Mobile wireless broadband: more popular than fixed DSL!

Oh ye, fixed NBN, ye of the never never, ye of the 10 year wait, ye of the dudded Kevin Rudd, ye of the Gillard of Juliar, ye of the Stephen “portalised spams and scams” Conroy, ye of the spendathon Labor Party of Australia, wherefore art thou, NBN? Still coming. Meanwhile, wireless broadband has already reached a climax, with clearly more riveting action to come – if the numerically minded statisticians at the Australian Bureau of Statistics are to be believed. And, despite the well known refrain “lies, damned lies and statistics”, something tells me that our hardworking statistical number-crunchers are pretty spot on with their latest and only just released June 2011 findings, which you can find a link to here. These findings have come up with the remarkable stat that “the number of mobile wireless Internet connections exceeds the number of DSL connections in Austalia for the first time”, a stat made even more remarkable by the fact that this specifically “excludes mobile handsets” upon which a heck of a lot of wireless Internet is partaken, whether on device, or via tethering of the wired or wireless variety. Ye olde ABS states that, “at the end of June 2011, mobile wireless broadband (excluding mobile handsets) connections accounted for 44% of all internet connections. DSL connections account for 41% of all connections.” Thus, predictions that many people will use wireless broadband over and above any fixed NBN may well have a ring of truth to them. That said, a fixed network has greater capacity than a wireless network, a more reliable and a faster connection. Unless you’re using one of the new Telstra 4G LTE modems, of course. But the coverage area of LTE isn’t exactly what you’d call NBN-like. Or even NBN-lite. Still, the advantages of wireless are obvious: mobile broadband almost anywhere you want it. The disadvantages are high latency, an inconsistent speed depending on location, and in locations that are high-density with high-numbers of wireless users, you can expect slow wireless speeds. Thus the need for a fixed, super high speed NBN, through which many of the wireless 3.5G, LTE and whatever other networks will do their backhaul – once those NBN fibres are in place, of course. In related Internet news, the ABS says that “overall, internet subscribers in Australia climbed 4.4% to 10.9 million in the six months to June 2011, up from 10.4 million in December 2010.” This means there’s still growth in the Internet market in Australia, and why not? The Internet continues becoming ever more useful, even in the face of paywalls, hyperactive lulzing hackers and vast government-based broadband spending programs. And as for “mobile handset internet subscribers in Australia”, the ABS says there were 9.7m of then in June 2011, a mighty nice increase of 18.1% since December 2010. So, the NBN ain’t dead. Indeed, it’s still coming for the vast majority, and it’s gonna be fast… when it eventually gets here in what is a most ironic glacial manner. But if you want broadband on the go, the NBN’s not much use yet. It’s still coming. If you can’t wait, and want mobile satisfaction, you’ll have to get off on one of Australia’s wireless broadband networks, instead. Finally, this is an opinion column. It says so at the top, y'know? So, I expect all the NBN fanbois to do their bit, to scream and sulk. C'mon peeps, do your worst. I've heard it all before - via fixed and wireless mediums.

Smart powers S&T innovations for communities

What do weather monitoring and disaster preparedness devices, weather and public storm bulletins, an inter-facility health records database and e-referral system and a mobile amputee screening platform all have in common? These innovations are all being powered by Smart Communications Inc. in partnership with government institutions and local government units in order to serve communities. These technology applications and more were showcased by Smart at the Expo Science 2011 during the recent National Science and Technology Week celebration held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The event, spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is the biggest annual gathering of the country’s science practitioners from the different government offices, agencies, and the academe, together with their technology partners from the private sector. Smart was among the technology partners featured, having had collaborated with several institutions like the DOST, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, among others, for projects aimed at using technology for the benefit of the citizens, their communities and the environment. “When people hear Smart, they would normally think of its more common applications like personal communications and broadband connectivity,” said Darwin Flores, manager for community partnerships of Smart Public Affairs. “But Smart also aims to be part of nation-building by using technologies to assist government agencies in responding to the needs of the people. This is how we make Smart’s wireless technologies and innovations work for the benefit of more Filipinos,” he said. During the opening ceremonies of Expo Science 2011, President Aquino acknowledged the contributions of the private sector in the advancement of science and technology in the country, through useful innovations. He cited several public-private partnership programs such as the use of Automated Weather Stations (AWS) and Telehealth. Smart is one of enablers of the use of AWS in the country, using its technologies to back up a weather monitoring and disaster alert system developed by the Ateneo de Davao University. Through Smart’s wireless connectivity, this system sends and gathers weather data that become accessible via the Web. This system is an upgraded version of ADDU’s winning entry in the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP) Awards, Smart’s annual search for innovative wireless applications. Smart also recently partnered with the DOH to pioneer the Telehealth project called Secured Health Information Network and Exchange (SHINE) — a system that enables public and private health care providers to securely access and store medical records online and to efficiently manage referrals of patients, all via the mobile phone or the Web. Aside from AWS and SHINE, Smart also featured Project Rain Gauge (rainfall monitoring and observation in cooperation with the Department of Education and its network of participating schools nationwide), Smart-PAGASA co-location project (installation of PAGASA’s weather monitoring devices in Smart’s cellsites), PAGASA SMS (SMS weather bulletin from the weather bureau powered by Smart’s Infoboard), and ASCENT (Amputee Screening via CEllphone NeTworking). The telco also highlighted its efforts to be energy-efficient and environment-friendly through the use of wind and solar power to run its cellsites.

AT&T plans broadband upgrade

AT&T has announced an upgrade to local mobile broadband service and is looking forward to a series a major investments that would provide mobile broadband to 97 percent of the U.S. population. WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW: The company announced it has completed a key initiative that will expand wireless coverage in Erie, as well as Lake City, Girard and Fairview. WHAT IT MEANS: Barbara Chaffee, president of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, said the upgrades will help Erie be more competitive. LOOKING AHEAD: The company announced plans in March to acquire T-Mobile USA. The most important element of that acquisition, not yet finalized, is adding additional broadband spectrum or capacity, said David Kerr, vice president of external affairs for the company. IF THE MERGER IS APPROVED: AT&T plans to invest $8 billion in infrastructure upgrades and bring back 3,000 jobs to the U.S. GROWING INDUSTRY: AT&T's mobile data traffic has grown 8,000 percent in the past four years, Kerr said.

PLDT myDSL at 2011 lateral drift championship series

Fans of speed got a rush of excitement during the latest rounds of the Lateral Drift Championship Pro-Am Series, turbocharged by PLDT myDSL. The only telco that can truly bring you the thrill of drifting, myDSL joined in on the action on Sept. 10 and 11 at the Clark International Speedway in line with its own speed upgrade of up to 5MBPS for its subscribers. All drivers performed heart-stopping stunts at mind-blowing speeds to keep spectators on their toes. At the end of Round 6, Boodie Dabasol of Team D’ Dancers nabbed 1st place, pioneer drifter Audel Sison of Fern-C Autocraft Drift came in 2nd, and Raymond Ronquillo of R33 AutoExchange came in 3rd. Round 7 saw television host and actor Ryan Agoncillo grab the championship for Team Yellow Cab, while teammate Kevin "Bad News" Tayao came in 2nd, and Wonderboy of Drifting Gio Rodriguez of Team Gladesport Falken Drift claimed the 3rd coveted spot. Five-time Lateral Drift Champion and PLDT myDSL endorser Alex Perez of Team Yellow Cab suffered a bit of bad luck when his car caught fire during his run, but is ready to defend his title from the previous legs of the series in Rounds 8 and 9 on Oct. 8 and 9 in Parang, Marikina. Spotted in the audience were Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo who was there to cheer on husband Ryan and his Yellow Cab teammates, and DJ Pacho Blanco of the defunct FM station NU107. This latest partnership between PLDT myDSL and Lateral Drift Productions, the team responsible for pulling off the racing event, also provided a thrilling venue for the nation’s preferred broadband company to hype up its Internet services of up to 5MBPS. PLDT myDSL offers the ultra-fast, unlimited connection at Plan 3000. Existing subscribers of that plan will be pleased to know they were automatically given a free speed upgrade of up to 5MBPS while new subscriptions to Plan 3000 will already come with the 5MBPS boost. There is also a free limited edition PLDT myDSL-Enjoy card when you upgrade your myDSL plan to 1299 and up. Get 10% to 50% off, plus exclusive treats from more than 200 of the top spots in Manila, Boracay, and Cebu so you can enjoy the best of Philippines with PLDT myDSL and Enjoy card. Like PLDT Watchpad Crew on Facebook for updates on the 2011 Lateral Drift Championship and to view past competitions, log on to www.pldtwatchpad.com, myDSL’s online entertainment portal that comes free with every PLDT myDSL subscription. Stay tuned for more exhilarating, speed-filled events from PLDT myDSL, and sign up for your own subscription of up to 5MBPS by logging on to www.myworldmydsl.com.

Internet use rising in Philippines, says Smart

Internet use in the country has been rising since the start of the year, driven by the ever-increasing affordability of smartphones and data usage rates, leading carrier Smart Communications Inc. reported. In a statement over the weekend, Smart said the amount of data transmitted on its mobile broadband network has grown on the back of the six-fold increase in the use of its Smart Bro dongles since February and the continuing rise in the number of smartphones connected to its network. The company said this indicates a shift in the habits of the average Filipino cell phone user. “In just six months we have recorded a tremendous increase in data consumption as evidenced by the spikes in usage,” said Smart chief wireless advisor Orlando B. Vea. “If there are still doubts on where the industry is headed, this should put an end to all speculation” Blackberry devices continue to account for the majority of smartphones with a 44 percent share. Devices running on Google’s Android operating system have a 27 percent share but growing at an average of 20 percent a month. Meanwhile, Smart Bro enjoyed significant growth as usage increased 576 percent from February to August. Despite this, however, Smart said the maximum speed for the Smart Bro Plug It had been increased while the quality of Internet service had improved. Speed tests conducted by independent engineering Nesic firm showed that Smart Bro bests the competition by as much as 2.29 megabytes per second. Smart’s parent firm Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) is currently undergoing a P67-billion expansion of its network as the group prepares for the exponential growth of data and Internet use in the country. The measures include, among others, the installation of additional fiber-optic cables which connect wireless services to base stations, base stations to the core network, and the core network to international gateways. “Like the fiber that we eat, fiber optic cables are good for the health of the PLDT network,” the company said. By the end of 2011, the group plans to have over 56,000 kilometers of fiber cables installed nationwide.

LAN-Cell 2TM

Proxicast LAN-Cell 2TM High Performance Mobile 3G Cellular Router FEATURES The Proxicast LAN‑Cell 2 is a high-performance, mobile, rugged, upgradeable, commercial-grade 3G cellular router that allows multiple PC's, laptops, web-cams, PLCs, POS terminals, ATMs and other Ethernet-based devices to simultaneously utilize a single cellular data account for primary or backup connectivity. Building on the success of the original LAN‑Cell Mobile Gateway, the LAN-Cell 2 adds support for the latest 3G high‑speed wireless cellular technologies and dramatically expanded routing, security and management features. The LAN‑Cell 2 3G router is the most advanced, secure and flexible cellular router available. The LAN‑Cell 2 protects your LAN equipment from Internet threats and gives you control over your cellular data connection in ways no other modem or wireless router can. Key Features of the LAN-Cell 2 Mobile 3G Router • Uses standard 3G PC-Card modems (PCMCIA) from popular manufacturers and cellular carriers • Supports EV-DO RevA, EV-DO Rev0, 1xRTT, HSUPA, HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE & GPRS cards • User accessible PC-Card slot - easily upgrade PC‑Card modems or change carriers • Compact rugged modular metal chassis with Card-GuardTM PC‑Card cover and Card-LockTM • (4) port 10/100 Ethernet LAN switch with LAN / DMZ / WLAN configurable zones • Built-in WiFi 802.11 a/b/g wireless access point with 64/152 bit WEP encryption • (1) 10/100 Ethernet WAN interface supports wired DSL, cable or Ethernet for primary or backup • (1) RS232 port for serial modem backup - supports any type of modem up to 230Kbps • Auto fail-over between Cellular, WAN & Dial-Up ports - user selectable primary and fail-over ports • IPSec-based VPN client (DES, 3DES, AES encryption - supports up to 5 tunnels) • Stateful Packet Inspection Firewall & DoS Protection • Cell-SentryTM cellular data budgeting system - helps manage cellular plan caps and overages • Supports dynamic or static IP addresses assigned by cellular carriers High Performance Mobile 3G Cellular Router The LAN‑Cell 2 3G router supports today's fastest 3G cellular standards, such as EV‑DO Rev(A) and HSDPA / HSUPA. With some 3G wireless services offering bandwidths of over 1,000 Kbps downstream and 500 Kbps upstream, many applications requiring broadband performance can now “go cellular”. And with its 3G modem PC‑Card architecture, the LAN‑Cell 2 is carrier independent and can easily be upgraded as newer and faster cellular technologies, such as 3.5G, 4G, LTE and WiMAX become available. Advanced Routing & Management The LAN‑Cell 2 3G router has routing and security features typically found only in wired corporate routers costing thousands more. The LAN‑Cell 2 provides seamless Internet connectivity and unmatched security to PCs and laptops as well as devices that were never designed for connection to the Internet, such as sensors, data loggers, PLCs, ATMs, and traffic controls. All without requiring any additional software or configuration on your remote equipment. And it's easy to manage hundreds or even thousand of LAN‑Cell 2's using most standard SNMP software packages. Enterprise Level Security & VPN The LAN‑Cell's NAT and advanced rule-based SPI firewall provide highly granular security and policy enforcement for all remote devices and users. The built‑in 3DES and AES encryption-capable VPN client and server software eliminates the need to configure individual devices and extends your secure corporate network to devices that cannot run VPN client software. Proxicast's optional IPSec VPN Client sofware for Windows can instantly create secure IPSec tunnels from any remote Windows PC. Modular Chassis with Card-GuardTM and Card-LockTM The LAN‑Cell 2's unique modular chassis allows the device to operate with the cellular PC-Card exposed or protected inside the unit. By using the Card-Guard, the PC‑Card modem is completely protected from harm or tampering. The Card‑Guard includes a mounting hole for an external SMA bulkhead antenna connector. Proxicast offers optional PC‑Card to SMA "pigtail" cables to provide a rugged external antenna connection for different PC‑Card modems and antennas. The chassis also features Proxicast's Card-Lock system that prevents the PC‑Card from coming loose or being unintentionally removed from the LAN‑Cell. Cell-SentryTM Cellular Data Budgeting System Cellular carrier’s offer a variety of data service plans scaled to meet your application needs. However they usually impose steep “overage” charges for exceeding your allotment. Even “unlimited” plans have maximum “caps” that can trigger fees as high as $0.50/MB ($500/GB) or $0.25/minute. The LAN-Cell 2’s Cell-Sentry feature monitors your cellular usage and can alert you when you reach a predefined threshold or even block additional cellular usage to avoid overage charges. Typical Applications Mobile Applications: Sales & Service Fleets Commercial Transportation Mobile Router For Cars, Buses & Limos Delivery & Courier Vehicles Recreational Vehicles Boats & Marine Vessels Mobile WiFi Hotspots Low Altitude Aviation Police, Fire & Emergency Vehicles Mobile Security & Surveillance Military & Defense Applications Stationary Applications: Remote Monitoring, Telemetry, SCADA, AMR Remote Control of PLCs and Industrial Controls Cash Registers & Credit Card Processing Video Surveillance, Webcams & Security Tradeshow Internet Access Temporary Off-Site Work Teams (e.g. auditors, engineers) Vending, Point-of-Sale (POS) & ATM Machines Backup For Wired Internet and Alarm Connections Traffic Monitoring & Control Digital Signage, Electronic Billboards & Signs Homeland Security & Disaster Recovery

Mobile broadband users more likely to use their devices than dongle owners, says research

Mobile broadband users are more likely to user their device more frequently than owners of dongles, modem sticks and datacards, according to research from YouGov’s Mobile Broadband Experience. The research, found that 80% of 3G tablet owners use their device on a weekly basis, in comparison with that of dongle owners, modem stick and datacard users at 60%. Tablet owners were also found to be more likely to participate in a number of internet activities such as browsing and emailing, as well as steaming an movie and music downloading at 27%, while dongle users were 11%. Data allowance and tariff costs were the most important consideration for 3G tablet owners than dongle owners, with the average monthly tariff for netbook, integrated laptops with mobile broadband and tetherer found to be £15.64, while dongle, modem stick and datacard owners paid an average of £13.88 a month. 3G tablet owners paid an average of £13.48 a month. The study aims to track consumer attitude activity and behaviour of owners of mobile broadband devices. The next wave of the tracker will begin in October, with a report due in November.

Cloud: Who's Winning the Battle for Internet Speed?

A fast Internet is a key to global competitiveness, and there's a wide range today in average speed by nation. Most people are aware that South Korea is either the world leader or close to it, that other prosperous and densely populated nations form the top tier, and that the United States and Canada lag a bit. They may not be aware that Lithuania, Romania, and Cambodia are among the world leaders when speeds are measured relative to a country's wealth. Start Here Statistics put together by Ookla (a fascinating Seattle company with a fascinating CEO whom I'll profile some day real soon now) show how the world is doing with its raw Internet speeds. One of its tables shows a rolling 30-day average, and I'll quote a bit from those numbers. Ookla advises that it looks at everything - DSL, cable, wi-fi, T1-3, and satellite connections - so its overall number may seem a bit high to people stumbling along with poor residential service, or a bit low to people blazing away in a modern urban office somewhere. Lithuania actually tops this list currently, with an average speed of 33.29Mbps. Wow. South Korea is in second place at 28.63Mbps, followed closely by Sweden, Latvia, Romania, the Netherlands, and Macau. The United States takes the 32nd-place trophy in this contest, at 11.68Mbps, followed closely by Canada. Now Let's Have Fun With Numbers The Philippines, from where I do a lot of work these days, comes in 137th place, at 1.70Mbps. The fastest country among ASEAN (Southeast Asian) nations is Thailand, in 61st place at 5.70Mbps, just below Turkey and just ahead of Greece. Within ASEAN, Cambodia is faster than the Philippines, which is faster than Indonesia. More on Cambodia in a second. I'll be integrating these numbers into a report I'm producing in November, that measures how developed many nations are on a "pound-for-pound" basis, taking into account local incomes, government stability and support, and many other factors. Internet infrastructure is important, and excuses don't fix anything. Ookla's numbers, for example, show that leaders in Romania, still one of Europe's poorest nations, are working hard to lay down a fast Information Superhighway as a way to help the nation develop. The same appears to be true for Cambodia on a smaller scale - in contrast to Indonesia, which attracts much attention in this region due to its large population and consequent status as one of the world's 20 largest economies. I find it interesting to see a spread of about 60X between the world's fastest and slowest Internet speeds, compared to a spread of at least 160X in the world's per-person income levels (based on World Bank statistics). In other words, the nation's less developed countries appear to be working harder overall than developed nations to get their Internet speeds up to speed. One measure I think I'll develop will be "Mbps over per-capita income" to see which countries are doing the mostest with the leastest. I'll come up with some cool name. By this measure, Cambodia gets 252Kbps out of every $100 of per-person income, 10x that of the United States! Even super-aggressive South Korea only gets 138Kbps out of every $100 of per-person income, more than 5X that of the US but barely more than half of Cambodia. Romania and Lithuania top even Cambodia, getting 326Kbps and 304Kbps out of every $100 of per-person income. Yeah, that's the ticket. I'll develop this measure and report back. It will show which countries are truly busting their butts to bring fast Internet access to their people, and which ones are just faxing it in.

Meralco starts shift as broadband provider

Slowly and quietly expanding in the telecom space, utility firm Meralco is beginning to develop its goal of providing broadband Internet services through power lines. Meralco, currently chaired by telecom mogul Manny V. Pangilinan, recently picked an Indian firm’s high-end optical transport (MSPP) solution to run the power distributor’s network backbone across Manila to provide telecom services. Tejas Networks, a technology company based in Bangalore, said in a statement that all of Meralco’s traffic – data and voice — will run on its optical transport equipment. The Indian company did not reveal the amount of the contract it got from the electric services distributor. At present, Meralco provides electricity services to Metro Manila, which is home to a quarter of the local population of 94 million. However, with Pangilinan now at the helm, the company is now starting to expand to broadband Internet services which it plans to deliver via power lines. Sanjay Nayak, CEO and managing director of Tejas Networks, said in a statement that its network expertise, which was honed in India, is relevant to telecom markets around the world, particularly, the South East Asian telecom market. “We have provided solutions to over 30 customers across the region and have offices in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. We look forward to providing scalable and future ready solutions to Meralco in the Philippines,” said Nayak. Meralco telecommunications head Antolin Habana, on the other hand, said the telecom solutions of Tejas will allow the power firm to scale up its offerings by saving on capital expenditure and operating expenditure. “Tejas Networks’ impressive MSPP portfolio and their expertise in engaging with customers is a strategic fit to Meralco’s expansion plans,” Habana stated.

Globe pulls out product

Just recently, Globe Telecom pulled out from the market its latest mobile broadband stick “Tonino Lamborghini” after the Italian company that owns the brand threatened to sue for trademark infringement. Globe says that it has temporarily stopped marketing the USB device which was introduced last June until its problems with the Italian firm Tonino Lamborghini have been sorted out. (although one tech blogger reports though that Globe stores in SM MegaMall and North EDSA are still selling the stick.) The defense of the Ayala-owned telecom company is that had gotten the rights to use the name and logo “Tonino Lamborghini” through an agreement with a Singapore-based company called Primo Mobile, which it described to be “the master franchisor of mobile phone-related products for the Italian brand Tonino Lamborghini.” Globe added that the design of the Globe Tattoo Tonino Lamborghini 4G broadband stick was reviewed and approved by Primo Mobile. Tonino Lamborghini responded by saying that Primo Mobile had been granted only a trademark license - neither a master license nor a master franchise – and had no authority to sub-license the use of the Tonino Lamborghini trademark and logo. In any case, Primo Mobile’s trademark license agreement had been terminated some months ago. Is the claim of Tonino Lamborghini that Primo Mobile was unauthorized to sub-license the use of its trademark actually true? Did Primo Mobile mislead Globe that it was the master franchisor of mobile phone-related products for Tonino Lamborghini? Did Globe fail to conduct due diligence, dealing with an unauthorized Singaporean company rather than the Italian firm itself? Tonino Lamborghini makes a further allegation versus Globe that the advertising campaign for its broadband stick was “deceitful and unlawful”. Globe used the slogan “Feed the need for speed”, with Marlon Stockinger, the first Filipino to win a formula race in Europe as its endorser. It turns out however that Tonino Lamborghini is known for hand-made watches, while another Italian company Automobili Lamborghini is the maker of luxury sports cars.

Broadband in the Tropics

his tropical country is emerging as a test case of whether developing nations can be at the forefront in implementing new ways to make the Internet more mobile. Malaysia is one of the few countries that has rolled out a next-generation high-speed broadband network that covers most of its population. That means someone with an iPhone sitting on a monorail train in the jungle-covered hills of Kuala Lumpur easily can make video calls with Apple Inc.'s FaceTime application, using a tiny pocket router to access a WiMAX wireless-broadband network set up by local conglomerate YTL Corp. Bhd. Enlarge Image With around 70% of YTL's revenue coming from selling water and power in places such as Australia, England and Singapore, the WiMAX network represents a high-stakes return to Malaysia for the company. YTL started out as a small construction firm in Malaysia before branching out into utilities, property development, tourism and other industries. Managing director Francis Yeoh says the WiMAX network, started late last year at a cost of $800 million and named Yes, gives YTL a chance to leapfrog existing mobile-phone operators in the country by offering faster Internet speeds. Industry analysts and the country's political leaders say better high-speed Internet infrastructure could give Malaysia a competitive edge over regional rivals such as China, Thailand or Singapore as Malaysia tries to up-shift into faster economic growth. "We can't rely on what little oil we have left or commodities like palm oil," says Mr. Yeoh, 57 years old. "We need new ideas to lift ourselves up, and taking a lead in technology is one of the ways forward." YTL has 300,000 WiMAX subscribers and expects that to expand to 400,000 people by year-end. Mr. Yeoh says Yes needs a million or so subscribers from Malaysia's 28 million people to start turning a profit. The WiMAX system has been touted as a quick, easy way to roll out wireless broadband services, but alternatives such as the long-term-evolution protocol are picking up momentum in the U.S. and elsewhere. Wing K. Lee, the chief executive of Yes, says the network could switch to LTE quickly, if that standard becomes most widely adopted. Either way, YTL's initial success suggests that as high-tech equipment becomes less expensive and more accessible, advances in mobile Internet aren't limited to the U.S. and other big markets. Networking company Cisco Systems Inc. predicts that mobile Internet data traffic across the world will increase 26-fold between 2010 and 2015. In a paper released earlier this year, Cisco noted that traffic tripled in 2010, 2009 and 2008—and that was before smartphones and tablet computers really began to take off in places such as China, India and Southeast Asia. The popularity of such devices has sparked demand for wireless systems such as WiMAX and LTE that are geared more heavily toward providing Internet rather than voice services. In some ways, Malaysia is an unlikely place to test-drive technologies that haven't been fully rolled out in more-developed markets. The government is tightly controlled by the same political party that has run the country since gaining independence from Britain in 1957. Antigovernment criticism is closely monitored. As recently as last month, censors pulled out their black markers to blot out some unflattering passages from the Economist magazine. Malaysia's opposition leader, meanwhile, is on trial for the second time for allegedly violating the country's strict sodomy laws. Anwar Ibrahim's first conviction was overturned in 2004, and he says this latest trial is another government attempt to destroy his political career. In the mid-1990s, however, Malaysia's leaders pledged not to censor the Internet, a promise the government largely has kept. The vow was a crucial turning point, luring such big names as Microsoft Corp. and Google Inc. that already were impressed by the country's relatively inexpensive labor and good infrastructure. It also provided Mr. Yeoh with an opportunity to steer YTL back into Malaysia and try to outflank the existing telecommunications companies who use cellular telephone networks. Without the government's commitment to an uncensored, open Internet, he says, it would have been much more difficult for YTL to invest so much in the new venture, which is run by YTL Communications Sdn. Bhd., 60% of which is owned by YTL. "It might not have happened," Mr. Yeoh says at YTL's headquarters in downtown Kuala Lumpur. "Most Asian governments are terrified of the Internet. Look at Burma, look at North Korea." Analysts are watching closely to see how quickly the new service catches on. YTL's Yes network is more expensive than Malaysia's existing GSM networks because it works on a pay as you go basis, much like an electricity provider, rather than the usual system of package contracts and monthly fees. Many "people aren't really using mobile Internet extensively just yet," says Jeffrey Tan at Kuala Lumpur's OSK Research Sdn. Bhd. Indeed, Malaysians still mostly use their smartphones as phones and tend to use the Internet when at home or in the office, he says. Telecom operators elsewhere in the region suggest there still is room to increase data speeds on existing cellular networks. Philippines-based Globe Telecom Inc., for instance, operates a WiMAX-based wireless broadband service in the sparsely populated south of the country, but Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said earlier this year that the company still is focusing most of its attention on developing its cellular network. Yet with Apple preparing to roll out new, less-expensive versions of its iPhone and competitors such as Samsung Electronics Co. introducing more affordable smartphones, analysts are predicting an explosion in demand for mobile Internet services, potentially placing YTL in a more competitive position. The company is focusing on expanding its signal to the thick jungles of Borneo island and is thinking about entering nearby markets such as Indonesia and the Philippines. Yes's Mr. Lee, an American who was born in Hong Kong and used to work with Sprint Nextel Corp., says the wireless-broadband model helps connect rural subscribers almost instantaneously without the time-consuming wiring that conventional networks require. Says Mr. Yeoh, "I won't be satisfied until we've got 14 million subscribers."

Windows 8 Will Natively Support USB 3.0 and Mobile Broadband Modems

Windows 8 should make using your peripherals easier and more efficient, especially if you use a USB 3.0 device or a dongle-style modem to connect to a mobile broadband network. The OS will include native drivers for classes of devices that haven't previously had them, and it will also change how drivers look and behave in the new Metro-style interface you may be familiar with from Windows Phone 7 handsets. Microsoft has always had built-in device drivers, and their advantage is two-fold. First, it makes dealing with a new peripheral much easier. If you remember the dawn of USB thumb drives, you probably remember having to install a separate driver for each thumb drive you used. Once Microsoft included native drivers, that hassle was over. Built-in class drivers also (often) provide better performance. When a technology is new--for example, mobile broadband dongles and USB 3.0--Microsoft usually lags behind before integrating that technology into its operating system. But now mobile broadband and USB 3.0 have been brought into the fold. Mobile Broadband If you use a USB dongle to connect to the Web, you'll no longer need to deal with proprietary, annoying-to-install drivers masquerading as connection managers. Even the controls for turning the wireless radio on and off will be included in the OS. Reconnecting to your mobile network after you've been dropped should also be significantly smoother, and Windows will now be able to detect your account's network usage and block or warn you when you reach your limit. USB 3.0 Support Built-in support for USB 3.0 means USB 3.0 devices connected to a Windows 8 machine should have better performance than current third-party drivers can provide. It also means that Windows will finally be able to take full advantage of the USB 3.0 spec, giving the system the ability to, for example, spin down external hard drives and save power when they're not being used. Jeff Ravencraft, president of the USB Implementers Forum (the industry group that oversees the USB 3.0 specification), notes that it's not that current USB 3.0 drivers haven't been able to exert the same control, but that by having the class driver integrated into the operating system, the devices will perform more efficiently. Windows 8 demos at Microsoft's BUILD conference did show USB 3.0 transfers that were far faster than USB 2.0 transfers. However, the demos did not compare the performance with that of USB 3.0 devices running on Windows 7 with a third-party driver. Windows 8 will also include class drivers for other devices, such as printers, sensors, touch-input devices, and displays. A new human-interface device driver will support sensors for heat, light, temperature, pressure, current, and motion, according to Microsoft. This driver could support sensors beyond the norm, too, such as a blood-pressure monitor or a device that can sense when a glass is broken. Pretty-Looking Drivers? Much of Microsoft's pitch for Windows 8 has centered on its new visual style, called Metro, which is also used in Windows Phone 7 phones. That new design will even extend into device drivers. Gone are the drab gray and clunky dialog boxes of yesteryear. App drivers can now become part of the settings "charm," an icon in the right Windows 8 navigation panel. Windows-certified devices, such as cameras, TVs, or printers, will launch the appropriate Metro-style app within the charms to allow sharing of data or other actions. This approach makes the driver feel like it's integrated into the Metro experience and will reportedly change how companies distribute, and how you update, drivers. If, though, you opt to use the desktop interface and desktop apps, nothing has changed--the dialog boxes remain in all their primitive glory.

Broadband Can Power Clean Energy Future

There's long been talk -- and a shared social commitment -- to 'going green' and reducing our carbon footprint. But as U.S. leaders talk about the clean energy future, there's also rising angst around how much progress we can make in today's economic climate. Against a backdrop of bad news, from the economy to the weather, we now have much-needed good news from the Carbon Disclosure Project on how broadband can advance two shades of green -- boosting our economy and our environment. The London-based non-profit recently released Building a 21st Century Communications Economy, a report exploring the correlation between the economic and environmental benefits of broadband, including fast-growing mobile connectivity. The bottom line? "The most competitive economies of tomorrow will be those that see the resource constraints we face today as an opportunity, and revolutionize the way they operate to generate increased value using fewer resources." The report outlines that investment and deployment of fixed and mobile broadband can be a powerful driver of just such a transformation to a "dematerialized economy." It goes on to make the case for a strong push in the U.S. for universal connectivity to accelerate not only a healthier future for our planet, but also for our economy. The report focuses on the fact that the broadband-fueled information, communications and technology industries are growing at a much faster pace than the overall economy. Between 2004 and 2006, the U.S. economy grew at about 3.2% per year. Yet the tech sector was in double-digits, expanding more than 11%, the report shows. And, tech continues to lead growth today where we need it most -- job creation. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics June jobs numbers noted a nationwide unemployment rate of 9.2%, compared to just 3.3% in the tech sector. So how exactly can greater broadband connectivity help create jobs and green the planet? Among the report's key findings: • Information and communications technology (ICT) could help the U.S. reduce greenhouse gas emissions annually by up to 22%, while also saving businesses and consumers up to $240 billion in reduced energy consumption costs. • Broadband-based applications, such as teleconferencing and eco-friendly e-commerce, are leading the progress as they change how we live, work and do business. According to the American Consumer Institute, approximately 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions will be prevented over a 10-year period thanks to these applications. That energy savings adds up to 66% of annual U.S. oil imports. The Carbon Disclosure Project rightly declares that we are in the middle of a "network driven communications revolution." And, it contains broad possibilities both for our economy and for the sustainability of our planet. To make the most of this opportunity, the group makes a powerful case for building out strong networks -- and ensuring all Americans can connect to them. Just as our leaders ask Americans to connect and do their part for our economy and the environment, so should policymakers step up to the plate. From current efforts in Washington to reorient the Universal Service program around broadband connectivity to the urgent race that's underway to unlock more spectrum to ensure the mobile Internet can continue to grow and fuel innovation, Washington doesn't have to look far for reminders that the tools are well within our grasp to connect to a low-carbon future. Jonathan Spalter, chairman of Mobile Future, has been founding CEO of leading technology, media, and research companies, including Public Insight, Snocap, and Atmedica Worldwide. He served as an advisor to and spokesperson for Vice President Al Gore during the Clinton administration. Mobile Future is a 501(c)(4) coalition comprised of and supported by technology businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals dedicated to advocating for an environment in which innovations in wireless technology and services are enabled and encouraged. For a full list of members and sponsors and to learn more about the coalition, go to www.mobilefuture.org.

Aero2, Huawei to launch world's first commercial LTE TDD/FDD network

Aero2, the Polish wireless broadband operator, and Chinese electronics giant Huawei has teamed up to build and launch the world’s first commercial LTE TDD/FDD telecoms network. Aero2 intends to broaden the TDD/FDD (Time Division Duplex / Frequency Division Duplex) network coverage by as much as a quarter of Poland’s population with equipment manufactured by Huawei and deliver mobile broadband services to more than 200 rural and urban areas in the country before the end of next year. In May this year, Aero2 and Huawei began the implementation of a commercial TD-LTE network on the 2500 MHz (2.5 GHz) band, a joint venture that bagged this year’s Global Telecommunications Business (GTB) Innovation award for “Wireless network infrastructure innovation” to improve mobile broadband coverage and contribution to the abolishment of the “digital divide.” With Huawei’s SingleRAN LTE solution technology, the mobile operator aims to ramp up high-speed mobile Internet access with downlink data speeds of 134 Mbps and uplink speeds of 124.8 Mbps. Aero2 President Adam Kuriański said the company takes pride in the Huawei partnership to launch the world’s first commercial LTE TDD/FDD network.

Broadband pitted against GPS

Obama administration technology experts were slow to recognize potential threats to government aviation and defense communications posed by wireless firm LightSquared’s plans for a national broadband network, White House emails records show. Dozens of emails and other records obtained by iWatch News through the Freedom of Information Act reveal that White House officials received several warnings that the company’s operations would disrupt GPS devices used by millions of Americans. But those concerns didn’t get close attention until several months after the Federal Communications Commission’s Jan. 26, 2011 decision to grant the firm conditional approval to operate—an action that incensed GPS users and triggered an avalanche of opposition. White House spokesman Eric Schultz said on Friday that the FCC “is an independent agency with its own standards and procedures” over which the White House has no control. “Every administration witness testifying at every hearing on LightSquared has been explicit in identifying the problems it would cause for GPS, and that LightSquared should not be allowed to move forward unless those interference issues are resolved,” Schultz said in a statement. He added: “The fact that LightSquared personnel met with administration officials to tout their company and administration officials have continued to voice concerns about the interference issues underscores our point that we fully respected the FCC’s independent process.” Some congressional Republicans are demanding an investigation of LightSquared’s contacts with White House officials—and thousands of dollars in campaign contributions the company made to Democrats and President Obama—as it sought government approval to operate its broadband network. Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, who chairs the House Armed Services Committee’s Strategic Forces Subcommittee, cited an iWatch News report in calling for the investigation at a hearing on Thursday. The article, published on Wednesday, revealed that on the same day that LightSquared CEO Sanjiv Ahuja made a $30,400 contribution to the Democratic Party, two of his deputies appealed to the White House for meetings with top technology advisers to Obama. The White House emails showed that the controversy brewed for months behind the scenes prior to the decision by the FCC, which requires that the interference questions be resolved prior to the firm starting its business. A coalition of GPS proponents voiced its concerns in a Dec. 30, 2010 letter to John P. Holdren, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. It said that the LightSquared application, “if granted as filed poses a serious potential for harmful interference to the installed GPS user base” in urban areas of the country. The coalition went on to say that government and private industry had spent at least $25 billion since 1981 developing a range of GPS uses and that several hundred thousand jobs in the country depend on the ability to receive GPS signal. Precisely what senior White House officials recommended in response to the letter and others from critics who suggested a calamity for GPS, remains unclear because administration officials redacted lengthy portions of email exchanges released to iWatch News. Still, the emails suggest the technology office maintained a closer relationship with LightSquared’s representatives than its critics. With the FCC decision pending, company lawyer Henry Goldberg emailed White House official James Kohlenberger a “draft” filing that it was preparing to send the agency that pointed out LightSquared was investing billions of dollars to build its network and that it would “provide a healthy boost in jobs and economic development” and stood as a model for future such networks. Though the company said it took objections from GPS advocates “very seriously,” it said that only a “small number of devices may actually be subject to the interference.” “Jim, the FCC people have this draft. Let me know where the hot spots are. Thanks for your help,” reads the email from Goldberg to the White House official. But White House emails show attention to the potential disruptions from the broadband network accelerated after Peter L. Levin, the chief technology officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs. warned White House Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra and two other senior White House aides in a March 26, 2011 email of a “catastrophe” from GPS interference. Levin said that the administration’s technical experts had failed to conduct sufficient testing to fully understand the degree to which GPS could be disrupted, especially ground towers. Thanks to our donors and sponsors for their support of local independent reporting. Join Richard & Mary Fimbres, Dylan Smith, and Cindy Laughlin and contribute today! “The neighbors are close indeed,” he wrote. “You can put the bullhorn in space and nobody would be bothered, but if you put it on the GROUND under a broad interpretation of ‘ancillary satellite services,’ you run a material risk of wrecking the delicate balance designed to enable those services.” Levin went on to say that experts from Stanford University who criticized the plan had a “very legitimate, data driven point” in raising their concerns. LightSquared spokesman Terry Neal disputed that conclusion. He said that the exchange showed that the GPS industry had tried to influence the White House policy makers, just as his company had tried to advance its position in meetings and other contacts with the technology office. One concrete action indicating increasing concern came with an April 28, 2011 meeting described in White House emails as the “LightSquared interference meeting.” It was set at the Jackson Place conference center, a short stroll from the White House. The names of the people invited are blacked out in the records released under FOIA, in addition to the agenda and any other details of what transpired. LightSquared’s $14 billion plan promises to create thousands of jobs and provide broadband wireless service to more than 260 million Americans. But the opposition complains it could threaten aviation safety, disrupt military and rescue operations—and interfere with cell phones. Critics of LightSquared listed a litany of pitfalls at Thursday’s Armed Services subcommittee hearing, though the company has said those fears are exaggerated. Gen. William L. Shelton, commander of the Air Force Space Command, testified that test results indicated LightSquared’s signals would interfere with military equipment and “effectively jam vital GPS receivers.” In response to questions, Shelton said that fixing the problem could cost billions of dollars, if the problems could even be remedied. In a response sent to the committee Thursday, LightSquared executive vice president Jeffrey Carlisle said the company’s authorization to operate dates back many years. “Ground operations were first approved under the previous Republican administration and have continued to be part of wireless policy under the current Democratic administration.” He said the company would continue to work with government officials to resolve the dispute so that both systems can co-exist. “LightSquared has put forward serious proposals at no small cost to itself to address these issues, in the belief that American consumers and government users deserve both a robust GPS and a competitive wireless broadband network,” Carlisle wrote.

New revenue streams keep telcos profitable

Finding new revenue streams have been the key for telecommunications companies in the Asia-Pacific region in keeping profits at healthy levels amid keen competition and maturing market conditions. The growth in mobile broadband services, in particular, has not only helped offset declining call and text revenues, but has also led to the narrowing of the digital divide by bringing the Internet to low-income consumers. “The cost of coping with the rise of smartphones and their surging data usage is weighing on the high margins of the region’s telecom operators,” Moody’s Investor Service said in a report. “However, over the long term, tiered and post-paid pricing plans, coupled with reduced churn, will have a positive credit impact as traffic shifts from voice to data and video applications,” the rating firm said. The report published on Monday included a total of 23 telecom companies in the Asia-Pacific region. Only Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., the country’s largest phone firm, was included in the study among major local telcos. The rating firm noted that the Asia-Pacific region remained one of the world’s largest markets by subscribers and revenues ensuring steady cash flow and stability throughout economic cycles. In the near term, Moody’s said the cost of acquiring customers and building infrastructure to cope with exponential growth in data usage from smartphones has led to eroded profit margins. But better pricing schemes for the use of the Internet along with the growing popularity of data and video services will help prop up revenues in the long run. The Moody’s report also noted that in some emerging markets such as China, Indonesia and the Philippines, smartphones have become the first and main connection for later adopters of broadband technology.

500 Smart stations with HSPA

After firing up more than 500 wireless base stations with Evolved High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+) technology, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has become the largest high-speed wireless broadband network in the country. “We now have more than 3 times the number of HSPA+ sites compared to just a couple of months ago,” declared Smart’s Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando B. Vea. “We are launching several base stations every day.” The upgrades support the deployment of faster broadband services and products such as the Smart Bro Rocket Plug-it, the fastest prepaid USB dongle in the market today. The Rocket is capable of speeds of up to 12 Megabits per second or roughly 3 to 4 times faster than that of an average wireless connection, when in the vicinity of an HSPA+ base station. “We are transforming our network and services to meet present and future needs,” he added. Earlier this year, Smart and parent company Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) have arrived at what PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan referred to as a “Sputnik Moment.” The phrase, popularized by US President Barack Obama, refers to a time wherein a new round of investments must be made to take the group to the next level. PLDT and Smart have earmarked a total of P67 billion to transform its network - modernizing and optimizing critical elements such as fiber optic cables, wireless base stations and international gateways. Independent engineering firm NESIC Philippines, Inc. found that subscribers are already benefitting from the initial improvements in PLDT and Smart’s network in a series of speed tests. NESIC’s speed tests showed that Smart’s connection speeds outdid competitors by an average of 0.74Mbps in all test locations. Last April, Smart introduced Smart Evolution the fastest fourth generation (4G) technology in the Philippines.

Stable outlook seen for Asian telcos

The telecommunication sector, represented by Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and 22 other firms in the region, has a “stable” outlook based on credit health forecasts for the next 12 to 18 months, Moody’s said. “In the near term, the cost of acquiring customers and building infrastructure to cope with exponential growth in data usage from smartphones is eroding Asia-Pacific telecom operators’ high margins,” the report conceded. “[But] over the longer term, tiered and postpaid pricing plans, coupled with reduced churn, will have a positive credit impact as traffic shifts from voice to data and video applications,” the report read. The Philippines was noted to be following trends in the region in terms of smartphone penetration, a factor which signals a growing demand for data services on top of voice plans. “In some emerging markets such as China, Indonesia, and the Philippines, a similar pattern is occurring as smartphones become the first and main connection for later adopters of broadband technology.” PLDT, with credit score Baa2 and outlook stable, was thus cited for moves to invest in information and communications technology and offer cloud computing services. And while the Philippines, along with India, Pakistan and Indonesia, have among the world’s highest rate of customer turnover, moves to beef up content should help retain subscribers and boost revenues, Moody’s said. Mediaquest Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of the Beneficial Trust Fund of PLDT, has a minority stake in BusinessWorld.

Telecoms shifting focus from SMS to broadband

The country's two leading telecommunication companies are shifting focus on broadband services as revenues from text messaging are likely to drop in the next five years. Orlando Vea, Smart Communication Inc.'s chief wireless advisor, said his company had more than three times the number of Evolved High Speed Packet Access technology to meet the needs of its broadband subscribers. “We are launching several base stations every day so don’t be surprised if you notice a sudden increase in your connection speeds,” he said. At present, Smart has more than 500 wireless base stations with HSPA+. The upgrades support the deployment of faster broadband services and products such as the Smart Bro Rocket Plug-it, the fastest prepaid USB dongle in the market today. At end-June, Smart Bro's subscribers reached about 1.5 million. Ernest Cu, Globe Telecom president and chief executive, said his company remained bullish with its broadband business. "We continue to gain momentum with our Tattoo product lines as the fastest-growing broadband brand in the country,” Cu said. He said Globe would continue to invest in broadband network to make sure that its customers got the best mobile and home internet experience. Globe's broadband subscriber stood at 1.3 million, 39 percent higher year-on-year. The company's broadband service revenues up 42 percent to close the first half of 2011 at P3.6 billion, compared to P2.6 billion in the same period last year. In a report, Ovum said revenues from text messaging of the Philippine telecom operators and in Asia Pacific were projected to slow in the next five years because of the alternative messaging solutions from internet service providers, handset vendors and social networks. In the Philippines, Ovum projected a total of mobile messaging revenues of $1.84 billion this year from $1.76 billion in 2009. Next year, the local telcos' messaging revenue is expected to reach $1.90 billion and $1.92 billion in 2013. By 2016, telcos' revenue from text messaging will drop to $1.91 billion. “While over the next four years the mobile messaging market will continue to grow, it is fast approaching an inflection point. Consumers will increasingly choose to send messages via the growing list of internet-based messaging services that have entered the market, rather than the traditional text message,” Neha Dharia, Ovum analyst said. Dharia said the trend intensified due to the growing presence of smartphones, low-cost data plans, and the prevalence of third-party messaging service providers on the mobile phone. "To continue to drive revenues from messaging, mobile operators will need to be innovative in their approach to both the services they offer and their business models,” OVum said. The National Telecommunications Commission had projected that the broadband subscribers would grow by double digits in the next three to five years.

Monty Mobile Embraces Sun Cellular to its Directly Connected Operators

Monty Mobile is pleased to share with you that it has successfully added Sun Cellular as a directly interconnected operator; and it is now listed as part of its worldwide coverage plan. Sun Cellular is designated as the fastest growing mobile network operator in the Philippines with more than 15 million subscribers with almost 7,000 cell sites nationwide. Sun Cellular is a subsidiary of Digital Telecommunications Inc (Digitel) which focuses on providing internet and telecommunications services. Digitel is part of JG Summit Conglomerate having business interests in more than one industry including Air Transportation, Banking, Food Manufacturing, Hotels, Petrochemicals, among more others. Sun Cellular launched its wireless mobile services in March 2003, offering a wide array of services in GSM Technology, provisioning voice services (local, national, and international calls), messaging services (short text and multi-media messaging), outbound and inbound International Roaming, broadband wireless technology and Value Added Services. Sun Cellular’s core values revolve around: • Mind set to win • Passion to provide excellent customer service • Integrity to uphold the highest ethical standards • Competence to adapt to constant innovation • Dedication to take on new challenges • Pride and commitment to the Company’s brand image It was great progressing with this highly reputable and major operator; and also expanding our business relation. Monty Mobile is always “on the go” to look for new business opportunities and make the best out of them.

De-monopolizing telecommunications

Two key issues on telecommunications have lately hogged business headlines: a) the PLDT-Digitel Merger, and b) the proposed National Broadband project. Both these issues test the clarity of government’s development vision and its commitment to sound regulation and competition policy. Its decisions will impact not only the efficiency of delivery of telephony and data services to both private users and government, but our country’s competitiveness and development over the long run. Let me start with a disclosure -- I am a board director of Globe Telecom. In a previous life, though, for over two decades, I was a civil servant at the Department of Finance and in multilateral institutions. There, I had a good view of the politics of economic reform, especially as undersecretary under the reform-minded Aquino 1 and Ramos administrations. With this background, I was asked, together with my colleague Christine Tang, to do a case study on the subject by the World Bank Growth Commission. (The Political Economy of Reform during the Ramos Administration, link http://www.growthcommission.org/storage/cgdev/documents/gcwp039web.pdf). A key chapter, the “De-monopolization of Telecommunications,” documents the political and regulatory fortitude needed to dislodge entrenched interests. Then It starts with a quote attributed to Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew in 1992: “The Philippines is a country where 98 percent of the residents are waiting for a telephone and the other 2 percent are waiting for a dial tone.” Indeed it best describes the situation of the domestic telecommunications industry in 1992. An estimated 800,000 applicants, 75percent in the country’s capital, Metro Manila, were queuing for a telephone line. At the time, the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), which owned the only nationwide transmission backbone, was a virtual monopoly, controlling over 90 percent of the country’s telephone lines. Its controlling shareholder was politically well connected, its influence extending across the three branches of government as well as the media. “None of the telephone companies operating at the time were in a position to challenge PLDT’s leadership. Following news accounts, PLDT, instead of expanding its network to meet service demand, “spent heavily for the protection of its market share.” For instance, when the previous government decided to open up the sector to competition, reports indicate that PLDT was able to secure as needed favorable legal rulings to block prospective entrants. It had apparently been a risky venture for the president to go after PLDT. “If he loses in this duel, the president’s credibility as a strong leader will be severely dented,” observed one report at the time. “Nevertheless, the Ramos administration proceeded to pry the sector open with various tactics... from encouraging the formation of consumer groups that took to the streets and clamored for change, to boardroom battles. One case reportedly led to the resignation of a Supreme Court justice whose decision favoring PLDT was alleged to have been written by a PLDT lawyer. As a result, the twin executive orders (EO) that the president issued in 1993 opened the floodgates to investments in the sector. By the time Congress passed legislation largely echoing provisions of the two executive orders, the country’s teledensity had doubled and PLDT had already embarked on a zero backlog program.” Our 2008 paper continues: “Fifteen years on, the benefits of the reform may be seen in (i) increased access to telecommunication services, with teledensity in the cellular mobile telephone service (CMTS) segment of the market reaching 50 per 100 population in 2007; (ii) increased market competition with the entry of more players representing domestic and foreign interests; (iii) the rise of new growth industries such as business process outsourcing; and (iv) a whole new range of business solutions using cellular mobile telephone technology that caters to the retail client, such as money transfers for overseas workers. An interesting, perhaps ironic turn of events is that PLDT, which had strongly resisted the reform, managed to shape up and emerged a big winner of the reform....” Now Fast forward to the present. PLDT, under new controlling ownership, proposes to acquire Sun-Digitel, threatening to re-establish a near monopoly situation. Together, the combined companies will control 73% of the market. Even more tellingly, the combined PLDT-Digitel will control three out of the four blocks of telephone frequencies -- 75% of the highway for delivering the service. This level of control is against the spirit, if not a direct contravention of the Ramos era EO which sought to limit each telco to only one bloc. This issue has been recently deliberated in the appropriate Senate committee whose findings we await, and is now under consideration by the NTC. What was made clear during the hearings is that nowhere in the world is such a degree of concentration allowed without putting effective limitations on the dominant provider. For example, in the US, the recent AT &T/T-Mobile merger triggered alarm bells in the US top anti-trust agency even though both carriers combined subscriber bases would amount to a little less than 44% of the total wireless market. Well established regulatory regimes everywhere else would have done the same. Widely followed analyst Boo Chanco wrote in his latest column about the ill-advised revival of the National Broadband project. He provided yet another reason why we need to strengthen competition in the industry. To combat the fear of Secretary Montejo that our private telcos might overcharge government for telco services, he cited that two noted economists (Dr. Raul Fabella and Dr. Noel de Dios) at that meeting with the secretary urged government “to make sure no one of the private telcos gain even near monopoly powers. Government must exercise its function and duty to regulate the telcos not just to get the prices they are seeking for government operations but for the sake of the consumers as well.” I am hopeful that the present regulators -- and the national leadership -- will be equal to the challenge of the times.

Globe bags service provider award

Globe Telecom took top recognition as the country’s Broadband Service Provider of the Year by international research firm Frost & Sullivan for its outstanding performance in the broadband business in 2010. The Broadband Service Provider of the Year award is conferred to service providers that have demonstrated exemplary growth in the broadband access service segment last year. Globe was evaluated based on revenue growth, category market share and growth in market share, leadership in product innovation, breadth of products and services, major customer acquisitions, and subscriber base and growth. Frost & Sullivan used a rigorous judging process to select the recipient. Its analyst team shortlisted major companies, conducted a detailed market review to assess their performance, and recommended the top 3 to 5 companies based on the review. The contenders were then evaluated by an internal panel of judges using the analyst team’s findings, which led them to hand the citation to Globe. In 2010, Globe Telecom’s broadband segment posted double-digit growth in subscriber base and revenue growth at 50% and 75%, respectively, from the previous year. In its second quarter disclosure this year, Globe declared that its broadband subscribers have gone up to 1.3 million, 39% higher year-on-year The robust subscriber pick-up sustained revenue gains, with broadband service revenues up 42% to close the first half of 2011 at P3.6 billion, compared to P2.6 billion in the same period last year.

Small Business Websites 'Going Mobile' With New Cloud-Based Service From AT&T

With more and more smartphone users accessing the Internet to research and purchase products and services, it's becoming increasingly vital for small businesses to develop a strong mobile web presence. Thanks to a new small business solution announced today by AT&T*, creating and maintaining a mobile website just got easier. Key Facts AT&T is now selling AT&T Mobile Website Hosting, a new solution targeted at small businesses. The solution, allows small businesses to create their own web-site using AT&T's easy-to-use Do-It-Yourself tool and auto-create a mobile version that is compatible and clearly viewed with smartphones The cloud-based service also includes traditional AT&T Website Hosting and email services. According to Nielsen, 38 percent of U.S. cell phone owners access the internet from their mobile device. The market research firm predicts that mobile website traffic will increase 40-fold over the next 5 years. For small businesses, having a mobile website can be crucial to their success. In fact, Nielsen reports that businesses saw a 13 percent increase in Internet traffic when they added a mobile website. To view a brief video of the service, click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiPw8CE3Qhs AT&T Mobile Website Hosting Features Easy, one-click website creation, with no technical expertise required Automatic sync and updates to mobile site when changes occur on main website, saving time by avoiding maintaining two websites Multiple design templates, enabling each mobile website to have its own unique look and feel Click-to-call, making it easy for customers to contact small businesses Maps and directions, helping increase in-store traffic Mobile website analytics, enabling insights into customer search and buying patterns Compatibility with all major smartphone platforms, maximizing exposure to mobile users Plans vary in price, starting as low as $12 per month. Interested small and midsize businesses can get more information or order the service by visiting http://webhosting.att.com or by calling toll-free 1-888-WEBHOST (1-888-932-4678), and selecting "Option 1." Businesses also can contact their designated AT&T account manager to get more information. Quote "Having a website is crucial for small businesses, which need to be accessible to their customers anytime and anywhere," said Ebrahim Keshavarz, AT&T Vice President of Small Business Product Management. "With Mobile Website Hosting, we're giving small businesses an easy and affordable way to literally convert their websites into mobile sites. "Especially in today's economy, small businesses are using every tool at their disposal to stay connected to their customers and keep the cash register ringing – and we're committed to helping them do this with solutions like Mobile Website Hosting." Related Information For information about AT&T's upcoming mobile marketing webinar, which will discuss the importance of understanding and utilizing mobile marketing (via mobile websites and more) see recent news release. General Information Small businesses that don't have a website or are looking to upgrade their existing site can also turn to AT&T to learn how AT&T Web Hosting Services can help by visiting webhosting.att.com. Along with detailed pricing information, a variety of plans, services and marketing tips can be combined to create a unique web solution for any business. Small businesses wanting information about all AT&T products and services can visit AT&T Small Business. For free business resources such as webinars, white papers, training, case studies and best practices, they can visit AT&T Small Business InSite. Additionally, real-time information and updates can be found on the AT&T Small Business Facebook page and AT&T Small Business Twitter channel. *AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

Combining communication & entertainment

There is a term that’s repeated throughout our conversation with Sony Ericsson head of Asia Pacific Region Matthew Lang during his Manila visit last month. The word is “Sony-ness.” It sounds like a corporate battle cry and, in a way, it is. Lang is describing Sony Ericsson’s unique proposition and position in an industry that is moving and changing as fast as statuses on Facebook change — that the brand is built upon its parent company Sony’s heritage. Yes, the giant entertainment company and manufacturer Sony Corporation, which has innovated the gaming, music and TV industries in ways nobody would have foreseen 20 years ago. “Sony Ericsson’s strategy is to be the No. 1 brand in communication and entertainment,” Lang says. “We bring together the latest technology in terms of communication platforms and marry that with the Sony-ness that our parent company brings to us.” This Sony-ness is evident in Sony Ericsson’s new Experia Play phone, which was launched this year in the US, Europe, and recently in several countries in Asia — and hopefully soon in the Philippines. Sony Ericsson head of Asia Pacific Region Matthew Lang with his Experia Arc “With Experia Play, we’ve managed to bring the first PlayStation-certified phone to the market. We build in technologies from Sony such as the reality of the Bravia engine in the screens of our phones. Our aim is to bring together communication and entertainment, which we believe provides a unique customer experience and something that can really excite the consumers because the Android platform runs across most smartphones nowadays and we need to differentiate ourselves from that. We believe the Sony-ness we bring to the table enables us to do that.” Lang certainly knows the parent company’s core values. Before he joined Sony Ericsson, he had an illustrious career with Sony Corporation in several capacities around the world. In the last 20 years, he has lived and worked in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Africa. Before he became head of Sony Ericsson Asia Pacific, he was managing director of the Sony South Africa Market Unit for four years. He was responsible for achieving a 50-percent growth in sales and establishing a clear lead in the LCD TV market for Sony. He went on to lead the successful hosting of Sony’s FIFA World Cup sponsorship. “What I’m particularly excited about coming into the Asia Pacific region is the potential of some of the markets. In APAC, you go from one extreme to the other. I’ve got technologically complex markets like Korea and Japan where Sony Ericsson exclusively launched a phone with a 16-megapixel camera. Then there are the hugely promising markets such as Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand where the transition to smartphones is going to go faster than anybody expected. People are really going to thrive on mobile broadband, and the consumer is going to become a mobile consumer. The potential for that is even more exciting in emerging markets like the Philippines.” Sony Ericsson Philippines marketing manager Patrick Larraga says smartphones in the country account for about 10 percent of the market, and Sony Ericsson is in the top three — as it is in most of countries in the region. Get active: The dust-and water-proof Experia Active “Obviously the ambition is to become the No. 1 player in Android. What we’re seeing is that everybody’s forecast and predictions for Android are too slow. The same can probably be said for the overall conversion to smartphone,” says Lang. “So it wouldn’t surprise us that in a market like the Philippines, 50 percent of all phones by, say, 2015, would be smartphones because the low end is going to become smartphone-friendly as well. There will always be a lower priced smartphone from China and Sony Ericsson will never go down to that end. Our aim is to provide the latest version with very good integration in a range that’s aspirational. We’ve got the top end, which is our comfort zone, that’s where our heritage comes in, but we also want to get close to the affordable level.” If you’re still not using a smartphone, Sony Ericsson’s new releases for the third quarter will surely make you convert. There’s Experia Ray, a beautiful slim phone that has all the capabilities of the top-end and more manly Experia Arc; Experia Active, which is a dust- and water-proof phone that you can use as your training log for your runs and races; and the Mini Pro, a compact, QWERTY keyboard Android phone. “I have a lovely story from Australia on the Experia Active. It’s dust-proof and water-proof and we got a special certification for that,” Lang says. “Australia is very dusty and has lots of outback, and we were trying to pitch it to one of the operators. We had an early prototype and the operator was very insistent that we show him that it was really dust and water-proof. The Sony Ericsson executive who was there said, ‘Okay, I’m going to do it since you’ve been pestering me for so long.’ So he put the Active phone in a pail of water and he was able to make a phone call right after. And the operator said, ‘Right, we’ll take it.’” Larraga predicts that both the Experia Ray and Active are going to be popular with Filipino consumers. “The Ray is just a physically beautiful phone that’s packing in firepower, and the Active is fun and suits sports-minded people.” What about Experia Play? Will it ever be launched in the Philippines where PlayStation gamers probably outnumber the country’s armed forces? Lang says, “It’s all about the ecosystem to support and to enable the users to get their hands on games in a sensible, non-frustrating way. We need to convince the powers that be in Sony that it is appropriate to launch it in the Philippines. We just got it into the US, which is a big step forward for us. Everywhere it’s been launched, it’s had very good reviews — the critics, the consumers and the gaming community love it, and the developers are happy with the open platform. It has well over a hundred games now and we’ve got some launches planned for the big titles like Call of Duty.” Sony Ericsson Philippines product marketing manager Vince dela Cruz says, “The PlayStation network is not available locally. Experia Play has some games built into it, but when you’ve finished with those games, you will not yet be able to get games — and that’s what Sony Ericsson is working on.” Lang with Sony Ericsson Philippines product marketing manager Vince dela Cruz and marketing manager Patrick Larraga Another thing that differentiates Sony Ericsson in the innovation race from other cell phones operating on Android is that the company is working very closely with partners like Google and Facebook, which has resulted in a “tight and deep integration” of both into the mobile phones. “We’re launching all the new phones with FB inside Experia. It’s not just sticking an FB button on the screen, but is embedded into the phone. For example, you’re listening to music on your phone and there’s a button you can press on the screen, which will automatically feed into your Facebook account and your friends can see that you are ‘liking’ this song.” The Facebook integration will surely please Filipino users since the country has one of the highest rates of Facebook penetration among Internet users. “I think we have the best of both worlds,” says Lang. “We get the technology input from Ericsson, which is obviously leading the way in the next generation of networks, and we get the latest developments from Sony, which invests a huge amount of money in research and development to look into new technologies.” But Lang is quick to point out that while Android (in the global Android market, Sony Ericsson is carrying 11 in volume and value) is the favored operating system of the moment, “We’re ultimately driven by the consumer. If the consumer changes the course then we respond quickly. Sony Ericsson is a very agile and nimble company. We have a much faster route to influence the designers and developers of the phones, which is motivating and fun. It is a bit terrifying because the industry moves so fast, but it’s great to know we can respond much more quickly. What we’d like to be able to do is to tell our developers, ‘Build us the next-generation phone. It must look cool and sexy because it’s a Sony, it must have all the Sony-ness in it, it must give people the opportunity to use all the different kinds of media Sony has, and we must make it configurable for any operating system.’” Sony Ericsson is also carefully selecting the phones it releases in the Philippine market, so that each type of lifestyle and level of budget is satisfied. That will sure satisfy any angry bird.

FCC Announces White Space Broadband Testing

Just about a year ago the FCC approved new White Space broadband rules governing the use of unlicensed spectrum, largely freed by the shift to digital television, for a new form of broadband with the potential for significant rural reach. This week the FCC announced that they'll soon be testing the database system they've created that will allow devices to check for nearby interference. These databases will be run by several companies including Google, and the FCC says their testing of this new system will occur between September 19 and November 2. The FCC has published their database test facility here, which users will be able to poke and prod for accuracy and other issues.

ZTE MF60 Mobile Hotspot

Introduction ZTE MF60 WiFi hotspot is a 3.5G mobile hotspot device, working in GSM/GPRS/EDGE/WCDMA/HSPA+ network. The client device could connect to it via USB or Wi-Fi interface. With HSDPA 21Mbps downlink, quad-band GSM and tri-band UMTS, it gives maximum 8 users super fast Internet experience all over the world at the same time. It runs on battery and has a mini USB port and a built-in OLED display on the top and could supports up to 32GB Micro SDHC memory. The device supports data and SMS services. It's the fastest mobile WiFi hotspot in the world for the moment. Highlight： * This HSDPA device is peak rated at 21 Mbps downlink speed. * Operates on the 3G networks for wireless access to e-mail and internet on the move. * Use 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connection so no installation is required. Simply enter the password key supplied and get on line immediately with your Next G'SIM. * Small, light weight design. * Supports three working modes: USB Mode, Wi-Fi Mode, Mixed Mode. Specification: Data service: * HSDPA/HSUPA/UMTS 850/1900/2100 MHz * GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz * HSPA+: DL 21.6Mbps, UL 5.76Mbps * WCDMA CS: 64Kbps UL/DL * WCDMA PS: 384Kbps UL/DL Interface: USB and Wi-Fi * Wi-Fi Standard: 802.11b/g/n * Wi-Fi Security: WEP/WPA/WPA2/WAPI * USB Version: USB 2.0 high speed * USB Interface Type: Micro USB * MicroSD card: ZTE MF60 supports up to 32GB microSD card Battery: * Power Adapter: 5V/700m A Battery: 1500mAh * Standby time: 100 hours * Working time: 4 hours Features: * Weight: 77g * Dimensions(W x h x D): 99.7mm*53.7mm*13.9mm Other requirements: * Operating temperature: 0℃~+35℃ * Storage temperature: -20℃~+50℃Charging temperature: 0℃~45℃ * Operate System: Windows 7, Windows Vista(32bit or 64bit), Windows XP(SP2 or later), MAC(10.4 or later) * Web Brower: IE(6.0 or later), Firefox(2.0 or later), Opera(10.0 or later), Safari(4.0 or later), Chrome(5.0 or later) Notes: 1. MocroSD is a trademark of SD Card Association 2. The ZTE MF60 hotspot’s standby and working time are only for you reference, and based on ideal working environment. Getting to Know the Device The following figure shows the appearance of the device. 1. Power: Hold the Power button to switch on/off the device 2. Memory card slot (microSD card): it is where you insert the memory card(MicroSD card) 3. WPS: a. This button is used to start/end Wi-Fi Protected Setup authentication process and enable/disable the Wi-Fi function b. Hold it for 3 seconds to activate the WPS function c. When the WPS function is available, press it to deactivate the WPS function d. Press it to enable/disable Wi-Fi function 4. LED Screen: It indicates the signal type, signal strength, battery, Wi-Fi, etc. 5. External Antenna Connector: it is used to connect an external antenna to enhance the signal strength. 6. Charger/USB port: a. Charge your device. b. Connect the client to your device via USB cable. Notes: Hold the WPS and Power buttons simultaneously until the LED screen turns off, and then release the buttons. The ZTE MF60 3G Router will restart automatically and restore to the factory default settings. Indicator: When the device is powered on, the following icons will appear on the LED screen, with the corresponding indications listed in the table below: Working Mode: ZTE MF60 3G Router supports three working modes: USB Mode, Wi-Fi Mode, Mixed Mode. USB Mode: Connect to the device with the USB cable. Wi-Fi Mode: Connect to the device via Wi-Fi Mixed Mode: Connect to the device with the above two connection methods Notes: If you want to connect to the Internet by using ZTE MF60 Wi-Fi mode, make sure that the client supports the Wi-Fi function.

Korea tops ICT ranking as PH moves to 92nd

A global study of ICT competitiveness has ranked Asian economic powerhouse South Korea as the world’s most advanced ICT economy, with the Philippines way behind at 92nd place although it inched up by three notches from 95th spot in 2008. The new figures released on Friday by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), an agency under the United Nations, showed that ICT uptake continues to accelerate worldwide, spurred by a steady fall in the price of telephone and broadband Internet services. The new data, released in ITU’s flagship annual ICT report “Measuring the Information Society 2011”, also put Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, and Finland closely behind South Korea in ICT readiness. A key feature of the report is the ICT Development Index (IDI), which ranked 152 countries according to their level of ICT access, use, and skills, and compares 2008 and 2010 scores. Most countries at the top of the ranking are from Europe and Asia Pacific. Among Southeast Asian nations, Vietnam was ranked as the most dynamic country between 2008 and 2010, leaping from its previous 91st rank to 81st place. All countries included in the IDI improved their scores this year, underlining the increasing pervasiveness of ICTs in today’s global information society. “While the IDI leaders are all from the developed world, it is extremely encouraging to see that the most dynamic performers are developing countries,” said Hamadoun Touré, ITU secretary-general. “The ‘mobile miracle’ is putting ICT services within reach of even the most disadvantaged people and communities. Our challenge now is to replicate that success in broadband.” The report showed that while ICT and income levels are closely related, getting the right public policy mix can drive faster take-up and a number of countries, including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea have higher IDI levels than their income level would predict. Mobile now ubiquitous The spread of mobile networks in developing countries remains buoyant, with 20 percent growth in mobile subscriptions over the past year and no signs of a slowdown. In developed countries, on the other hand, mobile cellular penetration has reached saturation, with average penetration now over 100 percent at end 2010, compared with 70 percent in developing countries. With more than five billion subscriptions and global population coverage of over 90 percent, mobile cellular is now de facto ubiquitous. Mobile broadband (‘3G’) services are also spreading quickly; by end-2010, 154 economies worldwide had launched 3G networks. Wireless broadband Internet access remains the strongest growth sector in developing countries, with mobile broadband growing by 160 percent between 2009 and 2010. Countries registering the highest gains in the IDI “ICT use” sub-index are mostly those which have achieved a sizeable increase in mobile broadband subscriptions. Conversely, the number of dial-up Internet subscriptions has been decreasing rapidly since 2007 and, based on current trends, the “death of dial-up” is expected to become a reality over the next few years. Developing world still paying too much Globally, telecommunication and Internet services are becoming more affordable. According to the 2010 ICT Price Basket (IPB), which spans 165 economies and combines the average cost of fixed telephone, mobile cellular and fixed broadband Internet services, the price of ICT services dropped by 18 percent globally between 2008 and 2010, with the biggest decrease in fixed broadband Internet services, where average prices have come down by 52 percent. All economies in the IPB top ten have high GNI per capita, and, with the exception of the United Arab Emirates, all are from Europe and Asia Pacific. In developed countries, average prices for ICT services correspond to no more than 1.5 percent of monthly per capita income, compared with 17 percent in developing countries. But while broadband prices declined sharply worldwide, a high-speed Internet connection remains unaffordable in many low-income countries. For example, in Africa at end 2010, fixed broadband services cost on average the equivalent of 290 percent of monthly income, down from 650 percent in 2008. Big disparities in speed and service quality Comparing fixed- and mobile broadband technologies and services, the report also found huge differences in network capacity, speed and quality. In many developing countries, while the minimum speed for broadband (256 kbit/s) may be sufficient for email and other very basic services, it is inadequate for graphics-rich data-intensive applications and services. In addition, the report notes that the actual speed experienced by both fixed- and mobile broadband customers is often much lower than the advertised speed, and calls on ICT regulators to take steps to encourage operators to provide consumers with clearer information on coverage, speed and prices. “A new digital divide is unfolding between those with high-speed/capacity/quality access – as is the case in many high-income countries – and those with lower speed/capacity/quality access, as is the case in many low-income countries,” said Brahima Sanou, director of ITU’s telecommunication development bureau. “Policy-makers should act swiftly to facilitate the spread of broadband and ensure that broadband services are faster, more reliable and affordable.” The report also pointed to important qualitative differences between fixed- and mobile broadband services. The average speed of a mobile broadband subscription does not usually match that of a high-speed fixed subscription and usually includes data caps, unlike the ‘unlimited data’ fixed broadband offers that are now widely available. This represented a challenge for countries where mobile is the only broadband access technology available to end users – which is the case in many developing countries. Targeting youth could be transformational ITU research indicated that targeting students may be the most effective way to increase Internet use in developing countries. The Internet is only used by an around 21 percent of the population in the developing world, compared with almost 70 percent in developed countries. The Measuring the Information Society 2011 report suggested that the main barriers to Internet use are not always related to infrastructure and price. Usage patterns show major differences related to education, gender, income, age and geographical location of users (urban/rural). For example, there is remarkably little difference in patterns of Internet use among highly educated, high-income individuals across the developing and developed worlds. People with higher educational degrees use the Internet more than those with a lower level of education, and in most countries more men than women are online. Young people (below the age of 25) are online more than older people, and there is a higher level of Internet use among those currently in school compared with those no longer studying. Assuming that people will continue using the Internet once they have become accustomed to being online, those currently enrolled at school or university are more likely to be future Internet users, too. For young people all over the world, social networking and user-created content like blogs have become key drivers of Internet uptake. Given that 46 percent of the population in developing countries is below the age of 25 (representing more than 2.5 billion people), the report suggested that one of the most effective ways to increase Internet use in these countries is by targeting the younger generation – for example through connecting schools and other educational institutions, and improving enrolment rates.

Broadband Antenna Tracking Systems (BATS) Brings Better Emergency Communications to NYC

To improve communications during emergencies, New York City recently created its own wireless data network called the New York City Wireless Network (NYC-Win). Innovative solutions from Broadband Antenna Tracking Systems (BATS) are a key part of the new infrastructure. In the aftermath of tragedies like Hurricane Katrina and the September 11th terrorist attacks, consumers have overloaded private data networks like Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint by calling loved ones and posting videos to the Internet. As a result, people in urgent need of emergency assistance have trouble getting through to help. The BATS BTS-3300 (with GPS) plays a critical role in New York City's new wireless emergency response network. The system is able to automatically locate, lock in, and track wireless broadband connections among mobile command centers and remote locations throughout the entire NYC coverage area within eight minutes. The BATS BTS-3300 mobile communication unit seamlessly integrates with the New York City Wireless Network and provides 110 megabit throughput to New York City's emergency services wireless network. The BATS unit provides additional benefits in the form of significant cost savings, as it is less expensive than satellite and cellular alternatives. A recent article on NY1 News investigates the effect that the new emergency response network will have. "Sharing a network amongst eight million people and vital and critical city operations that's just an unworkable situation," Carole Post of the New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications, told NY1. "We needed to improve our own infrastructure, our own communication methods amongst and between ourselves and we needed this hardened, secure, dedicated network to be able to do that." Access points on the NYC-Win are equipped with 24 hours of backup power, vital for communications to continue to run even during blackouts. New York's new wireless network is already inspiring other cities and states to consider how their communications systems withstand emergency situations.

Cavium Picks Tensilica for Next-Generation Wireless Broadband Application

Tensilica(R), Inc. today announced that Cavium has licensed Tensilica's IP for its next-generation wireless broadband products. The Tensilica products selected include Tensilica's popular Baseband IP specialized for channel decode applications and signal processing to achieve best-in-class speed, power and performance. Cavium is a leading provider of semiconductor products that enable intelligent processing for networking, wireless, storage and video. "Tensilica's IP will help us achieve best-in-class speed/power/performance, faster time-to-market and great flexibility through efficient programmability," stated Raj Singh, general manager, Wireless Broadband Group, Cavium. "We were particularly delighted with Tensilica's understanding of the computational processing required for wireless broadband and their great technical support." "We are very pleased and impressed by the competence and thoroughness of the Cavium's engineering and business teams in developing their next-generation wireless broadband products," stated Eric Dewannain, Tensilica's vice president and general manager, baseband business unit. "Cavium's products have been designed into numerous products from the world's leading networking, wireless, storage and security vendors."

NTC extends Bayan’s mobile permit till 2013

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has extended Bayan Telecommunications permit to operate a cellular mobile telephone system (CMTS) till 2013. However, the Philippine regulatory authority has warned Bayan that it must continue to build out its mobile network over the next two years to avoid ‘stiff’ sanctions. According to reports, a four-page order signed by the NTC commissioners states that in order to allow Bayan to continue building up its CMTS nationwide, it is recommended that its provisional authority be extended until November 3, 2013; subject further to the condition that should Bayan fail to continue building up its CMTS network within two years from date thereof, the provisional authority shall be deemed cancelled or revoked. Bayan was granted provisional authority on May 3, 2000 which has been extended twice, up to November 5, 2005 and November 3, 2010. As per sources, Bayan claims they are currently working on a proof of concept with several vendors for LTE in order to utilize its allocated frequencies in the 1800 megahertz band. Bayan reportedly told the NTC on July 28 that it has commenced installing cell sites for CMTS services. To date, it has put up 428 cell sites nationwide and has signed up 178,552 subscribers for the wireless landline service. According to NTC Director, Edgardo Cabarios, when Bayan was authorized in 2000, Extelcom questioned the authority before the Court of Appeals. During this time, Digitel was authorized to operate a CMTS network and started offering cellular service. Bayan could not offer anything because of a court case.

AT&T seeks to increase wireless broadband with T-Mobile buy

AT&T is looking to expand its mobile broadband and wireless service in New Mexico, among other places, though the U.S. Department of Justice has sued to block the company's acquisition of T-Mobile. According to information from the Justice Department, the proposed $39 billion transaction would result in "higher prices, poorer quality services, fewer choices and fewer innovative products for millions of American consumers." The department filed an anti-trust lawsuit in federal District Court Aug. 31 to block the sale. The Department of Justice argues that consumers, including those in rural areas and with low incomes, would suffer if the merger isn't blocked. "Mobile wireless telecommunications services play a critical role in the way Americans live and work, with more than 300 million feature phones, smart phones, data cards, tablets and other mobile wireless devices in service today," a department release states. "Four nationwide providers of these services - AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon - account for more than 90 percent of mobile wireless connections." The Justice Department also argues that T-Mobile, according to information from that company, "has been responsible for a number of significant 'firsts' in the U.S. mobile wireless industry, including the first handset using the Android operating system, Blackberry wireless email" and others. However, AT&T Services President of Arizona and New Mexico Jerry Fuentes said in a Sept. 1 interview with The Taos News that the market after the T-Mobile acquisition "will still be hugely competitive." He said prices are declining despite mergers, such as AT&T's $2.35 billion acquisition of Alltel markets last year, and the state of New Mexico is poised to benefit more than others if the T-Mobile sale is allowed to proceed. AT&T announced its intention to acquire T-Mobile in March, according to information from AT&T, with the deal creating "significant consumer benefits," including: Expanded 4G service to more than 97 percent of the U.S. population Jobs resulting from an additional $8 billion in private infrastructure investment Better mobile broadband access in rural communities, as well as voice and data service improvements However, the Justice Department claims it gave "serious consideration to the efficiencies that the merging parties claim would result from the transaction." "The department concluded AT&T had not demonstrated that the proposed transaction promised any efficiencies that would be sufficient to outweigh the transaction's substantial adverse impact on competition and consumers," a department release states. "Moreover, the department said that AT&T could obtain substantially the same network enhancements that it claims will come from the transaction if it simply invested in its own network without eliminating a close competitor." Fuentes said AT&T is seeking to keep up with consumers' demands for data service, and 4G service "eats up more spectrum." "We're having a capacity issue," he said. He said T-Mobile towers are largely compatible with AT&T's, so the transition would be completed relatively quickly, though he said AT&T is precluded from talking to T-Mobile until the merger is complete. Fuentes said the Federal Communications Commission must still approve the merger. If it is approved, he said it will take time, three to seven years to reach AT&T's 4G goals.