The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) announced this morning that for the third time in four years, a record number of abstracts were submitted for the technical sessions at this year’s SCTE Cable-Tec Expo in Orlando. This year’s record number of 250 submissions easily topped the 231 entries from 2010 and the older record […]
Telecommunications
Breakdown in Beantown
Five areas shine under the spotlight at The Cable Show in Boston. The cable industry is responding to consumer demands and countering the competition, both traditional and Internet-based, with a heavy arsenal of services and features. There were numerous examples of how the cable industry is rapidly evolving to improve the consumers experience while adding […]
Under construction: The multi-screen video business model
The goal is to satisfy consumers’ appetite for convenience. The evolution of a working business model for multi-screen and mobile content is accelerating. Different companies coming from different angles have got many of the moving parts together, but those parts aren’t yet perfectly aligned. What are the margins and ROI? What about advertising? DRM? How […]
SIP trunking: Meeting the opportunities and challenges
Providers delivering a carrier-grade IP trunking solution will see rewards. After ten years of proving out the technology, and after an economic downturn in 2010, businesses are purchasing IP telephony like never before. The business benefits from decreased costs, more efficient networks and increased productivity have driven demand to what has now become a robust […]
Ciciora’s Corner – Fast history: Part II
This book deserves a place on your bookshelf. The last column began discussing the book “High Definition Television: The Creation, Development and Implementation of HDTV Technology” by Philip J. Cianci. As mentioned then, this is an excellent book on the fascinating history of HDTV. The “Grand Alliance” was formed to incorporate the best of the […]
Open Mic – Network DVR vs. TV Everywhere
What’s the difference? Since the advent of home entertainment technology – from the phonograph to radio to TV – the living room has long been the gathering place for the family. But in today’s world, the proliferation of smartphones and tablets has created an insatiable consumer appetite for anytime, anyplace content. One might wonder: Does […]
Capital Currents – Online video uncertainties
The industry will find the best way. A year and a half ago, I wrote about the regulatory uncertainties associated with online delivery of video programming services. The uncertainties still haven’t been resolved, but more entities with a variety of business plans have entered the marketplace. I wrote about ivi.tv. At one point, ivi’s plan […]
Upfront – June 2012
Study: Americans love them some Wi-Fi A new study of nearly 900 Americans highlights the country’s growing dependence on Wi-Fi connectivity. The study, commissioned by Broadcom, revealed that 60 percent of respondents cannot go a full day without Wi-Fi before seeking a connection. Three in 10 respondents said they would not last an hour without […]
Clearwire, Jolt Mobile sign WiMAX wholesale deal
Clearwire signed up another wholesale customer today with the addition of Jolt Mobile, a provider of prepaid and international calling for GSM phones. The contract will help bolster Clearwire’s wholesale customer base as Sprint, its largest wholesale WiMAX customer, prepares to phase out use of its WiMAX network. Clearwire has added four new customers for […]
Last lawsuit dropped against FCC white space order
The last remaining court challenge to the FCC’s white space order was withdrawn Monday when the wireless microphone industry formally dismissed its petition for review of the regulations. The cancellation of the suit removes the last legal hurdle for the regulations, which allow devices to use vacant spectrum between television channels. The white space spectrum […]