by Pivot
Month: July 2009
Qwest Launches 40 Mbps DSL Tier
Qwest announced the launch of a VDSL2 powered DSL service, promising 40 Mbps down/20 Mbps up speeds.
Verizon Wireless Limits Handset Exclusivity
Verizon Wireless will limit new handset exclusivity for six months, presumably allowing smaller rural carriers access to them more quickly.
Windstream Launches Online Data Backup
Windstream Corp. (NYSE: WIN), a high-speed Internet, phone and digital TV provider, announced today its new online backup and file sharing service designed for residential and small business customers.
Can You Fix Broadband in the U.S? Tell Google, FCC How
Looking to cast as wide a net as possible in the search for good ideas, Google and the New America Foundation have launched a website, using Google Moderator, through which anyone can submit ideas that may wind up being considered by the FCC as it strives to come up with a National Broadband Plan
Comcast Launches iPhone App
Comcast announced the launch of a Comcast mobile application – a free downloadable app for the iPhone™ or iPod touch® – that gives customers access to all of their favorite services from Comcast including a unified inbox with Comcast.net email; visual voice mail; address book synch; real-time TV listings and trailers of movies available through Comcast On Demand.
Is There Anything to Fear From Google Voice?
Google announced the latest application for Google Voice – a mobile app for BlackBerry and Android platforms. It has the blogoshphere all abuzz. Predictions are ranging from a ‘nothing to see here’ to Google is your next phone company. Fear of Google Voice (GV) is justifiable
Verizon FiOS Looks to Apps, Facebook, Twitter
Verizon announced the launch of a few widgets today, or apps if you’re so inclined to call them. The widgets include Facebook and Twitter interfaces for FiOS TV subscribers.
Tax Credits for Broadband Infrastructure Legislation Introduced
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson has introduced the Connecting America Act of 2009 to help boost broadband in unserved and underserved markets. Unlike the current grant and loan program underway through the broadband stimulus program, Hutchinson’s approach uses tax credits for companies investing in broadband infrastructure.
Windstream Launches Managed Security for SMBs
Windstream (NYSE: WIN) is now offering ConnectStream Secure, a high-performance yet affordable managed security product for small and medium business customers.
Blockbuster OnDemand Coming to Samsung TVs, Blu-ray
Millions of homes across America to gain access to BLOCKBUSTER OnDemand movies. Samsung products to also be sold at select BLOCKBUSTER(R) stores and online at blockbuster.com
Avail-TVN Merger Official
Avail Media and TVN announced their merger has now closed and the new company is now called Avail-TVN.
NFL Sunday Ticket Package Coming to iPhone
DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket subscribers will be able to watch games on the iPhone and iPod Touch, starting with the 2009/2010 season. Subscribers have to subscribe to the Superfan upgrade of the Sunday Ticket package,
Do Consumers Really Want Cell Phone Bells and Whistles?
Music players, video streaming, today’s handheld mobile devices come packed with an ever-growing variety of features in addition to voice telephony.
SureWest Selects ADTRAN for Carrier Ethernet
Should Carriers Operate Networks?
Take Sprint for example. They just recently outsourced the operation and maintenance of their entire network to the Swedish networking equipment vendor Ericsson.
Little Love for Government on Broadband Stimulus Plan
Enthusiasm for the federal government’s handling of the broadband stimulus plan so far is a little underwhelming, to say the least. Both the Department of Agriculture’s RUS program and the Department of Commerce’s NTIA are in need of some love, relative to the BTOP and BIP programs.
Welcome to the New Telecompetitor!
Interested in Doling Out $4.7 Billion in Stimulus Cash?
The NTIA program is recruiting “volunteers to serve as panelists to evaluate grant proposals for the $4.7 billion BTOP.”
Clearwire Makes Las Vegas Launch Official
AT&T Stresses Need for Wireline Home Phone
Using emergency 911 calling as a backdrop, AT&T is stressing the need for families to maintain at least one corded wireline phone in their home.
Impressions From the First Broadband Stimulus Workshop
I attended the first Broadband Stimulus workshop in suburban Washington D.C. today. This workshop was a first in a series of upcoming broadband stimulus workshops taking place over the coming weeks in multiple locations across the U.S. Today’s workshop provided much more detail on both the RUS Broadband Initiative Program (BIP) and the NTIA Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).
Netbook Price War Escalates
Netbooks have quickly become a popular competitive weapon among 3g wireless operators. Sprint is now offering a 99 cents netbook promotion.
DOJ to Review Competitive Practices of Telecom Industry
Is another MFJ on the horizon? The Justice Department intends to open a review of the telecom industry to determine if large conglomerates like Verizon and AT&T have abused their market power.
Integra Telecom to Launch IPTV Services
Integra Telecom Inc., a facilities-based, integrated communications provider, received approval from the Prior Lake City Council on Monday, June 15, for the issuance of a cable communications franchise agreement. This agreement will allow the company to offer digital television services to its customers in the Prior Lake, Minn., area.