* Verizon Wireless taps Nortel to rev its network
Verizon Wireless selected Nortel to supply it with CDMA 1xEV-DO Revision (Rev.) A technology beginning in the third quarter of 2006. The upgrade will provide faster data speeds supporting data, VoIP, and video telephony. Verizon Wireless is currently trialing new, low-latency applications with Nortel EV-DO Rev. A technology, including push-to-talk, fixed mobile convergence, VoIP and messaging services.
* AT&T takes Homezone to Ohio, Texas
AT&T began marketing Homezone, its announced service combining high-speed Internet and satellite television in one set-top box. The service is initially available in Ohio and San Antonio, Texas. Homezone, which offers DVR, movies-on-demand, and photo- and music-sharing, is designed to fill in where AT&T doesn’t reach with its fiber-based U-Verse service.
* Report: Comcast looking at SF MDUs
Comcast is trying to entice owners of local apartment buildings into 10-year contracts, with the aim of locking out AT&T, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The practice is fairly common in large cities. Earlier this month, Verizon petitioned the FCC to block cable companies from signing exclusive deals with owners of apartment buildings.