Google’s Next-Gen Network is Delayed by Pole Attachments
Posted by Jesse Ward on Friday, January 27, 2012 · 
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Last March, when Google announced it planned to build a 1 Gpbs FTTH network in Kansas City, I was left with the distinct impression that the Internet giant thought it would be a relatively easy undertaking. After all, Google is not traditionally in the business of network build out, yet the ambitious project was conceived with the intent to showcase next-generation deployment techniques, apps and network characteristics such as open-access and consumer choice.
Nearly 10 months later, the company has been plagued by right-of-way issues that have slowed down the network build out and service launch. It’s difficult to determine just how much of a delay has occurred since Google won’t publicly admit that its network build out is behind schedule. According to the Kansas City Star, a local paper, the company had planned to enroll customers in late 2011, and launch its service in the first quarter of this year. However, Google has yet to install any cables. It’s now estimating a service launch date later this year.
Just what is the holdup? The paper reports that Google is now engaged in a debate about how it will hang its wires on utility poles and the associated fees and costs. Read more
ViaSat’s Exede: This is Not What They Promised
Posted by Steve Fravel on Monday, January 30, 2012 · ·
Existing users of ViaSat were pleased to learn that the new Exede service would be faster with more bandwidth. Exede has reportedly launched and, from early reports, those who have been waiting for the upgrade aren’t getting the new service yet. Instead, new subscribers are at the head of the line.
Additionally, the higher priced Exede comes with a few restrictions that have customers less-than-thrilled with the service. While the bandwidth is larger than before, the daily usage is capped. Called the “fair access policy or FAP,” the bandwidth cap is set to a lower total bandwidth than existing customer’s WildBlue service.
Considering the high cost for satellite service and a need to add new customers quickly, it is likely that any additional increase in speed or relaxation of the FAP restrictions will take time. Any improvement is good except when it comes with a crippling restriction.
ATIS PSTN Transition Team in Place and More
Posted by Steve Fravel on Sunday, January 29, 2012 · ·
ATIS last week announced the launch of its Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) Transition Landscape Team. According to ATIS, this unit will be making high-level assessments of issues associated with the transition from the PSTN to IP-based networks.
In addition to extensive evaluation of replacement network architecture and engineering, the group said the transition team will provide documentation detailing requirements for telecommunications services and new networks along with answering the question of whether new standards should be developed to accommodate IP telephony as the successor to PSTN. The team will look at regulatory implications concerning the proliferation of voice-over-IP (VoIP) and over-the-top (OTT) content provision along with security and implications and goals for the public. Read more
The LightSquared Week in Review
Posted by Steve Fravel on Sunday, January 29, 2012 · ·
Early last week, LightSquared announced that it had signed its 39th wholesale agreement, welcoming Telcom Ventures to the 4G LTE service. Telcom Ventures operates two services, Assist Wireless and New-Talk. Both services carry the FCC certification of Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC), which allows them to provide lifeline services to low-income subscribers.
LightSquared‘s plans are currently on hold, waiting for approval from the FCC before it can begin operations with its wholesale partners. Read more
Cox Rolls Out a Low-Cost Package
Posted by Steve Fravel on Sunday, January 29, 2012 · ·
As American consumers find themselves with less discretionary income and more video choices, large cable operators are seeking new ways to attract and retain subscribers. Last year, Time Warner Cable rolled out a $29.99 TV Essentials plan and Comcast soon followed with a $24.95 offering. It is worth noting that neither line-up includes ESPN, often the most expensive of the program networks.
This past week, Cox Cable followed suit and un-wrapped a new collection called TV Economy priced at $34.99. It also does not include ESPN. When comparing the low-cost packages with the typical expanded basic packages that might run in the $60 to $80 per month range, the multi-system operators may have created a small “bridge” to get them past the continued drain due to high consumer retail rates.
Looking ahead, one must wonder if consumers will be willing to forgo access to certain expensive programming in exchange for lower video bills. Time and continued package modification will tell.
Report Details Needs of Machine-to-Machine Growth
Posted by Steve Fravel on Sunday, January 29, 2012 · ·
This past week, Mobile Future released a report addressing the needs of federal officials to allocate more spectrum in support of wireless services. The report specifically singled out the expected explosive growth of machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. Read more
Boxee Adds a Second Target Buyer
Posted by Steve Fravel on Sunday, January 29, 2012 · ·
Though Boxee has been targeting residential customers who are “cutting the cord” to conventional cable services and satellite subscriptions, it announced last week that it would add cable operators who may be considering eliminating program costs and shifting their focus to selling just high-speed Internet access. Read more
Verizon Smart Energy Home
Posted by Steve Fravel on Sunday, January 29, 2012 · ·
With little fanfare, Verizon launched its smart home products. The product allows customers nationwide to remotely lock and unlock doors and windows, manage thermostats and lights, and monitor video cameras.
According to Verizon Director of Product Development, Home Monitoring and Control Ann Shaub, most customers opt-in to the complete smart home package that includes door sensors, door locks and cameras, along with the energy package.
While Verizon doesn’t claim that use of the energy control package will save money or energy, it is clear that for most customers the added advantage is the level of security and media management the complete package performs, according to Shaub.
According to Verizon, approximately 95% of smart home customers install their own devices, although Verizon continues to work with Ingersoll-Rand for security systems and Aeon Labs for energy and thermostats.
New Hanover County Uses TV White Space
Posted by Steve Fravel on Sunday, January 29, 2012 · ·
New Hanover County, N.C., was recognized last week as the first FCC approved Smart County in the United States. In achieving this goal, New Hanover also attained another first by using the first commercially available TV white spaces.
Spectrum Bridge supports this cloud-based technology with its FCC certified spectrum management technology. Those residents of New Hanover County in range of the deployment area will have access to several useful implementations including telemetry, remote security and remote utility monitoring in addition to other applications.
“We are extremely pleased with the installations of the white spaces systems at our parks and gardens,” said Chairman of New Hanover County Ted Davis. “This technology has proven to be an unobtrusive, environmentally friendly way to offer services to our citizens and the visitors at our parks and to give our staff more efficient ways to manage these locations.”