Wireless Association also issued a statement expressing support: "CTIA is pleased Congressmen Boucher and Smith recognize the importance of establishing a national framework to prevent multiple and discriminatory taxation of digital goods and services. Enacting a federal tax framework makes sense, although we hope that any taxation of digital goods and services be implemented in a manner that is minimal. This bi-partisan legislation will provide tax administrators and consumers alike a better understanding of how digital commerce should be taxed. That will enable digital commerce to continue to flourish in a way that will both assist in the nation's economic recovery and enhance American economic competitiveness."http://www.boucher.house.gov

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New Recovery Act Broadband Projects Get USDA Funding

President Obama announced $780 million in grants and loans through the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture for funding sixty-six Recovery Act broadband projects nationwide, including 37 new projects in rural America. The funding has been matched by over $200 million in outside investment, for a total public-private investment of nearly $1 billion.


The announcement kicks off the U.S. Department of Agriculture's second round of broadband funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act). For the 37 new rural projects, $390.9 million will be invested. An additional $21.9 millionin private investment will be provided, bringing the total funds invested for these rural to $412.7 million.


Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan, grant or loan/grant agreement. A list of recent Recovery Act broadband award recipients by state is below. Further detail on these projects is online


Alaska


Copper Valley Telephone Cooperative Incorporated; McCarthy Microwave Shot project.


Alabama


National Telephone of Alabama, Inc.; Cherokee Broadband Initiatives Project.


Arizona


Hopi Telecommunications, Inc.; HTI Jeddito Middle Mile/Last Mile Project.


San Carlos Apache Telecommunications Utility Inc.; San Carlos Apache Telecommunications, Inc. - Broadband Offering.


Arkansas


Northern Arkansas Telephone Company; Northern Arkansas Broadband.


Colorado


Nunn Telephone Company; Nunn Rural Broadband Project.


Georgia


Wilkes Telephone & Electric Company; Wilkes Telephone Company Fiber-to-the-Home Build-Out.


Darien Telephone Co., Inc.; Broadband Bridge to Sapelo Island.


Iowa


The Farmers' Telephone Company of Riceville, Iowa; Farmers Telephone Company Fiber-to-the-Premises Overbuild.


Grand River Mutual Telephone Corporation; Grand River Mutual Fiber-to-the-Home Broadband Deployment Project.


Breda Telephone Corp.; Breda and Lidderdale Town and Rural Fiber-to-the-Premises Overbuild.


Iowa and Missouri


Grand River Mutual Telephone Corporation; Grand River Mutual Fiber-to-the-Home Broadband Deployment Project.


Illinois


Shawnee Telephone Company; Shawnee's Fiber-to-the-Home Project: Focused Economic Revitalization & Sustainable Transformation of Southern IL.


Kansas


H & B Communications Inc.; FTTH - Rural Ellinwood & Claflin, Kansas.


South Central Wireless Inc.; South Central Wireless - Attica, Kansas Fiber-to-the-Premise.


Kentucky


Thacker-Grigsby Telephone Company, Incorporated; Breathitt County Broadband.


Minnesota


Federated Telephone Cooperative; Rural Appleton, MN.


Missouri


Grand River Mutual Telephone Corporation; Grand River Mutual Fiber-to-the-Home Broadband Deployment Project - Service Area 1.


Northeast Missouri Rural Telephone Company; Green City, MO Fiber-to-the-Premises.


Montana


Project Telephone Company; Scott St. Pryor Middle Mile.


Project Telephone Company; Crow Agency/Lodgegrass Fiber-to-the-Premise.


Nevada


Rural Telephone Company; North Fork, Tuscarora, and Jarbidge Service Area Broadband Service Implementation.


North Carolina


French Broad Electric Membership Corp.; French Broad Electric BPL Project.


North Carolina and Tennessee


Skyline Telephone Membership Corporation; High Country Fiber.


North Dakota


Consolidated Enterprises, Inc.; CEI Broadband Infrastructure Project.


S R T Communications Inc.; Fiber-to-the-Premise for the Rural North Dakota Community of Metigoshe.


Oklahoma


Pine Telephone Company, Inc.; Last Mile ILEC Fiber-to-the-Home for Isolated Rural Southeastern Oklahoma/Choctaw Nation.


South Dakota


TrioTel Communications, Inc.; TrioTel Fiber-to-the-Home Broadband Deployment Project.


Venture Communications Cooperative; Cresbard, Orient and Faulkton Exchanges.


Tennessee


Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative Corporation; Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative Corp.


Texas


Blossom Telephone Company; Red River Broadband Expansion Project.


Utah


Central Utah Telephone, Inc.; Basin Broadband Project.


West Virginia


Hardy Telecommunications, Inc.; Hardy OneNet Fiber to the Home Project.


Wisconsin


Marquette-Adams Telephone Cooperative, Inc.


Reedsburg Utility Commission, Inc; Reedsburg Utility Commission Fiber Network Expansion.
http://www.usda.gov

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Aricent Releases Data Center Ethernet Software

Aricent announced a new release of its Intelligent Switching Solution (ISS) specifically tailored for building Data Center Ethernet equipment. Aricent's ISS is a licensable, pre-packaged software framework that jumpstarts the development and integration of advanced switching products, and has been selected by more than 60 networking and telecom equipment manufacturers worldwide.


The new ISS release includes functions essential to delivering Ethernet in the Data Center including Priority Flow Control (PFC), Enhanced Transmission Selection (ETS), congestion notification and Data Center Bridging Extensions (DCBX). Additional features targeted for the Data Center include VRF, hot-standby for OSPF and PIM, graceful restart, IS-IS integration, and enhancements to private VLAN, ACL, MLDv2, MSDP and IPv6. These capabilities, available in a licensable pre-packaged framework, represent another industry first for Aricent. ISS' Data Center features are compliant with multiple IEEE specifications, including 802.1Qbb, 802.1Qaz and 802.1QAu.


Aricent said its new Data Center feature additions are targeted at networking equipment manufacturers building products in the data center and storage markets. The company offers ISS packages for a variety of applications, from top-of-rack and end-of-row Data Center switches, to simple managed Ethernet switches to industrial Ethernet platforms, from Layer 3 switches with comprehensive routing capabilities, to metro Ethernet/carrier Ethernet applications, such as cellular/mobile backhaul, optical aggregation, DSLAMs, GPON switches, and (Multi Service Access Nodes) MSANs. http://www.aricent.com

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Xelerated Samples 100 Gbps Network Processor

Xelerated has begun sampling its HX family of network processor units (NPUs), which can process 100 Gbps of Ethernet traffic at wirespeed for any packet size. The silicon is aimed at a new generation Carrier Ethernet switches and routers.


Xelerated's HX family of NPUs integrate Ethernet MACs, programmable switching and advanced traffic management for the delivery of fine-granular Quality of Service (QoS). They also feature Xelerated's Dataflow packet processing architecture for wirespeed deterministic performance with programmability. The silicon architecture uses a single pipeline of hundreds of processor cores specifically designed for packet processing that can be programmed to perform any type of operations on the packets.


Xelerated said its latest NPU crosses the 100 Gbps performance threshold. The company is also making available a range of software and tools, including its reference design kit (RDK), software development tools, and data plane software. This includes a Metro Ethernet Application (MEA) data plane software that provides simultaneous support for Ethernet, PB, PBB, VPLS, IP, MPLS and OAM traffic with strict wirespeed guarantees. The software is provided in source code to allow for system vendor customization.
http://www.xelerated.com
http://www.xelerated.com/en/product-overview/

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Dell to Acquire Scalent for Data Center Software

Dell agreed to acquire Scalent, a private company that provides data center software, for an undisclosed sum.


Scalent, which is based in Palo Alto, California, brings an open, software-based approach to managing virtual infrastructure. Its software automates the end-to-end provisioning of server images, networks, and storage access in a coordinated manner. The company was founded in 2003.


Dell plans to integrate Scalent technology into its Advanced Infrastructure Manager (AIM) solution, which enables a single administrator to dynamically allocate compute, storage and network resources for physical and virtual application workloads. It enables dynamic deployment and repurposing of infrastructure without the need for physical server, cable or storage area network changes.
http://www.dell.com
http://www.scalent.com

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Juniper Invests in ADVA Optical

ADVA Optical Networking will issue 551,471 ordinary shares to Juniper Networks in exchange for an investment of US$3.0 million. The companies said they will evaluate the potential for jointly marketing and selling next-generation IP-based transport solutions to service providers to help reduce network complexity and costs.

http://www.advaoptical.com

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SingTel Deploys Juniper EX4200 Ethernet Switches

Singapore Telecommunications has deployed Juniper Networks' EX4200 Ethernet Switches at points-of-presence (POP) across the region for supporting its MEF-certified Carrier Ethernet suite, which includes international services such as ConnectPlus Ethernet Line (E-Line), ConnectPlus Ethernet Virtual Private Network (E-VPN), ConnectPlus Ethernet Virtual Private Line (E-VPL) and local services such as MetroEthernet and Meg@POP suite of Ethernet services including E-VPN and E-VPL. In addition to deploying the Junos OS across the EX switches, SingTel also deploys Juniper Networks M Series Multiservice Edge Routers in its POPs. Financial terms were not disclosed.
http://www.juniper.net

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Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom Lab Tests LTE with Ericsson

Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom Laboratories and Ericsson demonstrated indoor and outdoor LTE mobility tests, application services as well as CHT-TL's in-house developed LTE Simulator. The LTE trial network was implemented by Ericsson at the end of last year as part of Chunghwa Telecommunications Laboratories' effort to support the Networked Communications Program (NCP) Project.


The trial focused on feature testing IP-based LTE-EPC, MIMO, LTE-EPC network performance verification, and displaying how to use LTE-EPC for various IMS-based applications and mobile broadband applications.


The companies said they have achieved smooth performance for LTE in HD streaming. The tests also showed optimized network efficiency with high speed transmission rates and minimal delay.


In addition, it demonstrated outstanding performance in FTP high speed data transmission in both the fixed and the mobile environment with on-the-move speeds of 60 and 90 kilometers per hour, as well as a seamless handover among base stations.
http://www.ericsson.com

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Ericsson Academy Launches Online

Ericsson launched an online Academy for sharing knowledge about networking technology with students, partners, suppliers and customers. The Academy was launched within Ericsson in November 2009 for its 80,000 employees. Online materials include tutorials, technical snapshots and webinarshttp://www.ericsson.com/ourportfolio/ericsson-academy

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NSN and Nokia Test LTE in 800 MHz Digital Dividend Spectrum

Nokia Siemens Networks and Nokia conducted the first end-to-end LTE data call with Nokia Siemens Networks' commercial equipment on the 800 MHz frequency band. The tests, conducted at NSN's LTE Center of Competence in Espoo, Finland, follow the company's commencement of production of LTE-ready Flexi Multiradio Base Stations for the 800 MHz band in April this year, and complement earlier tests with Nokia on the 2100 MHz and 2600 MHz bands.


During the test, the two companies demonstrated the end-to-end interoperability of Nokia Siemens Networks' LTE network infrastructure with Nokia's LTE-capable multi-mode multi-band Internet Modem RD-3. Infrastructure from Nokia Siemens Networks includes its Single RAN, featuring the Flexi Multiradio Base Station, the Evolved Packet Core comprising Flexi NS (Network Server) and Flexi NG (Network Gateway), and standard-compliant software.


Nokia Siemens Networks expects that LTE in the 800MHz will be attractive due to its propagation capabilities, which makes its suitable for deployment even in rural areas.


The 800 MHz spectrum, which is popularly known as the Digital Dividend, is becoming available as terrestrial TV moves from analog to digital broadcasting.


"These tests are part of a larger campaign which includes various customer trials and demonstrations to make LTE on 800 MHz commercially viable by this summer," added Reino Tammela, head of LTE business line, Nokia Siemens Networks. "Right after the first Digital Dividend spectrum was assigned to operators in the spectrum auction in Germany in May, it was important that standard compliant LTE network products and LTE user devices for this band become commercially available. This will enable successful rapid LTE network rollouts allowing end users to experience high speed and high quality mobile broadband services in rural areas with a large variety of terminals."http://www.nsn.com
http://www.nokia.com

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GSA: Rapid Shift to HSPA+ is Happening, 80 Operators Confirmed with LTE

3G/WCDMA is now commercially available on 357 networks in 148 countries, according to the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), and nearly all of these mobile operators have implemented a High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) upgrade. The number of networks operators expressing a commitment to HSPA network upgrades is even higher -- 401 in 154 countries.


Some additional statistics from the GSA:

• The majority of HSPA networks, currently 58%, support a peak data rate of 7.2 Mbps or higher on the downlink.



• Almost 1 in 5 networks have deployed HSPA Evolution (HSPA+) technology. Sixty-three HSPA+ networks are launched in 35 countries. Of these, 53 commercial HSPA+ networks support a peak downlink data speed of 21 Mbps, 7 commercial HSPA+ networks support a peak downlink data speed of 28 Mbps, and 3 commercial HSPA+ networks support a peak downlink data speed of 42 Mbps.



• GSA anticipates that 95-100 HSPA+ systems will be commercially launched by end 2010.



• Several operators have confirmed plans for further network evolution steps to support 42 Mbps and 84 Mbps peak on the downlink.



• One third of HSPA operators have commercially introduced HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access). A total of 118 operators have launched HSUPA in 60 countries, with a further 8 networks currently deploying the technology in an additional 4 markets. Forty-one HSUPA systems support a peak uplink data rate of 5.8 Mbps, and 2 networks have confirmed the capability to support 11.5 Mbps peak.



• Last month, GSA confirmed that 110 operators in 48 countries are investing in LTE, comprising 80 firm network deployment commitments and 30 additional pre-commitments technology trials and study programs.



• GSA anticipates that up to 22 LTE networks will be in service by end 2010, and at least 45 are expected to be in service by end 2012.

Alan Hadden, President of GSA said: "The rapid shift to HSPA+ which is occurring will ensure its position as a mainstream technology this year, enabling operators all over the world to deliver higher data capacities and a compelling mobile broadband experience in fast expanding and highly competitive markets."http://www.gsacom.com

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Ericsson Conducts First LTE TDD trials in India

Ericsson demonstrated an LTE data call using the 2.3GHz band in a technology trial showcase in India. The LTE trial, which is a milestone for LTE TDD in India, was performed at the Experience Centre, Ericsson Forum, in Gurgaon, India.
http://www.ericsson.com

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Infonetics: North American Voice Revenues, including Mobile, Declined 5% in 2009

The decline of traditional fixed-line voice service and the rise of broadband access, video, and mobile data is speeding up, according to a new report from Infonetics on Residential Voice, Data, and Video Services in North America. Some highlights of the report:

• The residential services market in North America, which comprises voice, video, and Internet access services, held steady during the economic downturn, maintaining $240 billion in 2009



• Service provider revenue from voice services (including VoIP and mobile voice) decreased 5% in 2009, while broadband access and video service revenue increased 5% and 6%, respectively



• Infonetics Research forecasts the North American residential voice, video and Internet access services market to grow to $271 billion by 2014



• Broadband access is the true growth engine for residential services, with annual revenue for North American service providers expected to grow at a 13% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2009 to 2014, driven by both fixed and mobile broadband solutions



• In 2009, 70% of all North American voice subscribers were mobile; by 2014, that number will grow as an increasing number of consumers go mobile-only



• 55% of all residential mobile subscribers in North America are customers of either AT&T or Verizon



• The battle between cable operators and satellite providers for video services continues, with the dominating cable operators losing some revenue market share to satellite (DBS) and telco IPTV providers in 2009



• Comcast leads in North American residential video service revenue share, and DirecTV and Dish Network jumped ahead of Time Warner Cable in 2009



• Video services represent significant future revenue for service providers, but it comes at a high cost of programming and lower margins than voice services.

http://www.infonetics.com

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Motorola Outlines Separation Plans

In an S.E.C. filing, Motorola outlined its plans to separate its Mobile Devices and Home businesses from its Enterprise Mobility Solutions and Networks businesses. The separation will be accomplished through a series of transactions in which the assets, liabilities and operations of the Mobile Devices and Home businesses on a global basis will be transferred to a new company called Motorola SpinCo.


Motorola's Board of Directors cited several benefits for the separation, including:

• Strategic Focus. Allow each independent company to design and implement corporate strategies and
  policies that are based on the industries that it serves.



• Management Focus. Allow management of each independent company to concentrate that company's resources wholly on its particular markets, customers and core business opportunities. Motorola SpinCo will focus on the convergence of mobility, media and the Internet with new devices, applications and services for consumers in their home or on the go. Motorola Inc. will focus on enterprise systems, products and related services, and on its wireless networks and related telecommunication customers.



• Access to Capital. Remove the need for the businesses to compete internally for capital.



• Strategic Flexibility. Each company would gain flexibility to make acquisitions and form partnerships and alliances in its target markets, unencumbered by considerations of the potential impact on the businesses of the other company.



• Investor Choice. Provide investors in each company with a more targeted investment opportunity.

The filing details the recently financial performance of Motorola SpinCo and notes several risk factors for investors, including the losses for Motorola's mobile handset business in recent years, and the potentially negative impact on Motorola's set-top box sales to cable operators from possible changes in FCC regulation regarding set-top box functionality.http://investor.motorola.com/

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Fujitsu FLASHWAVE 4500 Clears Energy Efficiency Metric

Fujitsu's FLASHWAVE 4500 MSPP has met energy efficiency standards under the Telecommunications Energy Efficiency Ratio (TEER) metric released by ATIS.


The TEER standard provides a comprehensive methodology for measuring and reporting energy consumption as well as quantifying a network component's ratio of work performed to energy consumed.


Fujitsu noted that several of the nation's largest telecom service providers are currently using the ATIS TEER metric as a basis for evaluating network equipment under their procurement processes.http://us.fujitsu.com/telecom

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Microsoft Drops Kin Phones Two Months After Launch

Microsoft discontinued its recently launched "Kin" mobile phones due to poor demand. Microsoft said it intends to redeploy employees on the Kin team to its Windows Phone 7 project. Verizon Wireless was offering the two Microsoft Kin phones. The first Windows Phone 7 devices will be available by holiday 2010 under labels from other manufacturers.
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/KIN/

• In 2008, Microsoft acquired Danger, a Palo Alto, California-based developed of mobile phone for the youth market. Danger was best known for its Sidekick device, which is marketed by T-Mobile.

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