[The NY Times] Data centers’ unquenchable thirst for electricity has been slaked by the global recession and by a combination of new power-saving technologies, according to an independent report on data center power use from 2005 to 2010.
The report, by Jonathan G. Koomey, a consulting professor in the civil and environmental engineering department at Stanford University, found that the actual number of computer servers declined significantly compared to 2010 forecasts because of this lowered demand for computing and because of the financial crisis of 2008 and the emergence of technologies like more efficient computer chips and computer server virtualization, which allows fewer servers to run more programs.
The slowing of growth in consumption contradicts a 2007 forecast by the Environmental Protection Agency that the explosive expansion of the Internet and the computerization of society would lead to a doubling of power consumed by data centers from 2005 to 2010.
In the new study, prepared at the request of The New York Times, Mr. Koomey found that electricity used by data centers worldwide grew significantly, but it was an increase of only about 56 percent from 2005 to 2010. In the United States, power consumption increased by 36 percent, according to Mr. Koomey’s report, titled “Growth in Data Center Power Use 2005 to 2010.”
Data Centers’ Power Use Less Than Was Expected
see also original US Govt report
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Australia - Minister says that prices for services over the NBN are set to fall
[kidsolo] Minister Stephen Conroy says internet prices will fall as major service providers begin offering services on the National Broadband Network.
Mr Conroy rebuffed suggestions the network would be too expensive for everyday users as he switched on the network today for 2000 households at Kiama, on the NSW south coast.
Internet service provider Internode last week announced a $190 a month plan allowing users to get the full 100 megabits per second speeds promised by the government with a 1 terabyte download limit.
Senator Conroy said the competition between service providers including Telstra, Optus, iiNet and Vodafone, which are yet to come out with their own access prices, would give internet users a better deal.
“I see more exciting retail competition and we all know that retail competition will actually lead to lower prices,” he said.
He said another company, Dodo, had flagged a national access price of below $40 while Exetel had proceeded with a $35 mainland price.
“These claims people will be paying more in regional areas for the national broadband are just being shown by other retail service providers to be false,” he said.
NBN Co chief Mike Quigley said consumers today would have to pay huge costs to get the sort of speeds that would be offered by the NBN for a fraction of the cost.
“It costs you literally thousands of dollars to buy that service today,” he said.
The National Broadband Network will allow Australians to download at 100 Mbps and upload at 40 Mbps.
NBN prices set to drop
Mr Conroy rebuffed suggestions the network would be too expensive for everyday users as he switched on the network today for 2000 households at Kiama, on the NSW south coast.
Internet service provider Internode last week announced a $190 a month plan allowing users to get the full 100 megabits per second speeds promised by the government with a 1 terabyte download limit.
Senator Conroy said the competition between service providers including Telstra, Optus, iiNet and Vodafone, which are yet to come out with their own access prices, would give internet users a better deal.
“I see more exciting retail competition and we all know that retail competition will actually lead to lower prices,” he said.
He said another company, Dodo, had flagged a national access price of below $40 while Exetel had proceeded with a $35 mainland price.
“These claims people will be paying more in regional areas for the national broadband are just being shown by other retail service providers to be false,” he said.
NBN Co chief Mike Quigley said consumers today would have to pay huge costs to get the sort of speeds that would be offered by the NBN for a fraction of the cost.
“It costs you literally thousands of dollars to buy that service today,” he said.
The National Broadband Network will allow Australians to download at 100 Mbps and upload at 40 Mbps.
NBN prices set to drop
Ultrabooks - Intel is pitching for powerful, affordable ultra-thin notebook computers though whether it will succeed is another matter
[zdnet] In an era of smartphones and tablets, Intel is banking on the Ultrabook to breathe new life into the PC. Intel execs have said this new class of powerful, affordable ultra-thin notebooks could represent as much as 40 percent of consumer laptops by the end of next year.
But what exactly makes the Ultrabook different from, say an Apple MacBook Air, hasn’t been clear. Part of this is because the Ultrabook will take several years to fully evolve. The first Ultrabooks from the likes of Asus, HP, Lenovo and LG Electronics are due in time for the holidays. But from the start Intel has said that it will require several generations of new silicon, and hardware and software engineering, to realize the concept.
Now Intel is providing more details on how the Ultrabook will evolve. In a blog post this week, Becky Emmett, a media relations manager at Intel, wrote about the “substantial changes to the way Intel and its partners design, produce and market devices and their components” to enable the Ultrabook.
The first Ultrabooks, based on ultra-low voltage version of the second-generation Core processor (better-known as Sandy Bridge) will arrive in time of the holidays. The basic features of these Ultrabooks are already well-known:
Less than 0.8 inches thick
Fast start-up from hibernation with Intel’s Rapid Start technology
Five to eight hours of battery life
Enhanced security features to secure laptops and prevent identity theft
The Asus UX21, an 11.6-inch laptop, is expected to be the first when it ships this fall, followed by the Lenovo IdeaPad U300s and LG P220. But lately there have been rumors that computer makers are having trouble putting these together for less than $1,000 so the ramp of these first-generation Ultrabook may be slower than anticipated.
The second wave of Ultrabooks, due in the first half of next year, will be based on Intel’s first 22nm processors, known as Ivy Bridge. Intel claims these will have longer battery life, better performance, beefier security and high-speed data transfers with USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt, the I/O technology in several Apple Macs and the Sony VAIO Z Series.
Finally the third phase will be based on a new microarchitecture, Haswell, which Intel should release in 2014. With Haswell, Intel plans to change the basic design of its processors so that they use around half the power of today’s CPUs. In other words, you’ll get the performance (and price) of a mainstream processor combined with the battery life of today’s low-voltage versions. They should also be able to fit into even thinner and lighter systems that require less cooling.
PCs are always getting thinner, lighter, faster and cheaper. Intel is promising something bigger here comparing the Ultrabook with major shifts of the past such as the introduction of the Pentium processor in 1995 and the Centrino mobile platform in 2003. Intel says that eventually he Ultrabook will become “a tablet when you want it, a PC when you need it.” As someone who has spent a lot of time using convertible tablets, with mixed success, I can tell you that would be “an historic change” if Intel and the rest of the industry can pull it off.
Intel has big plans for Ultrabooks
But what exactly makes the Ultrabook different from, say an Apple MacBook Air, hasn’t been clear. Part of this is because the Ultrabook will take several years to fully evolve. The first Ultrabooks from the likes of Asus, HP, Lenovo and LG Electronics are due in time for the holidays. But from the start Intel has said that it will require several generations of new silicon, and hardware and software engineering, to realize the concept.
Now Intel is providing more details on how the Ultrabook will evolve. In a blog post this week, Becky Emmett, a media relations manager at Intel, wrote about the “substantial changes to the way Intel and its partners design, produce and market devices and their components” to enable the Ultrabook.
The first Ultrabooks, based on ultra-low voltage version of the second-generation Core processor (better-known as Sandy Bridge) will arrive in time of the holidays. The basic features of these Ultrabooks are already well-known:
Less than 0.8 inches thick
Fast start-up from hibernation with Intel’s Rapid Start technology
Five to eight hours of battery life
Enhanced security features to secure laptops and prevent identity theft
The Asus UX21, an 11.6-inch laptop, is expected to be the first when it ships this fall, followed by the Lenovo IdeaPad U300s and LG P220. But lately there have been rumors that computer makers are having trouble putting these together for less than $1,000 so the ramp of these first-generation Ultrabook may be slower than anticipated.
The second wave of Ultrabooks, due in the first half of next year, will be based on Intel’s first 22nm processors, known as Ivy Bridge. Intel claims these will have longer battery life, better performance, beefier security and high-speed data transfers with USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt, the I/O technology in several Apple Macs and the Sony VAIO Z Series.
Finally the third phase will be based on a new microarchitecture, Haswell, which Intel should release in 2014. With Haswell, Intel plans to change the basic design of its processors so that they use around half the power of today’s CPUs. In other words, you’ll get the performance (and price) of a mainstream processor combined with the battery life of today’s low-voltage versions. They should also be able to fit into even thinner and lighter systems that require less cooling.
PCs are always getting thinner, lighter, faster and cheaper. Intel is promising something bigger here comparing the Ultrabook with major shifts of the past such as the introduction of the Pentium processor in 1995 and the Centrino mobile platform in 2003. Intel says that eventually he Ultrabook will become “a tablet when you want it, a PC when you need it.” As someone who has spent a lot of time using convertible tablets, with mixed success, I can tell you that would be “an historic change” if Intel and the rest of the industry can pull it off.
Intel has big plans for Ultrabooks
Laos - XY Mobile has been nominated for a prize for its work on providing mobile phones and tablets with local language
[webwire] The Red Herring selection committee has chosen XY Mobile, as an exceptional candidate to become a 2011 Red Herring 100 Asia Finalist.
Vientiane, Laos PDR, 27 July, 2011: The Laos company, XY Mobile, who provides affordable mobile phones and tablets with local language, and services has been selected by the Red Herring selection committee as an exceptional candidate to become a 2011 Red Herring 100 Asia finalist.
Red Herring’s Top 100 Asia list has become a mark of distinction for identifying promising new companies and entrepreneurs. Red Herring were among the first recognizing companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, Skype, YouTube, and eBay would change the way we live and work.
“We are very proud to have been chosen as an exceptional candidate for the Red Herring Asia list,” says Anousak Souphavahn, Managing Director, XY Mobile Company limited.
“This recognition could not have come at a better time. We are working hard on getting an investor to join XY Mobile in order to keep up with the demand for our products.”
XY Mobile Co., Ltd is a Joint Venture between the Lao company Xangdao Co., ltd and the Thai company Yozzo Co., ltd. The company aims to bridge the digital divide by providing mobile phones and tablets with local language, giving the users access to communication, education, information, and entertainment in their own language.
Red Herring’s editorial staff evaluates companies on both quantitative and qualitative criteria, such as financial performance, technology innovation, management quality, strategy, and market penetration, which make the list a valuable instrument of discovery and advocacy for the most promising new business models in Asia. The candidate list will be narrowed down from candidates across Asia to a final Asia Top 100 Winners in September.
Laos Telecom Company, candidate for Asia Top 100 List
Vientiane, Laos PDR, 27 July, 2011: The Laos company, XY Mobile, who provides affordable mobile phones and tablets with local language, and services has been selected by the Red Herring selection committee as an exceptional candidate to become a 2011 Red Herring 100 Asia finalist.
Red Herring’s Top 100 Asia list has become a mark of distinction for identifying promising new companies and entrepreneurs. Red Herring were among the first recognizing companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, Skype, YouTube, and eBay would change the way we live and work.
“We are very proud to have been chosen as an exceptional candidate for the Red Herring Asia list,” says Anousak Souphavahn, Managing Director, XY Mobile Company limited.
“This recognition could not have come at a better time. We are working hard on getting an investor to join XY Mobile in order to keep up with the demand for our products.”
XY Mobile Co., Ltd is a Joint Venture between the Lao company Xangdao Co., ltd and the Thai company Yozzo Co., ltd. The company aims to bridge the digital divide by providing mobile phones and tablets with local language, giving the users access to communication, education, information, and entertainment in their own language.
Red Herring’s editorial staff evaluates companies on both quantitative and qualitative criteria, such as financial performance, technology innovation, management quality, strategy, and market penetration, which make the list a valuable instrument of discovery and advocacy for the most promising new business models in Asia. The candidate list will be narrowed down from candidates across Asia to a final Asia Top 100 Winners in September.
Laos Telecom Company, candidate for Asia Top 100 List
Australia - Customers in Kiama found phenomenal download speeds with NBN
[illawarra mercury] The National Broadband Network's first Kiama customers have experienced "phenomenal" download speeds 40 times faster than existing internet connections.
Residents Paul and Jeanette Burgess were among the first customers to access the fibre network, which was officially switched on at Kiama Downs and Minnamurra yesterday.
They believe it will greatly enhance their home-based training business.
"It'll enable me to remotely access client data files and be able to help them in that way," Mrs Burgess said.
"I also will have better access for teleconferencing and running webinars, and to be able to put up training videos and things like that."
The couple has been using the NBN for about a week.
In that time, Mr Burgess said his home internet speeds had rocketed to more than 80Mbps, close to the 100Mbps promised via the network.
"It's instant," he said.
"When you open an email or something like that, it's just there, right in your face."
Only nine of the 2350 homes in the Kiama Downs first release area have so far been connected.
That number is expected to increase to more than 100 before commercial services begin in late September or early October.
Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan and Communications Minister Stephen Conroy visited Kiama yesterday for the launch, which marked the first connections on the east coast.
"The National Broadband Network is not just about building for today or even two years' time or five years' time," Senator Conroy said at the launch.
"It's about future-proofing our nation, giving it the best possible infrastructure to make it internationally competitive for the next 50 years."
Sen Conroy also rejected some suggestions that the network could cost more for regional users.
Retail service provider Internode released its NBN pricing last week, with packages ranging from $50 to $190 a month.
Sen Conroy predicted competition between service providers, including Telstra, Optus and iiNet, which are yet to release price guides, would drive costs down.
Other companies had already revealed deals for as little as $35, he said.
"So these claims that people will be paying more in regional areas for the National Broadband Network are just being shown by other retail service providers to be false," Sen Conroy added.
Residents Paul and Jeanette Burgess were among the first customers to access the fibre network, which was officially switched on at Kiama Downs and Minnamurra yesterday.
They believe it will greatly enhance their home-based training business.
"It'll enable me to remotely access client data files and be able to help them in that way," Mrs Burgess said.
"I also will have better access for teleconferencing and running webinars, and to be able to put up training videos and things like that."
The couple has been using the NBN for about a week.
In that time, Mr Burgess said his home internet speeds had rocketed to more than 80Mbps, close to the 100Mbps promised via the network.
"It's instant," he said.
"When you open an email or something like that, it's just there, right in your face."
Only nine of the 2350 homes in the Kiama Downs first release area have so far been connected.
That number is expected to increase to more than 100 before commercial services begin in late September or early October.
Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan and Communications Minister Stephen Conroy visited Kiama yesterday for the launch, which marked the first connections on the east coast.
"The National Broadband Network is not just about building for today or even two years' time or five years' time," Senator Conroy said at the launch.
"It's about future-proofing our nation, giving it the best possible infrastructure to make it internationally competitive for the next 50 years."
Sen Conroy also rejected some suggestions that the network could cost more for regional users.
Retail service provider Internode released its NBN pricing last week, with packages ranging from $50 to $190 a month.
Sen Conroy predicted competition between service providers, including Telstra, Optus and iiNet, which are yet to release price guides, would drive costs down.
Other companies had already revealed deals for as little as $35, he said.
"So these claims that people will be paying more in regional areas for the National Broadband Network are just being shown by other retail service providers to be false," Sen Conroy added.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
USA - Consumer Reports analysis of bills shows most mobile data users are under 500MB per month
[consumer reports] Although the average amount of data consumed each month by smart-phone owners appears to be on the rise, many data users eat up far fewer megabytes than you might expect, according to the latest statistics culled for Consumer Reports from 23,000 consumer cell-phone bills.
Average smart-phone data use in the February, 2010 to February, 2011 bill sample ranged from 274MB to 449MB per month, depending on carrier, as shown in the chart below. But the median smart phone data user (midpoint on the range) consumed dramatically less—only 48MB at T-Mobile to 158MB at Verizon Wireless.
Smart phone use (MB/month)
(Data provided by Validas, a company that advises consumers and businesses which cellular plans meet their needs, based on their actual voice, messaging, and data usage, as shown on their cell bills uploaded at www.validas.com. This analysis excluded feature-phone owners and consumers who don’t use any data services at all; data usage at Sprint is not available, because there was an insufficient number of smart phones in that carrier’s bill sample.)
The sizable difference between the average and median results from the relatively small percentage of users who gobble up huge amounts of data, which pulls up the average.
These new results confirm what we've previously reported: that Verizon's move to metered data pricing and its minimum smart-phone-data charge of $30 for 2GB per month won't save any new customers a dime, because most smart-phone owners don't use anywhere near 2GB. Verizon has said customers who signed on to data service before the metered plans can stay with the company's old $30-a-month unlimited plan. But for most users, whether they have an unlimited plan or one that has a 2GB limit is moot, since their typical monthly data use is well below that data limit.
So new T-Mobile smart phone owners who use only the median amount of data will find the best price at that carrier, just $10 for 200MB. The median AT&T smart-phone data user would pay more, $15 for 200MB.
But the median Verizon smart phone customer gets the worst deal. He pays top dollar, $30 for 2GB, and at the end of a typical month leaves unused some 90 percent, or 1.8GB, of the data he paid for.
Smart-phone data nibblers outnumber data hogs">
Average smart-phone data use in the February, 2010 to February, 2011 bill sample ranged from 274MB to 449MB per month, depending on carrier, as shown in the chart below. But the median smart phone data user (midpoint on the range) consumed dramatically less—only 48MB at T-Mobile to 158MB at Verizon Wireless.
Smart phone use (MB/month)
- AT&T
- Average 360
- Median 120
- Average 360
- T-Mobile
- Average 274
- Median 48
- Average 274
- Verizon
- Average 449
- Median 158
- Average 449
(Data provided by Validas, a company that advises consumers and businesses which cellular plans meet their needs, based on their actual voice, messaging, and data usage, as shown on their cell bills uploaded at www.validas.com. This analysis excluded feature-phone owners and consumers who don’t use any data services at all; data usage at Sprint is not available, because there was an insufficient number of smart phones in that carrier’s bill sample.)
The sizable difference between the average and median results from the relatively small percentage of users who gobble up huge amounts of data, which pulls up the average.
These new results confirm what we've previously reported: that Verizon's move to metered data pricing and its minimum smart-phone-data charge of $30 for 2GB per month won't save any new customers a dime, because most smart-phone owners don't use anywhere near 2GB. Verizon has said customers who signed on to data service before the metered plans can stay with the company's old $30-a-month unlimited plan. But for most users, whether they have an unlimited plan or one that has a 2GB limit is moot, since their typical monthly data use is well below that data limit.
So new T-Mobile smart phone owners who use only the median amount of data will find the best price at that carrier, just $10 for 200MB. The median AT&T smart-phone data user would pay more, $15 for 200MB.
But the median Verizon smart phone customer gets the worst deal. He pays top dollar, $30 for 2GB, and at the end of a typical month leaves unused some 90 percent, or 1.8GB, of the data he paid for.
Smart-phone data nibblers outnumber data hogs">
USA - 11 state attorneys general support the proposed merger of AT&T and T-Mobile
[yankee group] AT&T's proposed $39 billion merger with T-Mobile USA has now received support from 11 state attorneys general, led by Dustin McDaniel of Arkansas and Mark Shurtleff of Utah.
According to a Bloomberg article, the state AGs sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice and the FCC urging them to "expeditiously review and approve the proposed merger." In addition to Arkansas and Utah, AGs from Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming all signed the letter.
In a statement e-mailed to the press, McDaniel said: "There are significant economic and public benefits to this merger. My primary concern is my hope that federal regulators do not require the divestiture of much-needed spectrum capacity."
The merger will significantly improve AT&T's spectrum capacity, especially in large cities like San Francisco and New York. The state AGs cite AT&T promise of being able to bring wireless broadband to more than 97 percent of the U.S. population as a key reason to OK the merger.
Unfortunately, Yankee Group believes the state AGs are missing the forest for the trees. While the merger will result in better coverage and AT&T might deliver on its promise to bring wireless broadband service to 97 percent of the U.S., the merger will also result in AT&T and Verizon enjoying an effective duopoly. Yankee Group believes such a situation will lead to higher prices for T-Mobile's consumer and business customers.
"Our analysis shows the proposed transaction will create significant market concentration in 15 of the top 27 U.S. markets," said Brian Partridge, VP of research at Yankee Group. "As market concentration implies less competition, we conclude the amounts that consumers pay will go up in the most concentrated markets. Our view is that the potential benefits just don't justify the costs."
11 State AGs Come Out in Favor of AT&T/T-Mobile Deal
According to a Bloomberg article, the state AGs sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice and the FCC urging them to "expeditiously review and approve the proposed merger." In addition to Arkansas and Utah, AGs from Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming all signed the letter.
In a statement e-mailed to the press, McDaniel said: "There are significant economic and public benefits to this merger. My primary concern is my hope that federal regulators do not require the divestiture of much-needed spectrum capacity."
The merger will significantly improve AT&T's spectrum capacity, especially in large cities like San Francisco and New York. The state AGs cite AT&T promise of being able to bring wireless broadband to more than 97 percent of the U.S. population as a key reason to OK the merger.
Unfortunately, Yankee Group believes the state AGs are missing the forest for the trees. While the merger will result in better coverage and AT&T might deliver on its promise to bring wireless broadband service to 97 percent of the U.S., the merger will also result in AT&T and Verizon enjoying an effective duopoly. Yankee Group believes such a situation will lead to higher prices for T-Mobile's consumer and business customers.
"Our analysis shows the proposed transaction will create significant market concentration in 15 of the top 27 U.S. markets," said Brian Partridge, VP of research at Yankee Group. "As market concentration implies less competition, we conclude the amounts that consumers pay will go up in the most concentrated markets. Our view is that the potential benefits just don't justify the costs."
11 State AGs Come Out in Favor of AT&T/T-Mobile Deal
USA - Wireless operators have called for reform of universal service and "intercarrier compensation"
[prnewswire] Regarding the introduction of a proposed framework for universal service and intercarrier compensation reform by AT&T, CenturyLink, FairPoint, Frontier, Verizon and Windstream, CTIA-The Wireless Association® Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Guttman-McCabe issued the following statement:
"CTIA has called for reform of both of the outdated intercarrier compensation and universal service mechanisms for several years. While we look forward to reviewing the final details of the plan, it appears to advance several key goals, particularly in the areas of intercarrier compensation, and moves the ball forward on a number of important issues. We will work with the parties and Commission on these issues and on the creation of a robust, ongoing mobility fund that will facilitate the wireless broadband goals of the President and the Commission. Consumers are rapidly migrating to mobile broadband, and a sufficient mobility fund that ensures that Americans have access to those services not only makes sense, but also is good policy."
CTIA-The Wireless Association® Statement on the Proposed Framework for Universal Service and Intercarrier Compensation Reform
"CTIA has called for reform of both of the outdated intercarrier compensation and universal service mechanisms for several years. While we look forward to reviewing the final details of the plan, it appears to advance several key goals, particularly in the areas of intercarrier compensation, and moves the ball forward on a number of important issues. We will work with the parties and Commission on these issues and on the creation of a robust, ongoing mobility fund that will facilitate the wireless broadband goals of the President and the Commission. Consumers are rapidly migrating to mobile broadband, and a sufficient mobility fund that ensures that Americans have access to those services not only makes sense, but also is good policy."
CTIA-The Wireless Association® Statement on the Proposed Framework for Universal Service and Intercarrier Compensation Reform
Friday, July 29, 2011
M-VoIP - Vonage is offering inclusive calls to 60 countries for USD 26 per month
[zdnet] Vonage’s international calling plan is stepping up to be a more affordable and flexible option as the service extends to mobile.
The new Vonage World plan is as follows: Subscribers can call land-line numbers in over 60 countries from either their own land-line or mobile phone using the VoIP service for $25.99 per month. Users can also call mobile numbers in up to 10 countries on the same plan.
Vonage suggests that anyone who already conducts international phone calls for a little as an hour a week could save up to $250 with this option.
Mike Tempora, senior vice president of product management for Vonage, said that the mobile option was in high demand from its customers, citing that “70 percent said they make international calls while their away from home either by using a calling card or paying high carrier rates.”
Additionally, the revamped plan includes the new Extensions feature, which enables customers to add any U.S. phone number (mobile, home or office) as another number on the plan. (Note that fax numbers as well as 800/887 and virtual numbers are not supported). That number can then double as a virtual calling card to re-route calls over the Vonage’s network.
For example, this makes the most sense if a subscriber has Vonage World at home or work, and wants to add his or her cell phone number to the plan, or vice versa.
The process to take advantage of this might seem a bit complicated on paper, but it’s rather straightforward. Once the user registers the number on his or her online account page, the user will then have to select a PIN number for validating the subscriber and the phone line later on. From there, when the user wants to make an international call, he or she just dials an access number, the PIN number and then the international phone number he or she is calling.
Tempora added that customers who use virtual numbers and/or international calling cards will find the process to be quite similar and intuitive.
Although this service is supported by any mobile device, there will be apps for iOS and Android in the coming weeks with a one-touch solution to streamline this process.
Vonage offering unlimited international calling via mobile phones
The new Vonage World plan is as follows: Subscribers can call land-line numbers in over 60 countries from either their own land-line or mobile phone using the VoIP service for $25.99 per month. Users can also call mobile numbers in up to 10 countries on the same plan.
Vonage suggests that anyone who already conducts international phone calls for a little as an hour a week could save up to $250 with this option.
Mike Tempora, senior vice president of product management for Vonage, said that the mobile option was in high demand from its customers, citing that “70 percent said they make international calls while their away from home either by using a calling card or paying high carrier rates.”
Additionally, the revamped plan includes the new Extensions feature, which enables customers to add any U.S. phone number (mobile, home or office) as another number on the plan. (Note that fax numbers as well as 800/887 and virtual numbers are not supported). That number can then double as a virtual calling card to re-route calls over the Vonage’s network.
For example, this makes the most sense if a subscriber has Vonage World at home or work, and wants to add his or her cell phone number to the plan, or vice versa.
The process to take advantage of this might seem a bit complicated on paper, but it’s rather straightforward. Once the user registers the number on his or her online account page, the user will then have to select a PIN number for validating the subscriber and the phone line later on. From there, when the user wants to make an international call, he or she just dials an access number, the PIN number and then the international phone number he or she is calling.
Tempora added that customers who use virtual numbers and/or international calling cards will find the process to be quite similar and intuitive.
Although this service is supported by any mobile device, there will be apps for iOS and Android in the coming weeks with a one-touch solution to streamline this process.
Vonage offering unlimited international calling via mobile phones
Mobile - With purchases inside an app, business plans for developers will change ending up-front payments
[wireless week] In-app purchases are poised to change forever the way mobile application developers sculpt their business plans. The days of paying up front for an app are coming to an end. As application markets become saturated, developers are opting to get basic versions of their products into users' hands for free and then allowing them to get additional functionality for an extra buck or two.
Zynga, maker of social game titles like Farmville and Mafia Wars, has perfected the in-app purchases model. Both Farmville and Mafia Wars are free apps on any platform, but once you're in there, you're sure as heck going to need some "Farm Cash" to remain competitive, right? Users can buy virtual cash with real cash from within these kinds of apps.
Driving home the point that in-app purchases are the wave of the future is research from app analytics firm Distimo, which found that in 2010, 49 percent of the revenue from iPhone apps came by way of in-app purchases in both free and paid apps. Additionally, Juniper Research forecasts that revenue from in-app purchases will eclipse that generated by standard downloads by 2013.
Carrier Billing Versus Credit Card
Most in-app purchases are currently billed to a user's credit card, which is entered one time through an application store like Apple's App Store or the Android Market. But some say in-app billing could be more seamlessly offered through existing carrier billing systems, with purchases added to the user's carrier bill at the end of the month.
Aepona, a company that provides various cloud computing solutions, offers a cloud-based billing platform, as well as developer APIs that it brought to life through the 2009 acquisition of Valista, a software company that provides payment, settlement and service life cycle management solutions.
Fran Heeran, vice president of product strategy for Aepona, who came from Valista, says that bridging the gap between carriers and developers in a way that simplifies in-app purchases is a major coup for both parties, and something that even organizations like the Wholesale Applications Community (WAC) sees as an important initiative.
WAC has taken on exposing network services for developers as one of its key missions and billing is tops on that list. "The most important one for WAC is the in-app billing API, because I think we've all seen the shift, certainly on the app stores, away from paying for the app up front to more of the freemium model," Heeran says, adding that in-app billing is appealing because everyone on a mobile device has an account and billing information already is set up with a carrier.
Heeran says the "try-before-you-buy" model has become increasingly popular with developers who are finding it hard to charge much more than $1 for their apps because so many alternatives are available to the end user. Aepona's solution, which sits in the cloud between the developer and the carrier, seeks to simplify and facilitate in-app purchases for both developers and operators.
"With in-app charging, where it's different, is that you've got potentially billions of origination points for your charge requests, because my phone is now making a direct request to the carrier's infrastructure," Heeran says. "It's not coming through a trusted partner server... it's literally from any phone in the world."
Heeran says developers expect a complex billing solution capable of handling everything from fraud to refunds, which hasn't been the case with past home-brewed carrier solutions. "What we've done is we've put in place the infrastructure that essentially transforms the carrier's bill into what developers would perceive as being a robust traditional financial network."
It's one step closer to easing the challenges for developers who want to sell content and virtual goods from within their apps, while keeping the carriers relevant at the same time.
Developers Serious about Revenue
App development has become big business. Developers have moved beyond the experimental stage and are now looking to make real businesses out of their software. A survey of 318 mobile developers conducted by Urban Airship, a company that provides developers with various APIs for things like push notifications, found that only 13 percent of developers plan to make a non-revenue-generating app in 2011, compared with 33 percent who did so in 2010. In-app purchases are becoming the foundation of those businesses, with implementations rising from 8 percent in 2010 to 31 percent in 2011, according to the survey.
Sasha Mace, director of product for Urban Airship, says that a developer's first concern is driving engagement of their product and an upfront purchase is just a barrier to engagement, making in-app purchases an ideal way to monetize after the user is already hooked.
But in-app purchases also create a simplified way for developers to reduce the amount of work they have to do to keep making money on their software. Game developers are already experimenting with ways for users to purchase additional levels for a title without having to rewrite the whole game as a separate application.
"You don't typically go to market anymore with a one-hit wonder that doesn't have an additional release," says Dylan Boyd, director of growth for Urban Airship. "So being able to focus on that release from a standpoint of selling advanced functionality or the unlocking of content…is a very easy way to continue to monetize almost anything, a newspaper, a game, a music app, anything, without a lot of development work."
Both Boyd and Mace say in-app purchases, in combination with other APIs like push notifications and location, are the perfect cocktail for developers looking to further monetize their apps. Imagine the user of a social scavenger hunt app getting a push notification that they're near a hidden item. For just 99 cents, they could purchase, from within the app, an additional clue as to where to look for the item or RFID tag in question.
In the end, developers are gearing up to nickel-and-dime users on their way to a profit. It's the recurring impulse 99 cent purchase that developers are targeting, which might not seem like much on its own. But imagine a million people all wanting to get to the next level of whatever game happens to be top of the charts; then you've got a mountain of pennies, as well as a viable business.
In-App Billing Proves Profitable for Developers
Zynga, maker of social game titles like Farmville and Mafia Wars, has perfected the in-app purchases model. Both Farmville and Mafia Wars are free apps on any platform, but once you're in there, you're sure as heck going to need some "Farm Cash" to remain competitive, right? Users can buy virtual cash with real cash from within these kinds of apps.
Driving home the point that in-app purchases are the wave of the future is research from app analytics firm Distimo, which found that in 2010, 49 percent of the revenue from iPhone apps came by way of in-app purchases in both free and paid apps. Additionally, Juniper Research forecasts that revenue from in-app purchases will eclipse that generated by standard downloads by 2013.
Carrier Billing Versus Credit Card
Most in-app purchases are currently billed to a user's credit card, which is entered one time through an application store like Apple's App Store or the Android Market. But some say in-app billing could be more seamlessly offered through existing carrier billing systems, with purchases added to the user's carrier bill at the end of the month.
Aepona, a company that provides various cloud computing solutions, offers a cloud-based billing platform, as well as developer APIs that it brought to life through the 2009 acquisition of Valista, a software company that provides payment, settlement and service life cycle management solutions.
Fran Heeran, vice president of product strategy for Aepona, who came from Valista, says that bridging the gap between carriers and developers in a way that simplifies in-app purchases is a major coup for both parties, and something that even organizations like the Wholesale Applications Community (WAC) sees as an important initiative.
WAC has taken on exposing network services for developers as one of its key missions and billing is tops on that list. "The most important one for WAC is the in-app billing API, because I think we've all seen the shift, certainly on the app stores, away from paying for the app up front to more of the freemium model," Heeran says, adding that in-app billing is appealing because everyone on a mobile device has an account and billing information already is set up with a carrier.
Heeran says the "try-before-you-buy" model has become increasingly popular with developers who are finding it hard to charge much more than $1 for their apps because so many alternatives are available to the end user. Aepona's solution, which sits in the cloud between the developer and the carrier, seeks to simplify and facilitate in-app purchases for both developers and operators.
"With in-app charging, where it's different, is that you've got potentially billions of origination points for your charge requests, because my phone is now making a direct request to the carrier's infrastructure," Heeran says. "It's not coming through a trusted partner server... it's literally from any phone in the world."
Heeran says developers expect a complex billing solution capable of handling everything from fraud to refunds, which hasn't been the case with past home-brewed carrier solutions. "What we've done is we've put in place the infrastructure that essentially transforms the carrier's bill into what developers would perceive as being a robust traditional financial network."
It's one step closer to easing the challenges for developers who want to sell content and virtual goods from within their apps, while keeping the carriers relevant at the same time.
Developers Serious about Revenue
App development has become big business. Developers have moved beyond the experimental stage and are now looking to make real businesses out of their software. A survey of 318 mobile developers conducted by Urban Airship, a company that provides developers with various APIs for things like push notifications, found that only 13 percent of developers plan to make a non-revenue-generating app in 2011, compared with 33 percent who did so in 2010. In-app purchases are becoming the foundation of those businesses, with implementations rising from 8 percent in 2010 to 31 percent in 2011, according to the survey.
Sasha Mace, director of product for Urban Airship, says that a developer's first concern is driving engagement of their product and an upfront purchase is just a barrier to engagement, making in-app purchases an ideal way to monetize after the user is already hooked.
But in-app purchases also create a simplified way for developers to reduce the amount of work they have to do to keep making money on their software. Game developers are already experimenting with ways for users to purchase additional levels for a title without having to rewrite the whole game as a separate application.
"You don't typically go to market anymore with a one-hit wonder that doesn't have an additional release," says Dylan Boyd, director of growth for Urban Airship. "So being able to focus on that release from a standpoint of selling advanced functionality or the unlocking of content…is a very easy way to continue to monetize almost anything, a newspaper, a game, a music app, anything, without a lot of development work."
Both Boyd and Mace say in-app purchases, in combination with other APIs like push notifications and location, are the perfect cocktail for developers looking to further monetize their apps. Imagine the user of a social scavenger hunt app getting a push notification that they're near a hidden item. For just 99 cents, they could purchase, from within the app, an additional clue as to where to look for the item or RFID tag in question.
In the end, developers are gearing up to nickel-and-dime users on their way to a profit. It's the recurring impulse 99 cent purchase that developers are targeting, which might not seem like much on its own. But imagine a million people all wanting to get to the next level of whatever game happens to be top of the charts; then you've got a mountain of pennies, as well as a viable business.
In-App Billing Proves Profitable for Developers
Mobile - Growth in sales of tablet computers will drive up volumes of wireless data in 2011
[cellular news] Booming sales of tablets in 2011 will help drive a sizzling 57.8 percent increase in the shipments of mobile broadband devices that provide high-speed wireless connectivity while on the go, according to a new IHS iSuppli Wireless Communications topical report, from information and analysis provider IHS.
Shipments of mobile broadband devices in 2011 are projected to climb to 157.9 million units, up from 100.1 million units in 2010. Aside from tablets, the mobile broadband segment includes devices such as notebook and netbook computers, as well as e-book readers.
This year's growth rate for mobile broadband devices parallels the robust 57.4 percent expansion of 2010, and coming on top of a larger base affirms the market's strong performance for the second year in a row. Shipments will continue to rise during the next few years but at lower rates, declining to 38.1 percent in 2012 and gradually trending downward until 11.0 percent in 2015 to some 350.7 million units. The five-year compound annual growth rate, computed from the starting year of 2010, stands at 28.5 percent.
Within the segment, tablets will represent the fastest-growing mobile broadband device this year with shipments projected to reach 58.9 million units, up a mighty 239.3 percent from 17.4 million in 2010.
"More than any wireless device, media tablets -- exemplified by the best-selling iPad from Apple Inc. -- appear to be at the forefront in boosting mobile broadband," said Francis Sideco, principal analyst for wireless research at IHS. "Affecting everything from supply ecosystems to chipset design, to services, applications and business models, tablets are spurring innovation not just in the wireless sector but also across multiple industries," Sideco noted.
In particular, media tablets are influencing every node of the value chain, including suppliers, device manufacturers, mobile network operators, third-party applications and service suppliers. In the supply node of the value chain, for instance, tablets impact not only how core chipsets and architectures are designed but also how chipset strategies are implemented and then marketed.
"The excitement surrounding tablets is primarily due to the virtually unlimited range of value-added services and applications that may be delivered through tablets because of their wireless networking capability," Sideco said. "Whether tablets have built-in Wi-Fi or come with embedded 3G/4G chips, the wireless function of tablets enables them to transcend just merely being another cool gadget into a virtual storefront, with the potential to generate revenue for any number of downstream businesses and industries."
A full arsenal of tools to provide Internet access for mobile devices
The mobile broadband segment utilizes four primary methods for Internet access: USB dongles, mobile hotspots, embedded modules and embedded chipsets, with pros and cons for each tool.
For instance, USB dongles typically were used in conjunction with notebooks and netbooks, providing flexibility for use on multiple devices. However, the arrival of media tablets and other consumer electronics with embedded Wi-Fi capability saw the emergence of the mobile hotspot, a battery-operated device using a 3G or 4G network as backhaul for data traffic.
In comparison, an embedded module or chipset solution incorporates mobile broadband functionality at the board level, providing the convenience of a solution that does not break, become lost or get stolen -- while allowing for optimal performance of the mobile device in which the embedded solution is used.
Of the various ways to enable broadband access for consumer electronics devices, mobile hotspots and embedded chipsets are the fastest-growing methods, growing 25 to 50 percent faster than the overall market, Sideco noted. Key to their growth is the capability of mobile hotspots to combine data access for multiple devices while staying at the forefront of technology, as well as the flexibility of design enabled by chipset solutions in devices.
By 2015, the majority of mobile broadband devices will utilize the 4G wireless standard known as long term evolution (LTE), in line with consumer demand for faster speeds and, perhaps more important, lower latencies or delays from their mobile broadband networks.
"Growth in mobile broadband devices will drive an explosive increase in mobile data traffic, causing carriers to rapidly rethink their strategies for network and service deployments as well as data monetization," Sideco said. "And as new players target the mobile device market, existing players at every node of the communications value chain will need to continually evolve their business strategies. Failure to do so in this dynamic market, with continually changing paradigms, will cause even well-established players to be relegated quickly to marginal roles."
Tablets to Power Growth of Mobile Broadband Market in 2011
Shipments of mobile broadband devices in 2011 are projected to climb to 157.9 million units, up from 100.1 million units in 2010. Aside from tablets, the mobile broadband segment includes devices such as notebook and netbook computers, as well as e-book readers.
This year's growth rate for mobile broadband devices parallels the robust 57.4 percent expansion of 2010, and coming on top of a larger base affirms the market's strong performance for the second year in a row. Shipments will continue to rise during the next few years but at lower rates, declining to 38.1 percent in 2012 and gradually trending downward until 11.0 percent in 2015 to some 350.7 million units. The five-year compound annual growth rate, computed from the starting year of 2010, stands at 28.5 percent.
Within the segment, tablets will represent the fastest-growing mobile broadband device this year with shipments projected to reach 58.9 million units, up a mighty 239.3 percent from 17.4 million in 2010.
"More than any wireless device, media tablets -- exemplified by the best-selling iPad from Apple Inc. -- appear to be at the forefront in boosting mobile broadband," said Francis Sideco, principal analyst for wireless research at IHS. "Affecting everything from supply ecosystems to chipset design, to services, applications and business models, tablets are spurring innovation not just in the wireless sector but also across multiple industries," Sideco noted.
In particular, media tablets are influencing every node of the value chain, including suppliers, device manufacturers, mobile network operators, third-party applications and service suppliers. In the supply node of the value chain, for instance, tablets impact not only how core chipsets and architectures are designed but also how chipset strategies are implemented and then marketed.
"The excitement surrounding tablets is primarily due to the virtually unlimited range of value-added services and applications that may be delivered through tablets because of their wireless networking capability," Sideco said. "Whether tablets have built-in Wi-Fi or come with embedded 3G/4G chips, the wireless function of tablets enables them to transcend just merely being another cool gadget into a virtual storefront, with the potential to generate revenue for any number of downstream businesses and industries."
A full arsenal of tools to provide Internet access for mobile devices
The mobile broadband segment utilizes four primary methods for Internet access: USB dongles, mobile hotspots, embedded modules and embedded chipsets, with pros and cons for each tool.
For instance, USB dongles typically were used in conjunction with notebooks and netbooks, providing flexibility for use on multiple devices. However, the arrival of media tablets and other consumer electronics with embedded Wi-Fi capability saw the emergence of the mobile hotspot, a battery-operated device using a 3G or 4G network as backhaul for data traffic.
In comparison, an embedded module or chipset solution incorporates mobile broadband functionality at the board level, providing the convenience of a solution that does not break, become lost or get stolen -- while allowing for optimal performance of the mobile device in which the embedded solution is used.
Of the various ways to enable broadband access for consumer electronics devices, mobile hotspots and embedded chipsets are the fastest-growing methods, growing 25 to 50 percent faster than the overall market, Sideco noted. Key to their growth is the capability of mobile hotspots to combine data access for multiple devices while staying at the forefront of technology, as well as the flexibility of design enabled by chipset solutions in devices.
By 2015, the majority of mobile broadband devices will utilize the 4G wireless standard known as long term evolution (LTE), in line with consumer demand for faster speeds and, perhaps more important, lower latencies or delays from their mobile broadband networks.
"Growth in mobile broadband devices will drive an explosive increase in mobile data traffic, causing carriers to rapidly rethink their strategies for network and service deployments as well as data monetization," Sideco said. "And as new players target the mobile device market, existing players at every node of the communications value chain will need to continually evolve their business strategies. Failure to do so in this dynamic market, with continually changing paradigms, will cause even well-established players to be relegated quickly to marginal roles."
Tablets to Power Growth of Mobile Broadband Market in 2011
M-Banking - The combination of NFC and Paypal could prove highly disruptive to the global payments market
[it wire] If Apple launches its iPhone 5, complete with a Near Field Communications chip (the technology that allows wave-and-pay) in September, and does some form of payments deal with PayPal, it will represent a “perfect storm for disruption” of the global payments market and force local banks to rethink their strategies a financial forum was warned this morning.
Speaking at an AIIA organised event in Sydney this morning, Rod Farmer, director of research and strategy for Mobile Experience, said that such a combination would be far more disruptive than Google Wallet given that it would be an open system and could be used for just about any form of payment.
Andrew Henderson, chief information officer of ING Direct, however said that the arrival of such alternative payments mechanisms did not spell disaster for the banks. “The question for me is whether payments is a core system for a bank,” said Mr Henderson.
He said that other payments models, which were not cash based, were starting to emerge, such as Facebook credits. “What Facebook credits could do to cash is what online banking is doing to the branch.”
Rather than focussing on the payments platform, banks would be wise to concentrate on their position as a trusted broker.
Speakers at the event also lamented the relative lack of progress from the Mambo group which is a coalition of the major banks and BPay which have been working on a hub based retail payments system which would see individuals assigned with a BPay number allowing peer to peer payments.
In the US in May Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo announced clearXchange which allows the three banks’ customers to move funds directly from their existing cheque accounts using an email address or mobile number. That according to Dr Farmer meant that the Mambo initiative has effectively been “leapfrogged”.
iPhone 5 + NFC +Paypal = bank nightmare
Speaking at an AIIA organised event in Sydney this morning, Rod Farmer, director of research and strategy for Mobile Experience, said that such a combination would be far more disruptive than Google Wallet given that it would be an open system and could be used for just about any form of payment.
Andrew Henderson, chief information officer of ING Direct, however said that the arrival of such alternative payments mechanisms did not spell disaster for the banks. “The question for me is whether payments is a core system for a bank,” said Mr Henderson.
He said that other payments models, which were not cash based, were starting to emerge, such as Facebook credits. “What Facebook credits could do to cash is what online banking is doing to the branch.”
Rather than focussing on the payments platform, banks would be wise to concentrate on their position as a trusted broker.
Speakers at the event also lamented the relative lack of progress from the Mambo group which is a coalition of the major banks and BPay which have been working on a hub based retail payments system which would see individuals assigned with a BPay number allowing peer to peer payments.
In the US in May Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo announced clearXchange which allows the three banks’ customers to move funds directly from their existing cheque accounts using an email address or mobile number. That according to Dr Farmer meant that the Mambo initiative has effectively been “leapfrogged”.
iPhone 5 + NFC +Paypal = bank nightmare
Canada - Spending on mobile voice and data services increased in 2010, with new operators and new customers
[it world canada] Spending by Canadians businesses and consumers on wireless voice and data increased faster last year over 2009 as four new wireless services entered the market and pushed up the number of subscribers, according to the federal telecommunications commission.
In its annual communications monitoring report, which covers the telecom and broadcasting industries, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) said that in 2010 wireless carrier revenues from all providers hit $18 billion, up 6.6 per cent from 2009, the second year in a row wireless revenues were in single digits.
By comparison, wireless revenue in 2008 was up 10.4 per cent over 2007, and previous years the growth rate was even higher.
Iain Grant, managing director of the Montreal-basaed telecommunications consultancy SeaBoard Group, says the numbers suggest reflect the increasing price competition among wireless carriers.
The number of Canadians subscribing to wireless services grew by 8.5 per cent to 25.8 million by the end of 2010.
The bad news for the industry is that the competitive presence of the new operators contributed to a reduction in the average revenue per user a month to $57.86 from $58.81, the report said.
Despite the increased competition, last year was the second consecutive year that wireless revenue growth was in single digits compared to the go-go years earlier in the decade.
Last year startups Mobilicity and Public Mobile joined Wind Mobile (which began operating the last two weeks of 2009) in hunting for new wireless customers. Also in 2010 Quebecor Media Inc.’s cable division, Videotron, which had been selling wireless using leased spectrum from Rogers Communications Inc., opened a new network using its own spectrum. In 2010 only Wind operated for the full year.
According to the report, the new entrants collected 25 per cent of new wireless subscribers last year.
The figures can be seen as further evidence backing Industry Canada’s strategy to encourage wireless competition, which is dominated by Rogers [TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B], BCE Inc.’s Bell Canada [TSX, NYSE: BCE] and Bell Aliant, and Telus Communications Co. [TSX: T, T.A; NYSE: TU].
At a time when mobile penetration was below 70 per cent, much lower than in the U.S. and other industrial nations, the government decided to set aside frequencies in the 2008 spectrum auction strictly for new entrants or existing carriers with small market share.
Wireless revenue up as competition increases: CRTC
In its annual communications monitoring report, which covers the telecom and broadcasting industries, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) said that in 2010 wireless carrier revenues from all providers hit $18 billion, up 6.6 per cent from 2009, the second year in a row wireless revenues were in single digits.
By comparison, wireless revenue in 2008 was up 10.4 per cent over 2007, and previous years the growth rate was even higher.
Iain Grant, managing director of the Montreal-basaed telecommunications consultancy SeaBoard Group, says the numbers suggest reflect the increasing price competition among wireless carriers.
The number of Canadians subscribing to wireless services grew by 8.5 per cent to 25.8 million by the end of 2010.
The bad news for the industry is that the competitive presence of the new operators contributed to a reduction in the average revenue per user a month to $57.86 from $58.81, the report said.
Despite the increased competition, last year was the second consecutive year that wireless revenue growth was in single digits compared to the go-go years earlier in the decade.
Last year startups Mobilicity and Public Mobile joined Wind Mobile (which began operating the last two weeks of 2009) in hunting for new wireless customers. Also in 2010 Quebecor Media Inc.’s cable division, Videotron, which had been selling wireless using leased spectrum from Rogers Communications Inc., opened a new network using its own spectrum. In 2010 only Wind operated for the full year.
According to the report, the new entrants collected 25 per cent of new wireless subscribers last year.
The figures can be seen as further evidence backing Industry Canada’s strategy to encourage wireless competition, which is dominated by Rogers [TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B], BCE Inc.’s Bell Canada [TSX, NYSE: BCE] and Bell Aliant, and Telus Communications Co. [TSX: T, T.A; NYSE: TU].
At a time when mobile penetration was below 70 per cent, much lower than in the U.S. and other industrial nations, the government decided to set aside frequencies in the 2008 spectrum auction strictly for new entrants or existing carriers with small market share.
Wireless revenue up as competition increases: CRTC
Palestine - PALTEL reported 11.0% Growth in Net Revenues to reach US$ 257m
[prnewswire] Sabih Masri, Chairman of the Palestine Telecommunications Company, PalTel announced the financial results for the first half of 2011 at a Board of Directors meeting held on July 27, 2011 in Amman, Jordan.
Consolidated net operating revenues grew by 11.0% to reach US$ 257m at the end of H1-2011 compared with US$ 231m at the end of H1-2010. In regards to the operating revenues of each segment, the company achieved a growth in its mobile, fixed Line and data revenues by 13.5%, 3.4%, and 67.2% respectively.
The consolidated operating income for the company reached US$ 91m by the end of H1-2011 compared with US$ 78m by the end of H1-2010, a growth of 16.3%. This growth was achieved by an increase in consolidated revenues and in light of the positive effect of the new operating policy (strategy) focusing management efforts on core telecom functions and outsourcing support functions.
The consolidated net income increased by 16.6% to stand at US$ 67m at the end of H1-2011 compared with US$ 58m at the end of H1-2010. The increase is operational driven (increase in operating income) with the other expenses including investment gains/losses, interest expense and other non-recurring expenses having a relatively minor effect on the percentage change mentioned above.
Sabih Masri, Chairman of PalTel, emphasized that "the financial statements are a clear indication of our focus upon our core business operations in the fixed, mobile and data services which has further allowed our team to strive in our technical and administrative abilities to further develop our strategy in terms of current services and processes that utilize the latest technological developments. Masri further stated that "such developments have proved to be vital in providing our customers what they need; improving current services being offered and growing our subscriber base. Our growth in performance is a direct result of the efforts of the Group companies in providing the latest developments in information and technology combined with its determination to lead the Palestinian community in providing advanced services in mobile, fixed and data communications for the benefit of all customers."
Ammar Aker, CEO of Paltel Group, stated, "Our continued efforts and progress during the first half of the year has resulted in an increase in revenues and profits in all Paltel Group companies which is an indication of our hard working team's abilities to adapt and adjust to the demands of the competitive market. The expansion in our core services to improve the quality and satisfaction for customers is being carried out in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where the network in the Gaza Strip has improved in recent months due to our ability to transfer equipment into the area which has led to an increase in campaigns and improvement of services." Aker also added that, "the Group companies are launching campaigns that stress technological developments that are in touch with global developments in telecom services in order to reach out to all Palestinian communities. Such efforts are directly reflected in our positive growth in the market, where we continue to develop information technology services to meet the demand of all stakeholders."
Palestine Telecommunications Company (PalTel) Announces Financial Results for H1-2011
Consolidated net operating revenues grew by 11.0% to reach US$ 257m at the end of H1-2011 compared with US$ 231m at the end of H1-2010. In regards to the operating revenues of each segment, the company achieved a growth in its mobile, fixed Line and data revenues by 13.5%, 3.4%, and 67.2% respectively.
The consolidated operating income for the company reached US$ 91m by the end of H1-2011 compared with US$ 78m by the end of H1-2010, a growth of 16.3%. This growth was achieved by an increase in consolidated revenues and in light of the positive effect of the new operating policy (strategy) focusing management efforts on core telecom functions and outsourcing support functions.
The consolidated net income increased by 16.6% to stand at US$ 67m at the end of H1-2011 compared with US$ 58m at the end of H1-2010. The increase is operational driven (increase in operating income) with the other expenses including investment gains/losses, interest expense and other non-recurring expenses having a relatively minor effect on the percentage change mentioned above.
Sabih Masri, Chairman of PalTel, emphasized that "the financial statements are a clear indication of our focus upon our core business operations in the fixed, mobile and data services which has further allowed our team to strive in our technical and administrative abilities to further develop our strategy in terms of current services and processes that utilize the latest technological developments. Masri further stated that "such developments have proved to be vital in providing our customers what they need; improving current services being offered and growing our subscriber base. Our growth in performance is a direct result of the efforts of the Group companies in providing the latest developments in information and technology combined with its determination to lead the Palestinian community in providing advanced services in mobile, fixed and data communications for the benefit of all customers."
Ammar Aker, CEO of Paltel Group, stated, "Our continued efforts and progress during the first half of the year has resulted in an increase in revenues and profits in all Paltel Group companies which is an indication of our hard working team's abilities to adapt and adjust to the demands of the competitive market. The expansion in our core services to improve the quality and satisfaction for customers is being carried out in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where the network in the Gaza Strip has improved in recent months due to our ability to transfer equipment into the area which has led to an increase in campaigns and improvement of services." Aker also added that, "the Group companies are launching campaigns that stress technological developments that are in touch with global developments in telecom services in order to reach out to all Palestinian communities. Such efforts are directly reflected in our positive growth in the market, where we continue to develop information technology services to meet the demand of all stakeholders."
Palestine Telecommunications Company (PalTel) Announces Financial Results for H1-2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
USA - Prepaid will soon by one quarter of all US mobile accounts according to an industry think tank
[cellular news] Prepay accounts will account for a quarter of USA accounts by the end of this year, according to the New Millennium Research Council (NMRC).
According to new data released by the NMRC think tank, about three out of five new wireless subscriptions in 2010 were for prepaid cell phone service -- a margin of more than eight million new prepaid subscriptions versus just under new 4.8 million postpaid subscriptions.
While traditional prepaid service subscriptions lost ground from the fourth quarter of 2009 to the fourth quarter of 2010, unlimited prepaid posted strong gains with 7.4 million new subscribers, up 45 percent over that one-year period. Based on current growth trends, the total non-wholesale wireless market in the U.S. will reach about 290 million by the end of calendar year 2011. For the first time, non-contract prepaid subscriptions will account for roughly 25 percent of the total wireless picture, moving the U.S. more in line with wider use of prepaid in other nations.
Sam Simon, senior fellow, New Millennium Research Council, said: "NMRC was 100 percent on the money in forecasting that 2010 would be the year of prepaid wireless service. It now looks like 2011 will be an even bigger year for no-contract wireless as more and more consumers realize the extent to which they can save hundreds of dollars each year with unlimited prepaid service while also avoiding the needless entanglements of restrictive contract-based cell phone service. This penny pinching will go on even as others are attracted to prepaid by unlimited plans and for connected devices."
Telecommunications analyst Mark Lowenstein, managing director, Mobile Ecosystem, said: "Prepaid services continue to become more mainstream, as attractive devices such as smartphones are offered by the leading prepaid operators. Also, we are seeing the market for additional connected devices such as iPads becoming a key part of prepaid subscriber growth."
PrePay to Represent a Quarter of USA Cell Phone Accounts by Year-End
According to new data released by the NMRC think tank, about three out of five new wireless subscriptions in 2010 were for prepaid cell phone service -- a margin of more than eight million new prepaid subscriptions versus just under new 4.8 million postpaid subscriptions.
While traditional prepaid service subscriptions lost ground from the fourth quarter of 2009 to the fourth quarter of 2010, unlimited prepaid posted strong gains with 7.4 million new subscribers, up 45 percent over that one-year period. Based on current growth trends, the total non-wholesale wireless market in the U.S. will reach about 290 million by the end of calendar year 2011. For the first time, non-contract prepaid subscriptions will account for roughly 25 percent of the total wireless picture, moving the U.S. more in line with wider use of prepaid in other nations.
Sam Simon, senior fellow, New Millennium Research Council, said: "NMRC was 100 percent on the money in forecasting that 2010 would be the year of prepaid wireless service. It now looks like 2011 will be an even bigger year for no-contract wireless as more and more consumers realize the extent to which they can save hundreds of dollars each year with unlimited prepaid service while also avoiding the needless entanglements of restrictive contract-based cell phone service. This penny pinching will go on even as others are attracted to prepaid by unlimited plans and for connected devices."
Telecommunications analyst Mark Lowenstein, managing director, Mobile Ecosystem, said: "Prepaid services continue to become more mainstream, as attractive devices such as smartphones are offered by the leading prepaid operators. Also, we are seeing the market for additional connected devices such as iPads becoming a key part of prepaid subscriber growth."
PrePay to Represent a Quarter of USA Cell Phone Accounts by Year-End
Australia - NBN Co has released the 3rd edition of its wholesale broadband agreement and special access undertaking
[itwire] NBN Co has released the third edition of its Wholesale Broadband Agreement (WBA) and a discussion paper providing an overview of its planned Special Access Undertaking (SAU).
The latest edition of the WBA two previous rounds of industry consultation. It sets out the arrangements for the delivery of commercial services over the NBN and encompasses matters such as products and price, service levels, technical information, credit policies and future product development. Next month NBN Co intends to release the Operations Manual that will describe the operational processes that support the supply of its services.
NBN Co head of product development and sales, Jim Hassell, said: "We have listened carefully to our customers in developing this agreement, and it is the result of extensive consultation with our customers and potential customers. It uses clear direct language and a simple logical structure to give RSPs a comprehensive view of our services and contract terms."
The SAU outlines the longer-term approach to price setting and cost recovery. It sets out a 30-year role for the ACCC in regulating the NBN, including five-year review periods. It also sets out NBN Co's commitments to reporting to the ACCC at regular intervals to provide it with sufficient information to determine if NBN Co is meeting its SAU commitments.
NBN Co principal of regulatory affairs, Caroline Lovell, said: "The SAU and WBA serve separate purposes but they are designed to be complementary. The intention is that the SAU sets out binding commitments on key price and non-price matters, giving customers certainty in respect of these principles. The WBA then sets out the detailed terms and conditions in a way which is consistent with the SAU's principles."
The release of the documents follows customer briefing sessions in Sydney and Melbourne during the week. NBN Co is seeking responses to the SAU discussion paper by 19 August. It is planned to incorporate any feedback into a draft SAU that will be publicly released before submitting an SAU to the ACCC.
The WBA has been released for RSPs to consider before they sign up to offer commercial high-speed broadband telephony services in NBN Co fibre serving areas when the NBN trial period finishes at the end of September.
Hassell said: "As it is likely the SAU approval process will take some time, we have incorporated some of the key customer protections it contains into the WBA. These will remain in the WBA until either the SAU is accepted by the ACCC, or in the absence of an accepted SAU, 30 June 2017."
The latest edition of the WBA two previous rounds of industry consultation. It sets out the arrangements for the delivery of commercial services over the NBN and encompasses matters such as products and price, service levels, technical information, credit policies and future product development. Next month NBN Co intends to release the Operations Manual that will describe the operational processes that support the supply of its services.
NBN Co head of product development and sales, Jim Hassell, said: "We have listened carefully to our customers in developing this agreement, and it is the result of extensive consultation with our customers and potential customers. It uses clear direct language and a simple logical structure to give RSPs a comprehensive view of our services and contract terms."
The SAU outlines the longer-term approach to price setting and cost recovery. It sets out a 30-year role for the ACCC in regulating the NBN, including five-year review periods. It also sets out NBN Co's commitments to reporting to the ACCC at regular intervals to provide it with sufficient information to determine if NBN Co is meeting its SAU commitments.
NBN Co principal of regulatory affairs, Caroline Lovell, said: "The SAU and WBA serve separate purposes but they are designed to be complementary. The intention is that the SAU sets out binding commitments on key price and non-price matters, giving customers certainty in respect of these principles. The WBA then sets out the detailed terms and conditions in a way which is consistent with the SAU's principles."
The release of the documents follows customer briefing sessions in Sydney and Melbourne during the week. NBN Co is seeking responses to the SAU discussion paper by 19 August. It is planned to incorporate any feedback into a draft SAU that will be publicly released before submitting an SAU to the ACCC.
The WBA has been released for RSPs to consider before they sign up to offer commercial high-speed broadband telephony services in NBN Co fibre serving areas when the NBN trial period finishes at the end of September.
Hassell said: "As it is likely the SAU approval process will take some time, we have incorporated some of the key customer protections it contains into the WBA. These will remain in the WBA until either the SAU is accepted by the ACCC, or in the absence of an accepted SAU, 30 June 2017."
Australia - Optus (SingTel) has launched a femtocell offer as "3G Home Zone" at AUD 5-10 per month
[it wire] Optus has formally launched its femtocell offering, first introduced as a commercial pilot with limited availability in April, under the name Optus 3G Home Zone.
Despite the ballyhoo around the event - which was billed as ""the biggest development in home telephony for decades," and described by the managing director of Optus Consumer, Michael Smith as "the biggest challenge to the Australian home phone since services began nearly 130 years ago" - there were no major differences from the pilot offering, except pricing and wider availability.
For some customers it got better: the unit is now $5 per month on a $59 per month plan and above where it was $79 and above previously. And for others it has got worse. For lower cost plans and for prepaid customers the unit now costs $15 per month. Previously $49 plan customers could get it for $10 per month.
The other good news is that a $59 per month user and above can get unlimited calls to standard national and mobile Australian numbers.
Up to 12 Optus mobiles can be registered to the femtocell and up to four can use it simultaneously but only one can get the unlimited calls. Anyone accessing the Internet from their mobile phone or wireless broadband devices through the femtocell will consume both their mobile broadband data quota and that of their fixed line broadband service.
The service is available in all capital cities and "many major town centres throughout Australia." It works on any ISP's broadband service but Optus says a minimum of 1Mbps/512Mbps is needed to support four users and a minimum of 128/128kbps for a single user, and ADSL1 plans are not suitable.
When users make a call if it is routed through the femtocell they will hear three beeps, and if they move out of range of the cell the call will hand over to the main Optus mobile network. However calls initiated on the main network will remain on that network.
Optus makes 3G Home Zone femtocell widely available
Despite the ballyhoo around the event - which was billed as ""the biggest development in home telephony for decades," and described by the managing director of Optus Consumer, Michael Smith as "the biggest challenge to the Australian home phone since services began nearly 130 years ago" - there were no major differences from the pilot offering, except pricing and wider availability.
For some customers it got better: the unit is now $5 per month on a $59 per month plan and above where it was $79 and above previously. And for others it has got worse. For lower cost plans and for prepaid customers the unit now costs $15 per month. Previously $49 plan customers could get it for $10 per month.
The other good news is that a $59 per month user and above can get unlimited calls to standard national and mobile Australian numbers.
Up to 12 Optus mobiles can be registered to the femtocell and up to four can use it simultaneously but only one can get the unlimited calls. Anyone accessing the Internet from their mobile phone or wireless broadband devices through the femtocell will consume both their mobile broadband data quota and that of their fixed line broadband service.
The service is available in all capital cities and "many major town centres throughout Australia." It works on any ISP's broadband service but Optus says a minimum of 1Mbps/512Mbps is needed to support four users and a minimum of 128/128kbps for a single user, and ADSL1 plans are not suitable.
When users make a call if it is routed through the femtocell they will hear three beeps, and if they move out of range of the cell the call will hand over to the main Optus mobile network. However calls initiated on the main network will remain on that network.
Optus makes 3G Home Zone femtocell widely available
USA - Wireless operators have called on the govt to clear spectrum below 3GHz that is unused or under-used
[prnewswire] CTIA-The Wireless Association® and carrier members serving more than 92 percent of U.S. wireless customers sent a letter to President Obama today asking for his leadership to direct the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to clear unused and underutilized government spectrum bands below 3 gigahertz (GHz). Even though the U.S. wireless industry offers Americans the most innovative products and services in the world, additional spectrum is vital to fueling its ecosystem's "virtuous cycle."
The letter was signed by some of CTIA's carrier members, who represent more than 92 percent of U.S. wireless customers. They are: AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets President and CEO Ralph de la Vega; Cellcom President and CEO Patrick Riordan; Sprint President and CEO Dan Hesse; T-Mobile USA President and CEO Philipp Humm; U.S. Cellular President and CEO Mary Dillon; and Verizon Wireless President and CEO Dan Mead.
In the letter, the signatories ask President Obama to direct NTIA, which is responsible for managing the government's spectrum holdings, to free cleared, paired and internationally-harmonized bands below 3 GHz. To meet the important goals that were in President Obama's Wireless Initiative and the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) National Broadband Plan, access to spectrum in these bands is critical.
"The U.S. wireless industry wants to remain the envy of the world by continuing to offer our customers the best and most innovative products and services. In order to meet current and projected demands for wireless technology, we must get more spectrum. By allowing our members to purchase the spectrum at auction, the U.S. Treasury will generate billions of dollars of revenue and in turn, we will continue to invest in America and Americans," said Steve Largent, president and CEO of CTIA.
Economists have predicted that for every dollar invested in wireless Internet, another $7-10 will be created for the nation's GDP. There is strong support by President Obama, numerous Members of Congress, the FCC and other policymakers to auction unused and underused spectrum to ensure its highest and best use. The benefits of such an auction are also supported by 112 of the nation's leading economists (including Nobel Prize winners, former members of both Democratic and Republican administrations and former FCC Chief Economists). Other countries want to emulate the tremendous success of the U.S. wireless industry, which is why a number of OECD countries have already made hundreds of megahertz of spectrum available for their wireless industries.
U.S. Wireless Carriers Ask President Obama to Clear Government Spectrum Bands Below 3 GHz
See also CTIA letter
The letter was signed by some of CTIA's carrier members, who represent more than 92 percent of U.S. wireless customers. They are: AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets President and CEO Ralph de la Vega; Cellcom President and CEO Patrick Riordan; Sprint President and CEO Dan Hesse; T-Mobile USA President and CEO Philipp Humm; U.S. Cellular President and CEO Mary Dillon; and Verizon Wireless President and CEO Dan Mead.
In the letter, the signatories ask President Obama to direct NTIA, which is responsible for managing the government's spectrum holdings, to free cleared, paired and internationally-harmonized bands below 3 GHz. To meet the important goals that were in President Obama's Wireless Initiative and the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) National Broadband Plan, access to spectrum in these bands is critical.
"The U.S. wireless industry wants to remain the envy of the world by continuing to offer our customers the best and most innovative products and services. In order to meet current and projected demands for wireless technology, we must get more spectrum. By allowing our members to purchase the spectrum at auction, the U.S. Treasury will generate billions of dollars of revenue and in turn, we will continue to invest in America and Americans," said Steve Largent, president and CEO of CTIA.
Economists have predicted that for every dollar invested in wireless Internet, another $7-10 will be created for the nation's GDP. There is strong support by President Obama, numerous Members of Congress, the FCC and other policymakers to auction unused and underused spectrum to ensure its highest and best use. The benefits of such an auction are also supported by 112 of the nation's leading economists (including Nobel Prize winners, former members of both Democratic and Republican administrations and former FCC Chief Economists). Other countries want to emulate the tremendous success of the U.S. wireless industry, which is why a number of OECD countries have already made hundreds of megahertz of spectrum available for their wireless industries.
U.S. Wireless Carriers Ask President Obama to Clear Government Spectrum Bands Below 3 GHz
See also CTIA letter
USA - generational differences: Babyboomers e-readers, Gen-X tablet PCs, Millennials smartphones
[prnewswire] Affinity's American Magazine Study reports that there are distinct generational skews in the profiles of eReader, tablet PC and smartphone owners. These findings are important for companies marketing mobile devices to Millennials, Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers, as well as those creating content and advertising targeted at these unique generational segments.
In addition to reporting the audience delivery of the country's leading magazine brands across print and digital platforms, AMS also tracks the adoption of digital technologies and mobile device use among American adults. For established technology products like computers, U.S. penetration is high and usage is considered mainstream (84% of American adults currently own at least one computer according to AMS). As a result, there is very little difference in the ownership patterns of computers by generation. But when it comes to the growing number of mobile devices in the marketplace, there are new owner profiles emerging that suggest that one generation of Americans may be better prospects for a particular device than others.
Boomers are the most likely buyers of eReaders
Mirroring the most recent statistics from The Pew Research Center, AMS reports that 12% of U.S. adults currently own an eReader. The profile of eReader owners skews female (54%) versus male (46%). AMS also reports that 19% of American adults plan to purchase an eReader within the next six months. But who are the prime prospects for these devices?
Among the different generational groups, the 58.6 million Boomers lead the way in the adoption of the eReader platform. In fact, Boomers are 19% more likely to own an eReader than the average consumer.
More than 8.2 million Boomers currently own an eReader, while more than 10 million plan to purchase the device in the next six months.
More than 9 out of 10 Boomers (92%) use the device at home, 13% at work, and 36% power up their eReaders while on the go.
Similar to the national trend, female Boomers are 11% more likely to own an eReader than their male counterparts.
Gen-Xers are the most likely buyers of Tablet PCs
Again in sync with the most recent Pew estimates, AMS reports that 8% of consumers currently own a tablet PC, while an impressive 22% plan to purchase the device. The reverse of the eReader owner profile, buyers of tablet PCs skew male - 52% versus 48% female.
According to AMS, the 85.4 million Gen-Xers are the most likely buyers of tablet PCs. Gen-Xers are 16% more likely to own a tablet than the average adult consumer.
More than 9% of Gen-Xers currently own a tablet PC, while 24% - or almost 21 million - have plans to purchase the device.
56% of Gen-X tablet owners actively share their devices with others.
Gen-Xers with a household income of $100,000 or more are 63% more likely to own a tablet PC than their generational peers.
Millennials are the most likely buyers of Smartphones
AMS reports that 42% of American adults own a smartphone, while 15% - or more than 34 million consumers - plan to purchase one in the next six months. By gender, more men currently own these devices than women (54% versus 46%).
The most likely generation to own these types of mobile devices is the 46.5 million Millennials. In fact, Millennials are 28% more likely to own a smartphone than the average American adult.
54% - or more than 25 million Millennials - currently own a smartphone, and 18% plan to purchase one within the next six months.
63% of Millennials use their smartphones at work, while 95% report that they are the sole users of the device.
Millennials who have graduated college are 23% more likely to own a smartphone than others in their generation.
New Study Reveals Generational Differences in Mobile Device Usage
In addition to reporting the audience delivery of the country's leading magazine brands across print and digital platforms, AMS also tracks the adoption of digital technologies and mobile device use among American adults. For established technology products like computers, U.S. penetration is high and usage is considered mainstream (84% of American adults currently own at least one computer according to AMS). As a result, there is very little difference in the ownership patterns of computers by generation. But when it comes to the growing number of mobile devices in the marketplace, there are new owner profiles emerging that suggest that one generation of Americans may be better prospects for a particular device than others.
Boomers are the most likely buyers of eReaders
Mirroring the most recent statistics from The Pew Research Center, AMS reports that 12% of U.S. adults currently own an eReader. The profile of eReader owners skews female (54%) versus male (46%). AMS also reports that 19% of American adults plan to purchase an eReader within the next six months. But who are the prime prospects for these devices?
Among the different generational groups, the 58.6 million Boomers lead the way in the adoption of the eReader platform. In fact, Boomers are 19% more likely to own an eReader than the average consumer.
More than 8.2 million Boomers currently own an eReader, while more than 10 million plan to purchase the device in the next six months.
More than 9 out of 10 Boomers (92%) use the device at home, 13% at work, and 36% power up their eReaders while on the go.
Similar to the national trend, female Boomers are 11% more likely to own an eReader than their male counterparts.
Gen-Xers are the most likely buyers of Tablet PCs
Again in sync with the most recent Pew estimates, AMS reports that 8% of consumers currently own a tablet PC, while an impressive 22% plan to purchase the device. The reverse of the eReader owner profile, buyers of tablet PCs skew male - 52% versus 48% female.
According to AMS, the 85.4 million Gen-Xers are the most likely buyers of tablet PCs. Gen-Xers are 16% more likely to own a tablet than the average adult consumer.
More than 9% of Gen-Xers currently own a tablet PC, while 24% - or almost 21 million - have plans to purchase the device.
56% of Gen-X tablet owners actively share their devices with others.
Gen-Xers with a household income of $100,000 or more are 63% more likely to own a tablet PC than their generational peers.
Millennials are the most likely buyers of Smartphones
AMS reports that 42% of American adults own a smartphone, while 15% - or more than 34 million consumers - plan to purchase one in the next six months. By gender, more men currently own these devices than women (54% versus 46%).
The most likely generation to own these types of mobile devices is the 46.5 million Millennials. In fact, Millennials are 28% more likely to own a smartphone than the average American adult.
54% - or more than 25 million Millennials - currently own a smartphone, and 18% plan to purchase one within the next six months.
63% of Millennials use their smartphones at work, while 95% report that they are the sole users of the device.
Millennials who have graduated college are 23% more likely to own a smartphone than others in their generation.
New Study Reveals Generational Differences in Mobile Device Usage
USA - JD Power shows significant differences in customer satisfaction between postpaid and prepaid, respective winners being Verizon and Boost
[prnewswire] Overall customer service satisfaction is much higher among wireless contract-based customers than those who subscribe to prepaid or non-contract service plans, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Performance Full-Service Study(SM)—Volume 2 and the 2011 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Performance Non-Contract Study(SM)—Volume 2, both released today.
Now in its ninth year, the semiannual study provides a detailed report card on how well wireless carriers provide service to their customers via three contact methods: telephone calls with customer service representatives (CSR) and/or automated response systems (ARS); visits to a retail wireless store; and on the Web. Within each contact method, the study measures satisfaction and processing issues, such as problem-resolution efficiency and hold-time duration.
Among customers who sign a contract for wireless service, overall customer care performance averages 761 on a 1,000-point scale—23 index points higher than the average satisfaction among non-contract subscribers (738). One of the main factors contributing to this performance disparity is service contacts that originate in the ARS channel that are eventually transferred to a live service representative.
Specifically, non-contract customers report longer hold times than contract customers do when waiting to speak to a service representative. Among non-contact customers, reported hold time averages more than one minute longer than among contract customers (5.5 vs. 4.4 minutes, respectively).
"It is not unexpected that hold times are shorter for contract customers, since full-service providers generally have access to existing account information that helps identify the customer immediately once contact is made," said Kirk Parsons, senior director of wireless services at J.D. Power and Associates. "There is also a disparity between the contract and non-contract segments in terms of the quality of the experience with the service representative. In particular, non-contract customers are considerably less satisfied than are contract customers in the areas of knowledge about plans; personal concern for customers; and apathy towards customers."
According to Parsons, treating customers with respect by personalizing the transaction should not differ among customers in each segment, regardless of their tenure or the monetary value to the provider. This personalization is even more critical among customers in the non-contract segment, as the frequency of switching providers is 2.5 times higher, compared with contract customers (21% vs. 8%).
Verizon Wireless ranks highest in wireless customer care performance among full-service providers with an overall score of 770. Verizon Wireless performs particularly well in phone contacts that originate in the ARS channel and are then transferred to a live service representative, and through phone calls made directly to a CSR. T-Mobile follows in the overall rankings with a score of 766 and performs well among customers who contact their carrier online or through the ARS-only channel.
Boost Mobile ranks highest in overall customer care satisfaction among non-contract service providers, with an overall score of 763. This overall score is comparable to the high-performing full-service provider scores. The company performs particularly well in phone contacts that originate in the ARS channel and are then transferred to a live service representative, and through phone calls made directly to a CSR.
The study also finds several key wireless customer care patterns:
Among full-service customers who contacted their carrier to report a specific problem, 40 percent of calls were due to a phone repair/malfunction issue, while 14 percent of customers reported problems with an incorrect bill or network connection issues. Conversely, among those who contacted their carrier with a general question, 39 percent of calls pertained to inquiries about product/services, 23 percent were for general billing issues and 11 percent were for service coverage.
Wireless customers who indicate that they have had a positive care experience are more loyal and are, therefore, less likely to switch carriers in the future, on average. Among full-service customers who indicate they "definitely will not switch" carriers in the next 12 months, customer care index scores average 834, compared with just 618 among those who say they "definitely will switch"—a difference of 216 points.
Despite owning phones with more complicated features, satisfaction among wireless customers with smartphones is comparable with the customer care experience of those with traditional mobile phones (757 vs. 756, respectively). However, smartphone owners, compared with traditional phone owners, are significantly more likely to have contacted their carrier with an issue during the past six months (48% vs. 35%, respectively).
J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Satisfaction With the Wireless Customer Care Experience Differs Considerably Between Contract and Non-Contract Users
Now in its ninth year, the semiannual study provides a detailed report card on how well wireless carriers provide service to their customers via three contact methods: telephone calls with customer service representatives (CSR) and/or automated response systems (ARS); visits to a retail wireless store; and on the Web. Within each contact method, the study measures satisfaction and processing issues, such as problem-resolution efficiency and hold-time duration.
Among customers who sign a contract for wireless service, overall customer care performance averages 761 on a 1,000-point scale—23 index points higher than the average satisfaction among non-contract subscribers (738). One of the main factors contributing to this performance disparity is service contacts that originate in the ARS channel that are eventually transferred to a live service representative.
Specifically, non-contract customers report longer hold times than contract customers do when waiting to speak to a service representative. Among non-contact customers, reported hold time averages more than one minute longer than among contract customers (5.5 vs. 4.4 minutes, respectively).
"It is not unexpected that hold times are shorter for contract customers, since full-service providers generally have access to existing account information that helps identify the customer immediately once contact is made," said Kirk Parsons, senior director of wireless services at J.D. Power and Associates. "There is also a disparity between the contract and non-contract segments in terms of the quality of the experience with the service representative. In particular, non-contract customers are considerably less satisfied than are contract customers in the areas of knowledge about plans; personal concern for customers; and apathy towards customers."
According to Parsons, treating customers with respect by personalizing the transaction should not differ among customers in each segment, regardless of their tenure or the monetary value to the provider. This personalization is even more critical among customers in the non-contract segment, as the frequency of switching providers is 2.5 times higher, compared with contract customers (21% vs. 8%).
Verizon Wireless ranks highest in wireless customer care performance among full-service providers with an overall score of 770. Verizon Wireless performs particularly well in phone contacts that originate in the ARS channel and are then transferred to a live service representative, and through phone calls made directly to a CSR. T-Mobile follows in the overall rankings with a score of 766 and performs well among customers who contact their carrier online or through the ARS-only channel.
Boost Mobile ranks highest in overall customer care satisfaction among non-contract service providers, with an overall score of 763. This overall score is comparable to the high-performing full-service provider scores. The company performs particularly well in phone contacts that originate in the ARS channel and are then transferred to a live service representative, and through phone calls made directly to a CSR.
The study also finds several key wireless customer care patterns:
Among full-service customers who contacted their carrier to report a specific problem, 40 percent of calls were due to a phone repair/malfunction issue, while 14 percent of customers reported problems with an incorrect bill or network connection issues. Conversely, among those who contacted their carrier with a general question, 39 percent of calls pertained to inquiries about product/services, 23 percent were for general billing issues and 11 percent were for service coverage.
Wireless customers who indicate that they have had a positive care experience are more loyal and are, therefore, less likely to switch carriers in the future, on average. Among full-service customers who indicate they "definitely will not switch" carriers in the next 12 months, customer care index scores average 834, compared with just 618 among those who say they "definitely will switch"—a difference of 216 points.
Despite owning phones with more complicated features, satisfaction among wireless customers with smartphones is comparable with the customer care experience of those with traditional mobile phones (757 vs. 756, respectively). However, smartphone owners, compared with traditional phone owners, are significantly more likely to have contacted their carrier with an issue during the past six months (48% vs. 35%, respectively).
J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Satisfaction With the Wireless Customer Care Experience Differs Considerably Between Contract and Non-Contract Users
Mobile - e-businesses focusing on putting a mobile customer experience strategy in place
[prnewswire] Tealeaf®, the leader in online customer experience management (CEM) software, and OpinionLab, the pioneer and leader in voice-of-customer (VOC) listening technologies and mobile feedback solutions, today announced the results of a survey that was conducted at the Forrester Customer Experience Forum, recently held in New York City. The survey of more than 120 conference attendees indicates that 84 percent of e-business and customer experience professionals feel that putting a mobile customer experience strategy in place is just as or more important than customer experience for fixed websites.
"With the unprecedented adoption of mobile devices, it's becoming an increasing priority to optimize the customer experience on that rapidly growing channel," said Geoff Galat, vice president of worldwide marketing at Tealeaf. "Regardless of whether the platform is a mobile device, tablet or computer, online customer experience is still fraught with issues. As is the case with fixed websites, how successful companies are with their mobile channels will depend largely on their customers' ability to complete transactions easily."
According to the survey, 87 percent of participants believe that online customer experience management is more important now than ever before. In fact, 50 percent view their online customer experience management strategy as a top priority. In terms of adoption, half of the survey participants are already actively engaged in this discipline -- implementing, executing or measuring a comprehensive online customer experience strategy. The remaining 50 percent report they are still in the planning and adoption phases.
"The first step toward improving online customer experience is understanding customer behavior and sentiment," said Rand Nickerson, CEO of OpinionLab. "Successful businesses today know both what consumers are doing and why they're doing it; and they know this because they monitor both consumer feedback and consumer activity. It's a powerful combination."
The top objectives companies have for adopting a CEM strategy this year is to increase customer satisfaction (28 percent) and to attract new customers (19 percent). Other priorities include gaining a competitive advantage, increasing sales, retaining customers and gaining insight into customer struggle.
The Mobile Customer Experience is a Growing Priority for E-Businesses
"With the unprecedented adoption of mobile devices, it's becoming an increasing priority to optimize the customer experience on that rapidly growing channel," said Geoff Galat, vice president of worldwide marketing at Tealeaf. "Regardless of whether the platform is a mobile device, tablet or computer, online customer experience is still fraught with issues. As is the case with fixed websites, how successful companies are with their mobile channels will depend largely on their customers' ability to complete transactions easily."
According to the survey, 87 percent of participants believe that online customer experience management is more important now than ever before. In fact, 50 percent view their online customer experience management strategy as a top priority. In terms of adoption, half of the survey participants are already actively engaged in this discipline -- implementing, executing or measuring a comprehensive online customer experience strategy. The remaining 50 percent report they are still in the planning and adoption phases.
"The first step toward improving online customer experience is understanding customer behavior and sentiment," said Rand Nickerson, CEO of OpinionLab. "Successful businesses today know both what consumers are doing and why they're doing it; and they know this because they monitor both consumer feedback and consumer activity. It's a powerful combination."
The top objectives companies have for adopting a CEM strategy this year is to increase customer satisfaction (28 percent) and to attract new customers (19 percent). Other priorities include gaining a competitive advantage, increasing sales, retaining customers and gaining insight into customer struggle.
The Mobile Customer Experience is a Growing Priority for E-Businesses
Asia - The Bridge Alliance is offerings "unlimited" data roaming for USD 12 per day across its six country footprint
[cellular news] Eleven Asian mobile networks have agreed to offer a universal prepaid SIM card for mobile data roaming at the equivalent rate of US$12 per day for unlimited downloads.
Bridge AsiaRoamData SIM can currently be used across six countries of the Bridge Alliance member networks - Singapore (SingTel Mobile), Malaysia (Maxis), Indonesia (Telkomsel), Philippines (Globe Telecom), Thailand (AIS) and India (Airtel).
The Bridge AsiaRoamData SIM starter kit is priced at US$15 and comprises a data SIM card bundled with 1-day unlimited data roaming plan. Subsequent daily usage is US$12 per day.
The Bridge Alliance is a current partnership of eleven Asian mobile operators.
Asian Operators Alliance Launches PrePay Data Roaming Service
see also Bridge Alliance
Bridge AsiaRoamData SIM can currently be used across six countries of the Bridge Alliance member networks - Singapore (SingTel Mobile), Malaysia (Maxis), Indonesia (Telkomsel), Philippines (Globe Telecom), Thailand (AIS) and India (Airtel).
The Bridge AsiaRoamData SIM starter kit is priced at US$15 and comprises a data SIM card bundled with 1-day unlimited data roaming plan. Subsequent daily usage is US$12 per day.
The Bridge Alliance is a current partnership of eleven Asian mobile operators.
Asian Operators Alliance Launches PrePay Data Roaming Service
see also Bridge Alliance
Jamaica - Govt has closed the scrap metal industry to stop vandalism of property and attacks on infrastructure
[Jamaica information service] Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says that the shutdown of the scrap metal industry is in the best interest of the country at this time.
Mr. Vaz said the Government stands by its decision, as the industry was "doing more harm than good …the fact of the matter is that we have gotten to the stage now where they are vandalising private property, and government property, which is having a serious impact on the country's infrastructure".
Speaking at today's (July 27) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House,
Mr. Vaz said the Cabinet decision, which was announced yesterday (July 26) by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, had come following the examination of all options.
"This was a collective decision by Cabinet, it had the input of the Commissioner of Customs, the Permanent Secretary in the (Industry) Ministry, and all issues relating to this matter including the previous ban and the recommendations by the Ministry, were taken into consideration at Monday's Cabinet. The decision was based on looking at all of the options that were put forward both by the Ministry and the previous recommendations that were there prior to Minister Tufton," he outlined.
Meanwhile, Mr. Vaz noted that the Government is fully aware that the industry provides employment and generate taxes, all of which would be impacted, but stressed that the decision was for the country's benefit.
"We are always open to proposals, but for right now, it (the industry) is closed," he stated.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Commerce Minister said scrap metal theft has cost the government and the private sector more than $1 billion over the past three years. The latest upsurge in the theft of valuable infrastructure, including train lines, heritage items and graves, have led to renewed calls for further Government intervention to address the problem.
Scrap Metal Ban Best for the Country - Vaz
Mr. Vaz said the Government stands by its decision, as the industry was "doing more harm than good …the fact of the matter is that we have gotten to the stage now where they are vandalising private property, and government property, which is having a serious impact on the country's infrastructure".
Speaking at today's (July 27) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House,
Mr. Vaz said the Cabinet decision, which was announced yesterday (July 26) by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, had come following the examination of all options.
"This was a collective decision by Cabinet, it had the input of the Commissioner of Customs, the Permanent Secretary in the (Industry) Ministry, and all issues relating to this matter including the previous ban and the recommendations by the Ministry, were taken into consideration at Monday's Cabinet. The decision was based on looking at all of the options that were put forward both by the Ministry and the previous recommendations that were there prior to Minister Tufton," he outlined.
Meanwhile, Mr. Vaz noted that the Government is fully aware that the industry provides employment and generate taxes, all of which would be impacted, but stressed that the decision was for the country's benefit.
"We are always open to proposals, but for right now, it (the industry) is closed," he stated.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Commerce Minister said scrap metal theft has cost the government and the private sector more than $1 billion over the past three years. The latest upsurge in the theft of valuable infrastructure, including train lines, heritage items and graves, have led to renewed calls for further Government intervention to address the problem.
Scrap Metal Ban Best for the Country - Vaz
Mobile games - Forecast growth from USD 5 to 16 billion by 2016 with increased sales of virtual goods
[cellular news] Mobile gaming is establishing itself as a serious form of mass entertainment, appealing to a diverse group of consumers across the world. The growth in this market is driven on one hand by the emergence of modern touchscreen smartphones as a suitable gaming platform, and on the other hand by innovation in casual games that attract users from both genders and from all age groups.
This is also reflected in the industry's revenue base, which will grow from less than $5 billion in 2011 to more than $16 billion in 2016.
Shift in revenue
ABI Research senior analyst Aapo Markkanen comments, "An ever-larger share of mobile gaming revenue is coming from virtual goods and other purchases that take place within the game. These in-app payments will account for about one-third of the 2011 revenue base, but by the end of 2016 their share will increase to almost half of the total. Also, the in-game advertising revenue will increase considerably, as more and more advertisers take advantage of mobile games' mass-media potential."
Thanks to digital distribution of the content, barriers to entering the mobile gaming sector are low.
Good content better than luck
However, Markkanen warns, "The dynamics of both casual gaming and the discovery of new content make it a risky hit-and-miss business, though good content is still definitely more important than luck. Rovio's 'Angry Birds' is an early example of the sort of following that the most successful titles will be able to achieve, yet for one such hit there will be scores of failed attempts to catch consumers' attention. This is likely to result in further consolidation among developers, as can be seen from recent acquisitions made by industry giants such as Electronic Arts and Zynga."
This is also reflected in the industry's revenue base, which will grow from less than $5 billion in 2011 to more than $16 billion in 2016.
Shift in revenue
ABI Research senior analyst Aapo Markkanen comments, "An ever-larger share of mobile gaming revenue is coming from virtual goods and other purchases that take place within the game. These in-app payments will account for about one-third of the 2011 revenue base, but by the end of 2016 their share will increase to almost half of the total. Also, the in-game advertising revenue will increase considerably, as more and more advertisers take advantage of mobile games' mass-media potential."
Thanks to digital distribution of the content, barriers to entering the mobile gaming sector are low.
Good content better than luck
However, Markkanen warns, "The dynamics of both casual gaming and the discovery of new content make it a risky hit-and-miss business, though good content is still definitely more important than luck. Rovio's 'Angry Birds' is an early example of the sort of following that the most successful titles will be able to achieve, yet for one such hit there will be scores of failed attempts to catch consumers' attention. This is likely to result in further consolidation among developers, as can be seen from recent acquisitions made by industry giants such as Electronic Arts and Zynga."
Africa - Orange and Google are to partner to provide mobile customers with access to Google content and services
[cellular news] France Telecom-Orange and Google have signed a partnership that aims to facilitate access to Google's services across Africa by leveraging Orange's networks. This will enable Orange's mobile customers to stay in touch with their Google services and Google users to extend their network by using SMS-based services.
The "Gmail SMS Chat" service, which will eventually be launched across Orange's footprint in Africa and the Middle East, is already available in Senegal, Uganda and Kenya. It will be launched in four additional countries - Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea Conakry and Niger - in the coming months, and will be launched as a trial in Egypt (Mobinil).
Orange and Google are now looking to extend this partnership to include other services.
Through the development of SMS-based services that operate on all mobile networks, Orange and Google will extend the reach of a range of internet services that were previously limited to smartphone and broadband users to all Orange mobile customers.
The services proposed under Google SMS are only the first stage of this partnership. Orange and Google are now exploring ways of bringing other Google services to the whole Orange customer base.
Commenting on the partnership, Xavier Perret, VP Strategic Partnerships said: "The Group's capacity to combine its knowhow on service infrastructure with innovation, and by adapting its offers to local needs, will enable it to provide mobile customers across Africa with access to internet-based services in the best possible conditions. We are delighted to work with a major brand like Google and we know that by innovating together we can really change the role mobile technology plays in our customers' lives".
Orange Inks African Deal with Google for Mobile Services
The "Gmail SMS Chat" service, which will eventually be launched across Orange's footprint in Africa and the Middle East, is already available in Senegal, Uganda and Kenya. It will be launched in four additional countries - Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea Conakry and Niger - in the coming months, and will be launched as a trial in Egypt (Mobinil).
Orange and Google are now looking to extend this partnership to include other services.
Through the development of SMS-based services that operate on all mobile networks, Orange and Google will extend the reach of a range of internet services that were previously limited to smartphone and broadband users to all Orange mobile customers.
The services proposed under Google SMS are only the first stage of this partnership. Orange and Google are now exploring ways of bringing other Google services to the whole Orange customer base.
Commenting on the partnership, Xavier Perret, VP Strategic Partnerships said: "The Group's capacity to combine its knowhow on service infrastructure with innovation, and by adapting its offers to local needs, will enable it to provide mobile customers across Africa with access to internet-based services in the best possible conditions. We are delighted to work with a major brand like Google and we know that by innovating together we can really change the role mobile technology plays in our customers' lives".
Orange Inks African Deal with Google for Mobile Services
Niue - A new island-wide "4G" all-IP mobile network has been launched
[prweb] Lemko Corporation along with their partner, Challenge Networks, is pleased to announce the successful launch of a mobile network service on the island of Niue. The pre-paid service provides island wide voice, data and text message communication.
The Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Hon Murray McCully completed the first call to the Premier of Niue, an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. The Hon Premier, Toke Tufukia Talagi said during the opening ceremony “This is a great day for the People of Niue and a special thanks to all involved who made this happen”.
“The Lemko Node1TM solution makes it possible to economically offer state-of-the-art digital voice and text services to the residents and tourist of Niue,” says Chris White, Executive Vice President at Lemko Corporation. “Our fully distributed all-IP approach eliminates backhaul and uniquely positions Niue to offer richly featured, high quality services at a price point that meets their market.”
Node1 delivers an all IP, packet-switched mobile broadband cellular solution. It provides a complete cellular network at every cell site through local completion of all switching, control, authentication and billing record creation. This fully distributed approach meets the wireless industry’s vision for fourth generation (4G) networks.
Lemko and Challenge Networks Provide Wireless Service to Niue
The Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Hon Murray McCully completed the first call to the Premier of Niue, an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. The Hon Premier, Toke Tufukia Talagi said during the opening ceremony “This is a great day for the People of Niue and a special thanks to all involved who made this happen”.
“The Lemko Node1TM solution makes it possible to economically offer state-of-the-art digital voice and text services to the residents and tourist of Niue,” says Chris White, Executive Vice President at Lemko Corporation. “Our fully distributed all-IP approach eliminates backhaul and uniquely positions Niue to offer richly featured, high quality services at a price point that meets their market.”
Node1 delivers an all IP, packet-switched mobile broadband cellular solution. It provides a complete cellular network at every cell site through local completion of all switching, control, authentication and billing record creation. This fully distributed approach meets the wireless industry’s vision for fourth generation (4G) networks.
Lemko and Challenge Networks Provide Wireless Service to Niue
USA - "Gig.U" is group of universities and communities working to accelerate higher speed networks
[marketwire] A broad-based group of 29 universities and communities across the country today launched Gig.U: The University Community Next Generation Innovation Project. Drawing on America's rich history of community-led innovation in research and entrepreneurship, Gig.U seeks to accelerate the deployment of ultra high-speed networks to leading U.S. universities and their surrounding communities. Improvements to these networks drive economic growth and stimulate a new generation of innovations addressing critical needs, such as health care and education.
"America's global leadership in many areas results from its leadership in creating and maintaining the world's leading research universities," said Michael M. Crow, President of Arizona State University. "As the world accelerates towards a knowledge-based economy, global leadership in generating economic growth and jobs will depend even more on these research institutions."
University communities increasingly depend on high-speed networks to educate, collaborate and share large amounts of information instantaneously. Research in real time has fueled the growth of the global information economy, yet today's market for bandwidth services does not address the particular needs of university communities. Gig.U's mission is to create a favorable climate for next generation network test-beds and trigger a new generation of high-speed networking offerings for these communities.
"Gig.U members came together to address our unique connectivity gap," said Lev Gonick, Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Information Technology Services at Case Western Reserve University, a Gig.U member. "We intimately understand that for American research institutions to continue to provide leadership in areas important to U.S. competitiveness, we have to act to improve the market opportunity for upgrading to gigabit networks in our university communities. We believe a small amount of investment can yield big returns for the American economy and our society."
Gig.U universities and their surrounding communities have the most favorable conditions for a market-based, ultra high-speed broadband strategy, including dense populations and high demand from institutions and residential customers. These communities have long served as partners and test-beds for advances in market segments ranging from healthcare and education to technology and energy. Through an open Request for Information (RFI) process, Gig.U will gather data on these specific segments with an intent to inform high-speed service providers of new implementation approaches, and to enable competition to bring high-speed networks to research communities. The group aims for the RFI process translating into tailored Requests for Proposals for deploying cutting edge networking technology to campuses and communities in a matter of years, not decades.
"Alaska and our universities are leading the way in many unique fields of research and it's vital that we support and encourage their work," said Senator Mark Begich (D - Alaska). "I don't want to just hear about the next great idea, research project or potential breakthrough, I want to see them happen. Research doesn't just happen inside the 4 walls of a university. By giving our communities the necessary tools we can spark research, innovation and invention anywhere."
Gig.U released an open letter explaining its purpose and inviting others to join in the effort. The letter stresses, "we believe that if our communities can have access to next generation networks, we can unlock a new generation of opportunities."
"As the home to one of these institutions, Gainesville has known for some time that we need broadband speeds to our campuses and communities far beyond that which the market offers today," said Craig Lowe, Mayor of the City of Gainesville, Florida. "High speed broadband connectivity will be the key to furthering the research and development reach from these institutions."
University Communities Launch Gig.U for Next Generation Network-Based Innovation
"America's global leadership in many areas results from its leadership in creating and maintaining the world's leading research universities," said Michael M. Crow, President of Arizona State University. "As the world accelerates towards a knowledge-based economy, global leadership in generating economic growth and jobs will depend even more on these research institutions."
University communities increasingly depend on high-speed networks to educate, collaborate and share large amounts of information instantaneously. Research in real time has fueled the growth of the global information economy, yet today's market for bandwidth services does not address the particular needs of university communities. Gig.U's mission is to create a favorable climate for next generation network test-beds and trigger a new generation of high-speed networking offerings for these communities.
"Gig.U members came together to address our unique connectivity gap," said Lev Gonick, Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Information Technology Services at Case Western Reserve University, a Gig.U member. "We intimately understand that for American research institutions to continue to provide leadership in areas important to U.S. competitiveness, we have to act to improve the market opportunity for upgrading to gigabit networks in our university communities. We believe a small amount of investment can yield big returns for the American economy and our society."
Gig.U universities and their surrounding communities have the most favorable conditions for a market-based, ultra high-speed broadband strategy, including dense populations and high demand from institutions and residential customers. These communities have long served as partners and test-beds for advances in market segments ranging from healthcare and education to technology and energy. Through an open Request for Information (RFI) process, Gig.U will gather data on these specific segments with an intent to inform high-speed service providers of new implementation approaches, and to enable competition to bring high-speed networks to research communities. The group aims for the RFI process translating into tailored Requests for Proposals for deploying cutting edge networking technology to campuses and communities in a matter of years, not decades.
"Alaska and our universities are leading the way in many unique fields of research and it's vital that we support and encourage their work," said Senator Mark Begich (D - Alaska). "I don't want to just hear about the next great idea, research project or potential breakthrough, I want to see them happen. Research doesn't just happen inside the 4 walls of a university. By giving our communities the necessary tools we can spark research, innovation and invention anywhere."
Gig.U released an open letter explaining its purpose and inviting others to join in the effort. The letter stresses, "we believe that if our communities can have access to next generation networks, we can unlock a new generation of opportunities."
"As the home to one of these institutions, Gainesville has known for some time that we need broadband speeds to our campuses and communities far beyond that which the market offers today," said Craig Lowe, Mayor of the City of Gainesville, Florida. "High speed broadband connectivity will be the key to furthering the research and development reach from these institutions."
University Communities Launch Gig.U for Next Generation Network-Based Innovation
Pakistan - Cabinet is to approve the arrangements for an auction of spectrum for national 3G services
[daily times] The government of Pakistan is expected to invite international telecommunication players along with five local operators to take part in the open auction of 3-G licences, official sources informed here on Tuesday.
The government has two options under its consideration for auction of 3-G licences. The government under option number one will offer up to 10 Mhz frequency to telecommunication companies with licence and minimum $420 million and maximum $800 million revenue is expected to come through the auction.
Under the option number two, the government will offer frequency ranging between 20 Mhz and up to 35Mhz to telecom sector with licences through open bidding and minimum $749 million and $1.2 billion revenue is projected to come.
The 3-G or 3rd generation mobile telecommunications is a generation of standards for mobile phones and mobile telecommunication services fulfilling the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specifications by the International Telecommunication Union. Application services include wide-area wireless voice telephone, mobile Internet access, video calls and mobile TV, all in a mobile environment.
Official sources informed that a meeting held at the Ministry of Finance and chaired by the Federal Minister for Finance Dr Hafeez Shaikh discussed the issue of auction of 3-G licences and considered the said options and decided to submit the recommendations of the meeting to the federal cabinet meeting, expected, today (Wednesday).
The federal cabinet in its meeting would be requested to approve the modalities of the auction of the 3-G licences with possible decision on any one option.
Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) is managing the frequency and some excess frequency is available with the FAB that would be allocated to the successful bidder - telecommunication companies with 3-G licences. The sources said that Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) would be managing the affairs of the auction of 3-G licences.
Sources said that meeting held in the Ministry of Finance decided to go for open auctioning of the much awaited 3-G licencing to generate around Rs 60 billion receipts budgeted for the current fiscal year.
They said that the meeting thoroughly discussed the auctioning options, anticipated revenue and decided to move a summary to the cabinet.
The meeting was informed that Mobilink, Ufone, Telenor, Warid and Zong are five potential candidates for taking part in the bidding to buy excess frequency for running of 3-G service network. The meeting decided that access frequency would be bridged by 2013.
The Privatisation Commission representative present in the meeting was of the view that the government should also invite international telecommunication players in the auction of 3-G licenses not only to fetch maximum price as well as to make it more transparent and to eliminate any chance of post auction litigation by the international players.
The proposal has been pending for quite a long time and the government had estimated Rs 60 billion receipts in the last year but was not able to materialise it.
Federal cabinet to approve modalities today
The government has two options under its consideration for auction of 3-G licences. The government under option number one will offer up to 10 Mhz frequency to telecommunication companies with licence and minimum $420 million and maximum $800 million revenue is expected to come through the auction.
Under the option number two, the government will offer frequency ranging between 20 Mhz and up to 35Mhz to telecom sector with licences through open bidding and minimum $749 million and $1.2 billion revenue is projected to come.
The 3-G or 3rd generation mobile telecommunications is a generation of standards for mobile phones and mobile telecommunication services fulfilling the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specifications by the International Telecommunication Union. Application services include wide-area wireless voice telephone, mobile Internet access, video calls and mobile TV, all in a mobile environment.
Official sources informed that a meeting held at the Ministry of Finance and chaired by the Federal Minister for Finance Dr Hafeez Shaikh discussed the issue of auction of 3-G licences and considered the said options and decided to submit the recommendations of the meeting to the federal cabinet meeting, expected, today (Wednesday).
The federal cabinet in its meeting would be requested to approve the modalities of the auction of the 3-G licences with possible decision on any one option.
Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) is managing the frequency and some excess frequency is available with the FAB that would be allocated to the successful bidder - telecommunication companies with 3-G licences. The sources said that Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) would be managing the affairs of the auction of 3-G licences.
Sources said that meeting held in the Ministry of Finance decided to go for open auctioning of the much awaited 3-G licencing to generate around Rs 60 billion receipts budgeted for the current fiscal year.
They said that the meeting thoroughly discussed the auctioning options, anticipated revenue and decided to move a summary to the cabinet.
The meeting was informed that Mobilink, Ufone, Telenor, Warid and Zong are five potential candidates for taking part in the bidding to buy excess frequency for running of 3-G service network. The meeting decided that access frequency would be bridged by 2013.
The Privatisation Commission representative present in the meeting was of the view that the government should also invite international telecommunication players in the auction of 3-G licenses not only to fetch maximum price as well as to make it more transparent and to eliminate any chance of post auction litigation by the international players.
The proposal has been pending for quite a long time and the government had estimated Rs 60 billion receipts in the last year but was not able to materialise it.
Federal cabinet to approve modalities today
UK - Regulator finds real speeds are still much less than claims in advertisements
[bbc] Broadband speeds in the UK now average 6.8Mbps (megabits per second) but there is still a huge gap between advertised and actual speeds, according to Ofcom.
Almost half of broadband users are now on packages with advertised speeds above 10Mbps but few achieve this.
Ofcom's biannual report into the state of the broadband market urged changes to advertising.
Virgin Media, which fared well in the study, accused its rivals of misleading the public.
The report found that the average broadband speed had increased by 10% in the past six months, mainly because people were trying out faster services.
But the gap between advertised and actual speed had widened in the same period. The average advertised speed was 15Mbps, 8.2Mbps faster than the average actual speed.
ISPs 'still mislead' on broadband
Almost half of broadband users are now on packages with advertised speeds above 10Mbps but few achieve this.
Ofcom's biannual report into the state of the broadband market urged changes to advertising.
Virgin Media, which fared well in the study, accused its rivals of misleading the public.
The report found that the average broadband speed had increased by 10% in the past six months, mainly because people were trying out faster services.
But the gap between advertised and actual speed had widened in the same period. The average advertised speed was 15Mbps, 8.2Mbps faster than the average actual speed.
ISPs 'still mislead' on broadband
South Africa - BT Global has joined other firms in investing in infrastructure for its VPN customers
[submarine telecoms forum] Over the last two years South Africa has gone from a country with a single undersea cable system serving our international bandwidth needs to a competitive environment with SAT-3/SAFE, EASSy and SEACOM battling it out for market share, according to My Broadband Tech.
WACS has also landed in South Africa, and with a design capacity of over 5Tbps it will bring even more bandwidth into the country and drive down prices further.
While South Africa’s international fibre needs are now served well, national and last mile fibre infrastructure is still lacking.
Good news is that there are a few projects which aim at addressing the lack of terrestrial fibre in South Africa, including the Neotel/MTN/Vodacom, and FibreCo’s national fibre networks.
News has now emerged that BT Global will also get involved in South Africa’s growing fibre investments.
Speaking at the Submarine Networks World Africa 2011 conference in Sandton (26 July 2011), Stephen Kelly, Head of Middle East and Africa for BT Global Services, revealed that BT is set to invest in a fibre network in South Africa.
BT to boost fibre investment in SA
WACS has also landed in South Africa, and with a design capacity of over 5Tbps it will bring even more bandwidth into the country and drive down prices further.
While South Africa’s international fibre needs are now served well, national and last mile fibre infrastructure is still lacking.
Good news is that there are a few projects which aim at addressing the lack of terrestrial fibre in South Africa, including the Neotel/MTN/Vodacom, and FibreCo’s national fibre networks.
News has now emerged that BT Global will also get involved in South Africa’s growing fibre investments.
Speaking at the Submarine Networks World Africa 2011 conference in Sandton (26 July 2011), Stephen Kelly, Head of Middle East and Africa for BT Global Services, revealed that BT is set to invest in a fibre network in South Africa.
BT to boost fibre investment in SA
Antigua - Interconnection disruption between LIME and Digicel is being mediated by the Minister to reconnect the networks
[caribarena - antigua] The Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications has become aware of a major disruption in mobile calls emanating from and terminating onto the platform of Digicel, one of the leading telecommunications companies in Antigua.
This disruption has resulted in Digicel customers being unable to connect to both LIME and APUA mobile customers as well as a disruption in connecting to APUA landlines, both residential and commercial.
The disruption has also affected inbound calls to the Digicel Network from all other providers, including inbound and outbound international calls.
Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Telecommunications, Honourable Dr. Edmond Mansoor, is convening two emergency meetings today, the first at 3:30 pm and the second at 6:30 pm, to discuss a number of complex issues related to the causes of the disruption.
“I have invited senior representatives of APUA, LIME and Digicel to meet with the Telecommunications Officer and myself and to discuss what appears to be a series of disputes between APUA and Digicel. I am aware that both Digicel and APUA have been embroiled in a number of on-going commercial disputes, some of which are the subject of litigation.
"I am also aware that both Digicel and APUA have already made public statements today on the newest development. I am hopeful that sufficient progress can be made in today’s deliberations which would result in the least possible inconveniences to both residents and visitors,” Minister Mansoor declared.
“I have asked all the telecommunications providers to use acceptable and well-established mediation routes to settle their differences without having to resort to the disruption of services that greatly inconveniences tens of thousands of people. I have also reminded all the telecommunications players in the marketplace that the existing laws, regulations and agreements that govern the telecommunications sector apply in equal measure across the board,” Minister Mansoor added.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is fully committed to working diligently with all the providers to resolving this impasse in the shortest possible time, as well as to sustaining a sound telecommunications regulatory environment.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda regrets the inconveniences that have resulted to both residents and visitors due to the disruption.
Telecommunications Ministry Mediating Digicel-APUA Impasse
This disruption has resulted in Digicel customers being unable to connect to both LIME and APUA mobile customers as well as a disruption in connecting to APUA landlines, both residential and commercial.
The disruption has also affected inbound calls to the Digicel Network from all other providers, including inbound and outbound international calls.
Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Telecommunications, Honourable Dr. Edmond Mansoor, is convening two emergency meetings today, the first at 3:30 pm and the second at 6:30 pm, to discuss a number of complex issues related to the causes of the disruption.
“I have invited senior representatives of APUA, LIME and Digicel to meet with the Telecommunications Officer and myself and to discuss what appears to be a series of disputes between APUA and Digicel. I am aware that both Digicel and APUA have been embroiled in a number of on-going commercial disputes, some of which are the subject of litigation.
"I am also aware that both Digicel and APUA have already made public statements today on the newest development. I am hopeful that sufficient progress can be made in today’s deliberations which would result in the least possible inconveniences to both residents and visitors,” Minister Mansoor declared.
“I have asked all the telecommunications providers to use acceptable and well-established mediation routes to settle their differences without having to resort to the disruption of services that greatly inconveniences tens of thousands of people. I have also reminded all the telecommunications players in the marketplace that the existing laws, regulations and agreements that govern the telecommunications sector apply in equal measure across the board,” Minister Mansoor added.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is fully committed to working diligently with all the providers to resolving this impasse in the shortest possible time, as well as to sustaining a sound telecommunications regulatory environment.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda regrets the inconveniences that have resulted to both residents and visitors due to the disruption.
Telecommunications Ministry Mediating Digicel-APUA Impasse
Wi-Fi - iPass has added Spectranet, giving it many more hot spots in India including airports
[marketwire] iPass Inc. (NASDAQ: IPAS), a leading provider of mobility services for enterprises and service providers, today announced that it has expanded the iPass Mobile Network in India with Spectranet, a pioneer of wireless broadband with Wi-Fi coverage in key locations within ten major Indian municipalities.
"Business travel is increasing in India and our partnership with iPass will allow enterprise users to connect to Wi-Fi coverage in hotels, commercial office spaces, malls and markets," said the head of Spectranet Marketing and Product Development, Sunando Bhattachary. "In India, the last-mile is the biggest challenge in getting a quality connection, which is why Spectranet invested heavily in our own fiber-optic network."
"Thanks to our Spectranet partnership, iPass has extended our Wi-Fi network within strategic locations in India," said Marcio Avillez, vice president of Network Services at iPass. "Indira Gandhi International Airport is the eighth largest airport in the world with over 25 million passengers traveling each year enabling many iPass users to connect to a stable and secure network there and throughout the country."
With the iPass Open Mobile platform, a cloud-based services delivery system, enterprises can enable mobile workers to seamlessly connect their laptops, smartphones and tablets to the iPass Mobile Network -- the world's largest authenticated Wi-Fi network -- while ensuring IT departments have complete visibility and control of network usage, security and costs wherever their employees travel.
iPass Wi-Fi Footprint Grows in India With Spectranet
see also Hotspot finder
"Business travel is increasing in India and our partnership with iPass will allow enterprise users to connect to Wi-Fi coverage in hotels, commercial office spaces, malls and markets," said the head of Spectranet Marketing and Product Development, Sunando Bhattachary. "In India, the last-mile is the biggest challenge in getting a quality connection, which is why Spectranet invested heavily in our own fiber-optic network."
"Thanks to our Spectranet partnership, iPass has extended our Wi-Fi network within strategic locations in India," said Marcio Avillez, vice president of Network Services at iPass. "Indira Gandhi International Airport is the eighth largest airport in the world with over 25 million passengers traveling each year enabling many iPass users to connect to a stable and secure network there and throughout the country."
With the iPass Open Mobile platform, a cloud-based services delivery system, enterprises can enable mobile workers to seamlessly connect their laptops, smartphones and tablets to the iPass Mobile Network -- the world's largest authenticated Wi-Fi network -- while ensuring IT departments have complete visibility and control of network usage, security and costs wherever their employees travel.
iPass Wi-Fi Footprint Grows in India With Spectranet
see also Hotspot finder
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
MTV - Use of a real-time social content platform to aggregate, filter and moderate Twitter content for audiences
[marketwire] Mass Relevance today announced that MTV Networks is using the Mass Relevance Platform to curate and analyze real-time social content across a wide range of brand experiences. Using Mass Relevance, MTV Networks aggregates, filters, moderates and delivers real-time Twitter content to create engaging interactions with its audiences and power voting for award shows including the 2011 mtvU Woodie Awards, VH1's Big Morning Buzz Live and Logo's NewNowNext Awards and RuPaul's Drag Race.
"Our producers use the Mass Relevance technology to power social data products and experiences across our brands, through data curation, moderation and visualization," said Jacob Shwirtz Director of Social Viewing at MTV Networks. "Mass Relevance's committed service and unique capabilities have helped MTV Networks deliver new and compelling experiences to our fans and users."
"MTV Networks is known for being on the cutting edge," said Sam Decker, CEO of Mass Relevance. "Twitter, with its explosive growth with young people, offers a tremendous opportunity to fuse together online, broadcast and social in a new kind of brand experience. Our platform offers the scale and technology to enable the massive amount of social conversations and data to be collected and displayed in a way that allows MTV Networks to innovate new ways to engage fans and catalyze conversations happening online. We're very excited to work with them in bringing the very best to their audiences."
Launched in December 2010, Mass Relevance helps consumer brands effectively use real-time social content to drive engagement on television, web and mobile. The platform uniquely combines a cutting-edge social technology that can instantly aggregate, curate and deliver the best content for any context with an enterprise SaaS infrastructure to meet the needs of the Fortune 500. Mass Relevance has powered successful integrated Twitter strategies for media, entertainment and consumer brands such as NBC Sports, Cisco, E! Online, ITV, Dick Clark Productions, and Pepsi.
Mass Relevance Curates Real-Time Twitter Content for MTV Networks
"Our producers use the Mass Relevance technology to power social data products and experiences across our brands, through data curation, moderation and visualization," said Jacob Shwirtz Director of Social Viewing at MTV Networks. "Mass Relevance's committed service and unique capabilities have helped MTV Networks deliver new and compelling experiences to our fans and users."
"MTV Networks is known for being on the cutting edge," said Sam Decker, CEO of Mass Relevance. "Twitter, with its explosive growth with young people, offers a tremendous opportunity to fuse together online, broadcast and social in a new kind of brand experience. Our platform offers the scale and technology to enable the massive amount of social conversations and data to be collected and displayed in a way that allows MTV Networks to innovate new ways to engage fans and catalyze conversations happening online. We're very excited to work with them in bringing the very best to their audiences."
Launched in December 2010, Mass Relevance helps consumer brands effectively use real-time social content to drive engagement on television, web and mobile. The platform uniquely combines a cutting-edge social technology that can instantly aggregate, curate and deliver the best content for any context with an enterprise SaaS infrastructure to meet the needs of the Fortune 500. Mass Relevance has powered successful integrated Twitter strategies for media, entertainment and consumer brands such as NBC Sports, Cisco, E! Online, ITV, Dick Clark Productions, and Pepsi.
Mass Relevance Curates Real-Time Twitter Content for MTV Networks
UK - Engineers claim LTE spectrum will be insufficient to meet demand, calling for more wholesale competition
[cellular news] An engineering trade body has called in the UK government to change its plans for allocating LTE radio spectrum in the country. Members of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) believe that this must begin with the Government defining a national ambition for UK mobile infrastructure to support UK competitiveness, investment and innovation.
"Growing demand for broadband is stretching the capability of existing networks" said Professor Will Stewart from the IET. "Wholesale network competition must perform better or we will fall further and further behind consumer expectations.
"It is important for the Government and regulators to promote a vision for the future of mobile superfast services that inspire sustainable investment and wider competition.
"A reformed and modernised UK network regulatory framework then needs to fully support this ambition. It is not about more regulation but the right regulation.
The IET has outlined three mobile communications challenges:
The capacity challenge: rapid growth in demand is set to continue, but mobile networks lack the capacity to allow them to keep up with both the capacity demand and the rising access speeds on the fixed broadband networks. Additional spectrum will only provide modest gains and will not satisfy the rapid growth demand in data services.
The coverage challenge: The move to ever higher reaches of the radio spectrum (to build data capacity) is driving a shrinkage of "effective" mobile coverage with enhancing capacity. The IET believes the introduction of Femto cell type technology will be required to achieve both service coverage and improved data throughput in order to reverse the trend.
The regulatory challenge: The UK has passed through four generations of mobile communications technology - each a revolution in shaping the consumer experience. Network competition is now weakening whilst retail competition is intensifying putting into question the emergence of the right new mobile infrastructure platforms to support the creative industries and consumer choice for the mobile digital age
Professor Stewart concluded: "We have had extensive discussions on different aspects of this issue, and are conscious that, like all such issues, there can be much complexity in the details.
"So, in writing directly to the Culture Secretary, we have chosen to present a specific view of the future of the key area of superfast mobile wireless access. Of course, concern in this area is driven by the need to support new smartphone and other mobile services where coverage, regulatory and capacity issues are already serious enough to be a limit on new services. The current mobile regulatory framework, far from coping with these new challenges, has become part of the problem."
UK's 4G Mobile Roll out Will Disappoint Consumers - Says IET
"Growing demand for broadband is stretching the capability of existing networks" said Professor Will Stewart from the IET. "Wholesale network competition must perform better or we will fall further and further behind consumer expectations.
"It is important for the Government and regulators to promote a vision for the future of mobile superfast services that inspire sustainable investment and wider competition.
"A reformed and modernised UK network regulatory framework then needs to fully support this ambition. It is not about more regulation but the right regulation.
The IET has outlined three mobile communications challenges:
The capacity challenge: rapid growth in demand is set to continue, but mobile networks lack the capacity to allow them to keep up with both the capacity demand and the rising access speeds on the fixed broadband networks. Additional spectrum will only provide modest gains and will not satisfy the rapid growth demand in data services.
The coverage challenge: The move to ever higher reaches of the radio spectrum (to build data capacity) is driving a shrinkage of "effective" mobile coverage with enhancing capacity. The IET believes the introduction of Femto cell type technology will be required to achieve both service coverage and improved data throughput in order to reverse the trend.
The regulatory challenge: The UK has passed through four generations of mobile communications technology - each a revolution in shaping the consumer experience. Network competition is now weakening whilst retail competition is intensifying putting into question the emergence of the right new mobile infrastructure platforms to support the creative industries and consumer choice for the mobile digital age
Professor Stewart concluded: "We have had extensive discussions on different aspects of this issue, and are conscious that, like all such issues, there can be much complexity in the details.
"So, in writing directly to the Culture Secretary, we have chosen to present a specific view of the future of the key area of superfast mobile wireless access. Of course, concern in this area is driven by the need to support new smartphone and other mobile services where coverage, regulatory and capacity issues are already serious enough to be a limit on new services. The current mobile regulatory framework, far from coping with these new challenges, has become part of the problem."
UK's 4G Mobile Roll out Will Disappoint Consumers - Says IET
Singapore - SingTel is transferring landline assets to a trust as part of the separation for OpenNet
[cellular news] Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) has announced that it is transferring a block of its landline assets to a wholly owned subsidiary company, NetLink Trust in a transaction worth approximately S$1.89 billion (US$1.56 billion).
NetLink Trust is a business trust established as part of the telecoms regulators open access requirements under Singapore's "Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network" ("Next Gen NBN").
In September 2008, OpenNet, in which SingTel has an interest of 30 percent., was selected to become the network company for the Next Gen NBN. SingTel undertook to the IDA to transfer certain infrastructure assets to a separate wholly-owned entity as part of the IDA's effective open access requirements. NetLink Trust was established to comply with this undertaking.
Upon completion of the transaction, CityNet will then carry on the business of ownership, installation, operation and maintenance of the relevant ducts, manholes, exchange buildings and space in exchange buildings for the purposes of facilitating telecommunications activities.
SingTel will reduce its stake in NetLink Trust to less than 25 percent by April 2014, subject to relevant approvals being obtained.
SingTel to Set Up a Business Trust to Manage Fixed Broadband Network Assets
NetLink Trust is a business trust established as part of the telecoms regulators open access requirements under Singapore's "Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network" ("Next Gen NBN").
In September 2008, OpenNet, in which SingTel has an interest of 30 percent., was selected to become the network company for the Next Gen NBN. SingTel undertook to the IDA to transfer certain infrastructure assets to a separate wholly-owned entity as part of the IDA's effective open access requirements. NetLink Trust was established to comply with this undertaking.
Upon completion of the transaction, CityNet will then carry on the business of ownership, installation, operation and maintenance of the relevant ducts, manholes, exchange buildings and space in exchange buildings for the purposes of facilitating telecommunications activities.
SingTel will reduce its stake in NetLink Trust to less than 25 percent by April 2014, subject to relevant approvals being obtained.
SingTel to Set Up a Business Trust to Manage Fixed Broadband Network Assets
USA - Consumers held hostage complain that ISP have modified limits on Internet usage against the interests of consumers
[prnewswire] ConsumersHeldHostage.org claims to have uncovered sneaky policy changes by major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) who are placing new limits on paid Internet usage. This organization views these policy changes as classic anti-consumer behavior due to the fact that these limits do NOT apply to the ISPs' proprietary services.
These policy changes reduce the amount of activity the ISPs' customers are allowed on their own paid Internet connection, as opposed to net neutrality which deals with content, instead of amount. However, these limits don't apply when using the Internet Providers' own TV and phone services which are delivered over the same connection.
As an example, if a viewer watches just one Netflix or Hulu video the meter is quickly turning. But when using the Providers' TV service it's okay to run every TV in the house, 24/7, with no penalty. Or, there is unlimited calling with the Internet Providers' voice service, but pick up a Vonage phone and the meter is running.
The penalties for exceeding these limits include surcharges or service being turned off. ConsumersHeldHostage.org observes that these moves are an increase in rates with a decrease in service which, in any economy, would cause distress but in these difficult times are a colossal burden. This organization strongly believes that if consumers do not take a stand and fight back immediately there will be huge consequences resulting in the loss of Internet freedom.
Most people don't stop to think about how important the Internet has become to everyday life. A vast multitude of activities require Internet access - from watching videos using services like Netflix and YouTube, to listening to music using iTunes, to making phone calls with Vonage or Skype, to checking and sending email, to playing games, to accessing favorite social media services like Facebook or Twitter, to performing online banking, to checking favorite stock quotes. And the list keeps growing.
The simple truth is the Internet is a requirement for a huge list of growing devices beyond just a computer. Some of these Internet-hungry devices include tablets, gaming systems, smartphones, set-top boxes, TVs, DVD players, GPS's and even some appliances.
ConsumersHeldHostage.org is building a grassroots resistance, uniting consumers by providing leadership and an aggressive plan to stop this outrageous behavior. Their goal is to work with consumers to put mass pressure on companies to adopt more consumer-friendly policies. The organization accomplishes this task through the Internet community and the media. When appropriate it also works with law firms and regulators. Their voice, influence and effectiveness grows stronger with every Net citizen who joins them. ConsumersHeldHostage.org insists that Internet freedom might become a part of history if consumers don't unite behind their plan to stop this abuse.
These policy changes reduce the amount of activity the ISPs' customers are allowed on their own paid Internet connection, as opposed to net neutrality which deals with content, instead of amount. However, these limits don't apply when using the Internet Providers' own TV and phone services which are delivered over the same connection.
As an example, if a viewer watches just one Netflix or Hulu video the meter is quickly turning. But when using the Providers' TV service it's okay to run every TV in the house, 24/7, with no penalty. Or, there is unlimited calling with the Internet Providers' voice service, but pick up a Vonage phone and the meter is running.
The penalties for exceeding these limits include surcharges or service being turned off. ConsumersHeldHostage.org observes that these moves are an increase in rates with a decrease in service which, in any economy, would cause distress but in these difficult times are a colossal burden. This organization strongly believes that if consumers do not take a stand and fight back immediately there will be huge consequences resulting in the loss of Internet freedom.
Most people don't stop to think about how important the Internet has become to everyday life. A vast multitude of activities require Internet access - from watching videos using services like Netflix and YouTube, to listening to music using iTunes, to making phone calls with Vonage or Skype, to checking and sending email, to playing games, to accessing favorite social media services like Facebook or Twitter, to performing online banking, to checking favorite stock quotes. And the list keeps growing.
The simple truth is the Internet is a requirement for a huge list of growing devices beyond just a computer. Some of these Internet-hungry devices include tablets, gaming systems, smartphones, set-top boxes, TVs, DVD players, GPS's and even some appliances.
ConsumersHeldHostage.org is building a grassroots resistance, uniting consumers by providing leadership and an aggressive plan to stop this outrageous behavior. Their goal is to work with consumers to put mass pressure on companies to adopt more consumer-friendly policies. The organization accomplishes this task through the Internet community and the media. When appropriate it also works with law firms and regulators. Their voice, influence and effectiveness grows stronger with every Net citizen who joins them. ConsumersHeldHostage.org insists that Internet freedom might become a part of history if consumers don't unite behind their plan to stop this abuse.
Mobile - 51% of operators no longer offer 'unlimited' data plans while 32% implemented application-aware charging models
[prnewswire] Allot Communications Ltd. (NASDAQ: ALLT), a leading supplier of service optimization and revenue generation solutions for fixed and mobile broadband service providers worldwide, announced today that its H1 2011 Allot MobileTrends Report shows that mobile data bandwidth usage continued its steady rise with 77% growth during the first half (H1) of 2011 based on data collected from Allot's worldwide mobile operator customers.
The H1 2011 Allot MobileTrends Report found that video streaming continued to show significant growth with a 93% increase, and remains the single largest application taking up bandwidth, accounting for 39% of mobile bandwidth. Although having limited impact on the total bandwidth, VoIP and IM have gained share to become the fastest growing application type with a 101% increase. This data is in line with the declining SMS/MMS revenue experienced by operators.
The H1 2011 Allot MobileTrends Report for the first time takes a closer look at trends in charging models among worldwide operators based on survey information gathered from over fifty worldwide mobile operators. The findings reveal that a growing number of operators are implementing application-aware charging models and most operators no longer offer 'unlimited' data plans.
Main findings include:
YouTube remains the single most popular mobile Internet destination, accounting for 22% of mobile data bandwidth usage and 52% of total video streaming
Apple's App Store generates 84% of overall app store download traffic, while Google's Android Market accounts for 13%
Skype continues as the undisputed VoIP market leader with 82% of mobile VoIP bandwidth, although its market share has been slightly reduced by newcomers such as Viber
Twitter and Facebook grew by 297% and 166%, respectively
32% of the mobile operators surveyed worldwide have already implemented application-aware charging models
Allot MobileTrends Report Shows Significant 77% Growth in Mobile Data Bandwidth Usage in H1, 2011
The H1 2011 Allot MobileTrends Report found that video streaming continued to show significant growth with a 93% increase, and remains the single largest application taking up bandwidth, accounting for 39% of mobile bandwidth. Although having limited impact on the total bandwidth, VoIP and IM have gained share to become the fastest growing application type with a 101% increase. This data is in line with the declining SMS/MMS revenue experienced by operators.
The H1 2011 Allot MobileTrends Report for the first time takes a closer look at trends in charging models among worldwide operators based on survey information gathered from over fifty worldwide mobile operators. The findings reveal that a growing number of operators are implementing application-aware charging models and most operators no longer offer 'unlimited' data plans.
Main findings include:
YouTube remains the single most popular mobile Internet destination, accounting for 22% of mobile data bandwidth usage and 52% of total video streaming
Apple's App Store generates 84% of overall app store download traffic, while Google's Android Market accounts for 13%
Skype continues as the undisputed VoIP market leader with 82% of mobile VoIP bandwidth, although its market share has been slightly reduced by newcomers such as Viber
Twitter and Facebook grew by 297% and 166%, respectively
32% of the mobile operators surveyed worldwide have already implemented application-aware charging models
Allot MobileTrends Report Shows Significant 77% Growth in Mobile Data Bandwidth Usage in H1, 2011
Internet - Akamai reports on the use of its Internet CDN showing significant quarterly growth on fixed and mobile networks
[prnewswire] Akamai Technologies, Inc., the leading provider of cloud optimization services, today released its 1st Quarter, 2011 State of the Internet report. Based on data gathered from the Akamai Internet platform, which carries between 15-30 percent of the world's Web traffic at any one time, the report provides insight into key global Internet statistics such as the world's fastest and slowest regions for connection speed, origins of attack traffic and the highest-performing geographies for mobile connectivity.
With the State of the Internet report entering its fourth year of providing quarterly analysis, Akamai has released a new data visualization tool showcasing trends by geography in several measured categories. The tool allows users to generate and download graphs highlighting average connection speed, average peak connection speed, and high broadband/broadband/narrowband adoption rates. In addition, the online tool offers quick, easy and customized views of trend data since the report was first published at the beginning of 2008.
Highlights from Akamai's 2011 first quarter report:
Internet Penetration
In the first quarter of 2011, more than 584 million unique IP addresses from 237 countries/regions connected to the Akamai Internet platform. This represents 5.2 percent more IP addresses than connected in the fourth quarter of 2010, and an increase of 20 percent compared to the same quarter a year ago.
Consistent with last quarter's report, the top ten countries/regions accounted for nearly 70 percent of the total IP addresses, indicating that the majority of the world's unique IP addresses are concentrated within a proportionally small number of geographies. This report welcomed Italy into the top ten with its 11 percent quarter-over-quarter growth and saw Canada drop out of the top ten.
Mobile Consumption & Connectivity
In the first quarter of 2011, the average measured connection speed for known mobile providers worldwide ranged from a high of slightly more than 6 Mbps to a low of 163 kbps. The report also identifies a service provider from Poland delivering the highest average mobile connection speed in the first quarter 2011, bumping last quarter's fastest provider from Greece to the number two spot.
Consumption figures indicate that during Q1 2011, users at seven percent of the surveyed mobile providers consumed an average of 1 GB per month from Akamai's platform. Users at 73 percent of surveyed providers consumed an average of 100 MB of content from Akamai, and users on the remaining 20 percent of providers consumed less than 100 MB.
As a result of Akamai's recently announced partnership with Ericsson, the report now includes data collected by the equipment provider. Overall mobile data traffic, as measured by Ericsson, experienced 130 percent yearly growth in the first quarter, and is now more than double the volume of voice traffic.
Attack Traffic
The latest findings reflected in the report show some significant changes in Q1 2011 related to sources of attack traffic. Most notably, Myanmar not only made its first appearance on the list, but also ranked #1 by generating 13 percent of attack traffic during this period. Among other changes, the United States rose from 5th to 2nd, accounting for 10 percent of observed global attack traffic. Russia dropped into 4th place, accounting for 7.7 percent of global observed attack traffic, down from 10 percent in the previous quarter. With respect to attack traffic originating from mobile network providers, Italy remained in the top spot, responsible for 25 percent of observed attack traffic in the first quarter.
Akamai's 'State of the Internet' Report Enters Fourth Year of Analyzing Global Connectivity, Attack Traffic and Broadband Consumption
With the State of the Internet report entering its fourth year of providing quarterly analysis, Akamai has released a new data visualization tool showcasing trends by geography in several measured categories. The tool allows users to generate and download graphs highlighting average connection speed, average peak connection speed, and high broadband/broadband/narrowband adoption rates. In addition, the online tool offers quick, easy and customized views of trend data since the report was first published at the beginning of 2008.
Highlights from Akamai's 2011 first quarter report:
Internet Penetration
In the first quarter of 2011, more than 584 million unique IP addresses from 237 countries/regions connected to the Akamai Internet platform. This represents 5.2 percent more IP addresses than connected in the fourth quarter of 2010, and an increase of 20 percent compared to the same quarter a year ago.
Consistent with last quarter's report, the top ten countries/regions accounted for nearly 70 percent of the total IP addresses, indicating that the majority of the world's unique IP addresses are concentrated within a proportionally small number of geographies. This report welcomed Italy into the top ten with its 11 percent quarter-over-quarter growth and saw Canada drop out of the top ten.
Mobile Consumption & Connectivity
In the first quarter of 2011, the average measured connection speed for known mobile providers worldwide ranged from a high of slightly more than 6 Mbps to a low of 163 kbps. The report also identifies a service provider from Poland delivering the highest average mobile connection speed in the first quarter 2011, bumping last quarter's fastest provider from Greece to the number two spot.
Consumption figures indicate that during Q1 2011, users at seven percent of the surveyed mobile providers consumed an average of 1 GB per month from Akamai's platform. Users at 73 percent of surveyed providers consumed an average of 100 MB of content from Akamai, and users on the remaining 20 percent of providers consumed less than 100 MB.
As a result of Akamai's recently announced partnership with Ericsson, the report now includes data collected by the equipment provider. Overall mobile data traffic, as measured by Ericsson, experienced 130 percent yearly growth in the first quarter, and is now more than double the volume of voice traffic.
Attack Traffic
The latest findings reflected in the report show some significant changes in Q1 2011 related to sources of attack traffic. Most notably, Myanmar not only made its first appearance on the list, but also ranked #1 by generating 13 percent of attack traffic during this period. Among other changes, the United States rose from 5th to 2nd, accounting for 10 percent of observed global attack traffic. Russia dropped into 4th place, accounting for 7.7 percent of global observed attack traffic, down from 10 percent in the previous quarter. With respect to attack traffic originating from mobile network providers, Italy remained in the top spot, responsible for 25 percent of observed attack traffic in the first quarter.
Akamai's 'State of the Internet' Report Enters Fourth Year of Analyzing Global Connectivity, Attack Traffic and Broadband Consumption
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