ViaSat’s Exede: This is Not What They Promised
Posted by Steve Fravel on Monday, January 30, 2012 · 
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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.
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
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.”
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
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
Google’s Next-Gen Network is Delayed by Pole Attachments
Posted by Jesse Ward on Friday, January 27, 2012 · (1) ·
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
Windstream Makes Improvements
Posted by Steve Fravel on Monday, January 23, 2012 · ·
Due in part to an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant of $2.3 million, Windstream Corp. has announced the implementation of its first broadband stimulus construction project near Stilwell, OK.
The project will include a 56-mile fiber optic cable and electronics upgrade to the existing Windstream network. The improvement will allow 1,360 potential customers access to an improved high-speed Internet connection. The construction should conclude in March, with the new service available to customers in late June. Read more