News

Australia's NBN Co. purchases iiNet's FTTP network

NBN Co. is bolstering its fiber to the premises network plans by purchasing iiNet's TransACT-branded FTTP network and related infrastructure in the Australian Capital Territory for AUD 9 million (USD 8.79 million).

Netflix, Crackle, and AOL step up their original content efforts

Consumers have no shortage of online video sources to get up to speed on their favorite show or consume a whole series in marathon watching sessions, but many OTT video providers are now trying to differentiate themselves by offering their own original content.

Global Capacity expands Ethernet reach with Overture's 6000 series platform

Global Capacity, a network connectivity provider, has chosen Overture Networks' 6000 series to deliver Ethernet service to simultaneously deliver Ethernet and TDM-based services on one Ethernet interconnection, enabling it to reach more customers.

Juniper, Alcatel-Lucent make Q1 router gains, but still trail Cisco, says Synergy

Juniper Networks' 6 percent gain in the service provider router and carrier Ethernet switch revenue market during the first quarter was promising, a Synergy report said, at a time when the overall market segment declined 6 percent.

FairPoint to build next-generation 911 system for state of Maine

FairPoint Communications has been awarded a $32 million contract to build its Emergency Services IP network (ESInet) 911 service for the state of Maine, one that will serve over 1.3 million people.

Tech Valley hires Sidera veteran Mahoney to lead marketing, product management

Tech Valley Communications has named 20-year telecom veteran Maura Mahoney as its senior director of marketing and product management.

Ericsson shuts down cable manufacturing operations in Sweden

Ericsson is shutting down its telecom cables operation within its networks business unit due to what it says is the result of the shift from copper to fiber. Cable production is moving to Asia, where there has been a growing demand for fiber.

Inteliquent reveals shareholder cash return strategy

Inteliquent, a voice interconnection provider, is continuing its turnaround strategy with a plan to return cash to its shareholders, including a special dividend of $1.25 per share, and to initiate a quarterly dividend of $0.0625 per share of its common stock. The service provider said that both dividends should be declared and paid within the next three months.

Windstream wins seat on GSA's GRITS-II contract

Windstream has been awarded a seat on the General Services Administration Region 4 Integrated Telecommunications Services - II contract where it will compete with Level 3 and tw telecom to provide telecom services to federal government agencies in eight Southeastern states.

Time Warner Cable, Charter, Cablevision capitalize on the broadband-only opportunity

While traditional cable operators--namely Time Warner Cable, Charter and Cablevision--have spent years trying to lure subscribers with triple-play voice, video and data bundles, they are increasingly finding the best recipe is one that includes a broadband-only option.

Frontier offers discounted broadband service in Eastern Ohio

Frontier Communications is one of the first service providers to offer discounted broadband services in Eastern Ohio under a new FCC pilot that is focused on extending broadband to eligible Lifeline program participants.

Dish Network extends VOD programming to iOS, Android devices

Dish Network is giving its users more options to view their content in more locations by extending its VOD programming to the Apple iOS and Android devices.

AT&T turns up hiring for South Carolina's wireline and wireless workforce

AT&T is enhancing its South Carolina network staff with plans to hire 70 new employees as it looks to expand both its wireless LTE network and wireline U-verse services throughout the state.

Verizon Voice Link plan for Fire Island approved by NY commission

The New York Public Service Commission went ahead with granting Verizon "limited approval" to replace Hurricane Sandy-damaged wireline voice networks with its VoiceLink wireless service on Fire Island, one of a few areas in New York and New Jersey where Verizon said repairs to the PSTN will be too expensive or difficult.

TDS Telecom upgrades Microsoft Mediaroom IPTV platform

TDS Telecom said it has upgraded its Microsoft Mediaroom platform to version 2.3 as a way to make the customer's viewing experience "more intuitive and easy-to-use."

Vodafone Ireland introduces fiber broadband services

Vodafone Ireland is posing a challenge to incumbent telco eircom with the launch of its fiber-based broadband service, offering consumers and businesses speeds of up to 70 Mbps. Beginning at €30 ($39) a month, eligible users can opt to purchase a standalone or bundled voice/data option.

Cincinnati Bell takes modest approach to Fioptics buildout

Cincinnati Bell is taking careful steps in building its Fioptics network, its president and CEO said, setting a modest goal of 15 percent penetration within six months of building into a new neighborhood.

Week in research: MoCA drives home networking sales; Cybercrime risk high in Asia Pacific

Dish Network and its Hopper DVR, DirecTV and its Genie, and Comcast's XG1 set-top box can all expect to receive a boost from a home networking  device market in which MoCA-enabled equipment is increasingly sought after.

TDS Telecom broadband services charge up in Wisconsin

TDS Telecom is now offering ADSL2+ data services to some residents in Wind Lake, Wis., via its partially-completed broadband stimulus project in the area. It plans to bring more Wind Lake customers and others in nearby Waterford online.

eircom launches national fiber network, targets 300,000 premises to start

eircom, Ireland's incumbent telco, has officially launched its new open access fiber-based broadband network, enabling speeds of up to 70 Mbps for, initially, more than 300,000 premises.