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Wednesday, 03 June 2009
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Australian govt proposes FTTP for all new buildings
Australia | Fixed | 29-May-2009
The Australian government is paving the way for new housing and business estates to receive high-speed broadband from mid-2010. The Rudd government has opened a consultation on proposals to ensure that fibre-to-the-premises technology is installed in all new substantial greenfield property developments from 1 July 2010. The commitment to FTTP in new greenfield estates was announced in April as part of the National Broadband Network. A number of local governments around Australia are already using their planning powers to encourage the rollout of FTTP in new greenfield estates. The government seeks feedback from stakeholders on its proposed approach to this issue by 12 June.
Telstra loses tribunal appeal over Optus access
Australia | Fixed | 26-May-2009
Australian operator Telstra has an ongoing obligation to provide Optus with regulated access to its copper network in all areas of Australia, following a decision by the Australian Competition Tribunal. The Tribunal has rejected Telstra's exemption application to restrict regulated access for Optus in areas where Optus has its hybrid fibre-coaxial cable network. The Tribunal was not satisfied that Telstra's application was likely to promote competition or economic efficiency. This affirms the November 2008 decision by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The Tribunal's decision noted the "chilling effect" on investment that would result from granting an exemption application which singles out a particular competitor to lose access to regulated services. The Tribunal considered that such a discriminatory access policy would "be likely to seriously hamper the achievement of long-term dynamic efficiency and sustainable full facilities-based competition." ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said that the Tribunal had confirmed the ACCC's view that a discriminatory access policy would be likely to discourage investment and not promote the long term interests of end-users.
Palm Hills picks Enablence to deploy FTTH network
Egypt | Fixed | 29-May-2009
Palm Hills Developments (PHD), an Egyptian real estate development company, has selected Enablence communications equipment for its first FTTH network deployment. Palm Hills Developments is purchasing Enablence's Trident Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) Platform and Optical Network Terminals for a residential deployment, connecting nearly 4,200 units. Yasseen Mansour, CEO of Palm Hills Developments said this was the first open access deployment in Egypt. Arvind Chhatbar, CEO of Enablence said this was an especially important deal for Enablence, as it is the first deployment in the growing FTTH market in the Middle East region.
Free extends IP over DWDM network with Cisco
France | Fixed | 28-May-2009
French triple-play operator Free is expanding its national next-generation network with the rollout of additional Cisco CRS-1 carrier routing systems in Lyon, Strasbourg and Bordeaux. Free is converging its DWDM optical network onto a completely IP-based infrastructure by installing Cisco 10 Gigabit Ethernet IP over DWDM (IPoDWDM) line cards in all Cisco CRS-1 systems throughout its network. By using Cisco IPoDWDM technology, Free eliminates the need for optical-electrical-optical (OEO) conversions in the network, reducing visits to its points of presence to provision new services and streamlining the management of the complete network via a single interface. Free is investing EUR 1 billion in bringing FTTH to 4 million homes by the end of 2012.
Alcatel-Lucent competes IP/MPLS network deployment for OBS
France | Fixed | 25-May-2009
Alcatel-Lucent has completed its deployment of an IP/MPLS backbone transit network in France for Orange Business Services (OBS). The network was rolled out in 2008 and the first quarter of 2009 to expand OBS's portfolio of business services, including Ethernet, IP VPN and advanced VoIP services, throughout France. In addition to its 7750 SR terabit router and network, Alcatel-Lucent provided integration and testing services. The company said it would continue supporting OBS's network transformation to simplify the network and provide higher capacity, services and reliability while reducing costs.
LD Collectivites wins northeast Paris fibre contract
France | Fixed, Internet | 25-May-2009
SFR subsidiary LD Collectivites has been awarded a contract by public body Debitex to build and operate a fibre optic network in the counties of Val d'Oise and Seine-Saint-Denis, northeast of Paris. The "Debit Express" project is expected to require EUR 55 million of investment, including a EUR 15.8 million subsidy shared between the Ile-de-France regional council and the two county governments. LD Collectivites will finance, design, build, operate, maintain and market the network to third-party service providers by 2012. The fibre network will run for 400 km and reach 400 public sites, 100 business and industrial zones and 120,000 homes.
Huawei wins M-net FTTx network deal
Germany | Fixed | 29-May-2009
Chinese telecommunications equipment manufacturer Huawei Technologies has won a contract from German regional network operator M-net for building FTTB/H networks in Munich and Augsburg. Huawei was chosen at the end of 2008 and start deployments in March of this year. M-net also selected Alcatel-Lucent as equipment provider. M-net plans to have connected around 40,000 buildings to its FTTx network by the end of 2012. Huawei deploys its FTTx solution including OLT (Optical Line Termination), MDU (multi-dwelling unit) as well as ONT (Optical Network Terminal) technology. No financial details were disclosed.
NetCologne deploys Docsis 3.0 for 100 Mbps broadband
Germany | Fixed | 26-May-2009
German city carrier NetCologne will launch 100 Mbps broadband internet services via its cable network using the Euro Docsis 3.0 standard from 1 June. NetCologne already offers broadband services up to 100 Mbps via its fibre optical network in Cologne, which is called CityNetCologne and is expected to cover 116,000 households in the city by the end of this year. The Docsis 3.0 technology will be deployed on NetCologne's cable network in Cologne and its surrounding region, which is called Multikabel, connecting 120,000 households. These plans will see 45 percent of all 532,000 households connected to a NetCologne network to be able to order 100 Mbps by the end of this year.
Dutch govt urged to invest more in ICT research
Netherlands | IT | 28-May-2009
The Dutch government should invest more in ICT research, said ICTRegie on action agenda ICT2030.nl. ICTRegie said that one quarter of research in the Netherlands focuses on ICT, with one third of that paid by ICT companies. ICTRegie based its figures on the ICT scan 2008 report it commissioned Technopolis Group and Dialogic to put together. Jan-Frens van Giessen, one of the researchers for the report, said now was the time for the government to get involved.
EC clears Opta rules for KPN fibre access
Netherlands | Fixed | 26-May-2009
The European Commission has issued its comments on Dutch regulator Opta's proposed regulation of access to KPN's fibre-to-the-office (FttO) networks. Opta's rules are based on the assumption that FttO represents a profitable business case, even with a relatively small penetration rate, as it requires relatively small investments. In the beginning of this year, Opta decided to compensate KPN for risks it is facing with the roll-out of its fibre-to-the-home (FttH) network. As a result, alternative operators wanting to take over the end-users' connection line from KPN pay a wholesale tariff which is cost-oriented, but includes a mark-up. Opta voiced its concern that the large scale roll-out of fibre to all households in the Netherlands requires large, long-term investments and that their uptake of this new technology is not certain. In a letter to Opta, the commission noted the different approaches in price obligations imposed on KPN's FttO and FttH access networks. It reminded the Dutch telecoms regulator that the commission is currently working towards a legal instrument (a Recommendation) providing guidelines to all Europe's telecoms regulators on how to regulate next-generation fibre networks. The commission invited Opta to revisit its analysis once this recommendation is adopted to make sure that the Dutch approach is in line with the recommended European approach. Under EU law, Opta is required to take the commission's comments into utmost account before adopting its final measure.
Nayatel to deploy GPON with Alcatel-Lucent platform
Pakistan | Fixed | 27-May-2009
Nayatel is preparing to deploy the first gigabit passive optical network (GPON) in Pakistan with Alcatel-Lucent. This will provide customers with advanced triple-play services such as high-definition television, innovative telephony and ultraband internet access. The new network is expected to be up and running by the end of 2009. Alcatel-Lucent will deploy its 7342 Intelligent Services Access Manager Fibre to the User (ISAM FTTU) system, leveraging GPON technology to multiplex voice, video and data services onto a single fibre. The 7342 ISAM FTTU is complemented by a wide range of optical network terminals (ONTs) and is managed by the 5520 Access Management System (AMS).
PLDT to launch FTTH platform
Philippines | Fixed | 26-May-2009
Philippine Long Distance Telephone plans to launch a fibre-to-the home broadband delivery platform to deliver high-speed data services to residences and buildings later this year. The new platform will be able to deliver voice, video and data services simultaneously. The new service will be initially marketed to high-bandwidth residential households in high-income subdivisions and condominiums. The pilot areas for FTTH will include Bonifacio Global City, Forbes Park, Urdaneta Village, Ayala Alabang, Dasmarinas Village, Wack Wack, Ayala Heights, Valle Verde and certain areas covered by PLDT Subictel and PLDT Clarktel. The company targets 1,000 customers this year.
Portuguese government signs broadband financing deal
Portugal | Fixed | 28-May-2009
The Portuguese government, the European Investment Bank and a pool of Portuguese banks have signed a memorandum of understanding for the government's plan to invest EUR 800 million in next-generation broadband networks. The financing was agreed earlier this year as part of economic stimulus plans and will go to private operators to aid their network roll-out plans. According to Portuguese daily Diario Economico, the Portuguese financial institutions taking part in the project are Caixa Geral de Depositos, BES, BCP and Santander. Portugal Telecom, Sonaecom, Zon Multimedia and Oni signed an agreement earlier this year with the government, pledging to invest in their networks and works with the government on expanding broadband access, in exchange for access to the government-backed financing.
Portugal Telecom teams up with Cabelte for GPON
Portugal | Fixed | 26-May-2009
Portugal Telecom and Cabelte have signed a partnership agreement for fibre-optic network development. Portugal-based Cabelte develops various types of fibre-optic cable equipment. The agreement centres on the development of GPON technology for PT's fixed network. Portugal Telecom has already signed a partnership for the development of fibre-optic networks with Corning as well.
Portugal Telecom picks Huawei for FTTH network development
Portugal | Fixed | 25-May-2009
Portugal Telecom has selected Huawei Technologies for the development of its FTTH network. Starting 2007, Huawei and Portugal Telecom have been developing laboratory tests and field trials aiming to supply new generation optical technology for the access network in Portugal. The tests leverage new GPON technology. The development of the FTTH network is expected to enable the operator to increase the efficiency and quality of its broadband and IPTV servcies as well as provide HD IPTV, enhanced high-speed internet and advanced IP telephone services. The GPON project with Portugal Telecom is based on the Huawei MA5600T platform.
Corning Cable Systems completes MDU trial in Rostov-on-Don
Russian Federation | Fixed | 29-May-2009
US manufacturer of fiber optic communications system services Corning Cable Systems, part of Corning Incorporated's Telecommunications segment, has recently completed a multi dwelling unit (MDU) trial project for Southern Telecommunications Company (STC) in the Russian city Rostov-on-Don. The trial has been conducted with the support of its distributor in Russia Technocom and the construction company Business Computer Center. During this trial, Corning Cable Systems successfully installed its Evolant Solutions Ascend MDU System into an apartment block from Rostov-on-Don using Corning SMF-28e XB bend-improved fibres in the building riser. The Ascend MDU System, part of Corning's Evolant MDU Solution set, was deployed for the 'Homes Passed' phase of this project. In the near future, the first customers will be connected using Corning ClearCurve bend-insensitive fibres terminated with Corning Cable Systems OptiSnap Connectors on the customer side.
Comstar-UTS launches broadband internet in Tver, Kaluga
Russian Federation | Internet | 29-May-2009
Comstar-UTS, through its Zao Stream-TV branches, has launched FTTB-based broadband internet access services in Tver and Kaluga in the Central Federal District. Both Tver and Kaluga branches have already started to provide broadband internet access services, aimed at residential as well as business customers. Stream-TV subscribers in Kaluga and Tver are offered both unlimited and pre-paid tariff plans with the data rate of up to 1 Mbps as well as internet, TV bundles. Initially, Stream-TV broadband access will be available to 15,300 residents in Tver and to 7,500 Kaluga households. Both branches also plan to increase the number of TV channels offered through their cable TV networks from 26 to 60.
Stream-TV launches FTTB services in Northern Russia
Russian Federation | Fixed | 26-May-2009
Stream-TV, part of Russian telecommunication services provider Comstar-UTS, has launched its broadband access service in the city of Mirny (Plesetsk Cosmodrome) in the Arkhangelsk region. The project leverages FTTB technology and comprises a 20km fibre-optic backbone. The service is delivered to end-users via Ethernet, while TV is provided via coaxial cable over Stream-TV's distribution network earlier deployed inside the buildings. The network currently covers over 9,000 households. Stream-TV plans to soon offer its subscribers both unlimited tariffs plans and prepaid internet traffic at speeds of up to 10 Mbps, as well as double-play packages with internet and TV services.
Verizon Business completes 100 Gbps trial with UK's Janet
United Kingdom | Fixed | 28-May-2009
Verizon Business has completed a trial of 100 Gbps optical service with the UK's government-funded computer network Janet. The field trial is the latest in a series of successful trials conducted by Verizon, which is working with major equipment suppliers toward 100 Gbps commercial deployment. Typical optical carrier network speeds are 10 Gbps and 40 Gbps. Using a 103-km section of the Verizon global network between London and Reading, the trial with Janet demonstrated that 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps optical signals can be carried simultaneously without signal impact. During the trial with Janet, test equipment was used to purposely introduce signal impairments, which were then corrected by electronic hardware. The results showed 100 Gbps service can provide more than twice the tolerance of conventional 10 Gbps signals for several key parameters as well as a more robust transport system with ten times the data transmission rate.
Vodafone loses tax avoidance case in UK court
United Kingdom | Mobile | 25-May-2009
Vodafone Group has lost a UK tax-avoidance case in the Court of Appeal that could cost it up to GBP 2.2 billion, although the company can still apply to the House of Lords to appeal the decision, Dow Jones reported. The appeal, brought by Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) after Vodafone won a High Court ruling last July, relates to the payment of taxes on one of the company's Luxembourg subsidiaries set up after its acquisition of Mannesman in 2000. The ruling Friday means HMRC's enquiry into Vodafone's relevant tax returns can go ahead. In its annual report, Vodafone said it had set aside around GBP 2.2 billion for tax liabilities and interest which could arise from the case, although this is expected to have increased slightly because of the interest payments.
Cisco 360 more accessible through authorised partners
World | General | 29-May-2009
Cisco will offer each product in the Cisco 360 Learning Programme for Routing and Switching (R&S) for sale individually, increasing flexibility and convenience for individual participants. Students now have expanded options in obtaining the programme conveniently in a modular fashion or via one of the existing value-based packages. Individual products priced from USD 250 to USD 600 may be purchased through one of the more than 20 authorised Cisco Learning Partners worldwide who are available to recommend and implement a personalised curriculum for network engineers. The Cisco 360 Learning Programme for CCIE R&S certification consists of multiple learning products and services available globally. Students can select the most appropriate learning path whether it is limited to self-paced lessons online, combined with live instructor-led training, structured with self-study, practice, mentoring and group collaboration, or condensed to intensive practical assessments.
Allied Telesis launches Fast Ethernet fibre NIC
World | Fixed | 28-May-2009
Fibre network interface cards (NIC) supplier Allied Telesis has launched the AT-2812FX Fast Ethernet fibre NIC in the ExpressCard format. The AT-2812FX launches alongside the AT-2712FX and AT-2912T. All these products will supplement existing NICs in its portfolio. The AT-2712FX is a secure Fast Ethernet PCI-Express (PCIe) fibre NIC with an SC connector. The AT-2812FX comes in the ExpressCard format, offering compatibility with a range of laptop computers and offering higher throughput. The AT-2912T is a Gigabit Ethernet secure PCIe NIC featuring on-board encryption. It is fully compatible with other common secure NICs while supporting 10/100/1000T speeds. As part of the company's green range, the products are engineered to reduce power consumption. They incorporate centralised power management features that automatically place idle circuitry into lower power mode to save energy (and battery life in laptops). The cards are Dash-compliant, allowing compatibility with existing network platforms.

Eurodocsis
SK Broadband picks Harmonic system to launch cable IPTV
Korea, Republic of | Fixed | 27-May-2009
South Korean broadband provider SK Broadband has deployed Harmonic's Direct-2-Edge system, encompassing Harmonic's NSG 9000 universal EdgeQAMs and D2E control software, for the launch of its cable IPTV service. The new IPTV service was initially offered to subscribers in the Seoul area and it is currently expanding to other provinces. The deployment enables SK Broadband to provide a uniform broadcast IPTV service across its cable, xDSL and FTTx access networks. Subscribers can also receive uninterrupted, high-speed internet access of up to 150 Mbps to the home, powered by Harmonic's NSG 9000 using a modular CMTS architecture and delivered to a Docsis 3.0 cable modem. Harmonic's D2E system determines the optimal flow of video and data traffic, sending video streams directly to IPTV set-top-boxes, personal computers, or other IP devices.
Harmonic offers SupraLink DWDM transport product in Salzburg
Austria | Fixed | 27-May-2009
Video delivery equipment developer Harmonic's SupraLink 1550 nm dense wave division multiplexing transport platform has been selected by the province of Salzburg, Austria, for an upgrade to its HFC cable infrastructure. The deployment will be implemented by Normann Engineering, a Harmonic partner and reseller in the region. Salzburg is in the process of segmenting the HFC network to increase bandwidth to the home for Docsis 3.0 data and video services. The SupraLink transmitters and amplifiers significantly increase reach and eliminate the need for additional fibre and active devices in the network. The full-band 1550 nm directly modulated system support up to eight wavelengths at a distance of up to 40 km with optical amplification, for up to 1 GHz of both digital and analogue content per wavelength. Harmonic's SupraLink technology enables DWDM segmentation for the majority of installed HFC networks, and as a result significantly extends the capacity and longevity of existing HFC infrastructures.
Telia Stofa picks Motorola for EuroDocsis 3.0 deployment
Denmark | Fixed | 26-May-2009
Cable operator Telia Stofa has deployed Motorola's SB6120e Surfboard EuroDocsis 3.0 cable modem to provide high-speed broadband to customers throughout Denmark. Motorola's SB6120e Surfboard cable modem allows Telia Stofa to deliver faster internet download and upload speeds. Motorola's Surfboard Docsis 3.0 line of modems enables operators to maximise their current infrastructure investment, without service interruption, while deploying any of Motorola's Docsis 1.x / 2.0 backward compatible CPE.
Virgin Media deploys Motorola CMTS
United Kingdom | Fixed | 26-May-2009
Cable operator Virgin Media has deployed the Motorola CMTS system to enable the delivery of personalised media experiences to customers in the UK. Virgin Media selected the Motorola BSR 64000 Integrated-CMTS (I-CMTS) system with TX32 decoupled downstream modules to support high-speed broadband. The I-CMTS platform enables cable operators to enhance security, and evolve triple-play voicem, broadband data and video services. The Motorola CMTS system is CableLabs bronze-qualified and supports advanced Docsis and EuroDocsis 3.0 and channel bonding standards. The system also provides simultaneous support for Docsis 1.x, 2.0 and new Docsis 3.0 feature sets.
Irish govt not interested in buying Eircom
Ireland | General | 25-May-2009
The Irish minister for communications Eamon Ryan said the government was not interested in taking over Eircom, Silicon Republic reported. Ryan told a telecoms industry dinner that he favoured long-term ownership of the incumbent where the owner was willing to invest in its infrastructure. Ryan told the assembly of Irish telecoms industry leaders at the Telecoms and Internet Federation (TIF) annual ball that he was working on a policy framework that would provide the optimum regulatory environment for next generation network investment. In tandem another policy framework is also in the works for finally putting a mechanism in place for a One Stop Shop to make use of State fibre assets such as dark fibre and ducting.These policies would pave the way for strong investment in future platforms like WiMAX, DOCSIS 3.0 and Long Term Evolution. Eircom, which has debts at over EUR 4 billion, is currently the subject of a potential bidding war. A EUR 97 million bid led by Rob Topfer and former Babcock & Brown executives may have been rejected but groups including Singapore Telecom, France Telecom and Irish telecoms veteran Sean Melly are due to make presentations to Eircom management in the coming weeks.

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