PureWave Secures $5 Million for Small Cell Base Stations

PureWave Networks, a start-up based in Santa Clara, California, secured $5 million in Series C funding from existing and new investors for its 4G wireless base stations. The funding will be used to continue the development and commercialization of its new line of small cell LTE base stations, as well as to grow the company’s market presence in key markets.


"Our sales have increased roughly fourfold in 2011 and we expect them to double again this year,�? said Don Meiners, PureWave’s CEO. “With such strong sales growth, we approached this investment round as an opportunity to extend our global reach and to strengthen our presence in key markets. We are excited to announce that one of the investors in this financing round is a strategic partner that will extend PureWave’s reach in Asia, give us on-the-ground presence in future growth markets and allow us to better serve our existing Asia-Pacific customers.�?http://www.pwnets.com/

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Verizon's Terremark Launches Single-Tenant Private Cloud

Verizon's Terremark division introduced the latest addition to its secure cloud offerings – Enterprise Cloud Private Edition. The service is designed as a single-tenant environment to meet the security compliance requirements of many large enterprises and government agencies.


Enterprise Cloud Private Edition is an extension of the company’s hybrid cloud strategy, offering customers the capability of migrating application workloads between traditional and cloud environments – including their own dedicated infrastructure, Terremark’s cloud platforms, and cloud resources offered by other providers – in a seamless and secure way.


Application workloads in this private cloud are able to connect into Terremark's public cloud platform for bursting during peak usage periods and as part of a cloud migration strategy.


The Enterprise Cloud Private Edition solution is delivered from Terremark cloud-enabled data centers across its global footprint of strategically located facilities.
http://www.verizon.com

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Pertino Raises $8.85 million for SDN

Pertino, a start-up based in Cupertino, California, announced $8.85 million in Series A funding to back its cloud networking innovations. The company is working on software-defined networking for enterprises. Product plans have not yet been made public.


Pertino is led by Craig Elliott, formerly CEO of Packeteer and International General Manager of Apple’s internet and online services.

The funding came from Norwest Venture Partners (NVP) and Lightspeed Venture Partners. Craig Elliott and other noted networking and tech luminaries and private investors participated in the round, including: Steve Campbell, Co-founder and former CEO of Stratacom; Joe Graziano, former CFO of Apple and Sun Microsystems; Rob Ryan, Co-founder and former CEO of Ascend Communications; Peter Wagner, former General Partner at Accel Partners; Gaurav Garg, Special Limited Partner at Sequoia Ventures; and Jeffrey Drazan, Managing Partner at Bertram Capital.
http://www.pertino.com

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Union Members Call for Strike at AT&T Midwest

With their current contract set to expire on April 7th and negotiations at an impasse, unionized members of the Communications Workers of America at AT&T Midwest have voted to authorize CWA leaders to call a strike if a fair contract cannot be reached. Ninety-two (92) percent of voting AT&T Midwest members approved the strike authorization.


About 15,000 CWA-represented workers are at AT&T Midwest in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.


"These negotiations are all about good jobs. A successful company like AT&T Midwest should invest in rebuilding the American economy and not follow the low road of outsourcing and layoffs,�? said CWA District 4 Vice President Seth Rosen.
http://www.cwa-union.org

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Saudi Telecom CEO to Step Down

Saudi Telecom CEO Saud AL Daweesh announced his intention to retire. Over the past six years as CEO, AL Daweesh has helped transform STC into an international powerhouse with over 160 million subscribers and 19 operations in south East Asia, The Middle East, Turkey and Africa. http://www.stc.com.sa

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GSMA Predicts Rapid Mobile BB Growth in India

The number of 3G HSPA subscribers in India has passed the 10 million mark and this number will grow to 100 million by 2014, predicts the GSMA. This will make India the largest HSPA market worldwide within the next two years, surpassing China, Japan and the US in the process.


"The mobile industry in India is set for immense growth as Mobile Broadband technologies such as HSPA and LTE start to proliferate, but there is scope for far greater development," said Anne Bouverot, director general of the GSMA. "To take full advantage of this, the Indian government should facilitate the timely release of additional spectrum in a fair and transparent way for all stakeholders. The benefits are clear to see – a 10 per cent increase in Mobile Broadband penetration could contribute as much as US$80 billion (INR 3,506 billion) of revenue across the country's transport, healthcare and education sectors by 2015."http://www.gsma.com

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Equinix Builds Out Data Center in Sydney

Equinix has accelerated construction of phase two of its third Sydney International Business Exchange (IBX®) data centre. Equinix cited high demand for premium colocation and interconnection services from cloud and financial service providers. The company is investing an additional US$50 million into the expansion of SY3, doubling the number of cabinets to 2,000. The expansion capital required is already reflected in the company’s 2012 guidance.
http://www.equinix.com

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GENBAND Acquires Aztek Networks

GENBAND has acquired Aztek Networks, a supplier of switch consolidation and network migration solutions, for an undisclosed sum.




Aztek Networks supplies Emergency Stand Alone (ESA) switches that are environmentally hardened, fully redundant and designed to ensure public safety by constantly maintaining local calling capabilities and subscriber access to emergency 911 services in the event the link to the primary host switch is severed due to an accident or natural disaster. The company is privately held and backed by a number of notable VC investors, including Verizon Investments LLC as arranged by Verizon Ventures. The company was founded in 1982 as Aztek Engineering and is based in Boulder, Colorado.



GENBAND said Aztek's line access technology enhances its Network Transformation offering by enabling operators to eliminate legacy TDM sites, consolidate and modernize their core network and realize significant savings in capital and operating expenses. The Aztek 5000-series will be supported and marketed under the GENBAND G5 platform brand. The G5 Line Access Gateway is distinguished in its ability to drive long copper loops. As part of the GENBAND Network Transformation solution, the G5 interworks with the transformed IP core to support advanced IP services (including Multimedia, Unified Communications, Dynamic Routing and Mobility) and critical functionalities including Emergency Stand Alone (ESA) services, 911, fault reporting and alarms, as well as Trunking and DLC aggregation capabilities.


"The Aztek acquisition strategically enhances our network transformation capabilities with both innovative technology and talent," said Charlie Vogt, President and Chief Executive Officer of GENBAND. "We welcome Aztek customers, employees and solutions to the GENBAND family and look forward to offering the G5 platform, which is fully integrated into our network transformation portfolio. With this acquisition, GENBAND is uniquely positioned to offer our customers a true end-to-end network transformation solution - from the edge all the way to the core."http://www.genband.com
http://www.azteknetworks.net/

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Sigma Designs to Acquire Trident's Digital TV

In a bankruptcy proceeding, Sigma Designs was the successful bidder to acquire certain assets of Trident Microsystems' Digital Television (DTV) Business, which includes certain products, licensed intellectual property, software, working capital assets and leased facilities. The deal was for $21 million in cash plus assumption of specified liabilities upon the closing of the transaction.


Trident’s DTV Business supplies global System-on-a-Chip (SoC) products for set top boxes. Sigma expects to make employment offers to approximately 300 employees of the Trident DTV Business, most of whom are engineers located in China.


"Sigma Designs’ acquisition of the DTV business assets of Trident Microsystems represents a significant step forward in our company’s long term strategy of being the industry’s leading provider of advanced SoC solutions for converged media platforms,�? said Thinh Tran, Sigma Designs’ Chairman and CEO.
http://www.sigmadesigns.com

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EB Updates its Military Tough VoIP Desktop and Field Phone

EB, Elektrobit Corporation, introduced its next generation of EB Tough VoIP Field Phone and EB Tough VoIP Desktop Phone for military deployment. EB Tough VoIP Field Phone and EB Tough VoIP Desktop Phone are both equipped with an integrated speaker and Ethernet connectivity. EB Tough VoIP Field Phone is also equipped with SHDSL connectivity. The units can be configured to have e.g. optical Ethernet connectivity.


The enhanced features of the next generation of EB Tough VoIP Field Phone and EB Tough VoIP Desktop Phone are:

• Support for GPS positioning


• Support for new audio codecs further improving the products versatility


• Improved usability with new keypad, UI and wall mounting capability.


• Completely new mechanical construction for reduced weight and improved durability


• New connector options to allow better configuration for all users and applications

http://www.elektrobit.com

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NSN Completes Transfer of Network Mgt R&D to Tieto

Nokia Siemens Networks and Tieto Corporation have completed the transaction to outsource part of the maintenance, technical support and R&D for Nokia Siemens Networks’ mobile network Operations Support System (OSS) and Subscriber Data Management (SDM) activities in Finland, including the transfer of 238 Nokia Siemens Networks employees, to Tieto. The deal was originally announced in March.
http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com

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Integra Telecom Launches Wavelength Services

Integra Telecom has launched Wavelength Services to provide metro-area and long-haul private networking for customers who require high-bandwidth, dedicated network transport between facilities.


Integra Telecom operates a 5,000-mile long-haul fiber network and a 3,000-mile metropolitan access network, including more than 1,900 fiber-fed buildings, in 35 markets across 11 Western states, including: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah and Washington.


"Businesses today must store, manage and transport larger volumes of data than ever before. Our customers want assurances that their connections are secure and expertly managed, with ample capacity to support their growing network requirements," said Mike Kozlowski, director of product management for transport and data services at Integra Telecom. "Integra's Wavelength solution gives businesses the big data pipes they need to keep their facilities and IT resources tightly connected."http://integratelecom.com/services/Wavelength_Services.php

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Cisco to Open Innovation Center in Rio de Janeiro

Cisco announced plans to invest over R$1 billion (US$540 million) in Brazil over the next four years to foster innovation, transformation and socio-economic development. The investments will be focused around four main pillars: (1) the opening of a Cisco center of innovation in Rio de Janeiro; (2) investment in a Brazil-focused ICT and digital economy venture capital fund; (3) the expansion of local manufacturing in the country; and (4) intellectual property agreements and partnerships with Brazilian companies and entities to co-develop innovations to better serve the market.


Cisco expects these investments will generate around 800 jobs in Brazil, directly and indirectly through its partner ecosystem.


The Cisco Rio Center of Innovation will support Cisco's global Smart+Connected Communities efforts in Brazil, which aim to implement Cisco technologies via a service-delivery platform to enhance access to Internet-based services, spur economic development, and reduce the cost of government operations.
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In addition, Cisco announced plans to expand its local manufacturing in Brazil. The company began manufacturing set-top boxes in early 2011 at a plant in Manaus. This site has already expanded twice since then. With the current announcement, Cisco will expand its local manufacturing operations to include some of the best-selling models of its core routing and switching products, which will be produced in Brazil through one of its manufacturing partners. This expansion will be in compliance with PPB (Processo Produtivo Básico) and will reinforce Cisco's investments in local development.
http://www.cisco.com

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IEEE Forms 802.3 Twisted Pair GigE Study Group -- Automotive Ethernet

IEEE has formed an 802.3 Reduced Twisted Pair Gigabit Ethernet PHY study group that will examine automotive networking applications.


The global automotive industry is increasingly looking toward Ethernet to provide the backbone for all data connectivity, from infotainment systems to driver assistance to vehicle control systems such as those used in brakes, suspension and transmission. To achieve Gigabit Ethernet networking speeds via 1000BASE-T for those applications, four pairs of wires would be required. Reducing the number of wire pairs would cut the size and weight of Ethernet wiring in a vehicle.


The new IEEE 802.3 study group will explore the potential for an IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards project to define a Reduced Twisted Pair Gigabit Ethernet PHY.


“With a tremendous expansion in the number of Ethernet nodes in automobiles forecasted, the efficiencies to be realized in reducing wire pairs to achieve Gigabit Ethernet networking speeds will be of growing importance to that industry,�? said Steve Carlson, chairperson of the IEEE 802.3 Reduced Twisted Pair Gigabit Ethernet PHY Study Group and president of High Speed Design, Inc.


Added Dr. Kirsten Matheus, project manager for Ethernet IP & Strategy at BMW: "The automotive industry is moving full speed towards Ethernet-based in-car networking. A reduced pair Gigabit Ethernet standard suitable for automotive use is the missing link toward the flexible, scalable and future-proof networking technology we would like to deploy. We are excited at the prospect of this IEEE 802.3 activity."http://www.ieee802.org/3/RTPGE/index.html

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Cavium Expects Revenues to Decline 6-7% for Q1

Cavium issued updated financial guidance, saying it now expects results for the first quarter of 2012 to be below the company's previous outlook. Cavium now expects that revenue in the first quarter of 2012 will be approximately 6% to 7% lower than revenue in the fourth quarter of 2011. The company noted that revenues during the first quarter increased sequentially in the enterprise and data center markets, but declined in the service provider and broadband and consumer market. Sales in the service provider market were affected by continued inventory de-stocking, while sales into the broadband and consumer business were affected by delays in deployment of certain programs.


Cavium expects that total sales in the second quarter of 2012 will increase sequentially. The company expects that earnings per share in the first quarter of 2012 will be lower than previously expected by between $0.06 and $0.07 per share.
http://www.cavium.com

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Ericsson Completes BelAir Acquisition

Ericsson completed its previously-announced acquisition of BelAir Networks. The former BelAir Networks' staff will be integrated into the Ericsson group in business unit Networks over the coming months.


BelAir Networks, which is based in Ottawa, Ontario, supplies indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi systems that enable service providers to build scalable, high performance Wi-Fi networks. Announced customers include AT&T and Comcast.


"We are gaining BelAir Networks' leading position in carrier-grade Wi-Fi equipment both in terms of installed base and product portfolio. By integrating BelAir Networks' talented people and these new assets into Ericsson's mobile infrastructure leadership, we will accelerate the integration of Wi-Fi and cellular technologies and strengthen our heterogeneous network (hetnet) offering," said Johan Wibergh, Executive Vice President and head of business unit Networks, Ericsson.
http://www.ericsson.com

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CommScope Offers Upgraded HELIAX 3.0 Cabling for Cell Sites

CommScope announced the latest generation of its HELIAX interconnect solution designed for all types of cellular network site architectures.


HELIAX 3.0, built on Andrew Solutions connectivity technology, offers hybrid fiber and coaxial options for traditional as well as remote radio head configurations. The interconnect solution also provides faster, easier installations, network consistency and reduced passive intermodulation (PIM).


For sites with remote radio heads, HELIAX Remote Fiber Feeder (RFF) Cable combines power conductors and fiber into a single, high-performance cable. The RFF Cable features a gel-free design, a UV-rated outer jacket, rugged lightning-tested shield, and dry moisture-blocking elements within each fiber component. RFF Cable is available in single-mode or multi-mode with fiber and power conductor configurations and counts to supply a wide range of remote radio unit designs.


“HELIAX 3.0 is poised to become the interconnect solution for LTE. As network complexity increases, it’s critical to have one trusted solution that helps you deploy new technology quickly and easily,�? said Stan Catey, senior vice president, Cable Products, CommScope. “Operators must manage both national and regional networks with varying preferences, installations and technology overlays—doing so cost-efficiently is a growing challenge for them. Many networks now use both traditional coax and hybrid fiber components, which can make it difficult to ensure all equipment works together efficiently and properly. We believe HELIAX 3.0 brings it all together for operators in a way that hasn’t been done before.�?http://

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Digicel Acquires Voila in Haiti

Digicel Group has acquired its Haitian mobile operator, Voila, from its parent company, US-based Trilogy International Partners, for an undisclosed sum. The transaction closed on Friday, March 30, 2012.


The two companies will continue to be run separately.


Voila, which has been in the Haitian market since September 1999, currently serves nearly a million customers.


Digicel meanwhile launched in Haiti in 2005 and currently serves over 3.5 million customers there. Digicel has invested over US$600 million in its operations in Haiti to date and the Digicel Haiti Foundation has completed 70 schools providing education to 30,000 Haitian children.


Commenting on the acquisition, Colm Delves, Digicel Group CEO, said; "We are pleased to welcome Voila customers and staff to the Digicel family. As proud Haitian companies, Digicel and Voila share one very important thing in common; we are both deeply committed to ensuring our respective customers benefit from the best mobile experience. Digicel's acquisition of Voila will see mobile users across Haiti benefiting from increased investment in even better mobile services and new technology in the future."http://www.digicelgroup.com

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Altobridge Acquires Mobile Backhaul IP from Replify

Altobridge Limited has acquired mobile backhaul intellectual property from Replify.


Altobridge has been embedded this functionality into its patent-pending data optimisation platform, Data-at-the-Edge, and includes Byte Level Caching, Predictive Cache Loading, Data Stream de-duplication, Data Compression and Protocol Optimization, along with standard data optimization techniques.


Altobridge Data-at-the-Edge enables data passing between an operator’s core network and its radio access network (RAN) to be identified, managed and optimized at the most granular level, with intelligence to apply the best possible optimization to differing forms of data, e.g. video and email.

The company said its solution delivers mobile data backhaul reductions of over 50% and therefore has profound impact on the costs of delivering mobile broadband via backhaul-constrained cellular base stations. It can be applied to base stations serving remote communities, remote enterprises and macro urban areas in emerging markets and developing nations.

“Altobridge has spent a decade driving down the cost of remote communications access. Over the last three years, we have concentrated on mobile broadband optimization and this turnkey solution enables the world’s mobile network operators to truly bridge the mobile broadband divide,�? said Mike Fitzgerald, Chief Executive, Altobridge.
http://www.altobridge.com

• In March 2011, Altobridge, a start-up based in Dublin, Ireland, announced US$12 million in funding from Intel Capital and IFC for its low-cost, low-capital, wireless communications solutions designed for rural communities. The Altobridge solution provides wireless access for remote communities, enterprises and schools of the world's emerging markets. The company claims its "Data-at-the-Edge" reduces mobile network operators' backhaul requirements by at least 50%.

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NTT DOCOMO Cancels Plans for Silicon JV

NTT DOCOMO terminated an agreement concerning the establishment of a joint venture company to develop and sell semiconductor products for mobile devices, which the company signed with Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited, NEC Corporation, Panasonic Mobile Communications Co., Ltd. and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. in December 2011.


NTT DOCOMO said it was canceling the joint-venture agreement because a consensus on the details of the envisioned company could not be reached by the target deadline, the end of March.
http://www.ntt.co.jp

• In February, NTT DOCOMO, NEC, Panasonic Mobile Communications and Fujitsu announced plans to join forces to develop the software and hardware intellectual property for a single large-scale integration (LSI) chip that will enable small, energy-efficient modems to support the GSM, W-CDMA, HSPA+ and LTE mobile standards. The companies said the first prototype chips had already been taped out and tested. All mobile broadband standards supported by the chip meet 3GPP specifications. The LTE standard supports FDD (Frequency Division Duplexing) mode adopted by DOCOMO and TDD (Time Division Duplexing) mode expected to be adopted for LTE networks in China and other markets, which will help to further the development of advanced mobile devices by manufacturers worldwide.

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