Sprint has been running under the radar a full-length, movie-streaming service for the last month, officials from the carrier's movie content provider MSpot confirmed today.
MSpot CEO Daren Tsui said that Sprint soft-launched its MSpot Movies service last month featuring 10 full-length films customers can stream to their Vision phones serially in roughly five-minute increments -- similar in length to the chapters or scenes on a DVD movie.
The movies aren't exactly first run though. The most recent movie of the 10 currently available is "Short Circuit," a family film from 1986. Most of them are in the classics genre, including films like "One-Eyed Jacks," a Marlon Brando-directed western from 1961, and "Angel and the Badman," a John Wayne film from 1947.
Tsui, however, said film rights are notoriously difficult to procure with competition for new releases spread among the cable, broadcast television, pay-per-view, and rental industries. Since its movie service is a first of its kind, it has to accept movies that are past their heyday in order to get it off the ground.
But MSpot's content library has been growing. It now has deals negotiated for the rights to 380 films, and as the service gains attention and subscribers, Tsui expects the movie studios will have more interest in putting newer content on the network.
"The closer you get to the theatrical release date the more complicated the negotiations with the movie studios," Tsui said. "We'll eventually get to the point where we'll be able to get movies soon after theatrical release."
That all depends on how well the service does though. While the wireless industry has generally embraced video as a groundbreaking new format for mobile content, there is still a huge debate over what form that content will take. Shortly after news of Sprint's movie service appeared, ZDNet released a list of seven reasons why movies on the cellphone won't work, including limited abilities of handset media players and the obvious issue of trying to watch a movie intended for the silver screen on a 2-inch display.
But recent moves in the industry have shown that there may be some interest in longer video streams. Apple and the wireless carriers have begun selling reruns of popular TV shows like ABC's "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives" for download or streaming over the iPOD or video phones.
Tsui said that due to the newness of this type of service there will be a period of adjustment, but he expects customers and carriers will grow into the service as they see its advantages. "This is a controversial service," Tsui said. "Some people don't believe in it because of the small screen size, but look at the market. Services like MobiTV, Sprint TV and [Verizon Wireless's] Vcast have been doing great. There is a consumer appetite for video on the mobile phone. You can't dispute that."
The movie service will come in two forms, a lower-bandwidth, lower-frame-rate service for Vision customers on Sprint's CDMA 1X vision service and a high-frame-rate, better-quality stream for 3G customers on Sprint's new Power Vision EVDO network. Both will cost $7 a month for unlimited streaming. Sprint said it plans to offer new movie content each week eventually adding older television shows like the "Three Stooges" and "Starhunter 2300." The service will also have music concert channel, streaming footage from live performances by the Roots and other artists.
The service isn't MSpot's first venture with Sprint. This summer Sprint launched MSpot Radio, a streaming music service that adds interactive capabilities to what would ordinarily be a static broadcast. MSpot has been for some time and also plans to launch a revamped version of its radio service to allow users to build their own customized playlists.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Sprint Nextel launches wireless music downloads
Sprint Nextel is launching an over-the-air music service, an offering the company hopes will entice customers to pay high per-song fees in exchange for the instant gratification of wireless downloads.
The Sprint Music Store went live Monday with a catalog of songs from EMI Music, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and Universal Music Group that Sprint said numbers in the hundreds of thousands.
For $2.50 per song, customers receive two digital copies, one formatted for use only on their phone and another formatted for downloading to a PC.
Sprint's music service is supported by two new multimedia phones, the Sanyo MM-9000, priced at $380 on Sprint's Web site, and the Samsung MM-A940, priced at $400.
The phones come with a removable memory card for buying and storing songs; an optional 1GB card will store 1000 songs purchased from the Sprint Music Store, according to the.
Needs Power Service The Sprint Music Store service also requires Sprint's Power Vision wireless broadband network, which the company began rolling out throughout the U.S. earlier this year.
Sprint's $2.50-per-song price more than doubles the 99 cents per track price pioneered by Apple's popular iTunes Music Store.
Jupiter Research telecommunications analyst Julie Ask said she expects the new service to be a good demonstration of Sprint's Power Vision network capabilities, but thinks few consumers will change carriers to take advantage of such offerings.
"At the end of the day, it's still all about price and network quality," Ask said.
Sprint's $2.50 price tag means its service won't be the primary way its customers purchase online music, Ask said.
Still, she sees the Sprint Music Store doing decent sales on impulse purchases, and she applauded Sprint for offering both phone- and PC-formatted files for one purchase price
The Sprint Music Store went live Monday with a catalog of songs from EMI Music, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and Universal Music Group that Sprint said numbers in the hundreds of thousands.
For $2.50 per song, customers receive two digital copies, one formatted for use only on their phone and another formatted for downloading to a PC.
Sprint's music service is supported by two new multimedia phones, the Sanyo MM-9000, priced at $380 on Sprint's Web site, and the Samsung MM-A940, priced at $400.
The phones come with a removable memory card for buying and storing songs; an optional 1GB card will store 1000 songs purchased from the Sprint Music Store, according to the.
Needs Power Service The Sprint Music Store service also requires Sprint's Power Vision wireless broadband network, which the company began rolling out throughout the U.S. earlier this year.
Sprint's $2.50-per-song price more than doubles the 99 cents per track price pioneered by Apple's popular iTunes Music Store.
Jupiter Research telecommunications analyst Julie Ask said she expects the new service to be a good demonstration of Sprint's Power Vision network capabilities, but thinks few consumers will change carriers to take advantage of such offerings.
"At the end of the day, it's still all about price and network quality," Ask said.
Sprint's $2.50 price tag means its service won't be the primary way its customers purchase online music, Ask said.
Still, she sees the Sprint Music Store doing decent sales on impulse purchases, and she applauded Sprint for offering both phone- and PC-formatted files for one purchase price
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Sprint Nextel to buy wireless affiliate Alamosa for $3.4bn
Sprint Nextel said on Monday it would buy wireless affiliate Alamosa Holdings for about $3.4bn, ending an exclusivity agreement breach that arose from Sprint’s purchase of Nextel Communications, which operates in some of Alamosa’s markets
Alamosa shareholders would receive $18.75 per share in cash, or a roughly 15% premium over Alamosa’s Friday closing price, under the agreement. The deal is worth $4.3bn, including $900m in net debt.
This is the fourth affiliate Sprint agreed to buy in recent months and it has been in talks with about six others as the Nextel deal interferes with its affiliates exclusive rights to the Sprint brand in their operating markets.
Sprint Nextel is also going through a valuation process for a former Nextel affiliate Nextel Partners, which it is being forced to buy. Both the companies have been engaged in bitter legal battles about how such a deal should be valued.
Alamosa shareholders would receive $18.75 per share in cash, or a roughly 15% premium over Alamosa’s Friday closing price, under the agreement. The deal is worth $4.3bn, including $900m in net debt.
This is the fourth affiliate Sprint agreed to buy in recent months and it has been in talks with about six others as the Nextel deal interferes with its affiliates exclusive rights to the Sprint brand in their operating markets.
Sprint Nextel is also going through a valuation process for a former Nextel affiliate Nextel Partners, which it is being forced to buy. Both the companies have been engaged in bitter legal battles about how such a deal should be valued.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Sprint and Nextel Merge
Its official! Sprint and Nextel announced the finishing touches of a $36 billion merge, forming Sprint Nextel Corporation. These telecommunication firms agreed to merge last December creating the third largest wireless operator in the United States behind Cingular and Verizon Wireless.
According to the Sprint Nextel Corporation this merge will allow the corporation to become a leading communications provider that will offer a comprehensive range of innovative wireless and wire line products and services to consumer, business and government customers.
Sprint Nextel plans to offer customers a wide range of products and
As a combined corporation, Sprint Nextel will offer greater opportunities for customer's services.
That's great news for roommates Lauren Smith and Elizabeth Bethea, both seniors. The roommates of three years can now talk to each other on their cell phones for free, something they normally did not do before nights and weekends, since the merge of Sprint and Nextel.
"I like the fact that I can call my roommate and actually hold a conversation. Most of our conversations are usually limited to one of us saying, 'I'm low on minutes, I'll call you back after nine,' or 'hurry up, talk fast!' It's a win-win situation", said Betha a Sprint customer.
However, not everyone is satisfied with Sprint. Alexis Piggee, a junior Business Administration major, said "As a Sprint customer I have had several problems with my service. For example, I often lose my signal. Hopefully this merge will bring some sort of improvement to this issue," she said.
Damien Walter, an employee for the Sprint Nextel Corporation, stated "I don't find anything wrong with the merge itself," but said he did have problems with the training techniques.
"There was no hands-on involvement and a lack of information occurred. Now when a previous Nextel customer has issues I find it difficult to assist them," he continued.While the merger of these companies may seem appealing to the average consumer, there are some long-term issues worth considering. Nextel and Sprint's networks are incompatible and it will require a considerable investment of time and money to resolve this issue.
To convert all Nextel subscribers to the Sprint network would require replacing Nextel phones and ensuring that the "walkie-talkie" feature operated on a different network.
In the meantime, a significant financial commitment would have to be made in order to support two different technology platforms at the same time.
It is not required for customers to transfer from one provider to the other. Sprint will continue to maintain both networks until 2010.
According to the Sprint Nextel Corporation this merge will allow the corporation to become a leading communications provider that will offer a comprehensive range of innovative wireless and wire line products and services to consumer, business and government customers.
Sprint Nextel plans to offer customers a wide range of products and
As a combined corporation, Sprint Nextel will offer greater opportunities for customer's services.
That's great news for roommates Lauren Smith and Elizabeth Bethea, both seniors. The roommates of three years can now talk to each other on their cell phones for free, something they normally did not do before nights and weekends, since the merge of Sprint and Nextel.
"I like the fact that I can call my roommate and actually hold a conversation. Most of our conversations are usually limited to one of us saying, 'I'm low on minutes, I'll call you back after nine,' or 'hurry up, talk fast!' It's a win-win situation", said Betha a Sprint customer.
However, not everyone is satisfied with Sprint. Alexis Piggee, a junior Business Administration major, said "As a Sprint customer I have had several problems with my service. For example, I often lose my signal. Hopefully this merge will bring some sort of improvement to this issue," she said.
Damien Walter, an employee for the Sprint Nextel Corporation, stated "I don't find anything wrong with the merge itself," but said he did have problems with the training techniques.
"There was no hands-on involvement and a lack of information occurred. Now when a previous Nextel customer has issues I find it difficult to assist them," he continued.While the merger of these companies may seem appealing to the average consumer, there are some long-term issues worth considering. Nextel and Sprint's networks are incompatible and it will require a considerable investment of time and money to resolve this issue.
To convert all Nextel subscribers to the Sprint network would require replacing Nextel phones and ensuring that the "walkie-talkie" feature operated on a different network.
In the meantime, a significant financial commitment would have to be made in order to support two different technology platforms at the same time.
It is not required for customers to transfer from one provider to the other. Sprint will continue to maintain both networks until 2010.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Sprint adds pictures to Nextel walkie-talkie services
Sprint recently announced the availability of Nextel Direct Send Picture service, which lets subscribers send and review a picture while on a Nextel walkie-talkie call without having to access a separate data service.
With the new service, a subscriber on a walkie-talkie call can send a picture to the other Nextel subscriber on the call. The picture appears on the handset of both phones during the call, allowing the callers to view and discuss it. Transmission of the picture typically takes 8 to 12 seconds, Sprint spokeswoman Amy Schiska-Lombard said.
Sprint anticipates the feature will be especially popular for subscribers that frequently need to discuss site observations and events in real time.
"While sending pictures between mobile phones has been possible for quite some time, Direct Send Picture is unique in the marketplace because it allows customers to look at and discuss an image at the same time," Tony Krueck, Sprint’s vice president of product development and management, said in a prepared statement. "This kind of simple and efficient communication … is of extreme value to our customers, especially those in the construction, insurance, real estate and public-safety sectors."
Direct Send Picture is an extension of the Direct Send function Nextel unveiled last year. Direct Send lets subscribers send contact information and data into another subscriber’s contact list with the push of a walkie-talkie button.
Only subscribers with a Motorola i870 phone can immediately use the Direct Send Pictures function, which will be included on all future Nextel phones. In coming weeks, software upgrades will be available that will let owners of several existing Nextel phone models use Direct Send Pictures. Among the upgradeable phone models are the Motorola i850, i760, i560, i355 and i275.
“We think [the Direct Send software upgrades] will be available sometime in November,” Schiska-Lombard said.
Direct Send Pictures is exclusive to Nextel phones using the walkie-talkie service formerly known as Direct Connect that operates via the iDEN network, said. The service is not available on the ReadyLink push-to-talk service offered by Sprint PCS and is not compatible with Nextel’s Direct Talk—a radio-to-radio walkie-talkie service, as opposed to one that uses the network—offering, she said.
With the new service, a subscriber on a walkie-talkie call can send a picture to the other Nextel subscriber on the call. The picture appears on the handset of both phones during the call, allowing the callers to view and discuss it. Transmission of the picture typically takes 8 to 12 seconds, Sprint spokeswoman Amy Schiska-Lombard said.
Sprint anticipates the feature will be especially popular for subscribers that frequently need to discuss site observations and events in real time.
"While sending pictures between mobile phones has been possible for quite some time, Direct Send Picture is unique in the marketplace because it allows customers to look at and discuss an image at the same time," Tony Krueck, Sprint’s vice president of product development and management, said in a prepared statement. "This kind of simple and efficient communication … is of extreme value to our customers, especially those in the construction, insurance, real estate and public-safety sectors."
Direct Send Picture is an extension of the Direct Send function Nextel unveiled last year. Direct Send lets subscribers send contact information and data into another subscriber’s contact list with the push of a walkie-talkie button.
Only subscribers with a Motorola i870 phone can immediately use the Direct Send Pictures function, which will be included on all future Nextel phones. In coming weeks, software upgrades will be available that will let owners of several existing Nextel phone models use Direct Send Pictures. Among the upgradeable phone models are the Motorola i850, i760, i560, i355 and i275.
“We think [the Direct Send software upgrades] will be available sometime in November,” Schiska-Lombard said.
Direct Send Pictures is exclusive to Nextel phones using the walkie-talkie service formerly known as Direct Connect that operates via the iDEN network, said. The service is not available on the ReadyLink push-to-talk service offered by Sprint PCS and is not compatible with Nextel’s Direct Talk—a radio-to-radio walkie-talkie service, as opposed to one that uses the network—offering, she said.
Sprint Nextel Preps For Disabled Users
Sprint Nextel has completed work on its network that allows the company to prioritize telecommunications relay service (TRS) for individuals with hearing or speech disabilities. The development allows the company to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s Telecommunications Service Priority (TSP) program that establishes and commits carriers to tiers of “must recover” services under emergency circumstances.
Prior to the Nextel merger, Sprint had provided TRS on a voluntary basis for about 15 years, but its “final milestone” for TSP now offers a network of enhanced call centers geographically disbursed throughout the United States. The FCC’s TSP program – which dates back to 1988 – establishes a priority status for critical circuits communicating with multiple terminating points; if outages occur, carriers in essence offer a guarantee of restoration on these circuits following specific TSP guidelines, essentially making sure services to certain user groups are restored under emergency conditions (Telecom Policy Report, Feb. 23).
The TSP program was established to prioritize restoration when telecom companies are typically overburdened with service requests, such as after natural disaster, but the concept has taken on added significance due to national homeland security concerns.
The special TSP codes for TRS were implemented on the Sprint Nextel backbone, long-haul wireline network, and they will be retained by the recently combined companies even after Sprint’s local exchange carrier (LEC) landline assets are divested as anticipated next year.
Prior to the Nextel merger, Sprint had provided TRS on a voluntary basis for about 15 years, but its “final milestone” for TSP now offers a network of enhanced call centers geographically disbursed throughout the United States. The FCC’s TSP program – which dates back to 1988 – establishes a priority status for critical circuits communicating with multiple terminating points; if outages occur, carriers in essence offer a guarantee of restoration on these circuits following specific TSP guidelines, essentially making sure services to certain user groups are restored under emergency conditions (Telecom Policy Report, Feb. 23).
The TSP program was established to prioritize restoration when telecom companies are typically overburdened with service requests, such as after natural disaster, but the concept has taken on added significance due to national homeland security concerns.
The special TSP codes for TRS were implemented on the Sprint Nextel backbone, long-haul wireline network, and they will be retained by the recently combined companies even after Sprint’s local exchange carrier (LEC) landline assets are divested as anticipated next year.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Sprint Nextel to sell ultrathin Samsung phone
Sprint Nextel Corp (S.N: Quote, Profile, Research) plans to start selling a slim phone from Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (005930.KS: Quote, Profile, Research) in a few weeks in a bid to attract fashion conscious customers, Sprint Nextel's chief operating officer Len Lauer said on Tuesday.
The phone, which is seen as Samsung's answer to Motorola Inc.'s (MOT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) skinny and highly popular Razr phone, may help Sprint Nextel, the No. 3 U.S. mobile phone firm, compete with bigger rivals Cingular Wireless and Verizon Wireless.
As the number of people who do not already own a phone is shrinking, operators are offering more sophisticated phones and advanced services such as wireless video and music to help them keep their own customers and lure rival customers away.
The No. 1 U.S. mobile service Cingular, a venture of SBC Communications Inc. (SBC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and BellSouth Corp (BLS.N: Quote, Profile, Research), has seen its growth boosted by the Razr, which has became a design icon, since it started selling the phone about a year ago.
Verizon Wireless, a venture of Verizon Communications (VZ.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and Vodafone Group Plc (VOD.L: Quote, Profile, Research), is also widely expected to start selling a version of the Razr by year-end.
Speaking at the sidelines of the UBS Global Communications Conference here in New York Lauer implied that Sprint Nextel would not plan to sell the Razr along with the Samsung phone.
"We think this is a better device," said Lauer adding that he preferred the ergonomics of the Samsung phone.
He would not disclose the price tag for the Samsung A900 phone. For a time period that Lauer also would not disclose, Sprint Nextel has exclusive U.S. rights to sell the phone, a version of which is already on the market in Korea,
Lauer said it was too soon to tell how well consumers are receiving a wireless song download service that Sprint Nextel launched about two weeks ago.
"I think it's six to eight months before we know," said Lauer, who noted that the service only works on advanced mobile phones that the company just recently put in its stores.
The phone, which is seen as Samsung's answer to Motorola Inc.'s (MOT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) skinny and highly popular Razr phone, may help Sprint Nextel, the No. 3 U.S. mobile phone firm, compete with bigger rivals Cingular Wireless and Verizon Wireless.
As the number of people who do not already own a phone is shrinking, operators are offering more sophisticated phones and advanced services such as wireless video and music to help them keep their own customers and lure rival customers away.
The No. 1 U.S. mobile service Cingular, a venture of SBC Communications Inc. (SBC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and BellSouth Corp (BLS.N: Quote, Profile, Research), has seen its growth boosted by the Razr, which has became a design icon, since it started selling the phone about a year ago.
Verizon Wireless, a venture of Verizon Communications (VZ.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and Vodafone Group Plc (VOD.L: Quote, Profile, Research), is also widely expected to start selling a version of the Razr by year-end.
Speaking at the sidelines of the UBS Global Communications Conference here in New York Lauer implied that Sprint Nextel would not plan to sell the Razr along with the Samsung phone.
"We think this is a better device," said Lauer adding that he preferred the ergonomics of the Samsung phone.
He would not disclose the price tag for the Samsung A900 phone. For a time period that Lauer also would not disclose, Sprint Nextel has exclusive U.S. rights to sell the phone, a version of which is already on the market in Korea,
Lauer said it was too soon to tell how well consumers are receiving a wireless song download service that Sprint Nextel launched about two weeks ago.
"I think it's six to eight months before we know," said Lauer, who noted that the service only works on advanced mobile phones that the company just recently put in its stores.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Sprint Completes Voluntary Telecommunications Services
Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced that it has completed the final milestone in enrolling Sprint’s telecommunications relay service (TRS) in the FCC’s Telecommunications Service Priority (TSP) Program. Sprint TRS, communications services available for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, is comprised of a network of call centers geographically disbursed throughout the United States. Effective Oct. 31, 2005, all 14 Sprint Relay call centers were successfully activated under the TSP Program.
"In less than five months, we were able to complete the implementation of the FCC’s TSP program," said Mike Ligas, director of Sprint Relay. "Sprint is dedicated to providing effective communications services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and we recognized the urgency to ensure reliable communications during emergency situations."
In 1988, TSP program was established to prioritize the restoration of telephone service to critical facilities and agencies at times when telecommunications companies are typically overburdened with service requests, such as after a natural disaster. In the event of a regional or national crisis, the program restores telephone services most critical to national and homeland security on a priority basis.
Sprint Relay Portfolio of Services
Sprint more than15 years of experience in providing relay services to persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind or who have a speech disability to communicate with hearing persons on the phone. Sprint offers relay services through an intelligent platform to the federal government, 31 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and New Zealand. Sprint’s experience in the field provides the assurance that all Sprint Relay services will meet or exceed Federal Communications Commission requirements for telecommunications relay services (TRS). Relay service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no restrictions on the number of calls placed or call length.
"In less than five months, we were able to complete the implementation of the FCC’s TSP program," said Mike Ligas, director of Sprint Relay. "Sprint is dedicated to providing effective communications services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and we recognized the urgency to ensure reliable communications during emergency situations."
In 1988, TSP program was established to prioritize the restoration of telephone service to critical facilities and agencies at times when telecommunications companies are typically overburdened with service requests, such as after a natural disaster. In the event of a regional or national crisis, the program restores telephone services most critical to national and homeland security on a priority basis.
Sprint Relay Portfolio of Services
Sprint more than15 years of experience in providing relay services to persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind or who have a speech disability to communicate with hearing persons on the phone. Sprint offers relay services through an intelligent platform to the federal government, 31 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and New Zealand. Sprint’s experience in the field provides the assurance that all Sprint Relay services will meet or exceed Federal Communications Commission requirements for telecommunications relay services (TRS). Relay service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no restrictions on the number of calls placed or call length.
Sprint Nextel Shares Seen Undervalued
David Barden of Banc of America maintained a "buy" rating and $32 price target on Sprint Nextel (nyse: S - news - people ) and updated earnings estimates for the company to capture the latest information now available from the merged company, including third-quarter 2005 results.
"Sprint Nextel remains the best value/growth relationship in our coverage," said the analyst.
Barden lowered Sprint Nextel's 2005 and 2006 estimates for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to $14.12 billion and $16.15 billion, respectively, from $14.16 billion and $16.4 billion. He lowered 2005 and 2006 earnings-per-share estimates to $1.18 and $1.07, respectively, from $1.23 and $1.19. He raised the 2006 pro forma revenue estimate to $47.4 billion from of $47.2 billion.
"Sprint Nextel's exposure to the positive fundamentals of the wireless business is undervalued due to overhanging concerns about the industry and merger-related issues," said the analyst. "The stock should appreciate as management demonstrates the ability to grow the business and extract synergies, resolve affiliate issues and split the company into growth and value components."
In its coverage of wireline and wireless telecommunications services, Banc of America's top picks are Sprint Nextel and Alltel (nyse: AT - news - people ), both rated at "buy" with respective price targets of $32 and $70. Its least favorite is CenturyTel (nyse: CTL - news - people ), rated at "neutral" with a $31 price target.
"Sprint Nextel remains the best value/growth relationship in our coverage," said the analyst.
Barden lowered Sprint Nextel's 2005 and 2006 estimates for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to $14.12 billion and $16.15 billion, respectively, from $14.16 billion and $16.4 billion. He lowered 2005 and 2006 earnings-per-share estimates to $1.18 and $1.07, respectively, from $1.23 and $1.19. He raised the 2006 pro forma revenue estimate to $47.4 billion from of $47.2 billion.
"Sprint Nextel's exposure to the positive fundamentals of the wireless business is undervalued due to overhanging concerns about the industry and merger-related issues," said the analyst. "The stock should appreciate as management demonstrates the ability to grow the business and extract synergies, resolve affiliate issues and split the company into growth and value components."
In its coverage of wireline and wireless telecommunications services, Banc of America's top picks are Sprint Nextel and Alltel (nyse: AT - news - people ), both rated at "buy" with respective price targets of $32 and $70. Its least favorite is CenturyTel (nyse: CTL - news - people ), rated at "neutral" with a $31 price target.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Wireless TV deal to boost medium
When it comes to seeing what's the next big thing for cell phones, the picture can be a bit blurry.
But hindsight, as they say, is 20/20.
First, it was sending text messages. Then it was downloading ringtones. Then it was taking photographs. Then it was listening to MP3s.
Then, just a few weeks ago, it was watching television -- and in many ways, it still is.
It's just that now, Sprint Nextel Corp. has added a new wrinkle. And what that wrinkle means for consumers in Indianapolis and across the United States is just starting to emerge.
This month, the carrier announced an alliance with four cable TV companies, including Advance/Newhouse Communications Inc., parent of local provider Bright House Networks.
The companies, starting in 2006, will deliver their own voice services through Sprint Nextel on co-branded phones. Indianapolis consumers, for instance, would have Sprint Nextel phone that also have Bright House logos on them.
In return, the cable companies are expected to increase the number of live television channels and recorded video clips available on Sprint Nextel cell phones, as well as tailor them to specific markets. If there's a high school football game on television, next year consumers may be able to watch it on their cell phones.
And all of that video will cross Sprint Nextel's new higher- capacity network. That means the images -- especially live television -- will be smoother than what currently is available.
"How do you best leverage what the cable companies already do really well? Make it wireless," said Arthur Orduna, vice president of strategic initiatives for Advance/Newhouse Communications.
"Video has been a core product of ours since day one," added Buz Nesbit, president of Bright House Networks' Indianapolis division.
So far, consumers have tuned in rather slowly to television on cell phones. It's mostly a niche market for now.
Only 1 percent of Americans with cell phones watched video on them in September, according to M:Metrics, a market research firm that specializes in mobile content and applications. MobiTV Inc., a third-party company that puts most of that video on cellular networks, says it has signed up about 500,000 subscribers.
Still, those who do tune in do so regularly.
Nearly 30 percent of the 1.6 million subscribers who watched video clips in September did it at least once a week, and 51 percent of the 1.4 million subscribers who watched streaming video did it multiple times that month.
For those numbers to grow further, carriers must deploy higher-capacity networks, introduce more video-capable cell phones and create a broader range of video content, analysts say.
"The challenge for the industry now becomes one of raising consumer awareness of mobile video and ensuring that programming is packaged and priced in a compelling way," said M:Metrics senior analyst Mark Donovan.
Those are all things that Sprint Nextel's alliance with Advance/Newhouse, Comcast Corp., Time Warner Inc. and Cox Communications Inc. is expected to do.
"We see our customers upgrade their (cell phone) handsets every one or two years," said Kevin Gleason, Indiana's vice president of consumer solutions for Sprint Nextel. "There's so many customers that don't understand what they can get. Customers, once they see it, it's something they want to take advantage of."
Here, or coming soon
Right now, two of the big three U.S. carriers offer live television. But both Sprint Nextel and Cingular Wireless do so over their lower-capacity networks, meaning the video is rather choppy. Sprint Nextel's higher-capacity network is rolling out now, and Cingular's will early next year.
That meshes with predictions about the mobile television market.
British research firm Informa Telecoms and Media predicts that in just five years, there will be more users of broadcast mobile TV worldwide -- 124.8 million -- than there are U.S. TV homes (110 million). And according to M:Metrics, 6.1 million American consumers said they were likely to watch recorded video or live TV on their cell phones in 2006.
"The fact that more people intend to watch mobile video than the number who are downloading games today is very encouraging for this market," Donovan said.
But for consumers in Indianapolis and elsewhere, much of what they will get out of the Sprint Nextel deal will revolve around convergence, analysts say.
More to offer
A slew of services will emerge, combining landline and wireless phone, cable and Internet services.
Examples include the ability to program your home cable box to record a television show from a cell phone and calling plans that combine landline and cell services for unlimited use.
"The biggest impact will be on the consumer who will suddenly learn that bundled services mean more than discounts. They mean a range of new communications and entertainment choices," wrote analyst Charles S. Golvin in a report for Forrester Research Inc.
What these services will cost will vary by market, and Bright House hasn't cited any yet.
The price structure, like the technology that will support these novel services, will be developing over the next few months.
"We're gonna build the mousetrap, but the cheese had better be good," Orduna said.
But hindsight, as they say, is 20/20.
First, it was sending text messages. Then it was downloading ringtones. Then it was taking photographs. Then it was listening to MP3s.
Then, just a few weeks ago, it was watching television -- and in many ways, it still is.
It's just that now, Sprint Nextel Corp. has added a new wrinkle. And what that wrinkle means for consumers in Indianapolis and across the United States is just starting to emerge.
This month, the carrier announced an alliance with four cable TV companies, including Advance/Newhouse Communications Inc., parent of local provider Bright House Networks.
The companies, starting in 2006, will deliver their own voice services through Sprint Nextel on co-branded phones. Indianapolis consumers, for instance, would have Sprint Nextel phone that also have Bright House logos on them.
In return, the cable companies are expected to increase the number of live television channels and recorded video clips available on Sprint Nextel cell phones, as well as tailor them to specific markets. If there's a high school football game on television, next year consumers may be able to watch it on their cell phones.
And all of that video will cross Sprint Nextel's new higher- capacity network. That means the images -- especially live television -- will be smoother than what currently is available.
"How do you best leverage what the cable companies already do really well? Make it wireless," said Arthur Orduna, vice president of strategic initiatives for Advance/Newhouse Communications.
"Video has been a core product of ours since day one," added Buz Nesbit, president of Bright House Networks' Indianapolis division.
So far, consumers have tuned in rather slowly to television on cell phones. It's mostly a niche market for now.
Only 1 percent of Americans with cell phones watched video on them in September, according to M:Metrics, a market research firm that specializes in mobile content and applications. MobiTV Inc., a third-party company that puts most of that video on cellular networks, says it has signed up about 500,000 subscribers.
Still, those who do tune in do so regularly.
Nearly 30 percent of the 1.6 million subscribers who watched video clips in September did it at least once a week, and 51 percent of the 1.4 million subscribers who watched streaming video did it multiple times that month.
For those numbers to grow further, carriers must deploy higher-capacity networks, introduce more video-capable cell phones and create a broader range of video content, analysts say.
"The challenge for the industry now becomes one of raising consumer awareness of mobile video and ensuring that programming is packaged and priced in a compelling way," said M:Metrics senior analyst Mark Donovan.
Those are all things that Sprint Nextel's alliance with Advance/Newhouse, Comcast Corp., Time Warner Inc. and Cox Communications Inc. is expected to do.
"We see our customers upgrade their (cell phone) handsets every one or two years," said Kevin Gleason, Indiana's vice president of consumer solutions for Sprint Nextel. "There's so many customers that don't understand what they can get. Customers, once they see it, it's something they want to take advantage of."
Here, or coming soon
Right now, two of the big three U.S. carriers offer live television. But both Sprint Nextel and Cingular Wireless do so over their lower-capacity networks, meaning the video is rather choppy. Sprint Nextel's higher-capacity network is rolling out now, and Cingular's will early next year.
That meshes with predictions about the mobile television market.
British research firm Informa Telecoms and Media predicts that in just five years, there will be more users of broadcast mobile TV worldwide -- 124.8 million -- than there are U.S. TV homes (110 million). And according to M:Metrics, 6.1 million American consumers said they were likely to watch recorded video or live TV on their cell phones in 2006.
"The fact that more people intend to watch mobile video than the number who are downloading games today is very encouraging for this market," Donovan said.
But for consumers in Indianapolis and elsewhere, much of what they will get out of the Sprint Nextel deal will revolve around convergence, analysts say.
More to offer
A slew of services will emerge, combining landline and wireless phone, cable and Internet services.
Examples include the ability to program your home cable box to record a television show from a cell phone and calling plans that combine landline and cell services for unlimited use.
"The biggest impact will be on the consumer who will suddenly learn that bundled services mean more than discounts. They mean a range of new communications and entertainment choices," wrote analyst Charles S. Golvin in a report for Forrester Research Inc.
What these services will cost will vary by market, and Bright House hasn't cited any yet.
The price structure, like the technology that will support these novel services, will be developing over the next few months.
"We're gonna build the mousetrap, but the cheese had better be good," Orduna said.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Yahoo Ringing, But Not Sprint
Internet giant Yahoo Inc.'s latest endeavor, a cell phone service, will use the network of Cingular Wireless, a source said Monday.
Its choice of cell phone network operator is a significant one, though to some degree expected.
When well-known brands ranging from "Ma Bell" AT&T to the Virgin retailing empire of Sir Richard Branson wanted to launch a cell phone operation, they would usually deal with Sprint Nextel, the No. 3 U.S. cell phone operator. Just last week, a partnership consisting of cable operators Comcast, Time Warner, Cox Communications and Advance/Newhouse Communications chose Sprint for just such a task.
In a way, Sprint Nextel may be suffering from its success in pioneering the MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) market. By racking up so many deals, some analysts are worried that its network may not be able to handle more of the MVNO load.
Its choice of cell phone network operator is a significant one, though to some degree expected.
When well-known brands ranging from "Ma Bell" AT&T to the Virgin retailing empire of Sir Richard Branson wanted to launch a cell phone operation, they would usually deal with Sprint Nextel, the No. 3 U.S. cell phone operator. Just last week, a partnership consisting of cable operators Comcast, Time Warner, Cox Communications and Advance/Newhouse Communications chose Sprint for just such a task.
In a way, Sprint Nextel may be suffering from its success in pioneering the MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) market. By racking up so many deals, some analysts are worried that its network may not be able to handle more of the MVNO load.
Sprint Launches the Latest Innovation for Nextel Walkie-Talkie Services - Nextel Direct Send(SM) Picture
Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced the availability of Nextel Direct Send(SM) Picture, a first-of-its-kind service that allows Nextel subscribers with capable Nextel phones the ability to send and review a picture quickly and easily, all while on a Nextel Walkie-Talkie call. The picture simultaneously appears on both the user's and recipient's phones during the call - so they can both view and discuss it without changing between voice and data services. This capability builds upon the Direct Send service launched last year that utilizes the Nextel Walkie-Talkie button to send contact information and transfer the data into another subscriber's contact list.
Nextel Direct Send Picture is ideal for those who communicate frequently about site observations and events taking place in real time. For example, realtors could use it to review and discuss a new property on the market with a client. Insurance adjustors assessing damage claims also would find the service valuable as they instantly communicate on-site information to their home office and customers, all using Walkie-Talkie capability.
"With the launch of Nextel Direct Send Picture, Sprint further expands the benefits of the Nextel Walkie-Talkie portfolio by offering enhanced services that move beyond traditional capabilities," said Rena Bhattacharyya, IDC. "Sprint continues to maintain its leadership and build upon its expertise in the push to communicate arena, leveraging an innovative portfolio with an understanding of business telecommunication requirements."
"While sending pictures between mobile phones has been possible for quite some time, Direct Send Picture is unique in the marketplace because it allows customers to look at and discuss an image at the same time," said Tony Krueck, vice president, product development and management, for Sprint. "This kind of simple and efficient communication that is the hallmark of Nextel Walkie-Talkie services is of extreme value to our customers, especially those in the construction, insurance, real estate and public safety sectors."
Using Direct Send to transmit a picture is easy if you have a capable Nextel phone, and involves just a few simple steps. While in a Walkie-Talkie call, a user can take a picture and send it, or select one already saved onto the handset. As part of a special introductory offer, customers will be able to use the Direct Send Picture service free of charge until Feb. 28, 2006. Following the promotional period, users will be charged a per-image fee of $0.25 for images sent and received. Nextel Walkie-Talkie usage may apply to the period of the call before and after the image is transmitted, depending on a customer's rate plan.
Direct Send Picture is now available on the recently announced Motorola i870, and will be included on all future Nextel phones. Software upgrades to enable Direct Send Picture will also be rolled out over the coming weeks for select Nextel phone models already in the market including the Motorola i850, i760, i560, i355 and i275.
Sprint has been at the forefront of Walkie-Talkie innovation for more than 13 years, and has continually enhanced its portfolio of services to provide customers innovative, instant communications options across the country, across borders and virtually everywhere in between. In addition to Direct Send Picture, Nextel Walkie-Talkie services (previously branded Direct Connect) include:
-- Nextel Nationwide Walkie-Talkie - instantly connect from coast to coast with any other user on the Nextel National Network.
-- Nextel International Walkie-Talkie - instantly connect with other users in and between the U.S. and up to five countries including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and Peru.
-- Nextel Group Walkie-Talkie - instantly connect with up to 20 users nationwide at once.
-- NextMail(SM) - send a voice message to any email address worldwide, even if the recipient is not a Nextel user.
-- Direct Talk(SM) - makes short-range off-network walkie-talkie conversations possible between users with compatible phones.
-- Direct Send Contact -instantly send full contact information and import into a phone's Contact list.
Nextel Direct Send Picture is ideal for those who communicate frequently about site observations and events taking place in real time. For example, realtors could use it to review and discuss a new property on the market with a client. Insurance adjustors assessing damage claims also would find the service valuable as they instantly communicate on-site information to their home office and customers, all using Walkie-Talkie capability.
"With the launch of Nextel Direct Send Picture, Sprint further expands the benefits of the Nextel Walkie-Talkie portfolio by offering enhanced services that move beyond traditional capabilities," said Rena Bhattacharyya, IDC. "Sprint continues to maintain its leadership and build upon its expertise in the push to communicate arena, leveraging an innovative portfolio with an understanding of business telecommunication requirements."
"While sending pictures between mobile phones has been possible for quite some time, Direct Send Picture is unique in the marketplace because it allows customers to look at and discuss an image at the same time," said Tony Krueck, vice president, product development and management, for Sprint. "This kind of simple and efficient communication that is the hallmark of Nextel Walkie-Talkie services is of extreme value to our customers, especially those in the construction, insurance, real estate and public safety sectors."
Using Direct Send to transmit a picture is easy if you have a capable Nextel phone, and involves just a few simple steps. While in a Walkie-Talkie call, a user can take a picture and send it, or select one already saved onto the handset. As part of a special introductory offer, customers will be able to use the Direct Send Picture service free of charge until Feb. 28, 2006. Following the promotional period, users will be charged a per-image fee of $0.25 for images sent and received. Nextel Walkie-Talkie usage may apply to the period of the call before and after the image is transmitted, depending on a customer's rate plan.
Direct Send Picture is now available on the recently announced Motorola i870, and will be included on all future Nextel phones. Software upgrades to enable Direct Send Picture will also be rolled out over the coming weeks for select Nextel phone models already in the market including the Motorola i850, i760, i560, i355 and i275.
Sprint has been at the forefront of Walkie-Talkie innovation for more than 13 years, and has continually enhanced its portfolio of services to provide customers innovative, instant communications options across the country, across borders and virtually everywhere in between. In addition to Direct Send Picture, Nextel Walkie-Talkie services (previously branded Direct Connect) include:
-- Nextel Nationwide Walkie-Talkie - instantly connect from coast to coast with any other user on the Nextel National Network.
-- Nextel International Walkie-Talkie - instantly connect with other users in and between the U.S. and up to five countries including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and Peru.
-- Nextel Group Walkie-Talkie - instantly connect with up to 20 users nationwide at once.
-- NextMail(SM) - send a voice message to any email address worldwide, even if the recipient is not a Nextel user.
-- Direct Talk(SM) - makes short-range off-network walkie-talkie conversations possible between users with compatible phones.
-- Direct Send Contact -instantly send full contact information and import into a phone's Contact list.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Sprint Nextel Restores Service in Florida.
Wireless company Sprint Nextel Corp. said Tuesday its service in south Florida has nearly been restored, with less than 1 percent of local phone customers remaining without service.
Hurricane Wilma interrupted service in the region and Sprint Nextel estimates that some 2,100 local access lines have yet to be restored. Crews have restored more than 120,000 local lines in the area.
More than 90 percent of wireless networks are currently operational in south Florida, with recovery efforts focused on the southeast coast, primarily in the Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe, Martin and St. Lucie counties where power outages remain an issue.
Sprint Nextel also said it is experiencing longer delays for local service installation and repairs in its central and south Florida areas.
Shares of Sprint Nextel added 37 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $23.68 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Hurricane Wilma interrupted service in the region and Sprint Nextel estimates that some 2,100 local access lines have yet to be restored. Crews have restored more than 120,000 local lines in the area.
More than 90 percent of wireless networks are currently operational in south Florida, with recovery efforts focused on the southeast coast, primarily in the Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe, Martin and St. Lucie counties where power outages remain an issue.
Sprint Nextel also said it is experiencing longer delays for local service installation and repairs in its central and south Florida areas.
Shares of Sprint Nextel added 37 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $23.68 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Sprint Nextel Restores Service in Florida.
Wireless company Sprint Nextel Corp. said Tuesday its service in south Florida has nearly been restored, with less than 1 percent of local phone customers remaining without service.
Hurricane Wilma interrupted service in the region and Sprint Nextel estimates that some 2,100 local access lines have yet to be restored. Crews have restored more than 120,000 local lines in the area.
More than 90 percent of wireless networks are currently operational in south Florida, with recovery efforts focused on the southeast coast, primarily in the Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe, Martin and St. Lucie counties where power outages remain an issue.
Sprint Nextel also said it is experiencing longer delays for local service installation and repairs in its central and south Florida areas.
Shares of Sprint Nextel added 37 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $23.68 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Hurricane Wilma interrupted service in the region and Sprint Nextel estimates that some 2,100 local access lines have yet to be restored. Crews have restored more than 120,000 local lines in the area.
More than 90 percent of wireless networks are currently operational in south Florida, with recovery efforts focused on the southeast coast, primarily in the Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe, Martin and St. Lucie counties where power outages remain an issue.
Sprint Nextel also said it is experiencing longer delays for local service installation and repairs in its central and south Florida areas.
Shares of Sprint Nextel added 37 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $23.68 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Sprint Nextel Completes IWO Buy
Sprint Nextel, the nation's Number Three wireless provider, has closed a 427 (m) million dollar deal to buy wireless affiliate I-W-O Holdings, which provides wireless services in New England, upstate New York and Pennsylvania.
I-W-O Holdings provides Sprint-branded services in upstate New York, New Hampshire, Vermont and parts of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. I-W-O, with 230 employees and 2004 revenue of 187 (m) million dollar, has more than 241-thousand subscribers.
This is the third affiliate that Sprint Nextel has acquired since Sprint acquired Nextel Communications in August.
I-W-O Holdings provides Sprint-branded services in upstate New York, New Hampshire, Vermont and parts of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. I-W-O, with 230 employees and 2004 revenue of 187 (m) million dollar, has more than 241-thousand subscribers.
This is the third affiliate that Sprint Nextel has acquired since Sprint acquired Nextel Communications in August.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
SPRINT PRESENTS 2006 NFL PRO BOWL BALLOTING
Today fans can begin voting to select players for the 2006 Pro Bowl, the NFL's annual All-Star Game, with balloting on Sprint wireless phones, on NFL.com and in stadiums sponsored by Sprint, the NFL announced Tuesday.
Balloting for the Pro Bowl, which will be played in Hawaii on Sunday, Feb. 12 and televised by ESPN, will conclude Dec.13. The teams will be announced at 7 p.m. (ET) Wednesday, Dec. 21 on the 2006 Pro Bowl Selection Show on ESPN.
In addition to casting ballots on NFL.com and in stadiums, fans can cast their Pro Bowl ballot by sending a text message from a Sprint wireless phone to vote for their favorite players at each position. Standard text messaging charges apply.
Fans who vote for their Pro Bowl players then will be able to enter for a chance to win a trip to the Pro Bowl in the 2006 NFL Pro Bowl Sweepstakes presented by Sprint. The Grand Prize includes an all-expense-paid trip to the game in Honolulu as well as exclusive experiences such as the chance to meet and talk football with Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback JOHN ELWAY, attend practice, take a tour of Aloha Stadium, obtain pregame sideline passes and more.
The AFC and NFC All-Star squads are made up of the consensus votes of fans, players and coaches. Each group's vote counts one-third towards determining the 43-man rosters that represent the American Football Conference and National Football Conference in the Pro Bowl. NFL players and coaches will cast their votes Dec. 19-20.
The NFL is the only sports league that combines voting by fans, coaches and players to determine its all-star teams. It was the first professional sports league to offer online all-star voting in 1995.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback PEYTON MANNING topped all players in fan voting last season, while Philadelphia Eagles quarterback DONOVAN MC NABB was the fans' top NFC choice.
Following is a breakdown of positions and corresponding number of players who will be selected in each conference (43 per conference):
OFFENSE
Wide Receivers (4)
Tight Ends (2)
Tackles (3)
Guards (3)
Centers (2)
Quarterbacks (3)
Running Backs (3)
Fullback (1)
DEFENSE
Ends (3)
Interior Linemen (3)
Outside Linebackers (3)
Inside Linebackers (2)
Cornerbacks (3)
Safeties (3)
Need Player (1-Coach's Choice)
SPECIAL TEAMS
Punter (1)
Placekicker (1)
Kick Returner (1)
Special Teamer (1)
Throughout the season fans can get the latest NFL information from NFL Mobile on Sprint wireless phones. NFL Mobile provides a first-of-its-kind package of programming designed specifically for wireless, giving fans exclusive access to NFL content and original programming. The package includes NFL Network, exclusive video- and audio-on-demand highlights from NFL Films, and up-to-the-minute team/player scores, stats and injury reports.
Balloting for the Pro Bowl, which will be played in Hawaii on Sunday, Feb. 12 and televised by ESPN, will conclude Dec.13. The teams will be announced at 7 p.m. (ET) Wednesday, Dec. 21 on the 2006 Pro Bowl Selection Show on ESPN.
In addition to casting ballots on NFL.com and in stadiums, fans can cast their Pro Bowl ballot by sending a text message from a Sprint wireless phone to vote for their favorite players at each position. Standard text messaging charges apply.
Fans who vote for their Pro Bowl players then will be able to enter for a chance to win a trip to the Pro Bowl in the 2006 NFL Pro Bowl Sweepstakes presented by Sprint. The Grand Prize includes an all-expense-paid trip to the game in Honolulu as well as exclusive experiences such as the chance to meet and talk football with Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback JOHN ELWAY, attend practice, take a tour of Aloha Stadium, obtain pregame sideline passes and more.
The AFC and NFC All-Star squads are made up of the consensus votes of fans, players and coaches. Each group's vote counts one-third towards determining the 43-man rosters that represent the American Football Conference and National Football Conference in the Pro Bowl. NFL players and coaches will cast their votes Dec. 19-20.
The NFL is the only sports league that combines voting by fans, coaches and players to determine its all-star teams. It was the first professional sports league to offer online all-star voting in 1995.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback PEYTON MANNING topped all players in fan voting last season, while Philadelphia Eagles quarterback DONOVAN MC NABB was the fans' top NFC choice.
Following is a breakdown of positions and corresponding number of players who will be selected in each conference (43 per conference):
OFFENSE
Wide Receivers (4)
Tight Ends (2)
Tackles (3)
Guards (3)
Centers (2)
Quarterbacks (3)
Running Backs (3)
Fullback (1)
DEFENSE
Ends (3)
Interior Linemen (3)
Outside Linebackers (3)
Inside Linebackers (2)
Cornerbacks (3)
Safeties (3)
Need Player (1-Coach's Choice)
SPECIAL TEAMS
Punter (1)
Placekicker (1)
Kick Returner (1)
Special Teamer (1)
Throughout the season fans can get the latest NFL information from NFL Mobile on Sprint wireless phones. NFL Mobile provides a first-of-its-kind package of programming designed specifically for wireless, giving fans exclusive access to NFL content and original programming. The package includes NFL Network, exclusive video- and audio-on-demand highlights from NFL Films, and up-to-the-minute team/player scores, stats and injury reports.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Sprint's Trench Coat Guy gets disconnected after 155 commercials
Until last month he was the spokescharacter for Sprint wireless phones, the guy who solved pesky cellular problems wherever and whenever they arose. He was ubiquitous, appearing in 155 commercials over six years. More than that, he was an icon -- the Mr. Whipple, the Madge or Mikey of his time.
Now Trench Coat Guy is gone, dropped like a bad connection.
He is, it seems, a victim of corporate politics. Trench Coat Guy was great when Sprint was selling its services primarily to household customers. But Sprint recently bought Nextel for $35 billion, and Nextel is focused on the business market, and so the company wants a new image.
Trench Coat Guy is therefore "on hiatus," explained spokeswoman Mary Nell Westbrook, who said he might reappear in the future.
Might. At some point. Maybe.
Trench Coat Guy gave a fresh face to an otherwise faceless, multibillion-dollar telecommunications behemoth (and helped make it successful enough to buy another faceless telecommunications behemoth). He was all about underselling.
Trench Coat Guy solved cell phone problems in a way that suggested Sprint knew there was more to life than solving cell phone problems. His commercials were offbeat mini-sitcoms that disarmed the viewer with their gentle absurdity and mocking self-awareness.
He came to the rescue, for example, when a talkative preteen girl faced the agony of waiting until her cell plan's cheaper evening rates kicked in. The girl spent the time braiding the hair of everyone in her family, including Dad and the dog. Trench Coat Guy pointed out Sprint's evening rates start at 7 p.m., instead of the usual 9. Problem solved.
In another ad, Olympic snowboarder Jonny Moseley grew frustrated because his big gloves prevented dialing his phone on the slopes. Trench Coat Guy came tromping through the snow, in suit and tie, to introduce Moseley to Sprint's voice-activated calling.
Another series of commercials touted the supposed clarity of Sprint's network. Mom, using the evidently inferior Brand X phone, called the babysitter, but static interfered: "I asked how are the kids ... and she floured the kids!" Cut to Trench Coat Guy sitting next to two children with faces full of flour.
A grateful customer in another ad once asked Trench Coat Guy: "Who are you"? In typically mysterious fashion, Trench Coat Guy replied: "It's not about me, ma'am."
Trench Coat Guy is a 38-year-old actor named Brian Baker, who doesn't seem a bit like the deadpan dude he's been playing. Baker laughs often as he tells of his character's genesis, and expresses bewilderment about, and gratitude for, a 30-second performance that turned into the role of a lifetime.
Baker was selected from among 350 actors who auditioned in 1999. He worked out the character's fictitious background with the commercial's director, Peter Care. "He said, `This is a guy who won't get married, won't have children, will live in his car, and will forfeit everything to stop static. It's his mission in life,'" said Baker by phone.
The distinctive look was his idea. "We tried on 50 different things -- a black turtleneck, a peacoat, you name it. I felt like the black suit and the black trench coat fit this guy best. It had a kind of iconic feel, this flowing look that you could depict in a silhouette. Not to mention that it's very slimming."
Baker says he was inspired by another unflappable figure -- the late Jack Webb, who played the just-the-facts-ma'am detective on Dragnet.
Sprint originally wanted Baker for five commercials. The early response to Trench Coat Guy -- the character never officially had a name, Baker says -- was so favorable that Sprint's ad agency, Publicis & Hal Riney of San Francisco, kept turning out TV commercials, radio and print ads, and sales-training films, all starring Baker.
With his face constantly before the public, Baker couldn't walk down the street without strangers excitedly approaching him. The attention was "surreal sometimes," he says.
Now Trench Coat Guy is gone, dropped like a bad connection.
He is, it seems, a victim of corporate politics. Trench Coat Guy was great when Sprint was selling its services primarily to household customers. But Sprint recently bought Nextel for $35 billion, and Nextel is focused on the business market, and so the company wants a new image.
Trench Coat Guy is therefore "on hiatus," explained spokeswoman Mary Nell Westbrook, who said he might reappear in the future.
Might. At some point. Maybe.
Trench Coat Guy gave a fresh face to an otherwise faceless, multibillion-dollar telecommunications behemoth (and helped make it successful enough to buy another faceless telecommunications behemoth). He was all about underselling.
Trench Coat Guy solved cell phone problems in a way that suggested Sprint knew there was more to life than solving cell phone problems. His commercials were offbeat mini-sitcoms that disarmed the viewer with their gentle absurdity and mocking self-awareness.
He came to the rescue, for example, when a talkative preteen girl faced the agony of waiting until her cell plan's cheaper evening rates kicked in. The girl spent the time braiding the hair of everyone in her family, including Dad and the dog. Trench Coat Guy pointed out Sprint's evening rates start at 7 p.m., instead of the usual 9. Problem solved.
In another ad, Olympic snowboarder Jonny Moseley grew frustrated because his big gloves prevented dialing his phone on the slopes. Trench Coat Guy came tromping through the snow, in suit and tie, to introduce Moseley to Sprint's voice-activated calling.
Another series of commercials touted the supposed clarity of Sprint's network. Mom, using the evidently inferior Brand X phone, called the babysitter, but static interfered: "I asked how are the kids ... and she floured the kids!" Cut to Trench Coat Guy sitting next to two children with faces full of flour.
A grateful customer in another ad once asked Trench Coat Guy: "Who are you"? In typically mysterious fashion, Trench Coat Guy replied: "It's not about me, ma'am."
Trench Coat Guy is a 38-year-old actor named Brian Baker, who doesn't seem a bit like the deadpan dude he's been playing. Baker laughs often as he tells of his character's genesis, and expresses bewilderment about, and gratitude for, a 30-second performance that turned into the role of a lifetime.
Baker was selected from among 350 actors who auditioned in 1999. He worked out the character's fictitious background with the commercial's director, Peter Care. "He said, `This is a guy who won't get married, won't have children, will live in his car, and will forfeit everything to stop static. It's his mission in life,'" said Baker by phone.
The distinctive look was his idea. "We tried on 50 different things -- a black turtleneck, a peacoat, you name it. I felt like the black suit and the black trench coat fit this guy best. It had a kind of iconic feel, this flowing look that you could depict in a silhouette. Not to mention that it's very slimming."
Baker says he was inspired by another unflappable figure -- the late Jack Webb, who played the just-the-facts-ma'am detective on Dragnet.
Sprint originally wanted Baker for five commercials. The early response to Trench Coat Guy -- the character never officially had a name, Baker says -- was so favorable that Sprint's ad agency, Publicis & Hal Riney of San Francisco, kept turning out TV commercials, radio and print ads, and sales-training films, all starring Baker.
With his face constantly before the public, Baker couldn't walk down the street without strangers excitedly approaching him. The attention was "surreal sometimes," he says.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Sprint Communications sues VoIP carriers for licence fees
A unit of Sprint Nextel is suing Vonage and another VoIP provider, alleging that the companies are infringing its patents.
Sprint Communications claims the companies have violated seven patents relating to technology for processing and delivering packetised voice and data, including VoIP. Its suit seeks an injunction against further infringement and unspecified monetary damages. In addition to Vonage the suit names Voiceglo, says Sprint Nextel spokeswoman Debra Peterson.
Vonage is one of the biggest VoIP service providers in the US, with more than one million active lines, according to the company. Voiceglo, based in Florida, also provides packet-based phone services over the internet.
Sprint Nextel had been talking with the companies for more than a year, Peterson says.
“We had tried to discuss possible licence agreements that would permit them to use our [intellectual property] legally,” Peterson says. But the companies were unable to reach agreement.
“We’re going to take all steps necessary to protect the creativity and innovation of our employees,” Peterson says. She declined to comment on whether Sprint Nextel has been negotiating with other VoIP providers or whether it planned to take legal action against them.
Vonage and Voiceglo were not available for comment.
Sprint Nextel was formed earlier this year through the merger of Sprint and Nextel Communications. It is the third-largest mobile operator in the US and also has wireline operations inherited from Sprint.
Sprint Communications claims the companies have violated seven patents relating to technology for processing and delivering packetised voice and data, including VoIP. Its suit seeks an injunction against further infringement and unspecified monetary damages. In addition to Vonage the suit names Voiceglo, says Sprint Nextel spokeswoman Debra Peterson.
Vonage is one of the biggest VoIP service providers in the US, with more than one million active lines, according to the company. Voiceglo, based in Florida, also provides packet-based phone services over the internet.
Sprint Nextel had been talking with the companies for more than a year, Peterson says.
“We had tried to discuss possible licence agreements that would permit them to use our [intellectual property] legally,” Peterson says. But the companies were unable to reach agreement.
“We’re going to take all steps necessary to protect the creativity and innovation of our employees,” Peterson says. She declined to comment on whether Sprint Nextel has been negotiating with other VoIP providers or whether it planned to take legal action against them.
Vonage and Voiceglo were not available for comment.
Sprint Nextel was formed earlier this year through the merger of Sprint and Nextel Communications. It is the third-largest mobile operator in the US and also has wireline operations inherited from Sprint.
Mobile phones morph into on-the-go computers
WEREN'T cell phones made for talking? That is so yesterday.
Cell phones are quickly becoming an on-the-go entertainment center.
And everyone from carriers to handset makers to software firms is jumping on the bandwagon.
Just look at the blitz of recent product introductions:
- Phones that double as MP3 music players.
- Phones that air broadcast news and TV shows.
- Phones that play movie clips.
- Phones that allow multiplayer gaming.
For business-minded users, there are phones that download e-mails with attachments at broadband speeds, phones that allow users to work in corporate databases and customer relations programs, and phones attached to cars that diagnose mechanical problems.
Never mind that 96 percent of mobile industry revenue comes from plain old voice telephone calls, according to statistics gathered by the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association.
"Voice is the core of the industry. But when you look at the growth in data revenue, then you see a very impressive trend in how people are adopting to the services available to them," said CTIA vice president John Walls, explaining the hype.
Industry revenue from transporting data — digitized content in everything from videos to e-mail to music and photos — grew 85 percent in the year ending June to $3.8 billion, according to the CTIA. It's still a small piece of the $108 billion in overall mobile revenues in that year, but voice revenues only grew by 4.5 percent, according to CTIA.
Analysts at M:Metrics and other research firms say that disparity is pushing carriers to pursue data services. In search of growth — that holy grail of business — carriers, handset makers and software developers are fast introducing non-voice uses.
Indeed, even hardware companies not before involved in telephony have introduced products.
To wit: Apple Computer Inc. launched the iTunes ROKR, an iTunes-capable mobile phone, with Cingular Wireless and Motorola Inc. Hewlett-Packard Co. is working on an iPaq Pocket service that uses GPS mobile technology to tell the history of where the user happens to be.
Verizon Wireless in the last month alone launched half a dozen new data uses for its network, including several gaming services, a smartphone with Palm Inc. and Microsoft Corp., a productivity application for wireless laptops, and an MP3 phone. And like its competing carriers, itlaunched a mobile TV service.
The average cell phone user produces $47.93 in voice revenues and $3.50 in data revenues per month. But last year, average revenue per user grew less than 1 percent even though average minutes of use grew 15.8 percent, according to the CTIA.
So companies are turning to data services to ring up more sales.
"What you see happening, on the business side or the consumer side, is the cellular phone or wireless device has become the primary communications tool for most people," said Richard Garwood, president of Verizon Wireless' Northern California and Nevada region.
"Look at college kids and high school kids — it's the main tool for their tribe. Also, in the business community people want everything on one device, so they don't have to carry pager, laptop, calendar," Garwood said.
Verizon Wireless invested $1 billion in the past year above its usual $4 billion yearly expenditure on network upgrades to add high-speed broadband capability. Verizon thus became the first cellular carrier to roll out a broadband wireless network.
Cingular and Sprint, the other two major wireless carriers in the U.S., quickly followed with announcements of broadband intentions. Sprint has already begun to roll out its broadband service.
While Verizon said it upgraded to broadband because subscribers wanted it, the carrier is not sitting around waiting for subscribers to decide to use it. Instead Verizon is spending millions of dollars to underwrite the marketing of games and music and business applications developed by independent software developers for use on its network. In the month of September alone, Verizon helped launch applications by Gameloft, Namco America, Dell Computer, Palm Inc. and Microsoft Corp. It also launched its own MP3 music player mobile phone.
Meanwhile, Nokia Inc., the largest maker of mobile handsets worldwide, did its own share of underwriting the marketing efforts of third-party developers who created software for its Series 60 platform.
Nokia estimates 1.5 million developers worldwide are creating software for its mobile phones and for smartphones made by its competitors Research In Motion, which makes BlackBerry,
Cell phones are quickly becoming an on-the-go entertainment center.
And everyone from carriers to handset makers to software firms is jumping on the bandwagon.
Just look at the blitz of recent product introductions:
- Phones that double as MP3 music players.
- Phones that air broadcast news and TV shows.
- Phones that play movie clips.
- Phones that allow multiplayer gaming.
For business-minded users, there are phones that download e-mails with attachments at broadband speeds, phones that allow users to work in corporate databases and customer relations programs, and phones attached to cars that diagnose mechanical problems.
Never mind that 96 percent of mobile industry revenue comes from plain old voice telephone calls, according to statistics gathered by the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association.
"Voice is the core of the industry. But when you look at the growth in data revenue, then you see a very impressive trend in how people are adopting to the services available to them," said CTIA vice president John Walls, explaining the hype.
Industry revenue from transporting data — digitized content in everything from videos to e-mail to music and photos — grew 85 percent in the year ending June to $3.8 billion, according to the CTIA. It's still a small piece of the $108 billion in overall mobile revenues in that year, but voice revenues only grew by 4.5 percent, according to CTIA.
Analysts at M:Metrics and other research firms say that disparity is pushing carriers to pursue data services. In search of growth — that holy grail of business — carriers, handset makers and software developers are fast introducing non-voice uses.
Indeed, even hardware companies not before involved in telephony have introduced products.
To wit: Apple Computer Inc. launched the iTunes ROKR, an iTunes-capable mobile phone, with Cingular Wireless and Motorola Inc. Hewlett-Packard Co. is working on an iPaq Pocket service that uses GPS mobile technology to tell the history of where the user happens to be.
Verizon Wireless in the last month alone launched half a dozen new data uses for its network, including several gaming services, a smartphone with Palm Inc. and Microsoft Corp., a productivity application for wireless laptops, and an MP3 phone. And like its competing carriers, itlaunched a mobile TV service.
The average cell phone user produces $47.93 in voice revenues and $3.50 in data revenues per month. But last year, average revenue per user grew less than 1 percent even though average minutes of use grew 15.8 percent, according to the CTIA.
So companies are turning to data services to ring up more sales.
"What you see happening, on the business side or the consumer side, is the cellular phone or wireless device has become the primary communications tool for most people," said Richard Garwood, president of Verizon Wireless' Northern California and Nevada region.
"Look at college kids and high school kids — it's the main tool for their tribe. Also, in the business community people want everything on one device, so they don't have to carry pager, laptop, calendar," Garwood said.
Verizon Wireless invested $1 billion in the past year above its usual $4 billion yearly expenditure on network upgrades to add high-speed broadband capability. Verizon thus became the first cellular carrier to roll out a broadband wireless network.
Cingular and Sprint, the other two major wireless carriers in the U.S., quickly followed with announcements of broadband intentions. Sprint has already begun to roll out its broadband service.
While Verizon said it upgraded to broadband because subscribers wanted it, the carrier is not sitting around waiting for subscribers to decide to use it. Instead Verizon is spending millions of dollars to underwrite the marketing of games and music and business applications developed by independent software developers for use on its network. In the month of September alone, Verizon helped launch applications by Gameloft, Namco America, Dell Computer, Palm Inc. and Microsoft Corp. It also launched its own MP3 music player mobile phone.
Meanwhile, Nokia Inc., the largest maker of mobile handsets worldwide, did its own share of underwriting the marketing efforts of third-party developers who created software for its Series 60 platform.
Nokia estimates 1.5 million developers worldwide are creating software for its mobile phones and for smartphones made by its competitors Research In Motion, which makes BlackBerry,
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Sprint Nextel Board Approves New Deferred Compensation Plan
Sprint Nextel Corp. (S) disclosed Friday that its board approved a new deferred compensation plan, to be effective Jan. 1, 2006.
Eligible participants will be employees of the communications company and its units at director level and above and outside directors, according to a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Sprint Nextel said eligible employees will be allowed to elect, in the year before the compensation is earned, to contribute up to 75% of base salary and up to 100% of incentive compensation, in increments of 1%, to the deferred compensation plan.
Outside directors will be allowed to contribute up to 100% of director fees in increments of 1%, the filing said.
The company said that all contributions, and earnings credited to contributions, will be 100% vested.
Investment options will be selected by the employee benefits committee in a manner designed to offer diversification across asset classes, according to the filing.
The investment options will include phantom share units representing shares of Sprint Nextel common stock. All investments will be unfunded obligations of Sprint Nextel.
The company said participants will be able to transfer between investment options on any business day, but only four transfers may be made in each calendar year and three months must elapse between transfers.
In addition, participants will be able to elect payment of benefits to begin on a specified date at least five years in the future or upon termination of employment, the filing said.
Eligible participants will be employees of the communications company and its units at director level and above and outside directors, according to a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Sprint Nextel said eligible employees will be allowed to elect, in the year before the compensation is earned, to contribute up to 75% of base salary and up to 100% of incentive compensation, in increments of 1%, to the deferred compensation plan.
Outside directors will be allowed to contribute up to 100% of director fees in increments of 1%, the filing said.
The company said that all contributions, and earnings credited to contributions, will be 100% vested.
Investment options will be selected by the employee benefits committee in a manner designed to offer diversification across asset classes, according to the filing.
The investment options will include phantom share units representing shares of Sprint Nextel common stock. All investments will be unfunded obligations of Sprint Nextel.
The company said participants will be able to transfer between investment options on any business day, but only four transfers may be made in each calendar year and three months must elapse between transfers.
In addition, participants will be able to elect payment of benefits to begin on a specified date at least five years in the future or upon termination of employment, the filing said.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Is VoIP Killing Big Telecom?
Last week's Sprint Nextel patent infringement suit against VoIP providers Vonage and Voiceglo make one thing clear: VoIP is killing off Big Telecom. The courts are always the last refuge of a dying industry.
VoIP challenges telecom providers as well as wireless companies and cable companies --- virtually anyone who still thinks that providing dialtone is a good business plan.
Making money off normal phone service is a thing of the past. IP telephony is less expensive and offers more features than normal phone service, both for consumers and corporations.
Sprint Nextel is trodding a well-worn path in resorting to the courts to try and save its business. Rather than fighting upstarts by innovating or offering better services, it's hoping its lawyers can bully them into submission, or maybe bleed them to death in a lengthy lawsuit.
Unless the courts ally themselves with Big Telecom, the tactic won't work. VoIP is here to stay, as are clever competitors like Vonage. As long as companies like Sprint Nextel believe the way to compete is through the courts, the handwriting is on the wall --- they're a thing of the past.
VoIP challenges telecom providers as well as wireless companies and cable companies --- virtually anyone who still thinks that providing dialtone is a good business plan.
Making money off normal phone service is a thing of the past. IP telephony is less expensive and offers more features than normal phone service, both for consumers and corporations.
Sprint Nextel is trodding a well-worn path in resorting to the courts to try and save its business. Rather than fighting upstarts by innovating or offering better services, it's hoping its lawyers can bully them into submission, or maybe bleed them to death in a lengthy lawsuit.
Unless the courts ally themselves with Big Telecom, the tactic won't work. VoIP is here to stay, as are clever competitors like Vonage. As long as companies like Sprint Nextel believe the way to compete is through the courts, the handwriting is on the wall --- they're a thing of the past.
BellSouth to Launch Nationwide Business Data Service
BellSouth (NYSE: BLS) announced today
that it signed an internetworking agreement with Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE: S)
to enable seamless connectivity for BellSouth's next generation data customers
across both providers' networks. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The service is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2006 and will
initially utilize the BellSouth private IP backbone in the southeastern U.S.
and Sprint's network in other regions to link businesses with multiple
locations.
"BellSouth customers will now have nationwide access to leading data
capabilities, including full mesh connectivity and class of service priority
routing to support converged applications," said Fred Shaftman, president,
BellSouth Business. "Teaming with other industry leaders to bring both
traditional and next generation solutions to business customers continues to
be an important part of BellSouth's strategy."
BellSouth's nationwide data solution will utilize the security and
flexibility of MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) to allow internetworking
of multiple access methods. The nationwide service will seamlessly transport
data across both BellSouth and Sprint MPLS networks.
Many businesses have the challenge of linking multiple office locations
that are broadly distributed throughout the country to corporate resources.
Each location often has specific network access requirements and, in the past,
companies have had to self-integrate and manage these disparate networks
across the organization. BellSouth's nationwide service will provide a
managed network-based solution regardless of customer location.
"This new nationwide MPLS data service will immediately increase
BellSouth's addressable customer base and will strategically position them to
more effectively attract and retain large business customers," said Jeff
Kagan, an Atlanta-based telecom industry analyst.
For more information about BellSouth voice and data solutions for
businesses, visit http://www.bellsouthlargebusiness.com.
About BellSouth Corporation
BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 communications company
headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. BellSouth has joint control and 40 percent
ownership of Cingular Wireless, the nation's largest wireless voice and data
provider with 51.6 million customers.
Backed by award winning customer service, BellSouth offers the most
comprehensive and innovative package of voice and data services available in
the market. Through BellSouth Answers(R), residential and small business
customers can bundle their local and long distance service with dial-up and
high-speed DSL Internet access, satellite television and Cingular(R) Wireless
service. For businesses, BellSouth provides secure, reliable local and long
distance voice and data networking solutions. BellSouth also offers online and
directory advertising through BellSouth(R) RealPages.com(R) and The Real
Yellow Pages(R).
BellSouth believes that diversity and fostering an inclusive environment
are critical in maintaining a competitive advantage in today's global
marketplace.
that it signed an internetworking agreement with Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE: S)
to enable seamless connectivity for BellSouth's next generation data customers
across both providers' networks. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The service is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2006 and will
initially utilize the BellSouth private IP backbone in the southeastern U.S.
and Sprint's network in other regions to link businesses with multiple
locations.
"BellSouth customers will now have nationwide access to leading data
capabilities, including full mesh connectivity and class of service priority
routing to support converged applications," said Fred Shaftman, president,
BellSouth Business. "Teaming with other industry leaders to bring both
traditional and next generation solutions to business customers continues to
be an important part of BellSouth's strategy."
BellSouth's nationwide data solution will utilize the security and
flexibility of MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) to allow internetworking
of multiple access methods. The nationwide service will seamlessly transport
data across both BellSouth and Sprint MPLS networks.
Many businesses have the challenge of linking multiple office locations
that are broadly distributed throughout the country to corporate resources.
Each location often has specific network access requirements and, in the past,
companies have had to self-integrate and manage these disparate networks
across the organization. BellSouth's nationwide service will provide a
managed network-based solution regardless of customer location.
"This new nationwide MPLS data service will immediately increase
BellSouth's addressable customer base and will strategically position them to
more effectively attract and retain large business customers," said Jeff
Kagan, an Atlanta-based telecom industry analyst.
For more information about BellSouth voice and data solutions for
businesses, visit http://www.bellsouthlargebusiness.com.
About BellSouth Corporation
BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 communications company
headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. BellSouth has joint control and 40 percent
ownership of Cingular Wireless, the nation's largest wireless voice and data
provider with 51.6 million customers.
Backed by award winning customer service, BellSouth offers the most
comprehensive and innovative package of voice and data services available in
the market. Through BellSouth Answers(R), residential and small business
customers can bundle their local and long distance service with dial-up and
high-speed DSL Internet access, satellite television and Cingular(R) Wireless
service. For businesses, BellSouth provides secure, reliable local and long
distance voice and data networking solutions. BellSouth also offers online and
directory advertising through BellSouth(R) RealPages.com(R) and The Real
Yellow Pages(R).
BellSouth believes that diversity and fostering an inclusive environment
are critical in maintaining a competitive advantage in today's global
marketplace.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Sprint Nextel Sues VoIP Firms
Sprint Nextel filed a patent infringement lawsuit Tuesday against Vonage Holdings and another VoIP provider after failed attempts by the telco to license its technology to the two companies.
In addition to Vonage, the No. 1 U.S. VoIP outfit, the suit also names TheGlobe.Com and its VoiceGlo Holdings unit.
Sprint Nextel alleges its patents protect a series of innovations that enable the processing and delivery of voice and data communications via packets, which is the way data is transmitted over the Internet. The company said that these methods also encompass VoIP.
Sprint filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, and is seeking an injunction against the two firms from “further misappropriating” Sprint Nextel’s technology. The lawsuit also seeks unspecified monetary damages.
Debra Peterson, a spokeswoman for Sprint Nextel, said the company has a portfolio of patents covering technologies related to voice over packet communications.
While Sprint prefers to resolve disputes amicably, Sprint will take all necessary steps to protect the creativity and innovation of its employees,” she said.
Vonage representatives did not immediately return calls. The company is the leader in the North American VoIP market, with more than 1 million VoIP lines on the continent. Its closest cable rival, Time Warner, reported 614,000 lines at the close of its second quarter.
Vonage is also said to be preparing to go public, with multiple sources including The Wall Street Journal estimating the company is seeking between $400 million and $600 million.
Ed Cespedes, president of theglobe.com and its Voiceglo unit, both based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, said the lawsuit was without merit.
Products like ours that are low-cost or free, easy to acquire, and global are a natural threat to incumbent telecommunications companies,” added Mr. Cespedes.
VoiceGlo’s telephony product, GloPhone, has now reached about 5 million users around the world, according to a company release.
The seven patents held by Sprint Nextel relate to telecommunications controls and broadband telecommunications systems. The patents detail methods for how “packetized” communications get routed and verified in a network environment.
In addition to Vonage, the No. 1 U.S. VoIP outfit, the suit also names TheGlobe.Com and its VoiceGlo Holdings unit.
Sprint Nextel alleges its patents protect a series of innovations that enable the processing and delivery of voice and data communications via packets, which is the way data is transmitted over the Internet. The company said that these methods also encompass VoIP.
Sprint filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, and is seeking an injunction against the two firms from “further misappropriating” Sprint Nextel’s technology. The lawsuit also seeks unspecified monetary damages.
Debra Peterson, a spokeswoman for Sprint Nextel, said the company has a portfolio of patents covering technologies related to voice over packet communications.
While Sprint prefers to resolve disputes amicably, Sprint will take all necessary steps to protect the creativity and innovation of its employees,” she said.
Vonage representatives did not immediately return calls. The company is the leader in the North American VoIP market, with more than 1 million VoIP lines on the continent. Its closest cable rival, Time Warner, reported 614,000 lines at the close of its second quarter.
Vonage is also said to be preparing to go public, with multiple sources including The Wall Street Journal estimating the company is seeking between $400 million and $600 million.
Ed Cespedes, president of theglobe.com and its Voiceglo unit, both based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, said the lawsuit was without merit.
Products like ours that are low-cost or free, easy to acquire, and global are a natural threat to incumbent telecommunications companies,” added Mr. Cespedes.
VoiceGlo’s telephony product, GloPhone, has now reached about 5 million users around the world, according to a company release.
The seven patents held by Sprint Nextel relate to telecommunications controls and broadband telecommunications systems. The patents detail methods for how “packetized” communications get routed and verified in a network environment.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Google's Wireless Plans May Pose Threat To Telecom Companies
Telecom and cable providers are already at battle with a number of government municipalities that are launching free or low-cost Internet services for their communities. Now Google could join the fray with its proposal to provide such services in San Francisco. If chosen as a provider, Google could compete with the city's local telephone and cable companies such as SBC Communications and Comcast.
Google made it public late last week that it was among the vendors that had submitted proposals to offer citywide Wi-Fi in San Francisco, which would give businesses and residents, including lower income neighborhoods, free Internet access. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom launched the city's wireless initiative in August and submitted the Request for Information and Comment, which invited public, private, and non-profit companies to participate.
San Francisco is one a number of municipalities building city-wide wireless networks in hopes of overcoming the "digital divide" that keeps poorer residents from getting online. Telecom and cable providers, including BellSouth, Comcast, Cox, Qwest, SBC, and Verizon, have been lobbying Congress to stop municipalities, claiming that there are plenty of affordable broadband services already available from private providers. And a number of states, including Pennsylvania and Virginia, have passed laws that restrict municipalities' from offering broadband services. California, however, doesn't have such laws.
A law was passed in Pennsylvania late last year that prohibits municipalities from proceeding with wireless services without approval from the local telecom carrier. Philadelphia came to an agreement with Verizon, the state's primary phone-service provider, which will let Philadelphia proceed with its plans to build a citywide wireless network. The city is spending $10 million on a 135-square-mile wireless network, to go live in about a year. Low-income residents will pay about $10 a month for a subscription to the service and businesses will pay about $20 a month per subscription, says Dianah Neff, the city's CIO. "Only about 10% of our low income neighborhoods have Internet connectivity and about 90% of higher income neighborhoods have connectivity. The goal is to give everyone equal access," says Neff. Verizon, however, has indicated that it may not approve requests by other Pennsylvania cities looking to run their own wireless services.
Many technology vendors are encouraging and helping municipalities build wireless networks. Intel has backed Philadelphia's efforts and started an initiative called Digital Communities to increase adoption of wireless technology. Thirteen cities are on-board so far. Cisco Systems, Dell, IBM, Microsoft, and SAP are among the vendors planning to provide software and systems for cities.
Google's move raises the question as to whether it's looking to San Francisco as its entrance into the telecom and cable market, but Google says it doesn't have plans to offer citywide Wi-Fi beyond San Francisco. It's also still unclear if Google is a front-runner. Other companies have responded to San Francisco's request, including EarthLink.
In the meantime, Philadelphia is expected to announce the winner of the "Wireless Philadelphia" contract as early as this week. Hewlett-Packard and EarthLink are the finalists in the bidding, and the winning company will build Philadelphia's wireless network.
Google made it public late last week that it was among the vendors that had submitted proposals to offer citywide Wi-Fi in San Francisco, which would give businesses and residents, including lower income neighborhoods, free Internet access. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom launched the city's wireless initiative in August and submitted the Request for Information and Comment, which invited public, private, and non-profit companies to participate.
San Francisco is one a number of municipalities building city-wide wireless networks in hopes of overcoming the "digital divide" that keeps poorer residents from getting online. Telecom and cable providers, including BellSouth, Comcast, Cox, Qwest, SBC, and Verizon, have been lobbying Congress to stop municipalities, claiming that there are plenty of affordable broadband services already available from private providers. And a number of states, including Pennsylvania and Virginia, have passed laws that restrict municipalities' from offering broadband services. California, however, doesn't have such laws.
A law was passed in Pennsylvania late last year that prohibits municipalities from proceeding with wireless services without approval from the local telecom carrier. Philadelphia came to an agreement with Verizon, the state's primary phone-service provider, which will let Philadelphia proceed with its plans to build a citywide wireless network. The city is spending $10 million on a 135-square-mile wireless network, to go live in about a year. Low-income residents will pay about $10 a month for a subscription to the service and businesses will pay about $20 a month per subscription, says Dianah Neff, the city's CIO. "Only about 10% of our low income neighborhoods have Internet connectivity and about 90% of higher income neighborhoods have connectivity. The goal is to give everyone equal access," says Neff. Verizon, however, has indicated that it may not approve requests by other Pennsylvania cities looking to run their own wireless services.
Many technology vendors are encouraging and helping municipalities build wireless networks. Intel has backed Philadelphia's efforts and started an initiative called Digital Communities to increase adoption of wireless technology. Thirteen cities are on-board so far. Cisco Systems, Dell, IBM, Microsoft, and SAP are among the vendors planning to provide software and systems for cities.
Google's move raises the question as to whether it's looking to San Francisco as its entrance into the telecom and cable market, but Google says it doesn't have plans to offer citywide Wi-Fi beyond San Francisco. It's also still unclear if Google is a front-runner. Other companies have responded to San Francisco's request, including EarthLink.
In the meantime, Philadelphia is expected to announce the winner of the "Wireless Philadelphia" contract as early as this week. Hewlett-Packard and EarthLink are the finalists in the bidding, and the winning company will build Philadelphia's wireless network.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Fighting for freedom on the Internet
Should Web surfers be allowed to go to any Internet site they want, use their computers to make free phone calls or download big video files without paying extra?
Millions of Americans who connect to the Internet can do all those things now, and in all likelihood, they'll be able to do those things in the future. To make sure of that, Congress has been working on proposals to enshrine the right of "Net neutrality" into law....
Millions of Americans who connect to the Internet can do all those things now, and in all likelihood, they'll be able to do those things in the future. To make sure of that, Congress has been working on proposals to enshrine the right of "Net neutrality" into law....
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Appropriate Framework for Broadband Access to the Internet over Wireline Facilities
The availability of the Internet has had a profound impact on American life. This network of networks has fundamentally changed the way we communicate. It has increased the speed of communication, the range of communicating devices and the variety of platforms over which we can send and receive information. As Congress has noted, “[t]he rapidly developing array of Internet . . . services available to individual Americans represent an extraordinary advance in the availability of educational and informational resources to our citizens.” The Internet also represents “a forum for a true diversity of political discourse, unique opportunities for cultural development, and myriad avenues for intellectual activity.” In addition, the Internet plays an important role in the economy, as an engine for productivity growth and cost savings.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Verizon Wireless Customers Can Now Pre-Register for the New LG VX9800 - The Ultimate Wireless Multimedia Device
Verizon Wireless, the nation's leading wireless service provider, and LG Electronics MobileComm (LG Mobile Phones) invite customers to register to purchase the new multimedia LG VX9800 handset before its official introduction in October. Beginning today, Verizon Wireless customers can register for the VX9800 by logging on to http://www.verizonwireless.com/.
Available exclusively to Verizon Wireless customers, the VX9800 uses advanced wireless technology and design to offer a complete multimedia entertainment experience along with the latest in wireless phone communication. Whether streaming news and sports video highlights on Verizon Wireless' V CAST service, downloading and watching crystal clear V CAST video clips from the hottest names in entertainment, or listening to favorite songs through the phone's MP3 player and stereo speakers, customers will notice that the VX9800's overall design typifies the latest in wireless technology.
The VX9800 features the coolest trends in mobile communications including Bluetooth(R) technology for certain profiles and a 1.3 megapixel integrated camera and camcorder. Easy to use external memory capability means customers can purchase a MiniSD(TM) memory card and use it to play their own MP3s, or transfer digital pictures, music files and video clips easily from PCs to their wireless phones.
The VX9800 comes equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard for easy access to messaging applications and VZEmail with Wireless Sync that lets customers send and receive e-mail directly from their VX9800s. With Wireless Sync, customers can get new e-mails, calendar, contact and task information sent to their VX9800s as long as the PC is left on. Wireless Sync also allows for synchronization with POP3 and IMAP e-mail accounts so customers can stay connected to friends, family and business contacts -- all with one device.
"The VX9800 represents the ultimate convergence of today's most innovative mobile technologies and brings the very latest advances in wireless entertainment and handset design together for a complete multimedia experience," said Mr. Juno Cho, president, LG Electronics MobileComm. "An evolution in wireless phone technology, the VX9800 represents a giant step forward for both LG and Verizon Wireless in our quest to bring next-generation multimedia entertainment and communications tools to today's cutting-edge customers."
In addition to its mobile media and advanced communications capabilities, the VX9800 also includes some of the most advanced mobile phone features available to wireless phone users today including:
-- Internal LCD Display: 262K Color TFT, 320 x 256 Pixels, 15 Lines -- External LCD Display: 65K Color TFT, 160 x 128 Pixels, 9 Lines -- QWERTY Keyboard for Easy Messaging -- Unobtrusive Internal Antenna -- Bluetooth-Capable -- compatible with devices that support the headset, hands-free, and/or dial-up networking profile(s); pair up to 20 Bluetooth-capable devices; send vCard via Bluetooth (some Bluetooth profiles not supported) -- EV-DO High-Speed Data Connectivity + -- V CAST-Capable -- stream and download video clips (15 fps) with high- speed EV-DO technology + -- Mobile Web E-mail -- easy access to Hotmail(R), AOL(R) or Yahoo!(R)e-mail accounts + -- VZEmail -- Wireless Sync E-mail + -- Get It Now(R)-Capable -- download games, ring tones, wallpapers and more + -- Mobile Web 2.0(SM) Capable + -- Mobile Instant Messaging (IM) + -- PIX and FLIX Messaging Service (MMS) -- send and receive messages with text, sounds, photos or videos + -- Enhanced TXT Messaging (SMS/EMS) + -- MP3 Player with Customizable Equalizer -- Dual Speakers for Stereo Sound -- MiniSD Memory Port to Store Pictures*, Videos*, Sounds** and MP3 Music -- 1.3 Megapixel CMOS Camera with Flash -- Business Card Reader -- Record 15-Second Video Clips (15 fps) -- Save up to 315 Videos @ 176 x 144 or 153 Videos @ 320 x 240 Pixels -- Video (Camcorder) Format: 3g2 -- Camera Resolutions: 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 176 x 144, 160 x 120 Pixels -- Zoom: Up to 4x (varies by resolution)* -- Save up to 365 Photos @ 160 x 120 or 16 Photos @ 1280 x 960 Pixels -- LCD Dual Mode for Self-Portraits -- Close-up Mode for Photos at Close Range* -- Self-Timer: 3, 5 or 10 seconds -- Customizable Brightness*, White Balance*, Shutter Sound, Color Effects, Photometry and Orientation (Portrait/Landscape) -- Night Mode -- Text to Speech (English) -- Full-Duplex Speakerphone -- Advanced Speaker-Independent Voice Recognition (English & Spanish) -- Voice Commands: Call Someone, Digit Dial, Voicemail, Missed Calls, Messages, Time & Date -- Voice Memo Recorder (1 Minute Each; Up to 200 Memos Total) -- 72-Chord Polyphonic Ring Tone Support -- 15 Unique Default Ring Tones -- Personal Organizer: Calendar with Scheduler, Alarm Clock, Notepad -- Tools: World Clock, Calculator, Ez Tip Calc -- Speed Dial (98 Entries + 1 Voicemail Default) -- Address Book with 1000 Contacts -- each stores 5 numbers, 2 e-mail addresses and picture ID -- External USB Capable -- Vibrate and Silent Modes -- TTY/TDD Support -- Hearing Aid Compatible (M3-Rating) -- Standalone Mode (RF Off) -- English and Spanish Language Support -- Frequency: 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS, 1.5 GHz GPS, 800 MHz CDMA (Dual-Mode) -- Dimensions: 4.57" (H) x 1.97" (W) x 1.00" (D) -- Weight: 5.19 oz. -- Memory: 128 MB Flash/64 MB SRAM -- Standard Battery: 1,300 mAh Lithium Polymer -- Usage Time: Up to 4.16 Hours* -- Standby Time: Up to 8.3 Days*
The LG VX9800 will be available beginning on September 26 for $299.99 after $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year customer agreement at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. On October 1, the LG VX9800 will also be available for $299.99 after $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year customer agreement in more than 1,900 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country and at Circuit City locations.
For more information about Verizon Wireless' products and services, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/. For more information about LG Mobile Phones, visit http://www.lgusa.com/.
+ Verizon Wireless digital service and subscription required. V CAST service is not available in all areas. * Adjustments available in both camera and video modes. * User-generated pictures and videos only, not from downloads. * Certain features may use more power and cause actual standby and usage time to vary. ** Voice memos and sounds received via MMS. About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 47.4 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Available exclusively to Verizon Wireless customers, the VX9800 uses advanced wireless technology and design to offer a complete multimedia entertainment experience along with the latest in wireless phone communication. Whether streaming news and sports video highlights on Verizon Wireless' V CAST service, downloading and watching crystal clear V CAST video clips from the hottest names in entertainment, or listening to favorite songs through the phone's MP3 player and stereo speakers, customers will notice that the VX9800's overall design typifies the latest in wireless technology.
The VX9800 features the coolest trends in mobile communications including Bluetooth(R) technology for certain profiles and a 1.3 megapixel integrated camera and camcorder. Easy to use external memory capability means customers can purchase a MiniSD(TM) memory card and use it to play their own MP3s, or transfer digital pictures, music files and video clips easily from PCs to their wireless phones.
The VX9800 comes equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard for easy access to messaging applications and VZEmail with Wireless Sync that lets customers send and receive e-mail directly from their VX9800s. With Wireless Sync, customers can get new e-mails, calendar, contact and task information sent to their VX9800s as long as the PC is left on. Wireless Sync also allows for synchronization with POP3 and IMAP e-mail accounts so customers can stay connected to friends, family and business contacts -- all with one device.
"The VX9800 represents the ultimate convergence of today's most innovative mobile technologies and brings the very latest advances in wireless entertainment and handset design together for a complete multimedia experience," said Mr. Juno Cho, president, LG Electronics MobileComm. "An evolution in wireless phone technology, the VX9800 represents a giant step forward for both LG and Verizon Wireless in our quest to bring next-generation multimedia entertainment and communications tools to today's cutting-edge customers."
In addition to its mobile media and advanced communications capabilities, the VX9800 also includes some of the most advanced mobile phone features available to wireless phone users today including:
-- Internal LCD Display: 262K Color TFT, 320 x 256 Pixels, 15 Lines -- External LCD Display: 65K Color TFT, 160 x 128 Pixels, 9 Lines -- QWERTY Keyboard for Easy Messaging -- Unobtrusive Internal Antenna -- Bluetooth-Capable -- compatible with devices that support the headset, hands-free, and/or dial-up networking profile(s); pair up to 20 Bluetooth-capable devices; send vCard via Bluetooth (some Bluetooth profiles not supported) -- EV-DO High-Speed Data Connectivity + -- V CAST-Capable -- stream and download video clips (15 fps) with high- speed EV-DO technology + -- Mobile Web E-mail -- easy access to Hotmail(R), AOL(R) or Yahoo!(R)e-mail accounts + -- VZEmail -- Wireless Sync E-mail + -- Get It Now(R)-Capable -- download games, ring tones, wallpapers and more + -- Mobile Web 2.0(SM) Capable + -- Mobile Instant Messaging (IM) + -- PIX and FLIX Messaging Service (MMS) -- send and receive messages with text, sounds, photos or videos + -- Enhanced TXT Messaging (SMS/EMS) + -- MP3 Player with Customizable Equalizer -- Dual Speakers for Stereo Sound -- MiniSD Memory Port to Store Pictures*, Videos*, Sounds** and MP3 Music -- 1.3 Megapixel CMOS Camera with Flash -- Business Card Reader -- Record 15-Second Video Clips (15 fps) -- Save up to 315 Videos @ 176 x 144 or 153 Videos @ 320 x 240 Pixels -- Video (Camcorder) Format: 3g2 -- Camera Resolutions: 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 176 x 144, 160 x 120 Pixels -- Zoom: Up to 4x (varies by resolution)* -- Save up to 365 Photos @ 160 x 120 or 16 Photos @ 1280 x 960 Pixels -- LCD Dual Mode for Self-Portraits -- Close-up Mode for Photos at Close Range* -- Self-Timer: 3, 5 or 10 seconds -- Customizable Brightness*, White Balance*, Shutter Sound, Color Effects, Photometry and Orientation (Portrait/Landscape) -- Night Mode -- Text to Speech (English) -- Full-Duplex Speakerphone -- Advanced Speaker-Independent Voice Recognition (English & Spanish) -- Voice Commands: Call Someone, Digit Dial, Voicemail, Missed Calls, Messages, Time & Date -- Voice Memo Recorder (1 Minute Each; Up to 200 Memos Total) -- 72-Chord Polyphonic Ring Tone Support -- 15 Unique Default Ring Tones -- Personal Organizer: Calendar with Scheduler, Alarm Clock, Notepad -- Tools: World Clock, Calculator, Ez Tip Calc -- Speed Dial (98 Entries + 1 Voicemail Default) -- Address Book with 1000 Contacts -- each stores 5 numbers, 2 e-mail addresses and picture ID -- External USB Capable -- Vibrate and Silent Modes -- TTY/TDD Support -- Hearing Aid Compatible (M3-Rating) -- Standalone Mode (RF Off) -- English and Spanish Language Support -- Frequency: 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS, 1.5 GHz GPS, 800 MHz CDMA (Dual-Mode) -- Dimensions: 4.57" (H) x 1.97" (W) x 1.00" (D) -- Weight: 5.19 oz. -- Memory: 128 MB Flash/64 MB SRAM -- Standard Battery: 1,300 mAh Lithium Polymer -- Usage Time: Up to 4.16 Hours* -- Standby Time: Up to 8.3 Days*
The LG VX9800 will be available beginning on September 26 for $299.99 after $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year customer agreement at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. On October 1, the LG VX9800 will also be available for $299.99 after $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year customer agreement in more than 1,900 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country and at Circuit City locations.
For more information about Verizon Wireless' products and services, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/. For more information about LG Mobile Phones, visit http://www.lgusa.com/.
+ Verizon Wireless digital service and subscription required. V CAST service is not available in all areas. * Adjustments available in both camera and video modes. * User-generated pictures and videos only, not from downloads. * Certain features may use more power and cause actual standby and usage time to vary. ** Voice memos and sounds received via MMS. About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 47.4 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Monday, September 19, 2005
FCC proposes telecom help in areas hit by Katrina
The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission has proposed giving about $211 million to help low-income residents, health care providers, relief agencies, schools, libraries and telecommunications providers in the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.
According to an FCC press release, the commission will also create a blue-ribbon panel of experts from the public safety and communications industries to review the impact of the hurricane and propose ways to improve disaster preparedness, network reliability and public safety operations.
Chairman Kevin Martin said Sept. 15 that the FCC will provide funding for the areas hit by the hurricane through four Universal Service Programs. Through its program for low-income consumers, the FCC will provide support for wireless handsets and a package of 300 free minutes for evacuees and for those in the area without telephone service. The program will also help pay to reconnect residents to the telecom network during rebuilding. The commission estimates that those initiatives will cost about $51 million.
Through the FCC’s program for rural health care providers, public and nonprofit health care organizations providing services to victims in the region can apply for discounts on advanced services used with telemedicine applications. The FCC estimates about $28 million in support.
In addition, schools and libraries in the affected region can resubmit requests for 2005 and 2006 E-rate funds, which could provide $132 million in support. The program gives schools and libraries discounts of 20 percent to 90 percent for Internet access, telecom infrastructure and internal connections. The FCC oversees the program, and a nonprofit group called the Universal Service Administrative Co. administers it.
Finally, the FCC will waive or modify rules to allow BellSouth to prioritize Universal Service Fund money to help it rebuild wire centers and facilities damaged by the hurricane.
In addition to the blue-ribbon panel, Martin also proposed creating a new Public Safety/Homeland Security Bureau to coordinate public safety, national security and disaster management activities within the FCC. Those activities are currently scattered across multiple FCC bureaus. The new bureau would develop policies and rules related to public safety and priority emergency communications, continuity of government operations, disaster management coordination, and network reliability and interoperability, among other issues.
During an FCC Open Commission meeting in Atlanta Sept. 15, Willis Carter, chief of communications for the Shreveport, La., Fire Department, testified that he visited four parishes affected by the hurricane and saw a lack of coordinated command and control, no direct support for communication centers and personnel, and an inability to communicate.
“Today, most of the area’s emergency communications are operating at least in a limited capacity,” said Carter, who is also first vice president of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International. “However, there is still much to be done to restore full communications capabilities, which in some cases will require the rebuilding of total networks.”
He said governments must take several steps to prepare for future disasters. They include allocating funding to build and maintain public safety communications networks to “withstand worst-case scenarios,” setting up redundant sites to quickly restore 911 service, reserving interoperable radio spectrum for supplemental and replacement radio systems during a disaster, and giving adequate funding and radio spectrum to operate interoperable radio communication systems with state-of-the art capabilities.
“Just as Sept. 11, 2001, helped to focus the nation on the communications issues facing our first responders,” Carter said in his testimony, “Hurricane Katrina has revealed that much still needs to be accomplished to provide public safety personnel with the communications tools they need to protect the safety of life and property.”
According to an FCC press release, the commission will also create a blue-ribbon panel of experts from the public safety and communications industries to review the impact of the hurricane and propose ways to improve disaster preparedness, network reliability and public safety operations.
Chairman Kevin Martin said Sept. 15 that the FCC will provide funding for the areas hit by the hurricane through four Universal Service Programs. Through its program for low-income consumers, the FCC will provide support for wireless handsets and a package of 300 free minutes for evacuees and for those in the area without telephone service. The program will also help pay to reconnect residents to the telecom network during rebuilding. The commission estimates that those initiatives will cost about $51 million.
Through the FCC’s program for rural health care providers, public and nonprofit health care organizations providing services to victims in the region can apply for discounts on advanced services used with telemedicine applications. The FCC estimates about $28 million in support.
In addition, schools and libraries in the affected region can resubmit requests for 2005 and 2006 E-rate funds, which could provide $132 million in support. The program gives schools and libraries discounts of 20 percent to 90 percent for Internet access, telecom infrastructure and internal connections. The FCC oversees the program, and a nonprofit group called the Universal Service Administrative Co. administers it.
Finally, the FCC will waive or modify rules to allow BellSouth to prioritize Universal Service Fund money to help it rebuild wire centers and facilities damaged by the hurricane.
In addition to the blue-ribbon panel, Martin also proposed creating a new Public Safety/Homeland Security Bureau to coordinate public safety, national security and disaster management activities within the FCC. Those activities are currently scattered across multiple FCC bureaus. The new bureau would develop policies and rules related to public safety and priority emergency communications, continuity of government operations, disaster management coordination, and network reliability and interoperability, among other issues.
During an FCC Open Commission meeting in Atlanta Sept. 15, Willis Carter, chief of communications for the Shreveport, La., Fire Department, testified that he visited four parishes affected by the hurricane and saw a lack of coordinated command and control, no direct support for communication centers and personnel, and an inability to communicate.
“Today, most of the area’s emergency communications are operating at least in a limited capacity,” said Carter, who is also first vice president of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International. “However, there is still much to be done to restore full communications capabilities, which in some cases will require the rebuilding of total networks.”
He said governments must take several steps to prepare for future disasters. They include allocating funding to build and maintain public safety communications networks to “withstand worst-case scenarios,” setting up redundant sites to quickly restore 911 service, reserving interoperable radio spectrum for supplemental and replacement radio systems during a disaster, and giving adequate funding and radio spectrum to operate interoperable radio communication systems with state-of-the art capabilities.
“Just as Sept. 11, 2001, helped to focus the nation on the communications issues facing our first responders,” Carter said in his testimony, “Hurricane Katrina has revealed that much still needs to be accomplished to provide public safety personnel with the communications tools they need to protect the safety of life and property.”
Sprint gets smarter
After launching its wireless NFL football coverage this week, Sprint Nextel on Friday unveiled the first handset designed to run on the company’s high-speed wireless network.
The multifeatured “smart device” from UT Starcom Personal Communications, formerly Audiovox, can access the Web from Sprint’s EV-DO, or Evolution-Data Optimized, wireless network and is the first phone to use the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system.
In addition to accessing the Web through Sprint’s network, the Starcom PPC-6700 is the first Sprint phone that also can access Wi-Fi networks.
“With Wi-Fi, 3G and EV-DO high-speed wireless data, our customers now have more choices for staying productive while on the go,” said Vicki Walker, vice president of marketing and product for Sprint.
Sprint launched high-speed wireless service for business customers in July. The so-called third generation, or 3G, service allows mobile workers to access the Web with notebook computers equipped with a wireless card.
The Starcom phone extends that service to a handset for the first time, and is the first volley in an expected high-speed shootout as Sprint, Verizon Wireless and Cingular Wireless compete for consumers who want to use their phones for more than talk.
Verizon has been advertising its consumer-oriented high-speed V-Cast service heavily this month, using an ad campaign featuring actress Pamela Anderson, singer Shakira, basketball star Shaquille O’Neal and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Sprint is expected to launch its consumer high-speed service this fall. The company’s EV-DO service is now available in 75 markets and more than 100 airports, the company said Friday.
V-Cast is available in 61 markets.
Both Sprint and Verizon use EV-DO technology.
The services allow subscribers to surf the Web at speeds of 400 to 700 kilobits per second, with a top speed of 2 megabits per second. That makes them more or less comparable to digital subscriber line, or DSL, services available to consumers at home.
High-speed service through the new Sprint handset is available in three plans ranging from $15 to $25 a month, in addition to regular wireless service.
The PPC-6700 offers a laundry list of other features. It has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a 1.3-megapixel digital snapshot and video camera, and is Bluetooth-enabled to connect with wireless headsets and car kits.
The Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system gives users access to Outlook Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile and Excel Mobile, and allows Sprint business subscribers to synchronize their e-mail and calendar remotely.
The phone has a slot for a memory card to transfer music, photos and video from desktop computers.
“We believe the PPC-6700 really is the next-generation mobile device,” said Philip Christopher, Starcom’s president. The phone is “designed to enable professionals to virtually carry office capabilities in their pocket,” he said.
Targeted for business users, the PPC-6700, at just over 6 ounces, will be available in Sprint stores next week for a retail price of $630 before rebates and discounts.
Sprint shares closed Friday at $25.38, up 48 cents.
The multifeatured “smart device” from UT Starcom Personal Communications, formerly Audiovox, can access the Web from Sprint’s EV-DO, or Evolution-Data Optimized, wireless network and is the first phone to use the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system.
In addition to accessing the Web through Sprint’s network, the Starcom PPC-6700 is the first Sprint phone that also can access Wi-Fi networks.
“With Wi-Fi, 3G and EV-DO high-speed wireless data, our customers now have more choices for staying productive while on the go,” said Vicki Walker, vice president of marketing and product for Sprint.
Sprint launched high-speed wireless service for business customers in July. The so-called third generation, or 3G, service allows mobile workers to access the Web with notebook computers equipped with a wireless card.
The Starcom phone extends that service to a handset for the first time, and is the first volley in an expected high-speed shootout as Sprint, Verizon Wireless and Cingular Wireless compete for consumers who want to use their phones for more than talk.
Verizon has been advertising its consumer-oriented high-speed V-Cast service heavily this month, using an ad campaign featuring actress Pamela Anderson, singer Shakira, basketball star Shaquille O’Neal and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Sprint is expected to launch its consumer high-speed service this fall. The company’s EV-DO service is now available in 75 markets and more than 100 airports, the company said Friday.
V-Cast is available in 61 markets.
Both Sprint and Verizon use EV-DO technology.
The services allow subscribers to surf the Web at speeds of 400 to 700 kilobits per second, with a top speed of 2 megabits per second. That makes them more or less comparable to digital subscriber line, or DSL, services available to consumers at home.
High-speed service through the new Sprint handset is available in three plans ranging from $15 to $25 a month, in addition to regular wireless service.
The PPC-6700 offers a laundry list of other features. It has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a 1.3-megapixel digital snapshot and video camera, and is Bluetooth-enabled to connect with wireless headsets and car kits.
The Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system gives users access to Outlook Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile and Excel Mobile, and allows Sprint business subscribers to synchronize their e-mail and calendar remotely.
The phone has a slot for a memory card to transfer music, photos and video from desktop computers.
“We believe the PPC-6700 really is the next-generation mobile device,” said Philip Christopher, Starcom’s president. The phone is “designed to enable professionals to virtually carry office capabilities in their pocket,” he said.
Targeted for business users, the PPC-6700, at just over 6 ounces, will be available in Sprint stores next week for a retail price of $630 before rebates and discounts.
Sprint shares closed Friday at $25.38, up 48 cents.
Sprint CEO Visits Warsaw
With the recent merger of Sprint and Nextel, the decision was made to spin off the portion of Sprint that provides local service in Warsaw and several surrounding communities.
Daniel L. Hesse, the chief executive officer of Sprint’s local telecommunications division, met with a representative group of Sprint employees to explain the new corporate structure and answer employees’ questions.
Hesse is no stranger to northern Indiana – he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. He holds master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Cornell University. Hesse has spent more than 27 years in the telecommunications industry, with 23 years at AT&T, including various senior management positions.
The new company, which hasn’t officially been named, will be responsible for providing service to 7.6 million existing customers in 18 states. The company will be the largest non-Bell telephone company in the United States, with more than $6 billion in annual revenues. Financially, the company will be rated investment grade, pay dividends and be a Fortune 500 company, similar in ranking to nationally known companies like Southwest Airlines and Starbuck’s Coffee.
Hesse said, “This allows us to focus more intently on the local markets and offer one-stop shopping to our residence and business customers for local wireline service, DSL, long distance, wireless service under our own brand and entertainment services through our agreement with DISH Network. Our ‘Job 1’ is is to do a great job in our local territories.”
The company, which will include North Supply, will employ more than 16,000 people. The headquarters will remain in the Kansas City metropolitan area, but be segregated from the Sprint-Nextel organization. There are no plans currently to change the structure or personnel in the Warsaw area, but local Sprint employees perceive the change as positive.
Mike Brill, Indiana director of customer service, headquartered in Warsaw, said, “This gives us a greater sense of localness and allows us to increase our focus on small and medium business customers in addition to our residential customers. It also provides us with the commitment to a longterm relationship in the local communities we serve
Daniel L. Hesse, the chief executive officer of Sprint’s local telecommunications division, met with a representative group of Sprint employees to explain the new corporate structure and answer employees’ questions.
Hesse is no stranger to northern Indiana – he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. He holds master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Cornell University. Hesse has spent more than 27 years in the telecommunications industry, with 23 years at AT&T, including various senior management positions.
The new company, which hasn’t officially been named, will be responsible for providing service to 7.6 million existing customers in 18 states. The company will be the largest non-Bell telephone company in the United States, with more than $6 billion in annual revenues. Financially, the company will be rated investment grade, pay dividends and be a Fortune 500 company, similar in ranking to nationally known companies like Southwest Airlines and Starbuck’s Coffee.
Hesse said, “This allows us to focus more intently on the local markets and offer one-stop shopping to our residence and business customers for local wireline service, DSL, long distance, wireless service under our own brand and entertainment services through our agreement with DISH Network. Our ‘Job 1’ is is to do a great job in our local territories.”
The company, which will include North Supply, will employ more than 16,000 people. The headquarters will remain in the Kansas City metropolitan area, but be segregated from the Sprint-Nextel organization. There are no plans currently to change the structure or personnel in the Warsaw area, but local Sprint employees perceive the change as positive.
Mike Brill, Indiana director of customer service, headquartered in Warsaw, said, “This gives us a greater sense of localness and allows us to increase our focus on small and medium business customers in addition to our residential customers. It also provides us with the commitment to a longterm relationship in the local communities we serve
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Sprint launches Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC phone
Sprint has announced what it claims is the first Pocket PC phone in the US to run Microsoft's new Windows Mobile 5.0 software platform. The Sprint PPC-6700 is a CDMA handset with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard plus a 1.3 Mpixel camera and EV-DO, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities.
The PPC-6700 is rumored to be manufactured by Taiwanese ODM (original device manufacturer) HTC, based on that company's Apache reference platform. It's powered by a 416 MHz Intel XScale PXA270 embedded processor and reportedly comes equipped with 64 MB of RAM and 128 MB of Flash memory. It features a unique, sliding QWERTY keyboard that opens from the side and automatically changes orientation from portrait to landscape viewing mode. The device also boasts a 1.3 Mpixel camera with built-in flash, digital zoom, and camcorder functionality.
The PPC-6700 supports the Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) high-speed wireless data protocol with claimed average download speeds of 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2.0 Mbps. In areas that don't yet have EV-DO service, the handset falls back to 1XRTT throughput rates. WiFi and Bluetooth wireless are also built in.
The PPC-6700 is one of the first Pocket PC phones to feature Windows Mobile 5.0. Its application Software includes updated version of Office applications including Outlook Mobile and the new PowerPoint Mobile. Sprint says the PPC-6700 also supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync for over-the-air synchronization of email and calendar information with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003.
"We believe the PPC-6700 really is the next-generation mobile device," said Philip Christopher, president of UTStarcom Personal Communications. "Built with business applications in mind, the sliding keyboard and advanced data capabilities are just two of the many features, which when paired with Sprint's advanced wireless service, are designed to enable professionals to virtually carry office capabilities in their pocket."
Availability
The PPC-6700, marketed by UT Starcom Personal Communications, will be available next week through Sprint's business and sales channels for $629.99 "before discounts and promotions," the company says. The device will be offered nationwide in Sprint Stores and online later this year.
The PPC-6700 is rumored to be manufactured by Taiwanese ODM (original device manufacturer) HTC, based on that company's Apache reference platform. It's powered by a 416 MHz Intel XScale PXA270 embedded processor and reportedly comes equipped with 64 MB of RAM and 128 MB of Flash memory. It features a unique, sliding QWERTY keyboard that opens from the side and automatically changes orientation from portrait to landscape viewing mode. The device also boasts a 1.3 Mpixel camera with built-in flash, digital zoom, and camcorder functionality.
The PPC-6700 supports the Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) high-speed wireless data protocol with claimed average download speeds of 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2.0 Mbps. In areas that don't yet have EV-DO service, the handset falls back to 1XRTT throughput rates. WiFi and Bluetooth wireless are also built in.
The PPC-6700 is one of the first Pocket PC phones to feature Windows Mobile 5.0. Its application Software includes updated version of Office applications including Outlook Mobile and the new PowerPoint Mobile. Sprint says the PPC-6700 also supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync for over-the-air synchronization of email and calendar information with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003.
"We believe the PPC-6700 really is the next-generation mobile device," said Philip Christopher, president of UTStarcom Personal Communications. "Built with business applications in mind, the sliding keyboard and advanced data capabilities are just two of the many features, which when paired with Sprint's advanced wireless service, are designed to enable professionals to virtually carry office capabilities in their pocket."
Availability
The PPC-6700, marketed by UT Starcom Personal Communications, will be available next week through Sprint's business and sales channels for $629.99 "before discounts and promotions," the company says. The device will be offered nationwide in Sprint Stores and online later this year.
Monday, September 12, 2005
New Global Telecom
Frost & Sullivan's recent
analysis, North American Hosted IP Telephony and VoIP Access Service, selected
New Global Telecom (NGT), Inc. as the recipient of the 2005 Customer Service
Leadership Award for its 6DegreesIP wholesale-hosted IP telephony service. The
company's solutions have helped service providers make use of the growing
opportunity for business and residential voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
services rapidly and cost-efficiently.
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to a company that has
exhibited excellence in customer service within its industry. The recipient
company has developed and implemented new customer care systems that have set
unprecedented standards for customer interaction, timely response, and/or
attention to customer needs. It has implemented a system that effectively and
efficiently responds to the perceived needs of its end users.
NGT has based its 6DegreesIP product suite on the hosted IP telephony
platform of BroadSoft's BroadWorks and the product also includes a range of
services to create a turnkey, managed solution. These VoIP solutions
incorporate feature packages, local and long distance VoIP services as well as
many ancillary features such as on-demand conferencing.
The 6DegreesIP product suite leverages NGT's extensive network
origination/termination footprint, its sophisticated network management
capability, retail billing, and OSS functionality, customer premise equipment
(CPE) testing and support, as well as sales, marketing, and training support.
"Throughout 2004, NGT leveraged the advanced capabilities of the
BroadWorks' IP telephony platform and its superior customer service and
support programs to attract many wholesale customers," says Frost & Sullivan
Research Analyst Elka Popova. "By December 2004, it was already carrying 20
million VoIP minutes per month and growth in the company's customer base was
recently enhanced by the migration of a large number of Level 3's former
customers."
The transfer of ICG's originally retail VoicePipe service to NGT's
wholesale platform validated NGT's superior capabilities and value proposition
yet again. Currently, NGT has over 40 wholesale customers including unbundled
network element platform (UNE-P) competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs),
Internet service providers (ISPs), application service providers (ASPs), data
network providers and Tier 1 carriers.
Almost 75 percent of NGT's end users are business customers and the other
25 percent are residential. By the end of 2005, NGT expects its customer base
to reach 60,000 seats, based solely on current signed customer contracts. The
company anticipates over 80 percent of these seats to be made up of business
users by the end of 2005.
"NGT's commitment to deliver greater customer value and superior customer
service is apparent with its ability to rapidly deploy and provision most of
its solution in less than 90 days, thus enabling the speedy launch of VoIP
services," notes Popova. "NGT customizes each implementation, which includes
dedicated account management resources, and involves extensive training and
support services."
NGT's training curriculum comprises seven modules that are unmatched in
the industry. Customers receive access to the 6DegreesIP Resource Center,
where they can download sales/marketing materials, view the latest CPE
information and access product and support documentation. NGT is also known
for its continued innovation and responsiveness to customer needs and
feedback. In the last 12 months, it has had five major product releases that
offer aggressive functionality to service providers and end users. It has also
added conferencing, origination, termination, 800 service, international
service, 729 support, state-based billing, trunk replacement, and device
certification to meet customer needs.
"NGT continuously strives to enhance the value of its solutions and to
provide its wholesale customers with greater opportunities for improving
revenues while curtailing costs," observes Popova. "Through technology
innovation, training, and marketing and sales support, it enables clients to
stand apart from competitors and improve customer satisfaction and retention
rates."
About New Global Telecom, Inc.
New Global Telecom, Inc. is the leading provider of wholesale-hosted VoIP
solutions and outsourced network management services. Through its New Global
Telecom and General Telecom brands, the company delivers IP and TDM switch
partitioning, outsourced network operations and VoIP services to carriers and
service providers, including CLECs, ISPs, VPN providers and VoIP-centric
companies worldwide. NGT's 6DegreesIP product suite of managed wholesale VoIP
products offers service providers a highly effective, turnkey solution to
address residential and business end-user needs. 6DegreesIP includes a
complete range of telephony features, extensive local & long-distance calling
footprint, integrated retail OSS, worldwide conferencing capability, training
and other support. TDM-to-IP and IP-to-IP switching services are also
available. For more information, please visit http://www.ngt.com .
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering
with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than
40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting,
growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and
develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that
includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment
community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique
global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies,
econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit
analysis, North American Hosted IP Telephony and VoIP Access Service, selected
New Global Telecom (NGT), Inc. as the recipient of the 2005 Customer Service
Leadership Award for its 6DegreesIP wholesale-hosted IP telephony service. The
company's solutions have helped service providers make use of the growing
opportunity for business and residential voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
services rapidly and cost-efficiently.
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to a company that has
exhibited excellence in customer service within its industry. The recipient
company has developed and implemented new customer care systems that have set
unprecedented standards for customer interaction, timely response, and/or
attention to customer needs. It has implemented a system that effectively and
efficiently responds to the perceived needs of its end users.
NGT has based its 6DegreesIP product suite on the hosted IP telephony
platform of BroadSoft's BroadWorks and the product also includes a range of
services to create a turnkey, managed solution. These VoIP solutions
incorporate feature packages, local and long distance VoIP services as well as
many ancillary features such as on-demand conferencing.
The 6DegreesIP product suite leverages NGT's extensive network
origination/termination footprint, its sophisticated network management
capability, retail billing, and OSS functionality, customer premise equipment
(CPE) testing and support, as well as sales, marketing, and training support.
"Throughout 2004, NGT leveraged the advanced capabilities of the
BroadWorks' IP telephony platform and its superior customer service and
support programs to attract many wholesale customers," says Frost & Sullivan
Research Analyst Elka Popova. "By December 2004, it was already carrying 20
million VoIP minutes per month and growth in the company's customer base was
recently enhanced by the migration of a large number of Level 3's former
customers."
The transfer of ICG's originally retail VoicePipe service to NGT's
wholesale platform validated NGT's superior capabilities and value proposition
yet again. Currently, NGT has over 40 wholesale customers including unbundled
network element platform (UNE-P) competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs),
Internet service providers (ISPs), application service providers (ASPs), data
network providers and Tier 1 carriers.
Almost 75 percent of NGT's end users are business customers and the other
25 percent are residential. By the end of 2005, NGT expects its customer base
to reach 60,000 seats, based solely on current signed customer contracts. The
company anticipates over 80 percent of these seats to be made up of business
users by the end of 2005.
"NGT's commitment to deliver greater customer value and superior customer
service is apparent with its ability to rapidly deploy and provision most of
its solution in less than 90 days, thus enabling the speedy launch of VoIP
services," notes Popova. "NGT customizes each implementation, which includes
dedicated account management resources, and involves extensive training and
support services."
NGT's training curriculum comprises seven modules that are unmatched in
the industry. Customers receive access to the 6DegreesIP Resource Center,
where they can download sales/marketing materials, view the latest CPE
information and access product and support documentation. NGT is also known
for its continued innovation and responsiveness to customer needs and
feedback. In the last 12 months, it has had five major product releases that
offer aggressive functionality to service providers and end users. It has also
added conferencing, origination, termination, 800 service, international
service, 729 support, state-based billing, trunk replacement, and device
certification to meet customer needs.
"NGT continuously strives to enhance the value of its solutions and to
provide its wholesale customers with greater opportunities for improving
revenues while curtailing costs," observes Popova. "Through technology
innovation, training, and marketing and sales support, it enables clients to
stand apart from competitors and improve customer satisfaction and retention
rates."
About New Global Telecom, Inc.
New Global Telecom, Inc. is the leading provider of wholesale-hosted VoIP
solutions and outsourced network management services. Through its New Global
Telecom and General Telecom brands, the company delivers IP and TDM switch
partitioning, outsourced network operations and VoIP services to carriers and
service providers, including CLECs, ISPs, VPN providers and VoIP-centric
companies worldwide. NGT's 6DegreesIP product suite of managed wholesale VoIP
products offers service providers a highly effective, turnkey solution to
address residential and business end-user needs. 6DegreesIP includes a
complete range of telephony features, extensive local & long-distance calling
footprint, integrated retail OSS, worldwide conferencing capability, training
and other support. TDM-to-IP and IP-to-IP switching services are also
available. For more information, please visit http://www.ngt.com .
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering
with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than
40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting,
growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and
develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that
includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment
community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique
global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies,
econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit
Making VoIP service a little simpler
As the popularity of Internet phone service -- Voice over Internet Protocol -- continues to grow, two companies have made setting up the service at home a little bit easier. Normally, in order to get broadband phone service going, a customer would have to connect their DSL Internet connection or cable wire to a router, then connect that to a special VoIP adapter, and connect that to a phone.
But both New Jersey-based Vonage and Santa Clara-based 8x8 are now selling phones that have adapters and routers built into one appliance, so all customers need to do is plug their Internet DSL or cable wire right in.
Vonage's phone, the VTech IP8100-2, merges its router and adapter and comes with two cordless handsets to place around your house. 8x8's UIP 1868P phone, made by Uniden, combines router, adapter and phone all into one unit and includes one cordless handset. Both phones retail for about $150 plus the cost of monthly VoIP service, and are available in electronics stores throughout California, the companies
But both New Jersey-based Vonage and Santa Clara-based 8x8 are now selling phones that have adapters and routers built into one appliance, so all customers need to do is plug their Internet DSL or cable wire right in.
Vonage's phone, the VTech IP8100-2, merges its router and adapter and comes with two cordless handsets to place around your house. 8x8's UIP 1868P phone, made by Uniden, combines router, adapter and phone all into one unit and includes one cordless handset. Both phones retail for about $150 plus the cost of monthly VoIP service, and are available in electronics stores throughout California, the companies
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Telecommunications upgrade is key to coast economic growth
As rural electrification and the railroad were to the development of the early American West, the spread of telecommunications technology will be the key to the economic development of the West of the future, including the Oregon coast, says Onno Husing, director of the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association (OCZMA). His organization is now spearheading a coast-wide effort to bring the most advanced telecommunications to the coast.
All-season business
The conversion of coastal businesses from seasonal to year-round has been a goal - and a struggle - for many in Lincoln County. Prompted by that reality, some businesses on the coast are already adapting to the new globalized world through the use of telecommunications. For example, Husing points out, the Lighthouse Deli, run by Jim Iverson, "has a big Internet business" that enables the South Beach food shop to reach customers around the country in all seasons.
"Seventy percent of his business in winter now is through Internet sales. I came with Jim one day at 6 a.m. to watch him turn on the computer to see what his Internet orders were overnight. He's on Yahoo and eBay and he's all self-taught. It's a whole new world out there."
The Lincoln County Economic Development Alliance, working with county government and organizations like Husing's, took the lead several years ago in the first coordinated effort at bringing telecommunications technology to the Oregon coast, with the creation of CoastNet. That linked Lincoln County with the Willamette Valley, and through the Bonneville Power Administration's regional telecommunications system, the world, by leasing space on otherwise unused fiber optic cables owned by the Central Lincoln People's Utility District. And it ultimately prompted Qwest, which had viewed the coast as a backwater, to come in with its own fiber optics system.
But the world, and especially, telecommunications, moves on. In order to provide more advanced, faster and greater capacities, the OCZMA, based in Newport, has been looking into a telecommunications project for the entire coast. "The coast as a whole is a poor region," says Husing, "and we really need a way to bring new businesses and new jobs here. The new telecommunications technologies could be that."
The need
That project, says Husing, is looking at two forms of enhanced technology: broadband cable, and wireless (also known as "Wi-Fi") technology.
Broadband cable is essentially just that, a larger fiber optic cable capable of carrying telecommunications services that demand a far higher number of bits per second than the more common current technology can handle. Thus, where the modem in most computers today can transfer data at a rate of 56 kilobytes (KB) per second, large deployments of broadband capability now enable the transfer of 500 KB per second or more -10 times what the average home computer, or its telephone line, can handle
.
Husing's OCZMA "started in on this in earnest in February 2004, and we'll have a final report out September 30," he said. "The point is that we've got issues of poverty all up and down the Oregon coast, and many of the people I work for - the counties, cities, ports, soil and water conservation districts, as well as the Coquille Tribe - all recognize we have these issues. The data shows, for instance, that 70 percent of the kids in Waldport qualify for the school lunch program."
Many of the best and brightest among the coast's young people go inland to college and stay there after they graduate, even as senior citizens come to the coast to retire. Others come to build "trophy homes" which give the coast a "veneer of prosperity," Husing says, but are lived in only two months of the year, or are rented out, providing rental income to absentee owners far from the coastal economy.
These demographic changes are layered on top of the job losses the coast has sustained in the past decade to produce a sluggish economy. Here on the coast, Husing noted, the spotted owl crisis and its cut in timber harvests was followed by the endangered species listing of the salmon and then massive reductions in permitted catch for the groundfish. All these have made a coast-wide economic development, or redevelopment, strategy imperative, Husing says.
The opportunity
"With broadband, we have an opportunity to grow our existing businesses and to attract knowledge-based businesses from around the state, the region and the country, to the Oregon coast. We could see an increasing presence for cottage industries, businesses involved in intellectual property, and a variety of other kinds of businesses that want a high quality of life, and, due to the telecommunications revolution, no longer require being in an urban area."
One thing the coast does have is five community colleges, including the Oregon Coast Community College, here in Lincoln County. These colleges, Husing says, have "key roles to play in skills training, and in other regards, for this new technology."
And the central coast has several individuals who are at the top of their respective fields in new technology. The OCZMA technical team includes Dr. Edwin Parker, who literally wrote the book on the new telecommunications, and Ben Doti, who worked for years with the PUD telecommunications system and is now a telecommunications consultant. Also on that tech team are John Irwin, a telecommunications consultant from Southern Oregon, and Chris Tamarin, a technical expert with the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department.
Husing says the project is intended to "create a new sector of our economy, or rather, expand it, because it's already happening now. We do see a lot of small and family businesses on the Oregon coast, quietly making a living out of small offices or from home offices, doing businesses with people literally around the world. They can do that because of broadband and because of the Internet.
"We will encourage more of those businesses," he says. "If we have adequate broadband, we can attract businesses, we can market the Oregon coast, not just as a nice place to visit, but as a place where those firms want to work in, do business in, and live in."
He emphasizes that "we are not talking about putting a big (computer) chip plant here, but about putting a think tank that designs new programs here."
The technologies
Broadband involves having "a big enough pipe," Husing explains, to push he volumes of data through. "It's like the difference between a garden hose you wash your car with and a fireman's fire hose," Husing says.
Current technology, without broadband, is usually limited to the 56 KB per second standard of most modems. "You can't do teleconferencing, or transfer video, with that technology," he says. Even DSL (digital subscriber line) can't really match broadband, Husing explained.
Sprint in Lincoln City offers DSL, and he said, "it's kind of broadband." But that phone company's network still largely uses a copper-based wire network that was originally "designed for analog uses, like your old TV set." And copper has its limits as to how well it can carry digital information, and in the amount of data it can handle.
Broadband is not, in this age of exponentially expanding technologies, the end-all and be-all of the telecommunications revolution. The next big thing is Wi-Fi - and OCZMA is looking at it, too.
An Internet café, a town, city, or perhaps even a whole region like the Oregon coast can become a "Wi-Fi hotspot" in which a person with a laptop and the right chip from Intel can hook up into the Internet anywhere, without plugging into anything.
"It's like using a cell phone, which produces a cloud of signal that is portable. Wi-Fi produces a cloud of signal and if you're within it, you can access the Internet through it," he explained
OCZMA is not the only governmental entity in the country looking at enveloping an area in such a cloud. According to a recent issue of Business Week, EarthLink and Hewlett-Packard are now competing to build a 135-square mile citywide network for Philadelphia and its 1.5 million people, at less than $20 a month and just $10 a month to low-income residents. Minneapolis is taking bids for a 59-square mile citywide Wi-Fi and fiber network. Here in Oregon, adds Husing, the city of Keizer has its own Wi-Fi deployment process, and the City of Seattle is placing a Wi-Fi beacon on its famous Space Needle.
"It will be a public-private partnership. We'll be working with the private sector, and with the cities and counties to identify what added infrastructure people would like to have in their community," Husing says. "We'll ask interested communities to establish their own telecommunications committees; Lincoln County has one already, and Florence is roaring ahead, they started in 2002-03."
All-season business
The conversion of coastal businesses from seasonal to year-round has been a goal - and a struggle - for many in Lincoln County. Prompted by that reality, some businesses on the coast are already adapting to the new globalized world through the use of telecommunications. For example, Husing points out, the Lighthouse Deli, run by Jim Iverson, "has a big Internet business" that enables the South Beach food shop to reach customers around the country in all seasons.
"Seventy percent of his business in winter now is through Internet sales. I came with Jim one day at 6 a.m. to watch him turn on the computer to see what his Internet orders were overnight. He's on Yahoo and eBay and he's all self-taught. It's a whole new world out there."
The Lincoln County Economic Development Alliance, working with county government and organizations like Husing's, took the lead several years ago in the first coordinated effort at bringing telecommunications technology to the Oregon coast, with the creation of CoastNet. That linked Lincoln County with the Willamette Valley, and through the Bonneville Power Administration's regional telecommunications system, the world, by leasing space on otherwise unused fiber optic cables owned by the Central Lincoln People's Utility District. And it ultimately prompted Qwest, which had viewed the coast as a backwater, to come in with its own fiber optics system.
But the world, and especially, telecommunications, moves on. In order to provide more advanced, faster and greater capacities, the OCZMA, based in Newport, has been looking into a telecommunications project for the entire coast. "The coast as a whole is a poor region," says Husing, "and we really need a way to bring new businesses and new jobs here. The new telecommunications technologies could be that."
The need
That project, says Husing, is looking at two forms of enhanced technology: broadband cable, and wireless (also known as "Wi-Fi") technology.
Broadband cable is essentially just that, a larger fiber optic cable capable of carrying telecommunications services that demand a far higher number of bits per second than the more common current technology can handle. Thus, where the modem in most computers today can transfer data at a rate of 56 kilobytes (KB) per second, large deployments of broadband capability now enable the transfer of 500 KB per second or more -10 times what the average home computer, or its telephone line, can handle
.
Husing's OCZMA "started in on this in earnest in February 2004, and we'll have a final report out September 30," he said. "The point is that we've got issues of poverty all up and down the Oregon coast, and many of the people I work for - the counties, cities, ports, soil and water conservation districts, as well as the Coquille Tribe - all recognize we have these issues. The data shows, for instance, that 70 percent of the kids in Waldport qualify for the school lunch program."
Many of the best and brightest among the coast's young people go inland to college and stay there after they graduate, even as senior citizens come to the coast to retire. Others come to build "trophy homes" which give the coast a "veneer of prosperity," Husing says, but are lived in only two months of the year, or are rented out, providing rental income to absentee owners far from the coastal economy.
These demographic changes are layered on top of the job losses the coast has sustained in the past decade to produce a sluggish economy. Here on the coast, Husing noted, the spotted owl crisis and its cut in timber harvests was followed by the endangered species listing of the salmon and then massive reductions in permitted catch for the groundfish. All these have made a coast-wide economic development, or redevelopment, strategy imperative, Husing says.
The opportunity
"With broadband, we have an opportunity to grow our existing businesses and to attract knowledge-based businesses from around the state, the region and the country, to the Oregon coast. We could see an increasing presence for cottage industries, businesses involved in intellectual property, and a variety of other kinds of businesses that want a high quality of life, and, due to the telecommunications revolution, no longer require being in an urban area."
One thing the coast does have is five community colleges, including the Oregon Coast Community College, here in Lincoln County. These colleges, Husing says, have "key roles to play in skills training, and in other regards, for this new technology."
And the central coast has several individuals who are at the top of their respective fields in new technology. The OCZMA technical team includes Dr. Edwin Parker, who literally wrote the book on the new telecommunications, and Ben Doti, who worked for years with the PUD telecommunications system and is now a telecommunications consultant. Also on that tech team are John Irwin, a telecommunications consultant from Southern Oregon, and Chris Tamarin, a technical expert with the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department.
Husing says the project is intended to "create a new sector of our economy, or rather, expand it, because it's already happening now. We do see a lot of small and family businesses on the Oregon coast, quietly making a living out of small offices or from home offices, doing businesses with people literally around the world. They can do that because of broadband and because of the Internet.
"We will encourage more of those businesses," he says. "If we have adequate broadband, we can attract businesses, we can market the Oregon coast, not just as a nice place to visit, but as a place where those firms want to work in, do business in, and live in."
He emphasizes that "we are not talking about putting a big (computer) chip plant here, but about putting a think tank that designs new programs here."
The technologies
Broadband involves having "a big enough pipe," Husing explains, to push he volumes of data through. "It's like the difference between a garden hose you wash your car with and a fireman's fire hose," Husing says.
Current technology, without broadband, is usually limited to the 56 KB per second standard of most modems. "You can't do teleconferencing, or transfer video, with that technology," he says. Even DSL (digital subscriber line) can't really match broadband, Husing explained.
Sprint in Lincoln City offers DSL, and he said, "it's kind of broadband." But that phone company's network still largely uses a copper-based wire network that was originally "designed for analog uses, like your old TV set." And copper has its limits as to how well it can carry digital information, and in the amount of data it can handle.
Broadband is not, in this age of exponentially expanding technologies, the end-all and be-all of the telecommunications revolution. The next big thing is Wi-Fi - and OCZMA is looking at it, too.
An Internet café, a town, city, or perhaps even a whole region like the Oregon coast can become a "Wi-Fi hotspot" in which a person with a laptop and the right chip from Intel can hook up into the Internet anywhere, without plugging into anything.
"It's like using a cell phone, which produces a cloud of signal that is portable. Wi-Fi produces a cloud of signal and if you're within it, you can access the Internet through it," he explained
OCZMA is not the only governmental entity in the country looking at enveloping an area in such a cloud. According to a recent issue of Business Week, EarthLink and Hewlett-Packard are now competing to build a 135-square mile citywide network for Philadelphia and its 1.5 million people, at less than $20 a month and just $10 a month to low-income residents. Minneapolis is taking bids for a 59-square mile citywide Wi-Fi and fiber network. Here in Oregon, adds Husing, the city of Keizer has its own Wi-Fi deployment process, and the City of Seattle is placing a Wi-Fi beacon on its famous Space Needle.
"It will be a public-private partnership. We'll be working with the private sector, and with the cities and counties to identify what added infrastructure people would like to have in their community," Husing says. "We'll ask interested communities to establish their own telecommunications committees; Lincoln County has one already, and Florence is roaring ahead, they started in 2002-03."
Monday, September 05, 2005
Second hand phones drive mobile boom
From the plebe to the peer, the cellphone has undergone a mighty metamorphosis - the plaything of the opulent is now a classless essential.
A rapidly expanding cellular circuit is sweeping across all sections of society - from vegetable vendors to milk sellers, maids and safaiwallahs - thanks to the burgeoning second hand cellphone market and the tariff war, those in the business say.
According to industry estimates, the GSM subscriber base touched 46.87 million last month.
"It is essentially the low cost of cell phones - whether new or second hand - which is responsible for the boom. For a user his relationship with the mobile begins with the instrument. If it is within his range, then he looks for various tariff plans available," says a Reliance Infocomm official, pointing out that "second hand cellphones are certainly driving the market."
"There is a large section of people - the lower income groups, who do not mind using a second hand phone. This is generating the business at the retail level on its own," he says adding, it is difficult to quantify the second-hand cellphone market as it is scattered and in the unorganised segment.
"The second hand mobile phones cost anywhere between Rs 800 to 1500 here but in villages and small towns, 7 to 8 year old models are available even less", says Madan, who runs the business in Central Delhi.
On the factors behind easy availability of second-hand phones, Madan says "the Indian mobile phone user refuses to junk an old instrument but passes it on to a new low-end user, helping the second-hand market to thrive."
"Every second day a new model hits the market. People now have the experience of using coloured handsets, camera phones and now there are even data enabled phones coming in the market.
Earlier a user changed the mobile every two years or so, now this time period has come down to 12 months or even less," says Ashwani Kumar, a cellphone retailer.
"The prices of the new models have also come down, which has helped this trend," says Kumar, but a new customer in the lower end prefers to go mobile for as little an entry cost as Rs 800. Price is still the biggest determiner of choice, he says.
"Most of the first time phone users generally went in for a landline. But what we are finding now is that they are skipping this and going directly for the cellphones because of low cost and mobility," says the Reliance official.
On the future of mobile telephony, he says "the potential for growth is still very high. The mobile density is still 14 per 1000 in India."
"Even today, you see big crowds at PCOs. These are people who neither have a landline nor a mobile... all of them hold big potential to be the future mobile customers," the Reliance official says.
A rapidly expanding cellular circuit is sweeping across all sections of society - from vegetable vendors to milk sellers, maids and safaiwallahs - thanks to the burgeoning second hand cellphone market and the tariff war, those in the business say.
According to industry estimates, the GSM subscriber base touched 46.87 million last month.
"It is essentially the low cost of cell phones - whether new or second hand - which is responsible for the boom. For a user his relationship with the mobile begins with the instrument. If it is within his range, then he looks for various tariff plans available," says a Reliance Infocomm official, pointing out that "second hand cellphones are certainly driving the market."
"There is a large section of people - the lower income groups, who do not mind using a second hand phone. This is generating the business at the retail level on its own," he says adding, it is difficult to quantify the second-hand cellphone market as it is scattered and in the unorganised segment.
"The second hand mobile phones cost anywhere between Rs 800 to 1500 here but in villages and small towns, 7 to 8 year old models are available even less", says Madan, who runs the business in Central Delhi.
On the factors behind easy availability of second-hand phones, Madan says "the Indian mobile phone user refuses to junk an old instrument but passes it on to a new low-end user, helping the second-hand market to thrive."
"Every second day a new model hits the market. People now have the experience of using coloured handsets, camera phones and now there are even data enabled phones coming in the market.
Earlier a user changed the mobile every two years or so, now this time period has come down to 12 months or even less," says Ashwani Kumar, a cellphone retailer.
"The prices of the new models have also come down, which has helped this trend," says Kumar, but a new customer in the lower end prefers to go mobile for as little an entry cost as Rs 800. Price is still the biggest determiner of choice, he says.
"Most of the first time phone users generally went in for a landline. But what we are finding now is that they are skipping this and going directly for the cellphones because of low cost and mobility," says the Reliance official.
On the future of mobile telephony, he says "the potential for growth is still very high. The mobile density is still 14 per 1000 in India."
"Even today, you see big crowds at PCOs. These are people who neither have a landline nor a mobile... all of them hold big potential to be the future mobile customers," the Reliance official says.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Katrina damages Sprint switching center
A Sprint switching center in New Orleans was damaged during Hurricane Katrina, affecting long distance and Internet service in North Florida.
Sprint officials can give no timetable for fixing the outage, as they had not yet even been allowed into downtown New Orleans because of flooding.
The outage affects long distance service for individual customers and Internet service for business customers (who are routed through the long distance switch in New Orleans) but is not affecting individual residents' Sprint DSL.
A few businesses have been hobbled by the problem. Tangentially, delivery companies say service to hurricane-affected areas is being delayed.
Sprint officials can give no timetable for fixing the outage, as they had not yet even been allowed into downtown New Orleans because of flooding.
The outage affects long distance service for individual customers and Internet service for business customers (who are routed through the long distance switch in New Orleans) but is not affecting individual residents' Sprint DSL.
A few businesses have been hobbled by the problem. Tangentially, delivery companies say service to hurricane-affected areas is being delayed.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Camera Phones: Digital Camera Boon or Buster?
Will camera phones replace digital cameras for the average consumer? Not by a long shot, according to a new study from IDC. The study refutes what it refers to as a myth about the digital technologies and affirms the notion of peaceful co-existence between the two.
According to IDC's Mobile Imaging Survey, the myth is suspect at best, especially since resolutions in camera phones have remained somewhat constant and digital camera pricing has continued to decline.
Different Purposes
Michael Gartenberg, an analyst with Jupiter Research, told TechNewsWorld he agrees with IDC's assessment.
"Camera phones will not become digital cameras, nor will music-enabled phones displace iPods or MP3 players," he said. "These devices will be an addition to, not instead of."
Gartenberg said the issue is context. Consumers who are heading out for a night on the town may only want to take one digital device. The natural selection is the cell phone . If the consumer is inspired to take a snapshot of his friends, then the camera phone is better than the best digital camera that got left at home.
However, consumers who are going on vacation and want to capture memories of their special retreat will take a digital camera.
Gateway to Camera Sales
IDC concludes that the camera phone is more of a gateway product in the U.S., and creates rather than destroys digital camera users.
Indeed, over 30 percent of camera phone owners plan to purchase a digital camera because they were introduced to digital imaging through a camera phone.
But analysts said sales drivers of camera phones and digital cameras are as different as their uses. One driver goes back to context. The second driver is cash.
"The cell phone user, for the most part, isn't going to pay money for the camera feature. They are getting the camera as part of the phone and aren't paying extra for it," Gartenberg said. "A digital camera is something that you go out and buy because you want to take photographs."
Printing on the Decline
The printing of images captured on camera phones is also on the decline, the IDC survey reveals. Instead of one image being printed on average per month like in 2004, one image is being printed every three months in 2005.
"Home is still the dominant place to print, yet the anemic number of prints supports IDC's theory that end users have more reliable expectations regarding mobile imaging than vendors themselves," said Chris Chute, senior analyst, Worldwide Digital Imaging Solutions and Services.
Gartenberg suspects one reason for the decline in camera phone picture print outs is the low quality. Megapixel camera phones are just beginning to come to market that can print an image with reasonable quality. The other factor is how people use the images.
"Often consumers don't have an easy way to get the pictures off the camera. So they use them as wallpaper and screensavers instead of printing them," Gartenberg said. "It shows how consumers are changing the way they are interacting with digital technology. Consumers are realizing that there's many ways they can interact with their pictures other than just printing them out and pasting them into an album."
IDC's Mobile Imaging Survey also determined that the bulk of camera phone owner respondents are between the ages of 25 and 44. The top imaging activities are archiving images for the long-term and sharing through e-mail
According to IDC's Mobile Imaging Survey, the myth is suspect at best, especially since resolutions in camera phones have remained somewhat constant and digital camera pricing has continued to decline.
Different Purposes
Michael Gartenberg, an analyst with Jupiter Research, told TechNewsWorld he agrees with IDC's assessment.
"Camera phones will not become digital cameras, nor will music-enabled phones displace iPods or MP3 players," he said. "These devices will be an addition to, not instead of."
Gartenberg said the issue is context. Consumers who are heading out for a night on the town may only want to take one digital device. The natural selection is the cell phone . If the consumer is inspired to take a snapshot of his friends, then the camera phone is better than the best digital camera that got left at home.
However, consumers who are going on vacation and want to capture memories of their special retreat will take a digital camera.
Gateway to Camera Sales
IDC concludes that the camera phone is more of a gateway product in the U.S., and creates rather than destroys digital camera users.
Indeed, over 30 percent of camera phone owners plan to purchase a digital camera because they were introduced to digital imaging through a camera phone.
But analysts said sales drivers of camera phones and digital cameras are as different as their uses. One driver goes back to context. The second driver is cash.
"The cell phone user, for the most part, isn't going to pay money for the camera feature. They are getting the camera as part of the phone and aren't paying extra for it," Gartenberg said. "A digital camera is something that you go out and buy because you want to take photographs."
Printing on the Decline
The printing of images captured on camera phones is also on the decline, the IDC survey reveals. Instead of one image being printed on average per month like in 2004, one image is being printed every three months in 2005.
"Home is still the dominant place to print, yet the anemic number of prints supports IDC's theory that end users have more reliable expectations regarding mobile imaging than vendors themselves," said Chris Chute, senior analyst, Worldwide Digital Imaging Solutions and Services.
Gartenberg suspects one reason for the decline in camera phone picture print outs is the low quality. Megapixel camera phones are just beginning to come to market that can print an image with reasonable quality. The other factor is how people use the images.
"Often consumers don't have an easy way to get the pictures off the camera. So they use them as wallpaper and screensavers instead of printing them," Gartenberg said. "It shows how consumers are changing the way they are interacting with digital technology. Consumers are realizing that there's many ways they can interact with their pictures other than just printing them out and pasting them into an album."
IDC's Mobile Imaging Survey also determined that the bulk of camera phone owner respondents are between the ages of 25 and 44. The top imaging activities are archiving images for the long-term and sharing through e-mail
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