News Archive - June 2006
Avaya Bolsters VoIP Phone Lineup
June 30, 2006
Avaya has launched a line of IP phones, attempting to woo corporate users with cell phone-like features, high-clarity audio and simplified user interface.
June 30, 2006
Certain conversation topics are almost guaranteed to find a sympathetic ear: the weather, slow trains, high petrol prices, choked roadways, utter boredom with celebrity obsession. Oh, and phone bills.
VoIP Fuels Enterprise Equipment Spending
June 30, 2006
A study released by the TIA shows that after lackluster years earlier this decade, 2004 and 2005 showed sharp increases in corporate spending on new communications tools.
Vonage Introduces the Vonage V-Phone
June 29, 2006
Vonage announced that it is introducing the Vonage V-Phone, a portable and multifunctional USB device.
Cingular cautiously approves VoIP over 3G network
June 28, 2006
Cingular Wireless L.L.C. is not completely opposed to its customers running Voice over Internet Protocol services over its high-speed UMTS/HSDPA wireless data network. However, the carrier would like to work out the billing and operational kinks before fully supporting such activities. — The billing fee is one arm and one leg, is it not? Seriously, I'm sure they don't mind, since it will likely not work very well, anyway.
CableLabs Kills Interim DOCSIS Standard
June 28, 2006
CableLabs has killed a budding attempt to create an interim DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) tech standard for cable modem equipment.
Should EU telcos split their networks from services?
June 28, 2006
A forced separation of a telecommunications company's network from its services could inject fresh competition into the sector to create more growth.
How to get your network ready for videoconferencing and collaboration
June 28, 2006
The benefits of converged networks and applications are substantial, ranging from significant cost reductions by eliminating redundant voice networks, to increased productivity due to collaboration and videoconferencing technologies.
Microsoft introduces 360-degree conferencing camera as part of VoIP strategy
June 27, 2006
Microsoft announced a camera called RoundTable that turns 360 degrees as part of a number of announcements for its Unified Communications Platform
LG-Nortel, Microsoft Team On VoIP Phone
June 27, 2006
South Korea-based LG-Nortel Co. announced it will team with Microsoft to develop a business-enabled IP desktop phone built on Microsoft's newly-announced unified communications platform.
June 27, 2006
AT&T is officially in the TV market. The company made its U-verse TV service commercially available to 5,000 homes in San Antonio.
Wi-Fi cell phones will hit it big
June 27, 2006
Sales of mobile phones with both cellular and Wi-Fi capability will be booming by 2010, according to a study by market research firm In-Stat.
Sprint CEO looks toward 4G wireless
June 27, 2006
The ink is barely dry on the check written to build Sprint Nextel's third-generation mobile network, and the company is already talking about its fourth-generation network. — And what is 4G? If it's not WiMAX, then it makes little sense to even consider.
June 27, 2006
Time Warner Cable is working with Sprint Nextel, BridgePort Networks, and Siemens to roll out a dualmode cellular/|TERM|voip|VoIP phone service to subscribers, according to Time Warner and one vendor involved in the project.
Is Skype VoIP Ready for Business?
June 26, 2006
Skype now claims more than 100 million users and the company recently introduced a service aimed at small businesses. — Yuck! Skype is great for free or extremely cheap calls, but in our opinion the audio quality absolutely sucks compared to broadband VoIP service providers like Vonage and services offered through cable companies.
June 26, 2006
BT Group has further bolstered its international presence by forming a 50/50 joint venture with KDDI Corp. in Japan.
IBM ties Sametime IM to Office
June 26, 2006
IBM plans to release an overhauled version of its Sametime instant-messaging software that's designed to integrate closely with Microsoft Office applications.
Intel Wows With Dualmode WiMax
June 23, 2006
Intel is introducing a client chipset that supports both the fixed and mobile versions of the wireless broadband technology known as WiMax.
Microsoft Ups Pressure on Skype
June 22, 2006
Microsoft ratcheted up the pressure on Skype by giving its instant messaging service the ability to call regular landline and wireless phones, in addition to other IM clients.
VoIP Firms Don't Answer FCC's 911 Call
June 22, 2006
Looking to sign up with an Internet telephone company? Be careful about the one you pick. Many providers do not deliver enhanced 911 service, and some that fall into this group continue to sell to new customers in seeming violation of FCC rules.
CDMA cell phones under scrutiny
June 22, 2006
It is almost impossible for a mobile phone maker to earn any money with cheap CDMA handsets, which throws into question if there is a future for CDMA in emerging markets where most of the growth is, Nokia and industry observers said.
June 21, 2006
Israel, which is the world leader in Skype users per resident, hopes soon to finally set regulations for VoIP and voice over broadband, according to the Ministry of Communication.
Skype to address identification concerns
June 21, 2006
Part of Skype's "wish list" for further expansion into the business market is to enhance username authentication for business customers.
FCC approves new Internet phone taxes
June 21, 2006
An estimated 4 million subscribers to Internet phone services like Vonage could see new fees on their bills under a plan approved Wednesday by federal regulators. Oddly, Skype is exempted from the rules, though they're no different really.
June 20, 2006
ACM Group and IntraISP announced a partnership to meet the business and IT needs of Latin America and the Caribbean telecommunications-related service providers.
Review of Wireless Method Is Halted
June 19, 2006
The IEEE might delay adoption of a technology that could compete with WiMAX, a technology that Intel has been promoting to provide long-range broadband access for laptop computers and other mobile devices.
Nokia and Siemens Agree to Merge Their Equipment Divisions
June 19, 2006
Nokia and Siemens agree to merge their telecom equipment divisions, under the name Nokia Siemens Networks, to create the world's third largest equipment vendor.
Verizon sues Vonage for VoIP patent infringement
June 19, 2006
The bad news for Internet phone provider Vonage keeps piling up as the company now faces a patent infringement lawsuit from telephone giant Verizon Communications.
Another P2P VoIP Service Poised For Launch
June 18, 2006
We're not sure the world needs another Peer-to-Peer (P2P) VoIP Service akin to Skype, but New York-based Fusion Telecommunications has revealed it is about to launch a new service that looks like it might have the edge over Skype technically.
June 18, 2006
The ITU approved H.323 version 6 in June 2006. While this revision makes only a few minor changes, a lot of new functionality has been added over the past few years through extensions to the protocol, a lot of work has been done in the area of security, and a new end-to-end QoS specification has been produced.
Appeals court backs FCC on telephone network unbundling
June 16, 2006
A U.S. appeals court on Friday upheld the Federal Communications Commission's latest attempt to require the large telephone companies to lease their networks to competitors at government-set rates.
June 15, 2006
Net2Phone has sued Skype, alleging that they infringed on a patent it obtained in 2000 and seeking a permanent injunction as well as unspecified monetary compensation. Apparently, Net2Phone believes it invented VoIP in 1995 with US patent 6,108,704.
C2 Global unit files VoIP patent suit vs telcos
June 15, 2006
C2 Global has filed a patent infringement lawsuit in a Texas court against a number of telecommunications companies. Apparently, they have a patent that says they invented the gateway in 1995 with US patent 6,243,373.
Universal Service fees to raise cellular, VoIP bills?
June 15, 2006
Consumers would likely face higher wireless and Internet telephone bills under a plan that could be approved by the U.S. FCC next week — This means the FCC doesn't get it. VoIP is an application, just like video, TV, internet radio, and everything else. Taxing broadband makes sense, but taxing a particular application on Broadband? Will other applications be singled out?
Ireland: Return on investment from VoIP a long way off
June 14, 2006
Businesses investing in internet telephony or VoIP-enabled systems will still be relying on traditional PSTN lines for at least two to three years until the local loop unbundling (LLU) problems are resolved.
VoIP is the hottest enterprise telecoms product
June 14, 2006
According to IDC Australia's latest survey of end-users' usage of and preferences for broadband and IP services, VoIP represents the biggest opportunity for companies offering products and services to this market.
CALEA ruling could open can of worms for VoIP
June 13, 2006
Efforts to apply federal wiretap laws to Internet traffic could have unintended consequences for IT security, an industry association warns.
Vonage slapped with another IPO suit
June 13, 2006
Vonage Holdings Corp.'s legal troubles to continue to mount, as attorneys filed another suit against the VoIP company regarding its initial public offering (IPO) last month.
June 13, 2006
Motorola is moving to deliver mobile WiMAX services to customers, a move that could be a death sentence for any plans to deploy 3G wireless telephone services. Mobile WiMAX promises to offer users the ability to access both voice and data services through the same network connection.
Skype integration an eBay priority
June 12, 2006
Online marketplace eBay is set to detail on Tuesday how it plans to combine its Skype online telephony service into its core U.S. auction business. — It should not take long to "detail" this. Simply Provide a Skype URL.
Nortel pitches VoIP, other gear to SMBs
June 12, 2006
Nortel says it means business - small business - with the launch this week of VoIP, Ethernet, WAN and wireless LAN gear targeting companies with five to 250 users.
Comcast To Lead Cable-Operated VoIP
June 12, 2006
The VoIP market grew 29% in the first quarter of 2006 to 5.39 million subscribers in the US, versus the year-ago total of 4.17 million, and is expected to accelerate further in the second quarter. Cable companies are growing market share at the expense of independent companies like Vonage.
Ditech hopes to echo earlier success with VoIP market
June 12, 2006
Mountain View-based Ditech Networks — formerly Ditech Communications — made its name by eliminating annoying echoes from telephone calls. Now the company is looking to reproduce its earlier successes in the fast-growing world of VoIP.
Sprint Nextel Surfs the Pseudowires
June 12, 2006
Sprint Nextel is considering a rollout of pseudowires for its wireless network and has issued a major request for proposal for the technology.
June 12, 2006
Users of popular open-source VoIP-based Asterisk PBX could come under attack if they don't patch their software quickly.
Ruling Backs Internet-Phone Wiretapping
June 9, 2006
Comcast, Vonage and other companies that provide telecommunications services over the Internet must allow wiretapping of phone calls by law enforcement officials, a federal appeals court ruled Friday.
June 9, 2006
While the idea of IMS was the brainchild of a wireless industry consortium, the most eager adopters are turning out to be cable operators and wireline carriers, according to several of the big companies that make IMS equipment.
June 9, 2006
Cisco is beefing up its VoIP applications development capabilities with the acquisition of two specialist firms for a combined $47.8 million: Metreos and Audium.
BT exec pins Google as 'our biggest threat'
June 8, 2006
Google is becoming BT's biggest competitor—that's the surprise assessment coming from the telecom giant's chief information officer.
Hacker cracked Net phone networks for gain, feds say
June 7, 2006
Federal authorities arrested a Miami resident in what they said was a hacking scheme involving the resale of Internet telephone service. — Lack of security, perhaps?
Intel Enables VoIP on Typical Phones
June 7, 2006
Intel unveiled at the first day of Computex Taipei 2006 its new product that would enable users to make VoIP calls using existing telephones. Potentially, this allows customers to use several VoIP providers at once, however, the product will definitely compete fiercely against specially designed telephones for networks like Skype.
Mergers are giving AT&T's networks a boost
June 6, 2006
As AT&T digests one merger and prepares for another, the company is pushing forward with network upgrades to deliver a slew of services to large business customers and consumers.
Videoconferencing potential seen in broadband push
June 6, 2006
Videoconferencing specialist Tandberg is banking on increased local interest in videoconferencing, following the New Zealand government's announcements regarding broadband services.
Nortel announces second generation VoIP softswitch for SMBs
June 5, 2006
Nortel has announced the Nortel Communication Server 1500 (CS 1500), a second-generation VoIP softswitch that provides a platform for IP communication services.
Wi-Fi: Coming soon on board U.S. airplanes
June 5, 2006
Air travelers starved for in-flight Internet access may soon find solace, thanks to a Colorado company that wants to offer Wi-Fi service aloft.
Foursome Converges to Deliver VoIP over WiMAX
June 5, 2006
AudioCodes, CableMatrix, Emergent Networks and VCom have joined forces to deliver a WiMAX-based VoIP platform for service providers. The companies are demonstrating the joint solution this week at GLOBALCOMM. — Now that is what 3G should have been!
VoIP gateway supplier to float on London's AIM
June 5, 2006
Citel, which develops and markets gateways that allows digital handsets to be used for VoIP calls, is raising US$18.9 million by floating some shares on London's Alternative Investment market (AIM).
June 4, 2006
VoIP infrastructure firm Acme Packet has filed for an $85 million IPO, clearly unfazed by the disastrous stock market debut of IP telephony service provider Vonage Holdings Corp.
June 4, 2006
Internet phone provider Vonage is being sued in a class action lawsuit on behalf of shareholders who bought stock in the company prior to its initial public offering.
Skype VoIP freebie could put Vonage on the ropes
June 4, 2006
Since Skype's decision to allow calls to North America for free, some are now asking what kind of impact this will have on companies like Vonage. Is it a smart move by eBay to build a customer base and take on Vonage, or a desperate move to justify that multibillion-dollar purchase of Skype?
Africa: Computer no longer needed to make calls over the internet
June 3, 2006
Broadband Talk, an offering from MWEB in Africa, will offer customers VoIP service over ADSL using residential gateway devices.
Why Mobile Carriers Avoid VoIP
June 3, 2006
The article states that the reason that wireless carriers ban VoIP is that the call quality is unpredictable. We disagree. The reason probably has more to do with bandwidth consumption or the fact that the carriers are not able to bill for minutes of use.
Net2Phone sues Skype for patent infringement
June 2, 2006
Net2Phone has filed a lawsuit against eBay's Skype Internet telephone unit, accusing the unit of infringing a Net2Phone patent. — I suppose as long as Skype is so successful, this madness will never end. For Net2Phone, this appears to be an act of desperation.
Errors may give Vonage customers IPO loophole
June 2, 2006
Internet telephony provider Vonage may have given customers who bought shares of its initial public offering a way out by admitting before the stock debuted last week to errors it made when it informed customers of its directed-share program.
VoIP's Continues Its Mainstream March
June 1, 2006
Cable providers' VoIP customers are almost twice as confident about the reliability of their service as the customers of specialized providers.
June 1, 2006
Businesses that moved to VoIP calling services to lower their phone bills could see a portion of their savings disappear if the most recent FCC proposal to add VoIP services to the Universal Service Fund is adopted.
Survey Finds VoIP Satisfaction, Despite Some Disconnect
June 1, 2006