Verizon's Wellbrock talks up 100G, 200G; Will Australia's fiber-based NBN be replaced with copper VDSL?

Wireline news from across the web:

@FierceTelecom RT @XO Communications: Network functions virtualization is in early stages but will amount to a $5B industry by 2018. Article | Follow @FierceTelecom

> Officials said that limited broadband Internet access is hampering Wyoming County's economy during a visit by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. Article

> Glenn Wellbrock, director of Optical Transport Network Architecture and Design for Verizon, talks about the service provider's experience with 100G and their latest 200G trial. Podcast

> Italy's Retelit deploys Ciena's 6500 Packet-Optical Platform to create a scalable, flexible 100G and OTN powered network to meet customer needs for high-capacity, low-latency services. Release

Cable News

> Comcast has launched Family Point, an OTT family text messaging and calendar app for both iOS and Android-based smartphones. Article

> TiVo said it will integrate Opera software into its devices, opening up the world of HTML5 TV apps to its cable operator customers and its consumers. Article

Online Video News

> MLB Advanced Media, the new-media arm of Major League Baseball, will distribute a live stream online of an upcoming concert. Article

Wireless News

> Sales of one of BlackBerry's flagship products, the Q10 with the firm's iconic physical keyboard, are in the gutter, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. Article

> Sprint executives think that the company's nationwide deployment of Clearwire's 2.5 GHz spectrum will help it catch up to LTE market leaders Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility, according to a financial analyst research note. Article

And finally … Will Australia's ambitious fiber-based NBN be replaced with a copper-based VDSL approach? Article