For anyone performing cell backhaul, there’s a new specification for handling wireless data traffic from a combination of traditional TDM networks and packet-based transport technologies as wireless operators migrate from 2G/3G to 4G and LTE services. The Broadband Forum has just issued its “Technical Specification for MPLS in Mobile Backhaul Networks,” also known as TR-221. […]
Telecommunications
NTCA sues FCC over USF, ICC reform order
The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) is challenging the FCC’s efforts to overhaul its Universal Service Fund (USF) and intercarrier compensation systems. The group filed a petition for review on Friday with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. The suit calls portions of the order “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, contrary […]
Vermont vows statewide broadband in 2 years
Gov. Peter Shumlin promised Friday that every Vermonter will have access to broadband computer services in their homes and businesses by the end of 2013. Shumlin made the promise at the Sugarbush ski resort in Warren, where he joined resort officials and Verizon Wireless in announcing that a new cell tower is now providing voice and […]
DOJ questions viability of AT&T merger, seeks trial delay
The Department of Justice told a judge today it will seek to delay proceedings in its antitrust suit over AT&T’s merger with T-Mobile USA after the operator’s withdrawal of its FCC application for the transaction left the deal’s future in doubt. DOJ lawyer Joseph Wayland said the agency will file a motion to stay the […]
LightSquared backer faces possible SEC probe
A draft government report on LightSquared’s proposed LTE network leaked to the media on Friday shows the service knocked out 75 percent of GPS receivers studied in a recent test. An early version of the report provided to Bloomberg found that “LightSquared signals caused harmful interference to the majority of GPS receivers tested.” LightSquared’s mobile […]
Nokia Siemens to sell fixed line broadband to Adtran
Nokia Siemens Networks says it will sell its fixed-line broadband access business and transfer 400 personnel worldwide to Adtran. The Finnish-German joint venture says the acquisition by the Huntsville, Ala.-based company is expected to be closed by April. It includes the broadband section’s intellectual properties, technologies and its established customer base. Nokia Siemens said Monday […]
Expo: Playing Out of Bounds
Operators are starting to think outside of their footprint boxes. At TelcoTV, Verizon said it was considering selling its Home Control broadband service outside of its footprint. Verizon senior vice president of consumer product management Eric Bruno said the company will decide next year if it wants to sell its suite of broadband-based services (home […]
In Perspective – An Extra Helping
Expo and multi-screen, network performance, and cellular backhaul. Ordinarily, we include coverage of Cable-Tec Expo in our November/December print issue. This year, Expo was scheduled too late in the year for us to include it in that edition, prompting this extra online installment. In addition to our Expo roundup, we have two new articles: one […]
Time Warner Cable boosts data speeds, adds HD nets in Carolinas
Time Warner Cable has ramped up the upstream and downstream speeds of several of its data tiers in its Carolinas system, as well as added more HD channels to its lineup. Making the point that the speed upgrades were faster than similar-priced DSL offerings, Time Warner Cable increased the downstream speed of its Broadband Turbo […]
Suddenlink tunes in VOD, Caller ID in Ariz. communities
Suddenlink has dropped video-on-demand services and TV Caller ID features into some Arizona communities that were formerly served by NPG Cable. Suddenlink bought the Arizona systems, as well as systems in St. Joseph, Mo., and Mammoth Lakes, Calif., from NPG Cable for $350 million earlier this year. Since then, Suddenlink has added about 75 new TV […]