NTL to offer 10Mbps broadband as standard - Network IT Week
Though pricing hasn't been announced, what this actually means is a move from bandwidth based pricing to usage based pricing. Everyone gets 10Mb/s (eventually). Current 3Mb/s users will be first to be migtrated and will have an allowance of 75GB per month (up from 30GB).
Usage based billing makes sense for low users, but can rapidly escalate out of control for customers who move a lot of data around (espeicially in the p2p world), it also makes sense for NTL as bandwidth really isn't the issue but how much transit they have to purchase from elsewhere, which will also be usage based.
2005/08/09
OneTel cuts off BT broadband - Network IT Week
OneTel cuts off BT broadband - Network IT Week
The article implies OneTel is transferring all its broadband customers on to Easynet's LLU offering. Unfortunately this is wishfull thinking as Easynet only cover about 2 - 300 exchanges (while BT cover several thousand). So OneTel will be migrating those customers that happen to be on an Easynet unbundled exchange.
It wont be plain sailing either as mass migrations are currently problematic as there are still major process issues with BT's systems.
Easynet are trying to make a big push into the wholesale broadband market, but there are still major hurdles to overcome. OneTel must be feeling quite brave to have been one of their first customers to take the plunge.
Easynet are currently offering speeds up to 8Mb/s, however their kit is (vendor financed by Marconi) is relatively featureless compared to other vendors and this may bite them in the future if service providers wish to offer triple-play solutions utilising Easynet's infrastructure.
Though Easynet may be looking at ADSL2+ support speeds of up to 24Mb/s, it's not quite legal yet as the Access Network Frequency Plan (ANFP) needs to be modified to support it.
The article implies OneTel is transferring all its broadband customers on to Easynet's LLU offering. Unfortunately this is wishfull thinking as Easynet only cover about 2 - 300 exchanges (while BT cover several thousand). So OneTel will be migrating those customers that happen to be on an Easynet unbundled exchange.
It wont be plain sailing either as mass migrations are currently problematic as there are still major process issues with BT's systems.
Easynet are trying to make a big push into the wholesale broadband market, but there are still major hurdles to overcome. OneTel must be feeling quite brave to have been one of their first customers to take the plunge.
Easynet are currently offering speeds up to 8Mb/s, however their kit is (vendor financed by Marconi) is relatively featureless compared to other vendors and this may bite them in the future if service providers wish to offer triple-play solutions utilising Easynet's infrastructure.
Though Easynet may be looking at ADSL2+ support speeds of up to 24Mb/s, it's not quite legal yet as the Access Network Frequency Plan (ANFP) needs to be modified to support it.
Technology News: Business : News Corp. Reportedly Had Takeover Talks With Skype
Technology News: Business : News Corp. Reportedly Had Takeover Talks With Skype
Would Skype make a good acquistion for News Corp? What wouldn't make a good acquisition for News Corp is more to the point. News Corp want consumers, they're moving into the Internet space rapidly and have ploughed money into various net ventures. It's estimated that they were going to spend $3bn. Skype has little revenue (though customers are purchasing add-ons such as SkypeIn/Out and Voicemail), but it's the 47m users that must attract News Corp.
Though talks have broken down, it's likely Skype will find a buyer.
Would Skype make a good acquistion for News Corp? What wouldn't make a good acquisition for News Corp is more to the point. News Corp want consumers, they're moving into the Internet space rapidly and have ploughed money into various net ventures. It's estimated that they were going to spend $3bn. Skype has little revenue (though customers are purchasing add-ons such as SkypeIn/Out and Voicemail), but it's the 47m users that must attract News Corp.
Though talks have broken down, it's likely Skype will find a buyer.
FT.com / By industry / Telecoms - Marconi lifted by news of takeover talks
FT.com / By industry / Telecoms - Marconi lifted by news of takeover talks
Marconi are in trouble which is well known and it's inevitable that they're looking for a buyer.
Though Huawei claim it's speculation, they would make a good fit with Marconi. They already sell each other's products and Marconi have a large maintenance group which Huawei could utilise to support their 21CN activities and other markets when they decide to aggressively attack them.
Marconi are in trouble which is well known and it's inevitable that they're looking for a buyer.
Though Huawei claim it's speculation, they would make a good fit with Marconi. They already sell each other's products and Marconi have a large maintenance group which Huawei could utilise to support their 21CN activities and other markets when they decide to aggressively attack them.
2005/08/05
Zen Vision From Creative Squares Up To Apple's iPod - Digital-Lifestyles.info
Zen Vision From Creative Squares Up To Apple's iPod - Digital-Lifestyles.info
Zen have launched another attack on the iPod, though maybe due to its size it's really an attack on the PSP which has the same media functionality (though no hard disk).
Creative seem to have got it right in terms of looks and even price though it's size might let it down.
We'll just have to wait and see what Apple have up their sleeves and what device they come out with (vPod?) which knocks the spots of the competition for a while.
Zen have launched another attack on the iPod, though maybe due to its size it's really an attack on the PSP which has the same media functionality (though no hard disk).
Creative seem to have got it right in terms of looks and even price though it's size might let it down.
We'll just have to wait and see what Apple have up their sleeves and what device they come out with (vPod?) which knocks the spots of the competition for a while.
Ofcom cracks down on phone bandits - vnunet.com
Ofcom cracks down on phone bandits - vnunet.com
Until recently it was easy for anyone to go to a telecoms provider, buy a PRS (premium rate service) i.e. 09 number and then run a service whereby they could generate very large revenues very quickly (it's possible to earn £5 per minute, or have drop charges whereby they get a sum just for calling the number even if you hang up immediately). Many telecoms providers weren't too fussy and would just pay the service a cut of the revenue and they could just take the money and run and find another telco to run the service again (generally under a different name).
Now telcos have to hold payment for 30 days giving Ofcom and ICSTIS (the PRS industry body) the chance to investigate scams and irregular services while they're going on with a much greater chance of catching the culprits. If they cant get paid, it's not worth them trying to scam people.
Until recently it was easy for anyone to go to a telecoms provider, buy a PRS (premium rate service) i.e. 09 number and then run a service whereby they could generate very large revenues very quickly (it's possible to earn £5 per minute, or have drop charges whereby they get a sum just for calling the number even if you hang up immediately). Many telecoms providers weren't too fussy and would just pay the service a cut of the revenue and they could just take the money and run and find another telco to run the service again (generally under a different name).
Now telcos have to hold payment for 30 days giving Ofcom and ICSTIS (the PRS industry body) the chance to investigate scams and irregular services while they're going on with a much greater chance of catching the culprits. If they cant get paid, it's not worth them trying to scam people.
AOL snaps up storage firm | The Register
AOL snaps up storage firm | The Register
Yahoo bought Flickr, now AOL buy Xdrive. The remote storage business seems to be the industry to be in.
With everything going digital (music, cameras etc) people want to be able to store and share their content and remote storage is a good way to do it. Google started the trend (though for Email) with their Google mail service allowing 1GB per customer.
Xdrive has been going for quite a while as a remote storage solution will it now change with AOL's influence to be more like the other services.
Apple of course have been doing this all along with their .Mac service, though catering for Mac users there is an XP set of drivers for it, unfortunately it's not free. It's probably one of the more integrated storage systems out there (for Mac users) and works with their iLife products supporting photo uploads, remote syncing, file storage, web space, Email etc.
Yahoo bought Flickr, now AOL buy Xdrive. The remote storage business seems to be the industry to be in.
With everything going digital (music, cameras etc) people want to be able to store and share their content and remote storage is a good way to do it. Google started the trend (though for Email) with their Google mail service allowing 1GB per customer.
Xdrive has been going for quite a while as a remote storage solution will it now change with AOL's influence to be more like the other services.
Apple of course have been doing this all along with their .Mac service, though catering for Mac users there is an XP set of drivers for it, unfortunately it's not free. It's probably one of the more integrated storage systems out there (for Mac users) and works with their iLife products supporting photo uploads, remote syncing, file storage, web space, Email etc.
BBC NEWS | Technology | Net providers loosen ties with BT
BBC NEWS | Technology | Net providers loosen ties with BT
Moving to LLU is still a double edged sword. There are still issues with migrating from BT to LLU operators and potential problems with faults (i.e. who is responsible for the fault, BT or the LLU operator).
There's also the problem that Ofcom have agreed with BT to keep wholesale prices fixed until there are 1.5m unbundled lines. At the moment LLU accounts for around 1% or all broadband, which means the majority of existing customers are on BT lines (via BT Wholesale) so BT resellers can cut pricing, but they're cutting into already very thin margins.
Wanadoo are trialling a service in Leeds, based on Alcatel and other vendors equipment and then plan to go into at least 200 exchanges (though they are rumoured to have plans to go into 1000). Even if they go into 1000 it's still less than 1/5 of the total number of exchanges in the UK, but that'll cover a reasonable amount of the UK population.
This still leaves the issues of the LLU operators going into the same exchanges (or at least some of them) while they could share infrastructure and go into a far greater number and compete with BT's 21CN.
Moving to LLU is still a double edged sword. There are still issues with migrating from BT to LLU operators and potential problems with faults (i.e. who is responsible for the fault, BT or the LLU operator).
There's also the problem that Ofcom have agreed with BT to keep wholesale prices fixed until there are 1.5m unbundled lines. At the moment LLU accounts for around 1% or all broadband, which means the majority of existing customers are on BT lines (via BT Wholesale) so BT resellers can cut pricing, but they're cutting into already very thin margins.
Wanadoo are trialling a service in Leeds, based on Alcatel and other vendors equipment and then plan to go into at least 200 exchanges (though they are rumoured to have plans to go into 1000). Even if they go into 1000 it's still less than 1/5 of the total number of exchanges in the UK, but that'll cover a reasonable amount of the UK population.
This still leaves the issues of the LLU operators going into the same exchanges (or at least some of them) while they could share infrastructure and go into a far greater number and compete with BT's 21CN.
2005/07/28
BBC NEWS | Technology | Wireless hijacking under scrutiny
BBC NEWS | Technology | Wireless hijacking under scrutiny
Probably the interesting part of this is that the party was charged under the Communications Act for dishonestly using an Electronic Communications Service. He could have been charged under the Computer Misuse Act for not having express permission to utilise resources of a remote computer (that would work just for the Access Point let alone any other kit along the way) and possibly for breaking the RIP (Regulation of Investigatory Powers) Act as by decoding WiFi beacon packets that you're not meant to (though that's hitting grey areas as beacon packets are what identify a WiFi network and most systems will list them automatically, but maybe if you join the network then you can be charged).
Unfortunately too many people run insecure networks without any protection turned on, or the defaults as the WiFi unit comes in the box. People need to change passwords, SSIDs (and if possible hide them) and turn on at least WEP and if possible WPA or something with strong encryption.
It's likely this may provoke further arrests and convictions.
Probably the interesting part of this is that the party was charged under the Communications Act for dishonestly using an Electronic Communications Service. He could have been charged under the Computer Misuse Act for not having express permission to utilise resources of a remote computer (that would work just for the Access Point let alone any other kit along the way) and possibly for breaking the RIP (Regulation of Investigatory Powers) Act as by decoding WiFi beacon packets that you're not meant to (though that's hitting grey areas as beacon packets are what identify a WiFi network and most systems will list them automatically, but maybe if you join the network then you can be charged).
Unfortunately too many people run insecure networks without any protection turned on, or the defaults as the WiFi unit comes in the box. People need to change passwords, SSIDs (and if possible hide them) and turn on at least WEP and if possible WPA or something with strong encryption.
It's likely this may provoke further arrests and convictions.
Ofcom Website | Award of available spectrum: 1781.7-1785 MHz paired with 1876.7-1880 MHz
Ofcom Website | Award of available spectrum: 1781.7-1785 MHz paired with 1876.7-1880 MHz
This covers two sections of spectrum (known as the GSM guard bands) and it seems Ofcom have wimped out, initially it looked like they might offer the spectrum on a license exempt basis but they've gone for the auction approach.
There will be between 5 and 10 national licenses (depending on how the bidding goes, and the consultation now in operation) with a reserve price of £50,000. Licensees will have to cooperate in terms of interfering with each other (there will be no protection against other licensees) but what a licensee does with the spectrum is up to them. There are limitations in terms of power (23 dB per carrier with a GSM mask).
It's likely that the existing GSM operators will bid, so that realistically only leaves between 1 and 6 licenses available to other parties, but since they're sealed bids, they could go to anyone. Ofcom will try to ensure there is no unfair bidding or collusion between bidders. Unfortunately £50,000+ puts bidding in the realm of larger players and smaller operations are likely to be scared away. Spectrum trading will be allowed, but only for reselling the license in total.
The technology is suitable for operating in-buiding (or localised) pico cells, but could be used for other purposes such as wireless broadband etc.
There will be possible interference in areas by the MoD, but licensees will have to live with it.
It's a shame Ofcom didn't make the bands license exempt (with strict licensing in terms of the radio parts i.e. specifying GSM only type equipment) as that would have allowed organisations to install their own GSM pico cells in their own buildings using kit from vendors such as IP.Access who make a self-contained pico cell for about £2,000 (there would be other GSM equipment required, but this could have been a shared resource).
This covers two sections of spectrum (known as the GSM guard bands) and it seems Ofcom have wimped out, initially it looked like they might offer the spectrum on a license exempt basis but they've gone for the auction approach.
There will be between 5 and 10 national licenses (depending on how the bidding goes, and the consultation now in operation) with a reserve price of £50,000. Licensees will have to cooperate in terms of interfering with each other (there will be no protection against other licensees) but what a licensee does with the spectrum is up to them. There are limitations in terms of power (23 dB per carrier with a GSM mask).
It's likely that the existing GSM operators will bid, so that realistically only leaves between 1 and 6 licenses available to other parties, but since they're sealed bids, they could go to anyone. Ofcom will try to ensure there is no unfair bidding or collusion between bidders. Unfortunately £50,000+ puts bidding in the realm of larger players and smaller operations are likely to be scared away. Spectrum trading will be allowed, but only for reselling the license in total.
The technology is suitable for operating in-buiding (or localised) pico cells, but could be used for other purposes such as wireless broadband etc.
There will be possible interference in areas by the MoD, but licensees will have to live with it.
It's a shame Ofcom didn't make the bands license exempt (with strict licensing in terms of the radio parts i.e. specifying GSM only type equipment) as that would have allowed organisations to install their own GSM pico cells in their own buildings using kit from vendors such as IP.Access who make a self-contained pico cell for about £2,000 (there would be other GSM equipment required, but this could have been a shared resource).
2005/07/27
57% of businesses apprehensive about adopting VoIP
Net4Now :: News Story
Switchvox are recommending that users find a reliable VoIP provider, know your bandwidth capabilities, get a static IP from your ISP, investigate QoS, get the right kit.
They recommend at least 100Kb/s for every call. Considering broadband in the UK is only 256Kb/s and contended - that doesn't look good.
Businesses should really look for SDSL or VoIP provided as a by product of another connectivity option such as LES (LAN Extension Services) or high bandwidth IP leased lines.
Until BT guarantee QoS on ADSL it's a losing battle.
Switchvox are recommending that users find a reliable VoIP provider, know your bandwidth capabilities, get a static IP from your ISP, investigate QoS, get the right kit.
They recommend at least 100Kb/s for every call. Considering broadband in the UK is only 256Kb/s and contended - that doesn't look good.
Businesses should really look for SDSL or VoIP provided as a by product of another connectivity option such as LES (LAN Extension Services) or high bandwidth IP leased lines.
Until BT guarantee QoS on ADSL it's a losing battle.
Child porn: ISP regulations set for Commons debate - Government & Law - Breaking Business and Technology News at silicon.com
Child porn: ISP regulations set for Commons debate - Government & Law - Breaking Business and Technology News at silicon.com
A labour MP want ISPs to declare whether they have taken steps to stop child porn.
Unfortunately as soon as child porn is mentioned everyone has "a moral obligation" to agree with the policy however dumb or look to be a supported of child porn.
This is one step down the road to censorship, not all ISPs can filter web traffic (if any traffic) and this would add huge costs, who should foot the bill?
There are already processes in place with organisations such as IWF and these generally work.
A labour MP want ISPs to declare whether they have taken steps to stop child porn.
Unfortunately as soon as child porn is mentioned everyone has "a moral obligation" to agree with the policy however dumb or look to be a supported of child porn.
This is one step down the road to censorship, not all ISPs can filter web traffic (if any traffic) and this would add huge costs, who should foot the bill?
There are already processes in place with organisations such as IWF and these generally work.
Ofcom Website | Notice of Ofcom�s proposal to make regulations to inspect and restrict the use of certain Wireless Telegraphy licence exempt apparatus
Ofcom Website | Notice of Ofcom�s proposal to make regulations to inspect and restrict the use of certain Wireless Telegraphy licence exempt apparatus
Err, Ofcom want to change the legal bits on how the can inspect and restrict usage of kit that is license exempt.
Try reading the page, it's not easy. But maybe that's just because it's late.
Err, Ofcom want to change the legal bits on how the can inspect and restrict usage of kit that is license exempt.
Try reading the page, it's not easy. But maybe that's just because it's late.
2005/07/22
Net4Now :: News Story
Net4Now :: News Story
Be giving a free router, not really that exciting news. It makes sense for an ISP to supply a known product as that simplifies support problems. Most customer issues are connecting up to the service.
Also the Speedtouch supports ADSL2+ (which is what Be will be using), WiFi and to analogue voice ports which will allow them to offer a VoIP service.
Be giving a free router, not really that exciting news. It makes sense for an ISP to supply a known product as that simplifies support problems. Most customer issues are connecting up to the service.
Also the Speedtouch supports ADSL2+ (which is what Be will be using), WiFi and to analogue voice ports which will allow them to offer a VoIP service.
2005/07/20
Google Earth - now Google Moon
Google have been fantastic things with first maps.google.com, then Google Earth (from Keyhole who they bought), now there's moon.google.com, which by default shows the landing sites of the Apollo missions (as pin-points) and you can zoom into them and move around.
No strange black monolith visible anywhere, but zoom in as close as you can ...
No strange black monolith visible anywhere, but zoom in as close as you can ...
4GB mobile phone just around the corner - ZDNet UK News
4GB mobile phone just around the corner - ZDNet UK News
Cornice has launched a 2.5cm (1") 4.0GB that costs about £37 (in 10,000 unit quantities).
This is a pretty good size in terms of storage and saize to fit in lots of mobile devices, including phones, MP3 players and GPS devices. Normally hard drives are pretty fragile and not good for being banged around, but Cornice have added Crash Guard II which includes Active Latch and Drop Safe to ensure they should survive normal use.
Cornice has launched a 2.5cm (1") 4.0GB that costs about £37 (in 10,000 unit quantities).
This is a pretty good size in terms of storage and saize to fit in lots of mobile devices, including phones, MP3 players and GPS devices. Normally hard drives are pretty fragile and not good for being banged around, but Cornice have added Crash Guard II which includes Active Latch and Drop Safe to ensure they should survive normal use.
BBC NEWS | Technology | UK prefers broadband to dial-up
BBC NEWS | Technology | UK prefers broadband to dial-up
50.7% of UK net users are on broadband. This is good news and shows that broadband is becoming commodity and pricing will continue to fall. New services will be launched based on ADSL2+ which will allow triple-play offerings.
However Ofcom are playing a balancing act, encourage LLU take-up by forcing BT to maintain wholesale DSL pricing until there are 1.5m unbundled lines, while BT (Wholesale) are the largest provider of broadband with 5.5m+ users.
So though Ofcom is allowing LLU to grow, BT are being restrained on what they can do with current customers i.e. the vast majority.
There is a second factor to this. It will take until the middle to end of 2006 before there are 1.5m unbundled lines, which gives BT a chance to roll-out 21CN, then massively change their wholesale pricing - which has the potential to put all the LLU operators out of business (or make them severely struggle) overnight.
50.7% of UK net users are on broadband. This is good news and shows that broadband is becoming commodity and pricing will continue to fall. New services will be launched based on ADSL2+ which will allow triple-play offerings.
However Ofcom are playing a balancing act, encourage LLU take-up by forcing BT to maintain wholesale DSL pricing until there are 1.5m unbundled lines, while BT (Wholesale) are the largest provider of broadband with 5.5m+ users.
So though Ofcom is allowing LLU to grow, BT are being restrained on what they can do with current customers i.e. the vast majority.
There is a second factor to this. It will take until the middle to end of 2006 before there are 1.5m unbundled lines, which gives BT a chance to roll-out 21CN, then massively change their wholesale pricing - which has the potential to put all the LLU operators out of business (or make them severely struggle) overnight.
More THUS rumours
The ADSL T&C's have changed where references to THUS/Demon have changed to "The Company" ...
More indications that THUS is going to sell off Demon or the broadband base?
More indications that THUS is going to sell off Demon or the broadband base?
2005/07/19
BBC NEWS | Business | News Corp in $580m internet buy
BBC NEWS | Business | News Corp in $580m internet buy
News Corp has purchased Intermix Media who own Myspace.com which is the fifth most-viewed internet domain in the US, and other sites for $580m.
This will be used to drive traffic to other News Corp sites (Fox TV sites). Tis initially seems to be to drive advertising revenue which is seeing big increases in the on-line world, while traditional media are losing out.
It looks a reasonable course of action, with News Corp owning large chunks of newspaper, television and now Internet advertising space.
News Corp has purchased Intermix Media who own Myspace.com which is the fifth most-viewed internet domain in the US, and other sites for $580m.
This will be used to drive traffic to other News Corp sites (Fox TV sites). Tis initially seems to be to drive advertising revenue which is seeing big increases in the on-line world, while traditional media are losing out.
It looks a reasonable course of action, with News Corp owning large chunks of newspaper, television and now Internet advertising space.
THUS gossip
It looks like THUS have sold a group with the operations side of the company which looked after some of the Internet systems to ComputaCenter and then outsourced to them.
It's also rumoured they've set-up an M&A group, who could possibly be looking for acquisitions. Last time they set-up a similar group they sold their Interactive division, so maybe they're grooming the company for a sale?
Only time will tell.
It's also rumoured they've set-up an M&A group, who could possibly be looking for acquisitions. Last time they set-up a similar group they sold their Interactive division, so maybe they're grooming the company for a sale?
Only time will tell.
Vodafone takes the fight to VoIP | The Register
Vodafone takes the fight to VoIP | The Register
Vodafone is going to launch a low cost 3G voice service "@Home", initially in Germany under the "ZuHause" name. This will be a flat rate service (up to 1,000 minutes per month) for local and national dialing (so flat rate unless you're a very heavy user!!!), mobile and international calls are on top of this (and only in your "home" cell).
They have already launched a 3G data service which again is limited to the home cell, but is flat rate for 5GB/month (and more if you go above or outside your home cell).
There is an overhead for delivering packet voice though. The GSM codec uses about 13Kb/s to digitise voice and over a traditional circuit switched network which is synchronous that's all it takes. Moving to packet occurs an additional overhead of about 20% so round up to 20Kb/s, however since the network is probably not synchronous it can actually take it up to 40+Kb/s (20Kb/s each way).
VoIP will eventually take-over, but the fixed and wireless operators will do their best to try and stem the flood and keep revenues flowing on their voice networks.
Vodafone is going to launch a low cost 3G voice service "@Home", initially in Germany under the "ZuHause" name. This will be a flat rate service (up to 1,000 minutes per month) for local and national dialing (so flat rate unless you're a very heavy user!!!), mobile and international calls are on top of this (and only in your "home" cell).
They have already launched a 3G data service which again is limited to the home cell, but is flat rate for 5GB/month (and more if you go above or outside your home cell).
There is an overhead for delivering packet voice though. The GSM codec uses about 13Kb/s to digitise voice and over a traditional circuit switched network which is synchronous that's all it takes. Moving to packet occurs an additional overhead of about 20% so round up to 20Kb/s, however since the network is probably not synchronous it can actually take it up to 40+Kb/s (20Kb/s each way).
VoIP will eventually take-over, but the fixed and wireless operators will do their best to try and stem the flood and keep revenues flowing on their voice networks.
Carriers talk up VoIP migration - Network IT Week
Carriers talk up VoIP migration - Network IT Week
It's a logical step for carriers to migrate to VoIP. Building a packet based network using IP (and specifically IP/MPLS to ensure QoS) costs about 40% that of legacy TDM (time division multiplexed) networks, so rather than upgrading TDM to cope with capacity demands it's cheaper to migrate to VoIP.
Once a carrier carries their own traffic over VoIP, they can interconnect using VoIP and as soon as they do that there's little difference offering VoIP to other 3rd parties too.
VoIP actually becomes an enabler such that carriers can then offer services to customers who normally would not work with carriers at all. The customer then can get better pricing, which then forces others to match i.e. overall pricing drops, more consolidation etc.
It's a logical step for carriers to migrate to VoIP. Building a packet based network using IP (and specifically IP/MPLS to ensure QoS) costs about 40% that of legacy TDM (time division multiplexed) networks, so rather than upgrading TDM to cope with capacity demands it's cheaper to migrate to VoIP.
Once a carrier carries their own traffic over VoIP, they can interconnect using VoIP and as soon as they do that there's little difference offering VoIP to other 3rd parties too.
VoIP actually becomes an enabler such that carriers can then offer services to customers who normally would not work with carriers at all. The customer then can get better pricing, which then forces others to match i.e. overall pricing drops, more consolidation etc.
Apple mobile phone rumours intensify - Network IT Week
Apple mobile phone rumours intensify - Network IT Week
Turning the iPod into a mobile phone makes sense, but becoming a cellular operator either directly or through the MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) seems a bit of a long shot. Yes they'd own the customer end-to-end, but a major effort in a very competetive market.
If they just stick to increasing the functionality of the iPod, integrating a video player (the iPod photo already displays images) make sense and the iTunes music store is rumoured to be talking to the studios re licensing films etc. That with a mobile phone makes sense.
Turning the iPod into a mobile phone makes sense, but becoming a cellular operator either directly or through the MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) seems a bit of a long shot. Yes they'd own the customer end-to-end, but a major effort in a very competetive market.
If they just stick to increasing the functionality of the iPod, integrating a video player (the iPod photo already displays images) make sense and the iTunes music store is rumoured to be talking to the studios re licensing films etc. That with a mobile phone makes sense.
2005/07/18
Murdoch's men form new internet unit - WebWatch - Breaking Business and Technology News at silicon.com
Murdoch's men form new internet unit - WebWatch - Breaking Business and Technology News at silicon.com
Another media giant is taking IPTV seriously, this time the Murdoch empire.
Fox Interactive Media will take in News Corp's current sports, news and entertainment websites as well as making strategic investments.
As broadband usage increases and high megabit services become a reality, eventually transmission of TV will become more economic over Internet than legacy broadcast networks. The broadcaster also gets a backchannel which allows sophisticated audience monitoring as well as interactive services.
Big Brother isn't watching you, it's your TV provider ...
Another media giant is taking IPTV seriously, this time the Murdoch empire.
Fox Interactive Media will take in News Corp's current sports, news and entertainment websites as well as making strategic investments.
As broadband usage increases and high megabit services become a reality, eventually transmission of TV will become more economic over Internet than legacy broadcast networks. The broadcaster also gets a backchannel which allows sophisticated audience monitoring as well as interactive services.
Big Brother isn't watching you, it's your TV provider ...
Ten year-old becomes Microsoft engineer - Personal Computer World
Ten year-old becomes Microsoft engineer - Personal Computer World
The old adage of "Microsoft software is so simple an idiot can use it" (well OK a 10year old) seems to be true, but not just for their software but their exams too and Arfa Karim Randhawa has become the youngest person to pass MS' Certified Professional examinations at age 10.
Hopefully that says good things about Arfa Karim Randhawa, rather than Microsoft's exams!!!
The old adage of "Microsoft software is so simple an idiot can use it" (well OK a 10year old) seems to be true, but not just for their software but their exams too and Arfa Karim Randhawa has become the youngest person to pass MS' Certified Professional examinations at age 10.
Hopefully that says good things about Arfa Karim Randhawa, rather than Microsoft's exams!!!
Net4Now :: News Story
Net4Now :: News Story
Skype offering free "SkypeOut" days. SkypeOut is Skype's breakout to PSTN service.
Unfortunately you have to look for the offer and download a gift certificate which then gives you 10 minutes SkypeOut credit.
Though Skype are by far the largest VoIP service on the Planet, there's new increased offerings from other providers trying to get into Skype market (Gizmo project from the Linspire/Sipphone outfit for one) and Skype want to maintain their customers.
Skype offering free "SkypeOut" days. SkypeOut is Skype's breakout to PSTN service.
Unfortunately you have to look for the offer and download a gift certificate which then gives you 10 minutes SkypeOut credit.
Though Skype are by far the largest VoIP service on the Planet, there's new increased offerings from other providers trying to get into Skype market (Gizmo project from the Linspire/Sipphone outfit for one) and Skype want to maintain their customers.
US can't dominate domain names, says UN - WebWatch - Breaking Business and Technology News at silicon.com
US can't dominate domain names, says UN - WebWatch - Breaking Business and Technology News at silicon.com
The UN once again makes a non-decision. What to do about the domain name system (DNS). ICANN (the body that looks after domain names etc) wanted to take control of the "root servers" i.e. the actual top-level infrastructure that holds the core of DNS i.e. "." or the root. However the US government refused to release control and will continue to manage it.
Now the UN has come out with 4 options, do nothing (i.e. stay as is), creation of a world body to address public policy issues (out the the work out ICANN), creation of a body to address wider range of public policy issues and create three bodies one to address policy, one for oversight and one for global coordination.
It'll probably take another few years to resolve which route to go down.
The UN once again makes a non-decision. What to do about the domain name system (DNS). ICANN (the body that looks after domain names etc) wanted to take control of the "root servers" i.e. the actual top-level infrastructure that holds the core of DNS i.e. "." or the root. However the US government refused to release control and will continue to manage it.
Now the UN has come out with 4 options, do nothing (i.e. stay as is), creation of a world body to address public policy issues (out the the work out ICANN), creation of a body to address wider range of public policy issues and create three bodies one to address policy, one for oversight and one for global coordination.
It'll probably take another few years to resolve which route to go down.
More C&W/Energis Merger Speculation
More C&W/Energis Merger Speculation
As posted previously, this could be a good move. Energis has not rebounded out of administration well, they are losing Wanadoo (sorry Orange) and the banks are likely to be keen to get Energis off their books.
C&W is still a big player (coming 2nd behind BT), both competing in the B2B market and combining efforts could be a good deal, even if just to remove the competetive threat.
As posted previously, this could be a good move. Energis has not rebounded out of administration well, they are losing Wanadoo (sorry Orange) and the banks are likely to be keen to get Energis off their books.
C&W is still a big player (coming 2nd behind BT), both competing in the B2B market and combining efforts could be a good deal, even if just to remove the competetive threat.
ADSLguide: News Archive
ADSLguide: News Archive
Zen supports Apple users. Not really a big deal as MacOS X is UN*X underneath and is generally pretty easy to set-up (MacOS does it all for you).
However they are also giving limited support for older versions, which really means "you've got a Mac, oh we'll do our best to support you if you're running MacOS, but fine if you're on MacOS X).
Maybe a bit of hype here?
Zen supports Apple users. Not really a big deal as MacOS X is UN*X underneath and is generally pretty easy to set-up (MacOS does it all for you).
However they are also giving limited support for older versions, which really means "you've got a Mac, oh we'll do our best to support you if you're running MacOS, but fine if you're on MacOS X).
Maybe a bit of hype here?
2005/07/14
Vonage calls for 'naked DSL' | The Register
Vonage calls for 'naked DSL' | The Register
Vonage want BT to offer broadband without consumers having to take phone services off them at all i.e. not paying line rental, as they can then utilise a VoIP service.
BT make a substantial ammount from line rental, and though they have been forced to offer services like CPS (carrier preselect) which allows the customer to choose another voice provider, and more recent WLR (wholesale line rental) you cant get rid of the line rental charges.
BT claim that line rental costs are needed to support the broadband infrastucture and have rubbished Vonage's claims.
It is a mockery of course as everything will disappear into VoIP anyway as BT roll-out their 21CN.
Vonage want BT to offer broadband without consumers having to take phone services off them at all i.e. not paying line rental, as they can then utilise a VoIP service.
BT make a substantial ammount from line rental, and though they have been forced to offer services like CPS (carrier preselect) which allows the customer to choose another voice provider, and more recent WLR (wholesale line rental) you cant get rid of the line rental charges.
BT claim that line rental costs are needed to support the broadband infrastucture and have rubbished Vonage's claims.
It is a mockery of course as everything will disappear into VoIP anyway as BT roll-out their 21CN.
2005/07/12
UK hacker - now where did he hack?
The case against the UK hacker GARY MCKINNON who broke into various US military, NASA etc computer systems has been published (he was convinced the US were covering up alien landings etc and wanted to find proof, unfortunately he didn't just peek around, but messed with the systems).
There's a PDF of the case at findalaw. The document has all the IP addresses of the hacked systems blacked out.
However open the document in Acrobat, select all, and copy into your favourite text editor .... lo and behold the black marks have disappeared revealing the orginal text (i.e. IP addresses).
No wonder the US government is worried about hackers ... doh
There's a PDF of the case at findalaw. The document has all the IP addresses of the hacked systems blacked out.
However open the document in Acrobat, select all, and copy into your favourite text editor .... lo and behold the black marks have disappeared revealing the orginal text (i.e. IP addresses).
No wonder the US government is worried about hackers ... doh
Industry giants get tough on spam - vnunet.com
Industry giants get tough on spam - vnunet.com
There's another anti-spam standard being submitted to the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) called Domain Keys Identified Mail (DKIM). It's been developed by Yahoo (who developed DomainKeys) and Cisco Systems' Identified Internet Mail, though other companies are contributing to the standard such as Alt-N Technologies, America Online, EarthLink, IBM, Microsoft and VeriSign.
If adopted by the IETF the technology will be available free of charge (and more probably free of license restrictions).
DKIM uses a public key infrastructure such that each Email is signed (usually by the ISP mailserver, though it can be done by the Email client) with a private key, and when it's received by the recipient (or more likely their ISP's mailserver) it can check the authenticity of signature by checking with the public key for that Email domain (which is made freely available).
SPAMmers wouldn't be able to forge the private key for another domain, so it would reduce the ammount of forged Email pertaining to come from real addresses. They could use their own domains, but these would rapidly be found to be SPAM sources and blocked by normal means.
Microsoft already has a technology that performs differently but would also reduce forgeries (caller ID for Email, now Sender ID) but they refused to drop licensing restrictions on it, though they are implementing on Hotmail and MSN (for outgoing Email) and any inbound Email without SenderID will be marked as SPAM sometime late this year.
Another technology, Sender Policy Framework is also availble and is freely licensed. Unfortunately it's not been widely adopted and has issues will mail forwarding services.
Maybe DKIM is the answer and will be adopted by tthe IETF.
There's another anti-spam standard being submitted to the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) called Domain Keys Identified Mail (DKIM). It's been developed by Yahoo (who developed DomainKeys) and Cisco Systems' Identified Internet Mail, though other companies are contributing to the standard such as Alt-N Technologies, America Online, EarthLink, IBM, Microsoft and VeriSign.
If adopted by the IETF the technology will be available free of charge (and more probably free of license restrictions).
DKIM uses a public key infrastructure such that each Email is signed (usually by the ISP mailserver, though it can be done by the Email client) with a private key, and when it's received by the recipient (or more likely their ISP's mailserver) it can check the authenticity of signature by checking with the public key for that Email domain (which is made freely available).
SPAMmers wouldn't be able to forge the private key for another domain, so it would reduce the ammount of forged Email pertaining to come from real addresses. They could use their own domains, but these would rapidly be found to be SPAM sources and blocked by normal means.
Microsoft already has a technology that performs differently but would also reduce forgeries (caller ID for Email, now Sender ID) but they refused to drop licensing restrictions on it, though they are implementing on Hotmail and MSN (for outgoing Email) and any inbound Email without SenderID will be marked as SPAM sometime late this year.
Another technology, Sender Policy Framework is also availble and is freely licensed. Unfortunately it's not been widely adopted and has issues will mail forwarding services.
Maybe DKIM is the answer and will be adopted by tthe IETF.
BBC NEWS | England | Mobiles 999 contact idea spreads
BBC NEWS | England | Mobiles 999 contact idea spreads
ICE or in case of Emergency was the idea of East Anglian Ambulance Service paramedic Bob Brotchie. Users are encouraged to store an entries called ICE. If one than one entry is required just start the entry with ICE followed by an name i.e. ICE mum, or ICE steve.
Hopefully most people will have lock codes on their phones, but these can be overridden if you know how. If the phone hasn't been turned off, generally the address book can still be accessed.
It's a reasonable idea as most people will carry a mobile with them wherever they are and it could help identify people or at least allow the Emergency services to contact someone to let them know how the person is, not just in the case of terrorist attacks.
ICE or in case of Emergency was the idea of East Anglian Ambulance Service paramedic Bob Brotchie. Users are encouraged to store an entries called ICE. If one than one entry is required just start the entry with ICE followed by an name i.e. ICE mum, or ICE steve.
Hopefully most people will have lock codes on their phones, but these can be overridden if you know how. If the phone hasn't been turned off, generally the address book can still be accessed.
It's a reasonable idea as most people will carry a mobile with them wherever they are and it could help identify people or at least allow the Emergency services to contact someone to let them know how the person is, not just in the case of terrorist attacks.
Net4Now :: News Story
Net4Now :: News Story
Be have chosen Alcatel for their new high speed ADSL2+ based LLU offering. This will allow them to offer a triple-play (voice, data and Internet where data can be any number of items such as TV), though initially only Internet services are being offered.
Be is unlikely to have the relationships to offer any kind of content at the moment anyway, and going the content route is a difficult game to play in, they'll probably have to partner with other companies who have content, but there'll be huge competition to get those relationships in place as all the LLU operators start offering content services.
Though the Alcatel kit has the ability to do sensible things with bandwidth reservation and quality of service, backhaul is still going to be difficult (and expensive), it accounts for a large ammount of the cost of running an LLU service.
Where current players have to worry about 2Mb/s or even 8Mb/s, offering 24Mb/s is pushing the requirements even higher. Since BT still own 85% of the infrastructure in the UK, it's likely Be will have to buy significant ammounts from them, and they definately aren't the cheapest supplier in the UK
Be have chosen Alcatel for their new high speed ADSL2+ based LLU offering. This will allow them to offer a triple-play (voice, data and Internet where data can be any number of items such as TV), though initially only Internet services are being offered.
Be is unlikely to have the relationships to offer any kind of content at the moment anyway, and going the content route is a difficult game to play in, they'll probably have to partner with other companies who have content, but there'll be huge competition to get those relationships in place as all the LLU operators start offering content services.
Though the Alcatel kit has the ability to do sensible things with bandwidth reservation and quality of service, backhaul is still going to be difficult (and expensive), it accounts for a large ammount of the cost of running an LLU service.
Where current players have to worry about 2Mb/s or even 8Mb/s, offering 24Mb/s is pushing the requirements even higher. Since BT still own 85% of the infrastructure in the UK, it's likely Be will have to buy significant ammounts from them, and they definately aren't the cheapest supplier in the UK
Net4Now :: News Story
Net4Now :: News Story
Sky have been trying to get this service off the ground for a while and now they've done a deal with Demon (THUS Plc) to make it available on the Demon web hosting platform.
Sky's SkyActive platform is based on WAP pages (slightly modified to allow for TV usage - so called WTVML or WAP TV markup language). This will allow anyone with a Sky box to hit the red button and have access to content from sites using the new content platform.
Skykeys are shortcodes, such that content providers can give access to pages in an efficient manner by just typing in a numeric number rather than having to remember the full URL. Demon have a SkyKey of "666".
Whether this takes off is another matter, but it will allow pretty much anyone to put content up for thr Sky platform in an easy to use manner.
Sky have been trying to get this service off the ground for a while and now they've done a deal with Demon (THUS Plc) to make it available on the Demon web hosting platform.
Sky's SkyActive platform is based on WAP pages (slightly modified to allow for TV usage - so called WTVML or WAP TV markup language). This will allow anyone with a Sky box to hit the red button and have access to content from sites using the new content platform.
Skykeys are shortcodes, such that content providers can give access to pages in an efficient manner by just typing in a numeric number rather than having to remember the full URL. Demon have a SkyKey of "666".
Whether this takes off is another matter, but it will allow pretty much anyone to put content up for thr Sky platform in an easy to use manner.
Digit Online news - Toshiba backs larger disc format
Digit Online news - Toshiba backs larger disc format
1TB per disk is the potential for this medium (HVD or holographic versatile disk), however initial products due in June 2006 will support 200GB writable disks and consumer read-only disks will be at the 100GB mark (hopefully launched in 2007).
Current single layer disks only support 4.7GB and even the new HD-DVD disks only support 15GB.
With the advances in optical storage it's likely >TB devices are going to start appearing everywhere.
1TB per disk is the potential for this medium (HVD or holographic versatile disk), however initial products due in June 2006 will support 200GB writable disks and consumer read-only disks will be at the 100GB mark (hopefully launched in 2007).
Current single layer disks only support 4.7GB and even the new HD-DVD disks only support 15GB.
With the advances in optical storage it's likely >TB devices are going to start appearing everywhere.
2005/07/08
When Microsoft's push comes to shove - vnunet.com
When Microsoft's push comes to shove - vnunet.com
Microsoft is adding "push Email" to Exchange 2003 and Windows Mobile 5.0 (though not until the end of the year). Depending on how Microsoft enable the push service it could be a boon for customers and a major dent to RIM (who make the Blackberry) who dominate the push email market with around 3 million units.
Many people don't know, but RIM actually make a large ammount of money from the GPRS traffic generated by push email. When a Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES) is installed in a company it sends the (encrypted) push to RIM over the Internet who then send it out to the mobile networks via their APN (access point name), conversely when a user sends Email or whatever on the Blackberry it makes a connection with the RIM APN and it then connects to the BES again via the Internet.
Since there's a lot of traffic going across the APN, RIM have a deal with the operators and they get a cut of the data traffic charges.
If a (medium size) company or ISP were to get an APN and connect to the operators then utilise the MS solution (if MS don't do the same as RIM) then the company or ISP can reap the benefits themselves or at least get cheaper data charges for their mobile users.
Microsoft is adding "push Email" to Exchange 2003 and Windows Mobile 5.0 (though not until the end of the year). Depending on how Microsoft enable the push service it could be a boon for customers and a major dent to RIM (who make the Blackberry) who dominate the push email market with around 3 million units.
Many people don't know, but RIM actually make a large ammount of money from the GPRS traffic generated by push email. When a Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES) is installed in a company it sends the (encrypted) push to RIM over the Internet who then send it out to the mobile networks via their APN (access point name), conversely when a user sends Email or whatever on the Blackberry it makes a connection with the RIM APN and it then connects to the BES again via the Internet.
Since there's a lot of traffic going across the APN, RIM have a deal with the operators and they get a cut of the data traffic charges.
If a (medium size) company or ISP were to get an APN and connect to the operators then utilise the MS solution (if MS don't do the same as RIM) then the company or ISP can reap the benefits themselves or at least get cheaper data charges for their mobile users.
Wireless: NewsFactor Network - - Man Charged with Using Somebody Else's Wi-Fi
Wireless: NewsFactor Network - - Man Charged with Using Somebody Else's Wi-Fi
It's suprising this hasn't happened earlier.
In the UK there are at least 2 laws which can be broken by unauthorised use of someone Wireless LAN (WLAN) or WiFi network.
The Computer Misuse Act can be used to prosecute as the perpertrator doesn;t have specfic authorisation to utilise resources on the WiFi network (or beyond). Resource is used just because the access point is having to process their connection.
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIP) Act covers unlawfull intercept of data, and any client connecting to a WiFi network has to decode beacon packets. Again if access isn't authorised the connecting user is potentiially illegally intercepting data.
The Police would need to have a pretty strong case against someone (at least in the UK) as computer expertise is severely limited in the forces and the resulting prosecution would not be trated as a high priority (unless access was gained for some other unlawfull purpose). Unfortunately a lot of this type of activity is probably just ignored as the police resources are much better spent catchng criminals where the payoffs are greater (sic) i.e. catch a WiFi user or catch someone trying to break into a bank. The Police have to decide which has a monetary better result for them.
It's suprising this hasn't happened earlier.
In the UK there are at least 2 laws which can be broken by unauthorised use of someone Wireless LAN (WLAN) or WiFi network.
The Computer Misuse Act can be used to prosecute as the perpertrator doesn;t have specfic authorisation to utilise resources on the WiFi network (or beyond). Resource is used just because the access point is having to process their connection.
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIP) Act covers unlawfull intercept of data, and any client connecting to a WiFi network has to decode beacon packets. Again if access isn't authorised the connecting user is potentiially illegally intercepting data.
The Police would need to have a pretty strong case against someone (at least in the UK) as computer expertise is severely limited in the forces and the resulting prosecution would not be trated as a high priority (unless access was gained for some other unlawfull purpose). Unfortunately a lot of this type of activity is probably just ignored as the police resources are much better spent catchng criminals where the payoffs are greater (sic) i.e. catch a WiFi user or catch someone trying to break into a bank. The Police have to decide which has a monetary better result for them.
Net4Now :: News Story
Net4Now :: News Story
Google investing in Powerline technology (PLT)? Why not? The main advantage of the technology is it uses existing infrastructure i.e. electricity powerlines. That means a lower entry cost as the broadband company only needs to overlay the broadband technology, not dig fibre or lay copper.
PLT can work very well, and trials have been launched in various areas of the UK. It unfortunately can lead to emissions in the electomagnetic spectrum which interfere with other radio services. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) can be reduced, but it has to be vary carefully controlled and only works in specific conditions.
The technology is much better suited to rural areas where single substations power many premises (the broadband equipment is installed at the substation). It tends not to work where multiple substations feed multiple premises such as in urban areas (cities).
Current trials have shown that using powerlines for backhaul is also difficult as the grid powerlines act as aerials and EMI becomes a major problem.
Google investing in Powerline technology (PLT)? Why not? The main advantage of the technology is it uses existing infrastructure i.e. electricity powerlines. That means a lower entry cost as the broadband company only needs to overlay the broadband technology, not dig fibre or lay copper.
PLT can work very well, and trials have been launched in various areas of the UK. It unfortunately can lead to emissions in the electomagnetic spectrum which interfere with other radio services. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) can be reduced, but it has to be vary carefully controlled and only works in specific conditions.
The technology is much better suited to rural areas where single substations power many premises (the broadband equipment is installed at the substation). It tends not to work where multiple substations feed multiple premises such as in urban areas (cities).
Current trials have shown that using powerlines for backhaul is also difficult as the grid powerlines act as aerials and EMI becomes a major problem.
BBC Preps Online TV Premier
BBC Preps Online TV Premier
The BBC is premiering content through its broadband portal (only available to UK). Though only a very limited ammount of TV is available at the moment, much of the radio programming is available through the BBC Radio Player (a branded Real player) which allows radio programmes to be listened to for up to a week after they've been broadcast. They are going to follow suit with TV.
Currently most of the UK is on 2Mb/s broadband (and contended at 50:1) but local loop unbundlers (LLU) are now starting to offer 8Mbs/ and one player has announced they will be launching 18Mb/s ADS:2+ services in the near future though only to 45 exchanges initially.
In France 18-22Mb/s is now the norm, with prices starting at 15 Euros per month including Internet, TV and voice packages. This will happen in the UK, especially when BT's 21CN is rolled-out.
Internet Protocol (TV (IPTV) is the way of the future, and currently Ofcom is sitting on the bench with respect to regulation as theyll have great difficulty policing out of UK content.
However for IPTV to succeed, local caching of content needs to occur near theexchanges or backhaul becomes a major headache (and financial nightmare) which means it will have to be stored. Maybe Ofcom can regulate at that level.
The BBC knows traditional broadcasting is going to (at least eventually) give way to IPTV and you can be sure they'll be there ready for it.
The BBC is premiering content through its broadband portal (only available to UK). Though only a very limited ammount of TV is available at the moment, much of the radio programming is available through the BBC Radio Player (a branded Real player) which allows radio programmes to be listened to for up to a week after they've been broadcast. They are going to follow suit with TV.
Currently most of the UK is on 2Mb/s broadband (and contended at 50:1) but local loop unbundlers (LLU) are now starting to offer 8Mbs/ and one player has announced they will be launching 18Mb/s ADS:2+ services in the near future though only to 45 exchanges initially.
In France 18-22Mb/s is now the norm, with prices starting at 15 Euros per month including Internet, TV and voice packages. This will happen in the UK, especially when BT's 21CN is rolled-out.
Internet Protocol (TV (IPTV) is the way of the future, and currently Ofcom is sitting on the bench with respect to regulation as theyll have great difficulty policing out of UK content.
However for IPTV to succeed, local caching of content needs to occur near theexchanges or backhaul becomes a major headache (and financial nightmare) which means it will have to be stored. Maybe Ofcom can regulate at that level.
The BBC knows traditional broadcasting is going to (at least eventually) give way to IPTV and you can be sure they'll be there ready for it.
BBC NEWS | Technology | Mobile networks bear blast strain
BBC NEWS | Technology | Mobile networks bear blast strain
The mobile networks went into overload as people in London tried calling yesterday.
It's likely the operators put the networks into a mode where "operator overload class" went into action. This is a system whereby voice channels are prioritised for Emergency services, government, spooks etc. There are rumoured to be 15 levels and the operators set the operating level and anyone below this level (i.e. normal users) will not be able to make or receive calls or get dropped from an existing call if anyone with a higher level is trying to make a call.
On O2 up until about 2pm though the network was available it didn't seem to allow calls at all, maybe that's because of the vicinity of a hospital which was on "Emergency Status" and was receiving walking wounded.
After 2pm the network was congested by calls did get through.
The mobile networks went into overload as people in London tried calling yesterday.
It's likely the operators put the networks into a mode where "operator overload class" went into action. This is a system whereby voice channels are prioritised for Emergency services, government, spooks etc. There are rumoured to be 15 levels and the operators set the operating level and anyone below this level (i.e. normal users) will not be able to make or receive calls or get dropped from an existing call if anyone with a higher level is trying to make a call.
On O2 up until about 2pm though the network was available it didn't seem to allow calls at all, maybe that's because of the vicinity of a hospital which was on "Emergency Status" and was receiving walking wounded.
After 2pm the network was congested by calls did get through.
2005/07/06
BBC NEWS | Technology | Software patent bill thrown out
BBC NEWS | Technology | Software patent bill thrown out
The bill to unify patents across Europe and more importantly allow software patents has failed to get through the European Parliament even though another version has gone through.
Patents will be handled by the individual patent offices in the 25 member states as they have done.
The bill to unify patents across Europe and more importantly allow software patents has failed to get through the European Parliament even though another version has gone through.
Patents will be handled by the individual patent offices in the 25 member states as they have done.
2005/07/05
BBC NEWS | Wales | Phone users switch to new service
BBC NEWS | Wales | Phone users switch to new service
This is the first concrete announcement of BT 21 Century Network (21CN) plans. BT are rolling out the network in Cardiff, Pontypridd and Bridgend in 2006 with other areas following and the PSTN switched off by the end of the decade.
Though it's a 3-4 year roll-out period BT are likely to rapidly install 21CN into metro areas then move into more rural areas, so large proportions of the UK's population will actually be migrated in the initial phase of the roll-out. BT have also stated they are bringing out new Ethernet based services which will rely on at least some of the technology needed for 21CN (IP/MPLS for national and city backhaul).
21CN is a revolution for BT, and though they are under fierce pressure to seperate their access and retail arms, in some ways 21CN blurs the distinction and being all IP, Ofcom have less regulatory hold over them (without taking a tough stance over IP services with everyone).
Without very careful regulation and industry cooperation, everyone (i.e. traditional telcos) will all just be BT resellers once again.
This is the first concrete announcement of BT 21 Century Network (21CN) plans. BT are rolling out the network in Cardiff, Pontypridd and Bridgend in 2006 with other areas following and the PSTN switched off by the end of the decade.
Though it's a 3-4 year roll-out period BT are likely to rapidly install 21CN into metro areas then move into more rural areas, so large proportions of the UK's population will actually be migrated in the initial phase of the roll-out. BT have also stated they are bringing out new Ethernet based services which will rely on at least some of the technology needed for 21CN (IP/MPLS for national and city backhaul).
21CN is a revolution for BT, and though they are under fierce pressure to seperate their access and retail arms, in some ways 21CN blurs the distinction and being all IP, Ofcom have less regulatory hold over them (without taking a tough stance over IP services with everyone).
Without very careful regulation and industry cooperation, everyone (i.e. traditional telcos) will all just be BT resellers once again.
BBC NEWS | Technology | Man convicted for chipping Xbox
BBC NEWS | Technology | Man convicted for chipping Xbox
Well there's some truth to the story. The article actually says "The man had been selling modified Xbox consoles which he fitted with a big hard drive containing 80 games".
Though Sony won a case against chipping PlayStation2's, there's been no cases against chipping Xboxes. The crime here was more than likely the 80 games on the hard disk.
Well there's some truth to the story. The article actually says "The man had been selling modified Xbox consoles which he fitted with a big hard drive containing 80 games".
Though Sony won a case against chipping PlayStation2's, there's been no cases against chipping Xboxes. The crime here was more than likely the 80 games on the hard disk.
2005/07/04
Apple takes podcasting mainstream - vnunet.com
Apple takes podcasting mainstream - vnunet.com
Though Apple have made it easy to search and download podcasts, it's suprising they haven't actually made the tools to make a podcast. Maybe that'll be the reason to upgrade to iTunes 5?
They've in some ways knocked out the competition (except on Linux).
Sorry Mr Lacey, but iTunes is much nicer ...
Though Apple have made it easy to search and download podcasts, it's suprising they haven't actually made the tools to make a podcast. Maybe that'll be the reason to upgrade to iTunes 5?
They've in some ways knocked out the competition (except on Linux).
Sorry Mr Lacey, but iTunes is much nicer ...
24Mbps broadband comes to London - Broadband & ISPs - Breaking Business and Technology News at silicon.com
24Mbps broadband comes to London - Broadband & ISPs - Breaking Business and Technology News at silicon.com
It seems ADSL2+ is now here, well almost. Avatar Broadband has signed up to 45 exchanges in London and it can take 6 months from order to actually putting equipment in.
It seems Avatar have also joined RIPE (so they can get IP allocations).
Why want 24Mbs ADSL? triple-plays of Internet, voice and TV. 24Mb/s is ample for even HDTV.
Ofcom have obiviously changed the Access Network Frequency Plan (ANFP) to allow ADSL2+, anything to do with BT rolling out their 21CN?
Unfortunately it's unlikely VDSL(2) can now be used as that will interfere.
It seems ADSL2+ is now here, well almost. Avatar Broadband has signed up to 45 exchanges in London and it can take 6 months from order to actually putting equipment in.
It seems Avatar have also joined RIPE (so they can get IP allocations).
Why want 24Mbs ADSL? triple-plays of Internet, voice and TV. 24Mb/s is ample for even HDTV.
Ofcom have obiviously changed the Access Network Frequency Plan (ANFP) to allow ADSL2+, anything to do with BT rolling out their 21CN?
Unfortunately it's unlikely VDSL(2) can now be used as that will interfere.
2005/06/30
FT.com / Companies / Europe - F Telecom plans to phase out Wanadoo
FT.com / Companies / Europe - F Telecom plans to phase out Wanadoo
Once upon a time there was Freeserve, they had a good name in the UK and changed the face of dial-up Internet.
Freeserve were bought by Wanadoo, the ISP arm of France Telecom. Along came a series of "humourous" adverts telling the UK of the fact.
Now it looks like Wanadoo is about to expire and will be reborn as Orange who have so far only been known in the mobile world. It seems FT is rebranding all international mobile, broadband and commercial services under Orange.
Does this mean the wise man will now be advising Orange on what to call themselves next?
Once upon a time there was Freeserve, they had a good name in the UK and changed the face of dial-up Internet.
Freeserve were bought by Wanadoo, the ISP arm of France Telecom. Along came a series of "humourous" adverts telling the UK of the fact.
Now it looks like Wanadoo is about to expire and will be reborn as Orange who have so far only been known in the mobile world. It seems FT is rebranding all international mobile, broadband and commercial services under Orange.
Does this mean the wise man will now be advising Orange on what to call themselves next?
2005/06/28
Ofcom Website | Spectrum Framework Review Statement
Ofcom Website | Spectrum Framework Review Statement
Ofcom has come out with their statement on Spectrum Framework Review. Though they wish to liberalise spectrum management and take a light touch approach, spectrum licensing and management is a tricky business. There are many issues to take into account, including some spectrum is managed by the MOD, some is harmonised across Europe and some (like maritime frequencies) internationally.
Currently about 4.3% of the spectrum is license exempt (i.e. bands like 2.4GHz used by WiFi) whihc will rise to 7% by 2010. This will give about 600MHz to every person in the UK (for short range use) up from 400MHz now allowing 100Mb/s short-range services.
Around 21% will remain in Ofcom control and fully licensed and the remainer will fall under user management, which still means that the spectrum will be licensed (originally from Ofcom) but the licensee has the option to trade, sub-license and do other things with the spectrum than was originally specified in the Ofcom license.
This will allow people to come up with new ideas for spectrum use and to implement them.
Ofcom has come out with their statement on Spectrum Framework Review. Though they wish to liberalise spectrum management and take a light touch approach, spectrum licensing and management is a tricky business. There are many issues to take into account, including some spectrum is managed by the MOD, some is harmonised across Europe and some (like maritime frequencies) internationally.
Currently about 4.3% of the spectrum is license exempt (i.e. bands like 2.4GHz used by WiFi) whihc will rise to 7% by 2010. This will give about 600MHz to every person in the UK (for short range use) up from 400MHz now allowing 100Mb/s short-range services.
Around 21% will remain in Ofcom control and fully licensed and the remainer will fall under user management, which still means that the spectrum will be licensed (originally from Ofcom) but the licensee has the option to trade, sub-license and do other things with the spectrum than was originally specified in the Ofcom license.
This will allow people to come up with new ideas for spectrum use and to implement them.
2005/06/27
Ofcom Website | A new regulatory approach for fixed telecommunications
Ofcom Website | A new regulatory approach for fixed telecommunications
Ofcom have done a deal with BT to make BT Wholesale (BTW) "fairer" to the competition. They haven't gone the whole hog and forced BTW to be a completely seperate company, but they'll have different incentives to BT (Retail). It will stil be run by the same board of directors etc.
This is meant to make BTW more transparent and offer services to any operator at the same rate as to BT (Retail). This also applies to BT's 21CN.
BTW will be expected to share information about what it's doing rather than reactively tell the competition what its done.
Whether it actually makes a difference is yet to be seen, BTW will be ranamed and move out of BT's current offices, but it will still be BT.
Ofcom have done a deal with BT to make BT Wholesale (BTW) "fairer" to the competition. They haven't gone the whole hog and forced BTW to be a completely seperate company, but they'll have different incentives to BT (Retail). It will stil be run by the same board of directors etc.
This is meant to make BTW more transparent and offer services to any operator at the same rate as to BT (Retail). This also applies to BT's 21CN.
BTW will be expected to share information about what it's doing rather than reactively tell the competition what its done.
Whether it actually makes a difference is yet to be seen, BTW will be ranamed and move out of BT's current offices, but it will still be BT.
Ofcom Website | Notification of approval of an emergency code amendment to the ICSTIS Code of Practice (Tenth Edition)
Ofcom Website | Notification of approval of an emergency code amendment to the ICSTIS Code of Practice (Tenth Edition)
This is something that should have been done a long time ago, with hold payments to Premium Rate Services (PRS) from the telecoms operator for 30 days such that if the PRS service is doing something wrong they don't get paid.
This would stop a lot of scam operations and make it more difficult for PRS players to run dubious services. Withholding payments for 30 days is bad for cashflow, but will put off operators who "jump in then pull-out" very quickly, meanwhile leaving unhappy customers with big unexpected bills. There are quite a lot of telcos who will just pay-up on very short contracts.
Currently this is an Ofcom consultation, but there shouldn't be too many objections as it doesn't stop people making lots of money (premium lines can charge up to £5 per minute), it just stops them making money for 30 days which is enough time to catch unscrupulous ones.
This is something that should have been done a long time ago, with hold payments to Premium Rate Services (PRS) from the telecoms operator for 30 days such that if the PRS service is doing something wrong they don't get paid.
This would stop a lot of scam operations and make it more difficult for PRS players to run dubious services. Withholding payments for 30 days is bad for cashflow, but will put off operators who "jump in then pull-out" very quickly, meanwhile leaving unhappy customers with big unexpected bills. There are quite a lot of telcos who will just pay-up on very short contracts.
Currently this is an Ofcom consultation, but there shouldn't be too many objections as it doesn't stop people making lots of money (premium lines can charge up to £5 per minute), it just stops them making money for 30 days which is enough time to catch unscrupulous ones.
2005/06/25
C&W Seeking Energis Takeover?
C&W Seeking Energis Takeover?
Now this may make sense. Energis must be suffering badly as Wanadoo move more and more infrastructure away from them. They've already been through administration and Fidelity their new owners could do a quick deal and get rid of them.
C&W can probably afford a cash buy-out and would gain some network (but might migrate some of Energis' network on to C&W's). It would give C&W a better footprint and take another competitor off the radar.
Now this may make sense. Energis must be suffering badly as Wanadoo move more and more infrastructure away from them. They've already been through administration and Fidelity their new owners could do a quick deal and get rid of them.
C&W can probably afford a cash buy-out and would gain some network (but might migrate some of Energis' network on to C&W's). It would give C&W a better footprint and take another competitor off the radar.
2005/06/22
Cisco tries to pop the WiMax bubble - vnunet.com
Cisco tries to pop the WiMax bubble - vnunet.com
Another blow to WiMAX? Cisco's potentially popping the WiMAX bubble.
Though they support it, they're not investing in any radio hardware.
Undoubtably WiMAX will be used in certain areas (it could support rural broadband), but it's going to be a rocky road.
Another blow to WiMAX? Cisco's potentially popping the WiMAX bubble.
Though they support it, they're not investing in any radio hardware.
Undoubtably WiMAX will be used in certain areas (it could support rural broadband), but it's going to be a rocky road.
UK Telcos "you want to buy something?"
Yesterday I attended a meeting with a company and a large UK telco and was amazed.
The company was a specialist wireless provider who have rolled out several hundred hotspots. Large telco sends the account manager and a "techie". All sounds fine, but after introductions the techie launches into diatribe about WiFi and Wireless technologies, grandmother and sucking eggs came to mind.
After a bit of clarification (as in "thanks, but I think we know about wireless, what we want to know about is if you can offer connectivity options"), the techie did seem to get part of the picture. The account manager didn't.
Next stage - pricing? Just indicative ... the response was "you want pricing, that will involve work, without a commitment I'm not prepared to do that". It was almost as if they didn't want to sell anything ...
No wonder the telecoms industry is in the state it is, very sad.
The company was a specialist wireless provider who have rolled out several hundred hotspots. Large telco sends the account manager and a "techie". All sounds fine, but after introductions the techie launches into diatribe about WiFi and Wireless technologies, grandmother and sucking eggs came to mind.
After a bit of clarification (as in "thanks, but I think we know about wireless, what we want to know about is if you can offer connectivity options"), the techie did seem to get part of the picture. The account manager didn't.
Next stage - pricing? Just indicative ... the response was "you want pricing, that will involve work, without a commitment I'm not prepared to do that". It was almost as if they didn't want to sell anything ...
No wonder the telecoms industry is in the state it is, very sad.
2005/06/20
France Telecom tipped for Cable & Wireless takeover - ZDNet UK News
France Telecom tipped for Cable & Wireless takeover - ZDNet UK News
Is this just the rumour factory on overdrive? C&W are a big organisation and integrating it with FT just to get Bulldog seems a bit of an overkill. Bulldog are one of the local loop unbundlers (LLU) in the UK and C&W paid £18m for them.
FT probably could pay the £4bn, but would they want to? C&W have a large legacy network, they do terminate lots of call minutes for various CPS operators but C&W have a reputation similar to BT i.e. a large telco that's a bit of a monolith.
FT already own Wanadoo (the ISP) and Orange (the mobile phone comany) and Wanadoo is migrating off Energis' network on to Orange's. Do FT want another huge network and company to run in the UK.
They could of course have plans to operate a rival network to beat BT's 21CN which could be an interesting move.
Is this just the rumour factory on overdrive? C&W are a big organisation and integrating it with FT just to get Bulldog seems a bit of an overkill. Bulldog are one of the local loop unbundlers (LLU) in the UK and C&W paid £18m for them.
FT probably could pay the £4bn, but would they want to? C&W have a large legacy network, they do terminate lots of call minutes for various CPS operators but C&W have a reputation similar to BT i.e. a large telco that's a bit of a monolith.
FT already own Wanadoo (the ISP) and Orange (the mobile phone comany) and Wanadoo is migrating off Energis' network on to Orange's. Do FT want another huge network and company to run in the UK.
They could of course have plans to operate a rival network to beat BT's 21CN which could be an interesting move.
Sony miffed at PSP porn
Sony miffed at PSP porn
As noted before the PSP is the prefect mobile media player. Porn on it is inevitable, though watching porn on the train home from work might not be quite the most opportune thing to do.
But lucky UK PSP owners, with either genuine UK models coming out in September or with Japanese imports will be fine as Japan and UK are Region 2 so movies should work on either model.
As noted before the PSP is the prefect mobile media player. Porn on it is inevitable, though watching porn on the train home from work might not be quite the most opportune thing to do.
But lucky UK PSP owners, with either genuine UK models coming out in September or with Japanese imports will be fine as Japan and UK are Region 2 so movies should work on either model.
Skype claims VoIP lead - vnunet.com
Skype claims VoIP lead - vnunet.com
Skype are the top VoIP provider, not really a suprise there. Skype don't consider Vonage, Callvantage and others "competition" and that's maybe more of a suprise. Skype is a consumer based P2P service that runs on your PC (or variants), it just works. However it's a softclient and can be affected by other processes on the PC.
Services like Vonage supply a box that plugs into your broadband connection and utilise a normal phone. Their service just works too, but the phone aspect makes it easier to use (well not having to have the PC on all the time).
Though Skype are increasing numbers rapidly, their business model is as yet undefined, while Vonage (and others) have both consumer and business offerings which potentially do have an economic model that can work.
Skype are the top VoIP provider, not really a suprise there. Skype don't consider Vonage, Callvantage and others "competition" and that's maybe more of a suprise. Skype is a consumer based P2P service that runs on your PC (or variants), it just works. However it's a softclient and can be affected by other processes on the PC.
Services like Vonage supply a box that plugs into your broadband connection and utilise a normal phone. Their service just works too, but the phone aspect makes it easier to use (well not having to have the PC on all the time).
Though Skype are increasing numbers rapidly, their business model is as yet undefined, while Vonage (and others) have both consumer and business offerings which potentially do have an economic model that can work.
UK ISP's Fail To Report Child Abuse
UK ISP's Fail To Report Child Abuse
ISPs not reporting child-abuse? This is a tricky area in law. ISPs don't actually monitor websites, Usenet news or any hosting platforms. To do so would potentially make them liable for editorial control, and there's too much to monitor.
ISPs generally act on complaints (i.e. if someone reports illegal content to them) and there are various guidelines which they obide by (it all gets very messy in cases such as defamatory content where the ISP can be held liable once they've been informed).
Unfortunately with cases of child-abuse, ISPs are likely to get very few "informed" complaints as the act of downloading pornography etc with children is an offence in itself.
ISPs not reporting child-abuse? This is a tricky area in law. ISPs don't actually monitor websites, Usenet news or any hosting platforms. To do so would potentially make them liable for editorial control, and there's too much to monitor.
ISPs generally act on complaints (i.e. if someone reports illegal content to them) and there are various guidelines which they obide by (it all gets very messy in cases such as defamatory content where the ISP can be held liable once they've been informed).
Unfortunately with cases of child-abuse, ISPs are likely to get very few "informed" complaints as the act of downloading pornography etc with children is an offence in itself.
News
News
Sky offering on-demand movie channels, but through a customer's PC. Will that really compete with the offerings from companies like Homechoice and of course NTL and Telewest? It's not quite the same as customers will still need a seperate broadband connection. Once BT roll-out their 21CN services like this will be offered by BT as part of the network.
BSkyB have always had a problem of not having a back-channel (hitting the red button on the Sky remote dials into the Sky Active platform, but that's a 28.8Kbaud modem).
It's likely BSkyB will offer a box with broadband connectivity, but they cant afford to alienate their existing 7+m subscribers (and upgrading all the boxes would be a costly excercise).
Sky offering on-demand movie channels, but through a customer's PC. Will that really compete with the offerings from companies like Homechoice and of course NTL and Telewest? It's not quite the same as customers will still need a seperate broadband connection. Once BT roll-out their 21CN services like this will be offered by BT as part of the network.
BSkyB have always had a problem of not having a back-channel (hitting the red button on the Sky remote dials into the Sky Active platform, but that's a 28.8Kbaud modem).
It's likely BSkyB will offer a box with broadband connectivity, but they cant afford to alienate their existing 7+m subscribers (and upgrading all the boxes would be a costly excercise).
2005/06/17
Home at OpenSolaris.org
Home at OpenSolaris.org
Sun have now made OpenSolaris available. There are still encumbered bits of Solaris in there, but they've made the tools available to build Solaris on Sparc and on x86/x64.
Anyone can get an account (you need to register). Solaris is a good operating system, whether this will make a dent in the Linux market is debatable, but since they're giving away Forte development tools (which produce highly optimised code for at least the Sparc architechture) it should attract quite a few developers.
Sun have now made OpenSolaris available. There are still encumbered bits of Solaris in there, but they've made the tools available to build Solaris on Sparc and on x86/x64.
Anyone can get an account (you need to register). Solaris is a good operating system, whether this will make a dent in the Linux market is debatable, but since they're giving away Forte development tools (which produce highly optimised code for at least the Sparc architechture) it should attract quite a few developers.
| ARCchart | Blueprint : WiMAX hype becomes hysteria
| ARCchart | Blueprint : WiMAX hype becomes hysteria
Arcchart's view on why WiMAX hype has reached hysteria. Intel claiming broadband wasn't fast enough and WiMAX offering 100Mb/s was the answer.
Unfortunately what Intel don't say is that to achieve 100Mb/s you need about 30MHz of spectrum, which is difficult to get hold of. Most operators (say operating in 3.4 or 3.5GHz or in the UK even 5.8GHz) have maybe 10MHz - which supports about 30Mb/s payload.
30Mb/s isn't bad at all, but that's the bandwidth available from the basestation and it's shared between all the end users. Someone could offer it all to one customer, but then it's unlikely the economics wouldn't stack up. Offering 1Mb/s at 20:1 contention (equiv to BT's business ADSL service) that would support 600 users, at 5Mb/s it goes down to 120 and at 10Mb/s only 60 customers. Basestation equipment runs at £20K+ so the more customers you can support, the better.
Consider the wholesale price of a LAN Extension Service (LES) in Central London, about £6K install, and £1.2K pa. OK that's a point to point service with no Internet bandwidth, but it shows how wired connectivity pricing is dropping (and it can be upgraded to 100Mb/s or even Gb/s as it's fibre).
But that's not the end of the story, even taking DSL technology the ITU have just ratified VDSL2 which now supports 100Mb/s, it doesn't support long distances but there's already chipsets available. ADSL2+ is storming ahead and that offers 20Mb/s (short distances) but does better over long distances than VDSL(2), so most providers are opting for it.
Yes there may be a market for WiMAX to reach the areas DSL doesn't, but it's diminishing and the economics are not proven.
Arcchart's view on why WiMAX hype has reached hysteria. Intel claiming broadband wasn't fast enough and WiMAX offering 100Mb/s was the answer.
Unfortunately what Intel don't say is that to achieve 100Mb/s you need about 30MHz of spectrum, which is difficult to get hold of. Most operators (say operating in 3.4 or 3.5GHz or in the UK even 5.8GHz) have maybe 10MHz - which supports about 30Mb/s payload.
30Mb/s isn't bad at all, but that's the bandwidth available from the basestation and it's shared between all the end users. Someone could offer it all to one customer, but then it's unlikely the economics wouldn't stack up. Offering 1Mb/s at 20:1 contention (equiv to BT's business ADSL service) that would support 600 users, at 5Mb/s it goes down to 120 and at 10Mb/s only 60 customers. Basestation equipment runs at £20K+ so the more customers you can support, the better.
Consider the wholesale price of a LAN Extension Service (LES) in Central London, about £6K install, and £1.2K pa. OK that's a point to point service with no Internet bandwidth, but it shows how wired connectivity pricing is dropping (and it can be upgraded to 100Mb/s or even Gb/s as it's fibre).
But that's not the end of the story, even taking DSL technology the ITU have just ratified VDSL2 which now supports 100Mb/s, it doesn't support long distances but there's already chipsets available. ADSL2+ is storming ahead and that offers 20Mb/s (short distances) but does better over long distances than VDSL(2), so most providers are opting for it.
Yes there may be a market for WiMAX to reach the areas DSL doesn't, but it's diminishing and the economics are not proven.
2005/06/16
metranet
metranet
Interesting service, offering a WiMAX network in the Brighton and Hove area. Not much technical flesh on the site, but seems they're offering 2Mb/s, 5M/bs and 10Mb/s symmetrical broadband access over wireless (contended at 10:1).
They don't say what equipment they're using nor what spectrum. Do Ofcom know about them?
Also if they were founded by the council, they may fall foul of state aid regulation?
Does look like an interesting system though.
Interesting service, offering a WiMAX network in the Brighton and Hove area. Not much technical flesh on the site, but seems they're offering 2Mb/s, 5M/bs and 10Mb/s symmetrical broadband access over wireless (contended at 10:1).
They don't say what equipment they're using nor what spectrum. Do Ofcom know about them?
Also if they were founded by the council, they may fall foul of state aid regulation?
Does look like an interesting system though.
2005/06/14
BT finally ready to launch Bluephone
BT finally ready to launch Bluephone
BT have at last got their act together and will be lauching their Bluephone technology. This is where a dual-mode handset use GSM most of the time, and roam on to a Bluetooth basestation in the home (or office). BT have actually launched this in partnership with Vodafone.
The Bluetooth basestation is connected to the customers' broadband connection and the voice call will be backhauled via IP.
Unfortunately calls to the handset will always go via GSM at normal Vodafone rates, but BT will offer landline rates for the outgoing calls via the Bluetooth basestation.
The technology is actually part of the UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) and anyone can download the specifications from the UMA Technology site. Maybe someone can provide an alternative basestation that is compatible with Bluephone.
BT have at last got their act together and will be lauching their Bluephone technology. This is where a dual-mode handset use GSM most of the time, and roam on to a Bluetooth basestation in the home (or office). BT have actually launched this in partnership with Vodafone.
The Bluetooth basestation is connected to the customers' broadband connection and the voice call will be backhauled via IP.
Unfortunately calls to the handset will always go via GSM at normal Vodafone rates, but BT will offer landline rates for the outgoing calls via the Bluetooth basestation.
The technology is actually part of the UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) and anyone can download the specifications from the UMA Technology site. Maybe someone can provide an alternative basestation that is compatible with Bluephone.
Nokia: Skype must change or die - silicon.com
Nokia: Skype must change or die - silicon.com
Well there's a suprise, Skype has to find a business model or it wont survive? Isn't thast true for any business? Skype have a huge user base and their model could be to just sell out to another company?
Nokia are pushing standards based VoIP (SIP) over mobile data. That's all very well, but at the moment (in the UK at least) data charges are rediculously high on most networks, 3 don't even offer a data service to the Internet (walled garden).
Even if data charges drop dramatically, they'll have to drop a long way to get close to bundled telephony charges, if the operators don't block access to VoIP gateways.
Well there's a suprise, Skype has to find a business model or it wont survive? Isn't thast true for any business? Skype have a huge user base and their model could be to just sell out to another company?
Nokia are pushing standards based VoIP (SIP) over mobile data. That's all very well, but at the moment (in the UK at least) data charges are rediculously high on most networks, 3 don't even offer a data service to the Internet (walled garden).
Even if data charges drop dramatically, they'll have to drop a long way to get close to bundled telephony charges, if the operators don't block access to VoIP gateways.
Rivals \'could beat BT\' in the next-generation game - ZDNet UK News
Rivals \'could beat BT\' in the next-generation game - ZDNet UK News
The article is related to the ADSLguide one about IP infrastructure and rolling-out all IP networks.
This article goes on about Softswitching and implying it's the best thing since sliced bread. Well it may be.
In a regular telephony switch (like a System X) there's a bunch of intelligence that knows how to handle phone call set-up, call routing etc. and some line cards that actually connect to things and move calls around. It can run out of capacity once the CPU runs out of steam (i.e. it cant handle call processing anymore) or it physically cant handle any more calls through its interfaces.
A softswitch modularises things, you run the call intelligence on some CPU (which is "normal" hardware i.e. Sun servers or equiv) and you splash media gateways around the network. The media gateways interface with legacy PSTN or handle trunking etc.
Why? Because it costs much less to build IP packet networks, than legacy TDM networks (about 40%). Softswitches are also scalable, run out of CPU and you just add some more. Need more PSTN interfaces, add some more media gateways.
However it's not quite as easy as it seems. Softswitches do have lots of functionality, but they are bits of telecoms kit. Say someone wants to launch a VoIP service, just having a Softswitch doesn't give them anything but a platform to build something on. It then gets complicated as web interfaces, provisioning, billing and everything else that telcos take months to actually get working have to be built (if they have the resources to do it in the first place). They may well install a Softswitch just for the cost savings without launching any sexy services on it at all.
The article is related to the ADSLguide one about IP infrastructure and rolling-out all IP networks.
This article goes on about Softswitching and implying it's the best thing since sliced bread. Well it may be.
In a regular telephony switch (like a System X) there's a bunch of intelligence that knows how to handle phone call set-up, call routing etc. and some line cards that actually connect to things and move calls around. It can run out of capacity once the CPU runs out of steam (i.e. it cant handle call processing anymore) or it physically cant handle any more calls through its interfaces.
A softswitch modularises things, you run the call intelligence on some CPU (which is "normal" hardware i.e. Sun servers or equiv) and you splash media gateways around the network. The media gateways interface with legacy PSTN or handle trunking etc.
Why? Because it costs much less to build IP packet networks, than legacy TDM networks (about 40%). Softswitches are also scalable, run out of CPU and you just add some more. Need more PSTN interfaces, add some more media gateways.
However it's not quite as easy as it seems. Softswitches do have lots of functionality, but they are bits of telecoms kit. Say someone wants to launch a VoIP service, just having a Softswitch doesn't give them anything but a platform to build something on. It then gets complicated as web interfaces, provisioning, billing and everything else that telcos take months to actually get working have to be built (if they have the resources to do it in the first place). They may well install a Softswitch just for the cost savings without launching any sexy services on it at all.
ADSLguide: News Archive
ADSLguide: News Archive
Marconi are claiming a rival telco may beat BT at their own game and have an IP only network 1st.
This may well be true, THUS already has a complete IP core, and surely others do too. Unfortunately it's a meaningless comment. BT has 5,600 digital local exchanges in the UK and when they roll-out their 21CN then all of them (or at least anyone that is a real DLE) will be IP enabled. None of the LLU entrants is going into anywhere near this number, most for 3-400, Wanadoo maybe 1000. That's still under a 5th of BT's roll-out.
So until someone has an IP core and unbundles ALL the DLE's, BT still don't have any real competition.
Marconi are claiming a rival telco may beat BT at their own game and have an IP only network 1st.
This may well be true, THUS already has a complete IP core, and surely others do too. Unfortunately it's a meaningless comment. BT has 5,600 digital local exchanges in the UK and when they roll-out their 21CN then all of them (or at least anyone that is a real DLE) will be IP enabled. None of the LLU entrants is going into anywhere near this number, most for 3-400, Wanadoo maybe 1000. That's still under a 5th of BT's roll-out.
So until someone has an IP core and unbundles ALL the DLE's, BT still don't have any real competition.
2005/06/10
ISPs and telcos have to retain data
Net4Nowt :: News Story
The law will mean ISPs will have to retain logs of who sent an Email where at what time (though the content of the Email doesn't need to be stored) and telcos will have to log call information. The logs will have to be retained for 12 to 36 months.
There is already criticism saying that criminals will just use public phones, pay as you go mobile and Email accounts outside Europe, however it's now law.
This will put a big burden on ISPs who will have to find ways to log the data (which increases loading on mail systems) and of course where to store it all. Since 70%+ of mail is SPAM, that could lead to a very watefull log of SPAM messages.
Telcos are in a less difficult position as they already log call data for billing, and generally billing data has to be retained for seven years anyway.
The law will mean ISPs will have to retain logs of who sent an Email where at what time (though the content of the Email doesn't need to be stored) and telcos will have to log call information. The logs will have to be retained for 12 to 36 months.
There is already criticism saying that criminals will just use public phones, pay as you go mobile and Email accounts outside Europe, however it's now law.
This will put a big burden on ISPs who will have to find ways to log the data (which increases loading on mail systems) and of course where to store it all. Since 70%+ of mail is SPAM, that could lead to a very watefull log of SPAM messages.
Telcos are in a less difficult position as they already log call data for billing, and generally billing data has to be retained for seven years anyway.
2005/06/08
BBC NEWS | Technology | Apple Intel move 'could confuse'
BBC NEWS | Technology | Apple Intel move 'could confuse'
Apple's move to Intel is a bold move. IBM/Motorola have had some supply problems with the PowerPC's used in current Macs and IBM has so far been unable to produce a G5 CPU that's cool enough to run in a laptop configuration.
Intel have had their Pentium-M for a while and it's a proven laptop worthy chip. Intel are still the biggest chip manufacturer on the planet, though they are suffering form increased competition.
It's always been rumoured that MacOS X has been available on Intel hardware inside Apple for sometime, and Steve Jobs told the world it was true at the developers conference.
This is a drastic move for Apple, especially with the rest of the world jumping on the PowerPC bandwagon (Xbox360, PSP3 using Cell and Nintendo Evolution), maybe Apple felt that as a "small" player compared to the console giants - Apple developments would be pushed to the side.
With Intel now supporting the x64 architechture and dual-cores, it could be a good move for Apple. Though it will be very interesting to see if Apple go for standard Wintel hardware or will have some Apple proprietry technology so MacOS X will only run on their speicific hardware. It will also be interesting to see if Apple stick with OpenBoot (whihc is actually a decent powerfull mini-OS all to itself - running Forth in the ROM) or move to the generalised PC BIOS. That could be the MacOS X lock-down (though as an open spec, other manufacturers could produce OpenBoot ROMs for their designs).
Apple's move to Intel is a bold move. IBM/Motorola have had some supply problems with the PowerPC's used in current Macs and IBM has so far been unable to produce a G5 CPU that's cool enough to run in a laptop configuration.
Intel have had their Pentium-M for a while and it's a proven laptop worthy chip. Intel are still the biggest chip manufacturer on the planet, though they are suffering form increased competition.
It's always been rumoured that MacOS X has been available on Intel hardware inside Apple for sometime, and Steve Jobs told the world it was true at the developers conference.
This is a drastic move for Apple, especially with the rest of the world jumping on the PowerPC bandwagon (Xbox360, PSP3 using Cell and Nintendo Evolution), maybe Apple felt that as a "small" player compared to the console giants - Apple developments would be pushed to the side.
With Intel now supporting the x64 architechture and dual-cores, it could be a good move for Apple. Though it will be very interesting to see if Apple go for standard Wintel hardware or will have some Apple proprietry technology so MacOS X will only run on their speicific hardware. It will also be interesting to see if Apple stick with OpenBoot (whihc is actually a decent powerfull mini-OS all to itself - running Forth in the ROM) or move to the generalised PC BIOS. That could be the MacOS X lock-down (though as an open spec, other manufacturers could produce OpenBoot ROMs for their designs).
2005/06/07
UK developer quits DVD decrypting - ZDNet UK News
UK developer quits DVD decrypting - ZDNet UK News
There are other systems out there that can do this, but DVD Drecryptor wrapped it all together in a nice Windows program. Mac the Ripper is a similar tool for MacOS X users.
It looks like a big movie company (Sony?) served a writ on the author and he fell foul of the Copyright and Related Rights Regulations 2003 (the UK's implementation of the European Copyright Directive), which amongst others things disallows breaking of copyright protection schemes.
This happened previously with the DeCSS case in Sweden, but a judge ruled there that the program itself wasn't illegal. Unfortunately it does look the author has given up without a fight.
There are other systems out there that can do this, but DVD Drecryptor wrapped it all together in a nice Windows program. Mac the Ripper is a similar tool for MacOS X users.
It looks like a big movie company (Sony?) served a writ on the author and he fell foul of the Copyright and Related Rights Regulations 2003 (the UK's implementation of the European Copyright Directive), which amongst others things disallows breaking of copyright protection schemes.
This happened previously with the DeCSS case in Sweden, but a judge ruled there that the program itself wasn't illegal. Unfortunately it does look the author has given up without a fight.
2005/06/02
Google Code: Summer of Code
Google Code: Summer of Code
If there are any budding programmers out there, now's your chance to earn some money.
Google are making awards for students to earn some money over the summer by contributing to Open Source efforts. You can either contribute your own ideas/code or help out with ideas submitted by various open source organisations. There's still time for more organisations to get involved too.
If there are any budding programmers out there, now's your chance to earn some money.
Google are making awards for students to earn some money over the summer by contributing to Open Source efforts. You can either contribute your own ideas/code or help out with ideas submitted by various open source organisations. There's still time for more organisations to get involved too.
Internet News Article | Reuters.co.uk
Internet News Article | Reuters.co.uk
Bulldog has announced speed upgrades from 4 to 8Mb/s for some of its offerings. This follows UKOnline (the consumer arm of Easynet) launching a service last November.
Bulldogs pricing starts at £15.50 per month rising to £41.50 pm including unlimted Internet and local and national (UK) calls.
Broadband is starting to reach commodity pricing, though it hasn't yet dropped as far as in France where ADSL2+ has been rolled-out allowing Internet speeds of 18Mb/s and unlimited national calls for less than 30 Euros per month.
Bulldog has announced speed upgrades from 4 to 8Mb/s for some of its offerings. This follows UKOnline (the consumer arm of Easynet) launching a service last November.
Bulldogs pricing starts at £15.50 per month rising to £41.50 pm including unlimted Internet and local and national (UK) calls.
Broadband is starting to reach commodity pricing, though it hasn't yet dropped as far as in France where ADSL2+ has been rolled-out allowing Internet speeds of 18Mb/s and unlimited national calls for less than 30 Euros per month.
UMA Technology : Extending Mobile Services to unlicensed Spectrum
UMA Technology : Extending Mobile Services to unlicensed Spectrum
UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) allows mobile terminals (i.e. phones) to roam on to local networks using technology like Bluetooth or WiFi. In terms of technology it extends the mobile roaming capabilies to cover the Internet.
The site has a full set of specifications available to download (in PDF), though it's not easy reading.
This is what BT are trying to do with "Bluephone", though their trials are meant tohave been too successful to date.
If the technology can be made to work then it should allow the cost of calls to reduce when on a local network, since the mobile operator no longer has to transport the call over the cellular airwaves as the call traffic will be sent over the Internet (which is someone else's infrastructure).
Calling it "UMA" is a bit misleading in the UK (and in fact most of Europe) as there is no unlicensed spectrum. Ofcom still require licenses (as per the Wireless Telegraphy Act) to use any part of the radio spectrum, just that some bands (like 2.4GHz) are license exempt. License exempt spectrum means that if you stick to the license published by Ofcom, you don't need a specific one.
UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) allows mobile terminals (i.e. phones) to roam on to local networks using technology like Bluetooth or WiFi. In terms of technology it extends the mobile roaming capabilies to cover the Internet.
The site has a full set of specifications available to download (in PDF), though it's not easy reading.
This is what BT are trying to do with "Bluephone", though their trials are meant tohave been too successful to date.
If the technology can be made to work then it should allow the cost of calls to reduce when on a local network, since the mobile operator no longer has to transport the call over the cellular airwaves as the call traffic will be sent over the Internet (which is someone else's infrastructure).
Calling it "UMA" is a bit misleading in the UK (and in fact most of Europe) as there is no unlicensed spectrum. Ofcom still require licenses (as per the Wireless Telegraphy Act) to use any part of the radio spectrum, just that some bands (like 2.4GHz) are license exempt. License exempt spectrum means that if you stick to the license published by Ofcom, you don't need a specific one.
2005/05/31
ADSLguide: News Archive
ADSLguide: News Archive
Although VDSL (and now VDSL2) offer substantially higher speeds than ADSL variants (including ADSL2+) it also suffers major distance limitations. VDSL is also not approved for use in the UK.
ADSL allows for distances of several miles whereas VDSL is much better suited to several hundred metres (or at least under 1Km) which gives it very limited coverage from BT local exchanges - even in urban environments.
VDSL has achieved good results for in-building use (i.e. fibre to the building, and then local VDSL connectivity to tennants) and even street cabinet DSLAMs. Unfortunately the only people with fibre to street cabinets are cable providers, which and they tend to use cable modem technology.
Unless BT decide to rewire the uK with fibre to each street cab (which is a very costly exercise), and there's a major change to existing Access Network Frequency Plans (ANFP), VDSL(2) is a white elephant in the UK.
Although VDSL (and now VDSL2) offer substantially higher speeds than ADSL variants (including ADSL2+) it also suffers major distance limitations. VDSL is also not approved for use in the UK.
ADSL allows for distances of several miles whereas VDSL is much better suited to several hundred metres (or at least under 1Km) which gives it very limited coverage from BT local exchanges - even in urban environments.
VDSL has achieved good results for in-building use (i.e. fibre to the building, and then local VDSL connectivity to tennants) and even street cabinet DSLAMs. Unfortunately the only people with fibre to street cabinets are cable providers, which and they tend to use cable modem technology.
Unless BT decide to rewire the uK with fibre to each street cab (which is a very costly exercise), and there's a major change to existing Access Network Frequency Plans (ANFP), VDSL(2) is a white elephant in the UK.
2005/05/24
Ofcom rings the changes with new London code - vnunet.com
Ofcom rings the changes with new London code - vnunet.com
London's getting a new phone number, the old inner London (020 7) and outer London (020 8) snobbery will have to go - there's a new kid in town and that's "3" (or really 020 3). Hopefully no relation to the 3G network of the same name.
Ofcom is releasing the number after June 1st, both for businesses and home users.
Though no existing users have to change, it's likely some will, and there'll be confusion as to what 020 3 means. So much so that Ofcom are featuring 4,000 adverts on the London Underground and leafleting public buildings.
020 3 will also different in that they will not reflect geographic location. This will allow another 10 million London numbers.
London's getting a new phone number, the old inner London (020 7) and outer London (020 8) snobbery will have to go - there's a new kid in town and that's "3" (or really 020 3). Hopefully no relation to the 3G network of the same name.
Ofcom is releasing the number after June 1st, both for businesses and home users.
Though no existing users have to change, it's likely some will, and there'll be confusion as to what 020 3 means. So much so that Ofcom are featuring 4,000 adverts on the London Underground and leafleting public buildings.
020 3 will also different in that they will not reflect geographic location. This will allow another 10 million London numbers.
ElectricNews.net:News:Tech giants fight wireless patent
ElectricNews.net:News:Tech giants fight wireless patent
This could be bad news for Wireless networks if it goes through. It seems that Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation filed some patents for Wireless LAN technolody sometime after 1989 when ther research was carried out, and was awarded the patent in 1996.
Various companies, including Dell, HP, Apple, Microsoft, Netgear and Intel, have initiated legal action to have the patent overturned or they could be liable for patent infringment and have to pay fees to CSIRO.
Is this another Xerox looking for license fees (from Apple for their WIMP interface) long after the horse has bolted.
This could be bad news for Wireless networks if it goes through. It seems that Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation filed some patents for Wireless LAN technolody sometime after 1989 when ther research was carried out, and was awarded the patent in 1996.
Various companies, including Dell, HP, Apple, Microsoft, Netgear and Intel, have initiated legal action to have the patent overturned or they could be liable for patent infringment and have to pay fees to CSIRO.
Is this another Xerox looking for license fees (from Apple for their WIMP interface) long after the horse has bolted.
Microsoft plugs in major VoIP push - vnunet.com
Microsoft plugs in major VoIP push - vnunet.com
Microsoft has been quietly adopting VoIP (and specifically SIP) for several years. Windows XP has been VoIP enabled for some time and Windows Messenger included a VoIP stack since version 4.7 or thereabouts.
Microsoft are going to fire their big guns with Live Communications Server 2005 and have announed parterships with companies in the IP PBX space like Siemens and Alcatel.
Though Instant Messaging (IM) and real-time collaboration tools can be of great benefit, business users tend to like using real phones (rather than PC based softphones) to make actual calls.
Though Microsoft will make a big song and dance, most people will still want a real phone on their desk.
Microsoft has been quietly adopting VoIP (and specifically SIP) for several years. Windows XP has been VoIP enabled for some time and Windows Messenger included a VoIP stack since version 4.7 or thereabouts.
Microsoft are going to fire their big guns with Live Communications Server 2005 and have announed parterships with companies in the IP PBX space like Siemens and Alcatel.
Though Instant Messaging (IM) and real-time collaboration tools can be of great benefit, business users tend to like using real phones (rather than PC based softphones) to make actual calls.
Though Microsoft will make a big song and dance, most people will still want a real phone on their desk.
BitTorrent drops its trackers - ZDNet UK News
BitTorrent drops its trackers - ZDNet UK News
Trackers have been the flaw of BitTorrent, whereby a website has to maintain a copy of the tracker which maintains state about where a torrent is. Recently the record and motion picture associations have just gone for major sites (like SuprNova) that host the trackers.
Now BitTorrent is trackerless and doesn't need to store trackers in single sites that can be closed down.
Already there are BitTorrent clients available supporting the new protocol (search for Azuerus as an example of a multi-platform Java version).
Trackers have been the flaw of BitTorrent, whereby a website has to maintain a copy of the tracker which maintains state about where a torrent is. Recently the record and motion picture associations have just gone for major sites (like SuprNova) that host the trackers.
Now BitTorrent is trackerless and doesn't need to store trackers in single sites that can be closed down.
Already there are BitTorrent clients available supporting the new protocol (search for Azuerus as an example of a multi-platform Java version).
2005/05/19
BBC trials broadband broadcasting - silicon.com
BBC trials broadband broadcasting - silicon.com
Things are moving in the right direction. The Beeb are putting up various TV programmes so they can be downloaded and viewed up to 7 days after they've aired on TV. They've already done this successfully with radio programmes.
They say they're going to use a P2P system, so content is exchanged between users (BitTorrent?) but it will be DRM'ed such that only BBC license fee payers can use it (in the UK you need a license to watch any kind of broadcast TV). The license fees generate about £2.5bn annually for them.
If it all works, it might make PVR's a thing of the past ...
Things are moving in the right direction. The Beeb are putting up various TV programmes so they can be downloaded and viewed up to 7 days after they've aired on TV. They've already done this successfully with radio programmes.
They say they're going to use a P2P system, so content is exchanged between users (BitTorrent?) but it will be DRM'ed such that only BBC license fee payers can use it (in the UK you need a license to watch any kind of broadcast TV). The license fees generate about £2.5bn annually for them.
If it all works, it might make PVR's a thing of the past ...
2005/05/18
Skype Supernodes
Imagine a normal broadband user, they've installed Skype on their PC and are happily chatting away. It's likely they're behind a NATted connection. They're probably talking to another user behind a NATted connection. In the IP world this makes life particularly difficult, so how do Skype get around it?
The answer is to use a man-in-the-middle who isn't NATted (I think what Skype call a Supernode).
So if 1st NATted user (a) calls 2nd NATted user (b) all their traffic goes through non-NATted user (c) who has twice the traffic going through their connection. Skype will actually try to put lots of connections through (c).
So if you're on a high bandwidth connection not using NAT and running Skype - you'll probably find it's not just your Skype calls you're handling. The traffic is encrypted, so the you cant actually intercept the voice traffic, but your bandwidth might diminish radipdly.
The answer is to use a man-in-the-middle who isn't NATted (I think what Skype call a Supernode).
So if 1st NATted user (a) calls 2nd NATted user (b) all their traffic goes through non-NATted user (c) who has twice the traffic going through their connection. Skype will actually try to put lots of connections through (c).
So if you're on a high bandwidth connection not using NAT and running Skype - you'll probably find it's not just your Skype calls you're handling. The traffic is encrypted, so the you cant actually intercept the voice traffic, but your bandwidth might diminish radipdly.
2005/05/17
Qinetiq to police the airwaves - Network IT Week
Qinetiq to police the airwaves - Network IT Week
It looks like Ofcom are going to get serious about spectrum pollution. They currently have very limited resource in monitoring and then actually doing something about radio interference.
They do go after pirates, but a lot of time is spent investigating industrial EMI that interferes with local services (i.e. say industrial relays arcing that splat over commercial radio).
One thing Ofcom hasn't really addressed is interference in the WiFi bands, either by people using high gain antennae (so putting out more than the allowed EIRP) or using frequencies they're not meant to (or without going through the proper licensing regime), the Quinetiq deal should allow them to police these band much more effectively.
As more of the spectrum is liberalised, it will allow for more flexible use and increased applications, however it will also lead to more people using it improperly.
Maybe this will give Ofcom the bite to police properly, rather than just barking occasionally.
It looks like Ofcom are going to get serious about spectrum pollution. They currently have very limited resource in monitoring and then actually doing something about radio interference.
They do go after pirates, but a lot of time is spent investigating industrial EMI that interferes with local services (i.e. say industrial relays arcing that splat over commercial radio).
One thing Ofcom hasn't really addressed is interference in the WiFi bands, either by people using high gain antennae (so putting out more than the allowed EIRP) or using frequencies they're not meant to (or without going through the proper licensing regime), the Quinetiq deal should allow them to police these band much more effectively.
As more of the spectrum is liberalised, it will allow for more flexible use and increased applications, however it will also lead to more people using it improperly.
Maybe this will give Ofcom the bite to police properly, rather than just barking occasionally.
2005/05/16
BT faces fresh competition from AOL in UK fixed-line telecoms mkt - report - Forbes.com
BT faces fresh competition from AOL in UK fixed-line telecoms mkt - report - Forbes.com
AOL are tempting residential away from BT. Unlimited national and local calls for £7.99 pm (these don't tend to include non-geographic numbers like 0844, 0845, 0870 etc, and mobile, premium rate and international numbers which will incur per minute charges).
The business models for flat rate services can work out on average, but copying US models is dangerous since termination charges can largely be avoided there. In Europe termination charges are the norm, which means if users actually make lots of calls or long duration calls - the service could work out unprofitable.
In the UK BT still has the bulk of connections into homes (over 85% of the copper into premises is owned by BT), so they charge other delicious for the priviledge of originating or terminating these calls (i.e. if a AOL subscriber is using AOL's carrier preselect service, when they dial out it has to get from a BT line to AOL and BT charge for that hop, the same for getting a call back to the subscriber). BT still get the line rental, but the CPS provider gets the call traffic.
In order to minimise the number of hops across BT's network you want to connect to as many BT exchanges as possible so hopefully it's only an internal (exchange) hop. However this is generally unfeasable as there are 5,600 digital local exchanges (BT) in the UK. So large providers like THUS, C&W, Energis and possible Carphone Warehouse connect to about 700+ which means that you're never more than 1 hop away.
The "hop" rates are determined by Ofcom (taking a daytime call for termination, BT will charge between about .25p for a local exchange to 1.02p for a "double-tandem long" hop - per minute, origination is about .27p for local exchange to 1.03p per minute). The telco will then put their own margin on top of. In fact they're likely to offer a blended rate, which will average the price to any UK geographic number.
Since AOL have as yet no UK specific telephony infrastructure, it's likely they're buying the service from someone else.
In future they've said they're going to offer a wholesale line rental (WLR) service, whereby they take-over the line from BT and the user no longer gets a BT "blue-bill" at all. However WLR still has issues and isn't that competetive (the operator has to pay BT near enough £10 per month). That may well change with Ofcom pressure.
AOL are also moving into LLU (local loop unbundling) in which case they can offer voice services directly either using traditional means or using VoDSL (which could be VoIP).
It's going to be an interesting time ahead, though voice will soon just be a give-away to complement other services.
AOL are tempting residential away from BT. Unlimited national and local calls for £7.99 pm (these don't tend to include non-geographic numbers like 0844, 0845, 0870 etc, and mobile, premium rate and international numbers which will incur per minute charges).
The business models for flat rate services can work out on average, but copying US models is dangerous since termination charges can largely be avoided there. In Europe termination charges are the norm, which means if users actually make lots of calls or long duration calls - the service could work out unprofitable.
In the UK BT still has the bulk of connections into homes (over 85% of the copper into premises is owned by BT), so they charge other delicious for the priviledge of originating or terminating these calls (i.e. if a AOL subscriber is using AOL's carrier preselect service, when they dial out it has to get from a BT line to AOL and BT charge for that hop, the same for getting a call back to the subscriber). BT still get the line rental, but the CPS provider gets the call traffic.
In order to minimise the number of hops across BT's network you want to connect to as many BT exchanges as possible so hopefully it's only an internal (exchange) hop. However this is generally unfeasable as there are 5,600 digital local exchanges (BT) in the UK. So large providers like THUS, C&W, Energis and possible Carphone Warehouse connect to about 700+ which means that you're never more than 1 hop away.
The "hop" rates are determined by Ofcom (taking a daytime call for termination, BT will charge between about .25p for a local exchange to 1.02p for a "double-tandem long" hop - per minute, origination is about .27p for local exchange to 1.03p per minute). The telco will then put their own margin on top of. In fact they're likely to offer a blended rate, which will average the price to any UK geographic number.
Since AOL have as yet no UK specific telephony infrastructure, it's likely they're buying the service from someone else.
In future they've said they're going to offer a wholesale line rental (WLR) service, whereby they take-over the line from BT and the user no longer gets a BT "blue-bill" at all. However WLR still has issues and isn't that competetive (the operator has to pay BT near enough £10 per month). That may well change with Ofcom pressure.
AOL are also moving into LLU (local loop unbundling) in which case they can offer voice services directly either using traditional means or using VoDSL (which could be VoIP).
It's going to be an interesting time ahead, though voice will soon just be a give-away to complement other services.
Vonage - The Broadband Phone Company
Vonage - The Broadband Phone Company
The Vonage (Linksys) router and phone adapter arrived (it's a combined unit) with an "Internet" Ethernet connection, 3 LAN Ethernet connections and 2 phone sockets. The configuration is quite simple, but you have to be carefull, initially you can only configure the unit from the LAN ports which are set to a 192.168 private address.
Since there was already a DSL router there was no need to configure the Linksys router section (it's a shame they don't bridge between LAN and Internet - there seems no way to do it), which wastes the 3 LAN ports. Once the Internet side had a valid IP address it "just worked".
Plugging in a standard BT phone with CLI display worked too and you could instantly make phone calls (the units are sent out pre-configured to work with your Vonage account). The phone even showed a voicemail indicator when there waiting voicemail at Vonage. Very cute. Unfortunately it wouldn't go away, even when the voicemail was deleted.
After a bit more fiddling and allowing incoming traffic to the unit (through the firewall), the voicemail indicator worked properly too.
Vonage have done an excellent job making the system easy to use and functional.
It's relatively cheap at £9.99 per month for the residential service which includes unlimited UK local and national calls (you do have to pay for non-geographic/mobile and international calls). Calls to other Vonage customers are always free.
Sound quality at the user end seems to be pretty well near toll-grade quality, however other users (on PSTN or Vonage) complained of some echo. That could be because the upstream bandwith of UK ADSL is only 256Kb/s which could be the bottleneck of the call, while downstream is 2Mb/s. Of course most ADSL customers in the UK will be on 512Kb/s downstream and 256Kb/s upstream.
VoIP is starting to make a dent in the regular UK telephony market and the dent is soon going to be a gaping hole. Anyone relying on voice minutes for a business, isn't going to last long. When BT's 21CN comes on-line that will change things forever as the PSTN disappears and everyting is VoIP, but change is already occuring and if BT's promised QoS on DSL does happen, VoIP will rapidly take-over all UK telephony.
Some LLU entrants are already offering VoIP as part of their services (even though the end-user may not be aware of it), it makes sense to do so as it only costs about 40% to build packet networks rather than legacy TDM networks.
The migration to VoIP does introduce interesting challenges, like how to make money? More and more services are being bundled in, and the cost to transport packets from A to B or A to C is pretty well identical, so calls will no longer be charged by destination or even duration. Only time will tell.
The Vonage (Linksys) router and phone adapter arrived (it's a combined unit) with an "Internet" Ethernet connection, 3 LAN Ethernet connections and 2 phone sockets. The configuration is quite simple, but you have to be carefull, initially you can only configure the unit from the LAN ports which are set to a 192.168 private address.
Since there was already a DSL router there was no need to configure the Linksys router section (it's a shame they don't bridge between LAN and Internet - there seems no way to do it), which wastes the 3 LAN ports. Once the Internet side had a valid IP address it "just worked".
Plugging in a standard BT phone with CLI display worked too and you could instantly make phone calls (the units are sent out pre-configured to work with your Vonage account). The phone even showed a voicemail indicator when there waiting voicemail at Vonage. Very cute. Unfortunately it wouldn't go away, even when the voicemail was deleted.
After a bit more fiddling and allowing incoming traffic to the unit (through the firewall), the voicemail indicator worked properly too.
Vonage have done an excellent job making the system easy to use and functional.
It's relatively cheap at £9.99 per month for the residential service which includes unlimited UK local and national calls (you do have to pay for non-geographic/mobile and international calls). Calls to other Vonage customers are always free.
Sound quality at the user end seems to be pretty well near toll-grade quality, however other users (on PSTN or Vonage) complained of some echo. That could be because the upstream bandwith of UK ADSL is only 256Kb/s which could be the bottleneck of the call, while downstream is 2Mb/s. Of course most ADSL customers in the UK will be on 512Kb/s downstream and 256Kb/s upstream.
VoIP is starting to make a dent in the regular UK telephony market and the dent is soon going to be a gaping hole. Anyone relying on voice minutes for a business, isn't going to last long. When BT's 21CN comes on-line that will change things forever as the PSTN disappears and everyting is VoIP, but change is already occuring and if BT's promised QoS on DSL does happen, VoIP will rapidly take-over all UK telephony.
Some LLU entrants are already offering VoIP as part of their services (even though the end-user may not be aware of it), it makes sense to do so as it only costs about 40% to build packet networks rather than legacy TDM networks.
The migration to VoIP does introduce interesting challenges, like how to make money? More and more services are being bundled in, and the cost to transport packets from A to B or A to C is pretty well identical, so calls will no longer be charged by destination or even duration. Only time will tell.
D-Link G604T ADSL router
I've been having problems with the router, which turned out to be my fault. The configuration for the firewall and rules is non-intuative.
I had enabled the firewall (which stops things like smurf attacks, SYN flooding etc), but there are some check-boxes to let services in like ftp or telnet. That should have given the game away, in that ALL incoming traffic is blocked unless you specifically let things through (which is a good default). It's not stated anywhere though. Then there's another page called "filters" and this is where you set-up the services you want let through.
Anyway once I'd decided the services to let through, everything worked fine and downloads worked at full-speed.
It seems previously I'd mucked with the rules sufficiently that the router was getting confused and downloads were initially starting very fast, but then crawling to a few K/s.
I still like the D-link router, and hopefully some new firmware will support things like QoS (so I can prioritise my VoIP traffic) and better filter/firewall rules.
I had enabled the firewall (which stops things like smurf attacks, SYN flooding etc), but there are some check-boxes to let services in like ftp or telnet. That should have given the game away, in that ALL incoming traffic is blocked unless you specifically let things through (which is a good default). It's not stated anywhere though. Then there's another page called "filters" and this is where you set-up the services you want let through.
Anyway once I'd decided the services to let through, everything worked fine and downloads worked at full-speed.
It seems previously I'd mucked with the rules sufficiently that the router was getting confused and downloads were initially starting very fast, but then crawling to a few K/s.
I still like the D-link router, and hopefully some new firmware will support things like QoS (so I can prioritise my VoIP traffic) and better filter/firewall rules.
Ofcom Website | Powerline Telecoms
Ofcom Website | Powerline Telecoms
Powerline Telecoms, or broadband over powerlines has had relatively poor success in the UK and in Europe in general. It has found a home in places like the Australian outback. Looking at Ofcom's reports you can see why.
In short it looks like using powerlines for backhaul is bad, though there aren't any formal UK (or even EU) specifications the FCC have published emission standards as have the Germans, and the backhaul trials way exceed both of them.
However using broadband over powerlines into homes faired much better, with good results and very low emissions. So as long as the power company can get a decent connection into the electricity substation, it looks like they can safely get broadband into the home.
It wont work in built-up areas (like London) as multiple substations serve premises, so they'd interfere with each other, but then urban areas have probably got DSL or cable. Where it does work is in rural areas where one substation serves lots of premises (well multiple) and they are unlikely to have existing broadband services.
Powerline Telecoms, or broadband over powerlines has had relatively poor success in the UK and in Europe in general. It has found a home in places like the Australian outback. Looking at Ofcom's reports you can see why.
In short it looks like using powerlines for backhaul is bad, though there aren't any formal UK (or even EU) specifications the FCC have published emission standards as have the Germans, and the backhaul trials way exceed both of them.
However using broadband over powerlines into homes faired much better, with good results and very low emissions. So as long as the power company can get a decent connection into the electricity substation, it looks like they can safely get broadband into the home.
It wont work in built-up areas (like London) as multiple substations serve premises, so they'd interfere with each other, but then urban areas have probably got DSL or cable. Where it does work is in rural areas where one substation serves lots of premises (well multiple) and they are unlikely to have existing broadband services.
2005/05/12
Marconi - the death bell rings
BT announced the vendors who were going to supply kit for their 21CN network (well that should be 21C network, but hey), Marconi wasn't one of them and it has hit them hard, it's unlikely they'll survive in their current state.
A certain Italian must be turning in his grave at the state of his company and how it's fallen from its former glory (walk down the Strand and admire the Marconi building).
Access - Fujitsu and Huawei.
Metro - Alcatel, Cisco and Siemens.
Core - Cisco and Lucent.
Softswitching - Ericsson.
Optical Transmission - Ciena and Huawei.
It's quite suprising that Marconi didn't get the Softswitch business as BT already use Marconi System X digital exchanges and the Marconi softswitch is functionaly (to the user) quite similar, BT will have a big learning curve for an Ericsson platform.
What some people may be suprised about is the selection of Huawei who are a new Chinese entrant making some very good and cost effective kit, they are snapping after Cisco's business and winning it (some people are pronouncing their name as "Who Are We"). In Europe their systems are starting to appear in all sorts of networks (mainly large carriers and ISPs), but their showroom in China is meant to be the size of a football field and they have product to hit ALL ends of the telecoms and Internet sectors including mobile, customer kit, wireless etc. Chinese programmers are still very cheap, India is going to be out of business soon, and they produce good code.
Maybe Huawei will buy Marconi and save them?
A certain Italian must be turning in his grave at the state of his company and how it's fallen from its former glory (walk down the Strand and admire the Marconi building).
Access - Fujitsu and Huawei.
Metro - Alcatel, Cisco and Siemens.
Core - Cisco and Lucent.
Softswitching - Ericsson.
Optical Transmission - Ciena and Huawei.
It's quite suprising that Marconi didn't get the Softswitch business as BT already use Marconi System X digital exchanges and the Marconi softswitch is functionaly (to the user) quite similar, BT will have a big learning curve for an Ericsson platform.
What some people may be suprised about is the selection of Huawei who are a new Chinese entrant making some very good and cost effective kit, they are snapping after Cisco's business and winning it (some people are pronouncing their name as "Who Are We"). In Europe their systems are starting to appear in all sorts of networks (mainly large carriers and ISPs), but their showroom in China is meant to be the size of a football field and they have product to hit ALL ends of the telecoms and Internet sectors including mobile, customer kit, wireless etc. Chinese programmers are still very cheap, India is going to be out of business soon, and they produce good code.
Maybe Huawei will buy Marconi and save them?
iPods everywhere
For my sins, this week has involved daily tube travel (the subway for non-brits) which generally isn't a joyous activity.
Hoping to avoid as much of the journey as possible I drowned out the world with new in-earphones and turned on the iPod (to read on a newspaper stall that iPods are making people deaf).
It seems lots of other people have exactly the same idea. However what's interesting is that of all the people with things stuck in their ears, I'd estimate at least 2/3rds of them are using iPods. That's a lot of people. Some of course may be cheating and be using iPods earphones with something else (most people do have their iPods hidden in bags or jackets - though there's quite a few shuffles visible).
Apple really have made an impact in the portable music world, it will be interesting to see if someone manages to knock them from their pedestal.
Hoping to avoid as much of the journey as possible I drowned out the world with new in-earphones and turned on the iPod (to read on a newspaper stall that iPods are making people deaf).
It seems lots of other people have exactly the same idea. However what's interesting is that of all the people with things stuck in their ears, I'd estimate at least 2/3rds of them are using iPods. That's a lot of people. Some of course may be cheating and be using iPods earphones with something else (most people do have their iPods hidden in bags or jackets - though there's quite a few shuffles visible).
Apple really have made an impact in the portable music world, it will be interesting to see if someone manages to knock them from their pedestal.
2005/05/06
Advanced IP Pipeline | FCC May Require VoIP 911 By September
Advanced IP Pipeline | FCC May Require VoIP 911 By September
If the FCC regulate E911 requirements it's likely Ofcom will too. People tend to forget that since the abolition of telco licenses in the UK, ANYONE who offers a communications service has obligations under the Communications Act, though Ofcom have relaxed lifeline (and 999) services for VoB services.
Telcos maintained regulatory departments for a reason (to ensure they complied with regulation) and though the regulatory environment has been made less complicated, it's still there and just because someone is offering a Voice service over IP, they're still offering a voice service.
If the FCC regulate E911 requirements it's likely Ofcom will too. People tend to forget that since the abolition of telco licenses in the UK, ANYONE who offers a communications service has obligations under the Communications Act, though Ofcom have relaxed lifeline (and 999) services for VoB services.
Telcos maintained regulatory departments for a reason (to ensure they complied with regulation) and though the regulatory environment has been made less complicated, it's still there and just because someone is offering a Voice service over IP, they're still offering a voice service.
Zigbee
Zigbee is a new standard that's going to make a huge difference in the world of industrial communications and even in home automation.
Zigbee comes out of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) in the US, the same people who specify WiFi and even Bluetooth (it comes out of the 802.15 group which is the same as Bluetooth).
Though Zigbee only offers low data rates (up to 250Kb/s, compared to 1Mb/s for say Bluetooth or 11Mb/s for 802.11b) it is extremely flexible, supports a variety of network configurations and is self configuring. There can be 65,000 devices in one Zigbee network.
Zigbee devices are meant to be low power, they turn themselves off when not in use, it's the life of the battery which is likely to determine the life of the device. Of course having devices turn-off randomly means the network has to reconfigure itself quite regurlarly but that's where it's very efficient and it takes about 30mS (Bluetooth takes up to 3 seconds).
There's 3 types of node in a Zigbee network, ZC (controller), ZR (router) and end-node. There's only ever one ZC which controls the complete network in a heirarchical tree, lots of ZR's and each ZR is connected to end-nodes. The ZR's are allocated address space by the ZC, and then further sub-allocate their address space to the end-nodes. Networks can take vairous configurations including complicated mesh designs.
Since the networks are self-healing and very quick to recognise new nodes etc, it would seem to be a perfect solution to WiFi mesh networks, just implement the Zigbee stack on top of the WiFi radio hardware, and citywide networks supporting 65,000 nodes suddenly become easy to do - now someone just needs to do it.
Zigbee comes out of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) in the US, the same people who specify WiFi and even Bluetooth (it comes out of the 802.15 group which is the same as Bluetooth).
Though Zigbee only offers low data rates (up to 250Kb/s, compared to 1Mb/s for say Bluetooth or 11Mb/s for 802.11b) it is extremely flexible, supports a variety of network configurations and is self configuring. There can be 65,000 devices in one Zigbee network.
Zigbee devices are meant to be low power, they turn themselves off when not in use, it's the life of the battery which is likely to determine the life of the device. Of course having devices turn-off randomly means the network has to reconfigure itself quite regurlarly but that's where it's very efficient and it takes about 30mS (Bluetooth takes up to 3 seconds).
There's 3 types of node in a Zigbee network, ZC (controller), ZR (router) and end-node. There's only ever one ZC which controls the complete network in a heirarchical tree, lots of ZR's and each ZR is connected to end-nodes. The ZR's are allocated address space by the ZC, and then further sub-allocate their address space to the end-nodes. Networks can take vairous configurations including complicated mesh designs.
Since the networks are self-healing and very quick to recognise new nodes etc, it would seem to be a perfect solution to WiFi mesh networks, just implement the Zigbee stack on top of the WiFi radio hardware, and citywide networks supporting 65,000 nodes suddenly become easy to do - now someone just needs to do it.
WiMAX again
Intel has announced its first WiMAX chip last week (PRO/Wireless 5116 broadband interface for modems). Of course it isn't WiMAX as the standard hasn't yet been ratified but that's likely to happen by Q3 this year.
Initially they see it being used in outdoor fixed link applications, but followed by indoor self-install type applications.
It's good to see Intel follow their own hype (but then they have to), and WiMAX is going to work well in environments where the regulatory environment suits it, it's just a shame it's unlikely to be in the UK.
Initially they see it being used in outdoor fixed link applications, but followed by indoor self-install type applications.
It's good to see Intel follow their own hype (but then they have to), and WiMAX is going to work well in environments where the regulatory environment suits it, it's just a shame it's unlikely to be in the UK.
Capanina
Capanina
This is an EU funded initiative to trial HAP (High Altitute Platform) systems. If it works it offers a sensible way of getting broadband to rural areas (and trains) where traditional broadband isn't available.
The HAPs themselves will use a combination of radio and free space optics to communicate between HAPs, while end users will have to have a trackable satellite-like dish. Trains and moving objects will use electronically steerable antennae.
In theory it should work, at 20Km they're above commercial air traffic and there's lots of sunlight making solar panels effective.
Also 120Mb/s to an end-user might make moving to the country a real improvement to city life.
This is an EU funded initiative to trial HAP (High Altitute Platform) systems. If it works it offers a sensible way of getting broadband to rural areas (and trains) where traditional broadband isn't available.
The HAPs themselves will use a combination of radio and free space optics to communicate between HAPs, while end users will have to have a trackable satellite-like dish. Trains and moving objects will use electronically steerable antennae.
In theory it should work, at 20Km they're above commercial air traffic and there's lots of sunlight making solar panels effective.
Also 120Mb/s to an end-user might make moving to the country a real improvement to city life.
2005/04/27
News @ Cisco: Cisco Systems to Acquire Sipura Technology
News @ Cisco: Cisco Systems to Acquire Sipura Technology
2nd time around for the Sipura founders. It seems that originally the Cisco ATA-186 was made by a small company and they were bought out by Cisco. The founders then left and set-up Sipura (and couldn't do various things for a few years - so they bided their time and designed).
Now Cisco has acquired Sipura (via it's Linksys division) for $68M in cash and shares, so how long before the founders leave again and do the whole start-up thing and then sell to Cisco again ... seems a good business model.
Sipura make some good VoIP kit, let's hope that Cisco/Linksys continue to offer decent product set as Sipura join the fold.
2nd time around for the Sipura founders. It seems that originally the Cisco ATA-186 was made by a small company and they were bought out by Cisco. The founders then left and set-up Sipura (and couldn't do various things for a few years - so they bided their time and designed).
Now Cisco has acquired Sipura (via it's Linksys division) for $68M in cash and shares, so how long before the founders leave again and do the whole start-up thing and then sell to Cisco again ... seems a good business model.
Sipura make some good VoIP kit, let's hope that Cisco/Linksys continue to offer decent product set as Sipura join the fold.
D-Link United Kingdom
D-Link United Kingdom
Well I installed the DSL-G604T as my ADSL router, it was pretty painless as I had all the right values to plug in from my exisiting set-up (a Cisco 1700). The D-Link appears faster, though I have no empirical evidence to support it. It's also got a 4 port Ethernet switch and Wireless AP built-in which saves on floor space (or desktop space).
Everything seems to work well, apart from filtering rules, it may be that D-Link have got the inbound and outbound filters thr wrong way around, but they're looking at that.
Another oddity, it seems the 902 (with a Cardbus PC-Card WLAN adapter) and the 904 (USB WLAN adapter) bundles are considerably cheaper (around £60 in the UK) than buying the DSL-G604T by itself ...
If you're relatively competent at using a web based interface and understand the very basics of DSL/routing/IP it's an easy system to configure and works pretty well.
Things it does lack are QoS, firewall rules/filters are confusing, no syslog/SNMP support etc. but at least some of these are expected in the next firmware version - which isn't quite ready for prime time I believe (but should be coming out soon). All in all a worthwhile bit of kit, especially in the bundle.
Well I installed the DSL-G604T as my ADSL router, it was pretty painless as I had all the right values to plug in from my exisiting set-up (a Cisco 1700). The D-Link appears faster, though I have no empirical evidence to support it. It's also got a 4 port Ethernet switch and Wireless AP built-in which saves on floor space (or desktop space).
Everything seems to work well, apart from filtering rules, it may be that D-Link have got the inbound and outbound filters thr wrong way around, but they're looking at that.
Another oddity, it seems the 902 (with a Cardbus PC-Card WLAN adapter) and the 904 (USB WLAN adapter) bundles are considerably cheaper (around £60 in the UK) than buying the DSL-G604T by itself ...
If you're relatively competent at using a web based interface and understand the very basics of DSL/routing/IP it's an easy system to configure and works pretty well.
Things it does lack are QoS, firewall rules/filters are confusing, no syslog/SNMP support etc. but at least some of these are expected in the next firmware version - which isn't quite ready for prime time I believe (but should be coming out soon). All in all a worthwhile bit of kit, especially in the bundle.
2005/04/25
One.Tel hoovers up RedNet for �5m | The Register
One.Tel hoovers up RedNet for �5m | The Register
Centrica are on an acquisition spree, it's likely there will be more to follow.
Centrica were looking at getting out of the voice business, but it looks like they've decided trying to sell it wouldn't work in the current climate, so put money into One.tel instead.
Rumours are they have between £200m - £300m to spend on building up the business.
They will need to diversify as voice revenues will continue to decline as the UK moves to flat rate UK dial-plans with pressure from CPS (carrier pre select) and VoIP suppliers. It's likely BT will also consider flat-rate telephony once they introduce their 21CN network, as moving a packet between exchanges doesn't really alter costs depending on their distance (it's probably too hard to bill too, and they'll just include UK voice with the line rental).
Unfortunately the telco business is not a good business to be in now (or won't be shortly) so telcos who just rely on voice minutes aren't going to be in business for too long and need to diversify and offer other services that can generate revenue.
Centrica are on an acquisition spree, it's likely there will be more to follow.
Centrica were looking at getting out of the voice business, but it looks like they've decided trying to sell it wouldn't work in the current climate, so put money into One.tel instead.
Rumours are they have between £200m - £300m to spend on building up the business.
They will need to diversify as voice revenues will continue to decline as the UK moves to flat rate UK dial-plans with pressure from CPS (carrier pre select) and VoIP suppliers. It's likely BT will also consider flat-rate telephony once they introduce their 21CN network, as moving a packet between exchanges doesn't really alter costs depending on their distance (it's probably too hard to bill too, and they'll just include UK voice with the line rental).
Unfortunately the telco business is not a good business to be in now (or won't be shortly) so telcos who just rely on voice minutes aren't going to be in business for too long and need to diversify and offer other services that can generate revenue.
2005/04/21
Science Museum and WiMAX
There was an article in IEE Review about the Science Museum's WiMAX trial near Swindon. It came out with some interesting revelations.
Firstly the area is isolated, there's little telecomms infrastructure there including lack of GSM coverage.
Secondly they were going to lay their own fibre, but that would have cost near enough £1m.
Thirdly (and here's the crux) Intel are based in Swindon and offered to run the trial.
The site is several hundred acres in size (it's an old airfield) and has 11 hangars. They're using WiMAX from Intel to the airfield and between hangars and WiFi in the hangars themselves.
Now the problems with WiMAX has always been frequency allocation/regulatory not the technology which is great. They've got around this by going to PCCW (who own the UK 3.4GHz license) and asking to "borrow" it in this area. Since there's so little in the vicinity it's very unlikely PCCW would roll-out in that area anyway. So PCCW said yes and then Intel went to Ofcom and applied for a test license to run a WiMAX trial on 3.4GHz.
It does seem to work, even though the power levels in use in the trial are lower than PCCW are allowed to use.
However it does show that rolling out WiMAX in the UK isn't going to be easy, Intel could have chosen 5.8GHz Band C, but they chose not to. Other areas aren't going to be so lucky as PCCW will want to offer service there.
Firstly the area is isolated, there's little telecomms infrastructure there including lack of GSM coverage.
Secondly they were going to lay their own fibre, but that would have cost near enough £1m.
Thirdly (and here's the crux) Intel are based in Swindon and offered to run the trial.
The site is several hundred acres in size (it's an old airfield) and has 11 hangars. They're using WiMAX from Intel to the airfield and between hangars and WiFi in the hangars themselves.
Now the problems with WiMAX has always been frequency allocation/regulatory not the technology which is great. They've got around this by going to PCCW (who own the UK 3.4GHz license) and asking to "borrow" it in this area. Since there's so little in the vicinity it's very unlikely PCCW would roll-out in that area anyway. So PCCW said yes and then Intel went to Ofcom and applied for a test license to run a WiMAX trial on 3.4GHz.
It does seem to work, even though the power levels in use in the trial are lower than PCCW are allowed to use.
However it does show that rolling out WiMAX in the UK isn't going to be easy, Intel could have chosen 5.8GHz Band C, but they chose not to. Other areas aren't going to be so lucky as PCCW will want to offer service there.
The WIreless LAN Event
The show seemed smaller than last year, and there was definately less of the hype (well apart from a lot of WiMAX buzz, but that's to be expected - Intel had a large stand).
It's definately a business show geared up for the b2b market. The traditional players were there offering WiFi kit, as well as Wireless operators etc.
Netgear were pushing their new MIMO 802.11g router (with annoying blue LEDs showing which antenna was in use), but the technology does look clever (6 antennas which are switched between) allowing full 54Mb/s over the air connectivity.
D-Link also had MIMO kit, but not actually for sale yet.
Intel were there of course pushing WiMAX, which may more may not be the next big thing - in the UK at least.
Mapesbury Communications had a small stand, they provide the hotpsot network for T-Mobile at Texaco service stations and elsewhere, but they've also got some interesting VoIP/Wireless solutions and can build out Wireless networks using some new technology.
CSR were showing VoIP over WiFi radio systems (they make chipsets).
T-Mobile had a big stand and were showing their T-Zones and also some nice PDA's (MDAIII).
Will next year's show dwindle or will it just become a WiMAX show?
2005/04/20
'Standards wars' threatening Ultrawideband - ZDNet UK News
'Standards wars' threatening Ultrawideband - ZDNet UK News
Ultrawideband (UWB) is a really interesting technology, WiMAX is actually a UWB system but only uses a small subset of frequencies.
UWB works by sending signals over a large section of spectrum so it could work from <1GHz all the way up to 100's of GHz. It's clever because it uses a lot of error correction and splits the data up over lots of parts of the spectrum. So a "bit" of data may actually be sent over 100's of frequencies simultaneously. A receiver "listens" to the whole set of frequencies and puts the data back together again. If any particular frequencies aren't received (they may be absorbed by walls, or reflected etc) then the receiver can still reconsitute the data as it's spread across a large number of frequencies. This does mean data rates are reduced, but the system is highly resilient.
In the US the Federal Communications Agency (FCC, similar to the UK's Ofcom) has allowed the US of UWB for short range communications, but at very low power. This allows UWB to be used as a replacement for wires and give very high data rates (100's of Mb/s). As the power is so low, anything that isn't a UWB system will just assume the signal is background noise and ignore it. If other systems are using some of the same frequencies and drowning them out, again it doesn't matter as the UWB system will have spread the data over many frequencies, some of which wont be being used by anything else.
Ofcom originally inferred they were in favour of UWB and would allow its use in the UK, but they still haven't announced a decision, which is angering some UK players who would like to see it adopted here and produce UWB systems.
UWB can also be used in high power applications, but these would likely used licensed bands.
A very interesting application can be for cable TV, a US manufacturer has produced a UWB specifically for this and can send data down a co-ax cable at over 400Mb/s, which would support many channels of TV and Internet and voice. It would also not degrade so much as current CATV systems do with the more people in a street getting service.
UWB is a pretty exciting technology, it just needs Ofcom to clear the way.
Ultrawideband (UWB) is a really interesting technology, WiMAX is actually a UWB system but only uses a small subset of frequencies.
UWB works by sending signals over a large section of spectrum so it could work from <1GHz all the way up to 100's of GHz. It's clever because it uses a lot of error correction and splits the data up over lots of parts of the spectrum. So a "bit" of data may actually be sent over 100's of frequencies simultaneously. A receiver "listens" to the whole set of frequencies and puts the data back together again. If any particular frequencies aren't received (they may be absorbed by walls, or reflected etc) then the receiver can still reconsitute the data as it's spread across a large number of frequencies. This does mean data rates are reduced, but the system is highly resilient.
In the US the Federal Communications Agency (FCC, similar to the UK's Ofcom) has allowed the US of UWB for short range communications, but at very low power. This allows UWB to be used as a replacement for wires and give very high data rates (100's of Mb/s). As the power is so low, anything that isn't a UWB system will just assume the signal is background noise and ignore it. If other systems are using some of the same frequencies and drowning them out, again it doesn't matter as the UWB system will have spread the data over many frequencies, some of which wont be being used by anything else.
Ofcom originally inferred they were in favour of UWB and would allow its use in the UK, but they still haven't announced a decision, which is angering some UK players who would like to see it adopted here and produce UWB systems.
UWB can also be used in high power applications, but these would likely used licensed bands.
A very interesting application can be for cable TV, a US manufacturer has produced a UWB specifically for this and can send data down a co-ax cable at over 400Mb/s, which would support many channels of TV and Internet and voice. It would also not degrade so much as current CATV systems do with the more people in a street getting service.
UWB is a pretty exciting technology, it just needs Ofcom to clear the way.
BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Music | Court releases file-share details
BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Music | Court releases file-share details
Well it had to happen, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) has applied to get court orders against several ISPs to hand over the details of their customers.
The BPI will then take the users to court and try to seek compensation and legal costs from those distributing music.
ISPs hard not to hand over customer details to anyone, but they do have to comply with court orders (and generally with law enforcement agencies - with caveats), but once a court order is in place the data is there.
This could spell the start of more actions if this is successful, but will it curtail file sharing. It may have some effect.
However watch this space for news of interesting movements that may allow at least limited file sharing with record company approval.
Well it had to happen, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) has applied to get court orders against several ISPs to hand over the details of their customers.
The BPI will then take the users to court and try to seek compensation and legal costs from those distributing music.
ISPs hard not to hand over customer details to anyone, but they do have to comply with court orders (and generally with law enforcement agencies - with caveats), but once a court order is in place the data is there.
This could spell the start of more actions if this is successful, but will it curtail file sharing. It may have some effect.
However watch this space for news of interesting movements that may allow at least limited file sharing with record company approval.
BBC NEWS | Technology | Wimax to plug rural broadband gap
BBC NEWS | Technology | Wimax to plug rural broadband gap
Here we see another Intel hyped article on WiMAX. As stated in an earlier article as yet the is no WiMAX (only preWiMAX) and who knows if it will actually be allowed in the UK as it has to meet ETSI/Ofcom interface requirements (which are unlikely to reach the stated 50Km).
BT might successfully launch a service, as they are likely to buy the 3.5GHz lincese off Pipex Communications, which means they'll be able to use the lightly licensed spectrum of 5.8GHz Band C and the licensed 3.5GHz band.
Here we see another Intel hyped article on WiMAX. As stated in an earlier article as yet the is no WiMAX (only preWiMAX) and who knows if it will actually be allowed in the UK as it has to meet ETSI/Ofcom interface requirements (which are unlikely to reach the stated 50Km).
BT might successfully launch a service, as they are likely to buy the 3.5GHz lincese off Pipex Communications, which means they'll be able to use the lightly licensed spectrum of 5.8GHz Band C and the licensed 3.5GHz band.
2005/04/19
New services as Skype hits 100 million users - vnunet.com
New services as Skype hits 100 million users - vnunet.com
Another gripe at Skype. It seems if you subscribe to SkypeIn they give you free Voicemail, but if you don't you have to pay for it. Of course if you sign-up to voicemail first, then you don't get a discount on the SkypeIn service.
It's a shame Skype haven't made these things clearer, especially as they are still in beta and thus potentially annoying the very customers (i.e. early adopters) that would otherwise spread the word of how good the services can be.
Another gripe at Skype. It seems if you subscribe to SkypeIn they give you free Voicemail, but if you don't you have to pay for it. Of course if you sign-up to voicemail first, then you don't get a discount on the SkypeIn service.
It's a shame Skype haven't made these things clearer, especially as they are still in beta and thus potentially annoying the very customers (i.e. early adopters) that would otherwise spread the word of how good the services can be.
2005/04/18
About SkypeOut
About SkypeOut
Skype are on to a money spinner here, if you buy SkypeOut - but do NOT use it (from their web page - which probably most people don't actually read "Your SkypeOut credits will remain active for 180 days after your last SkypeOut call") they just cancel your credit.
I bought SkypeOut so if I was not at somewhere where I had a phone or easy access to one, I could use Skype and make calls that way. Unfortunately not as they just wiped the credit from my SkypeOut account. I'd have to make a call every 180 days if I want to keep it active. OK that's not so difficult, but not what I'd want to use it for.
There's also no warning that it's about to expire, it just disappears from your options.
Not really a good customer experience, and I hope they'll change their policy.
Skype are on to a money spinner here, if you buy SkypeOut - but do NOT use it (from their web page - which probably most people don't actually read "Your SkypeOut credits will remain active for 180 days after your last SkypeOut call") they just cancel your credit.
I bought SkypeOut so if I was not at somewhere where I had a phone or easy access to one, I could use Skype and make calls that way. Unfortunately not as they just wiped the credit from my SkypeOut account. I'd have to make a call every 180 days if I want to keep it active. OK that's not so difficult, but not what I'd want to use it for.
There's also no warning that it's about to expire, it just disappears from your options.
Not really a good customer experience, and I hope they'll change their policy.
Scotsman.com Business - Technology - American private equity company eyes Thus as target for merger
Scotsman.com Business - Technology - American private equity company eyes Thus as target for merger
"Columbia Ventures already owns 7.1% of the Glasgow company but chief executive Ken Peterson has revealed that he wants to combine Thus’s UK telecoms network with his undersea transatlantic cable to supply telecoms services on both sides of the Atlantic."
Well it makes sense. THUS has a share value of under £200m (at the closing price of 14.25p on Friday - so even less today as the share price dropped to under 14p). With network assets of more that £0.5bn and a turnover of £360m it looks a good buy.
Of course it's only a good buy for someone with cash, they'd have to make an offer to buy out the existing shareholders (mainly institutions) and they'd need a UK network.
THUS has little money for new investment (and new products) so they need external cash. They could go to the banks for a loan, but then they'd be at the mercy of the banks who are vary wary of investing in telecoms companies.
A foreign operator needing a UK network (or a UK operator wanting the Demon brand) would make a good partner, there are some clever people at THUS and the network being one of the most modern in the UK can support the tranch of IP centric services that convergence is demanding.
"Columbia Ventures already owns 7.1% of the Glasgow company but chief executive Ken Peterson has revealed that he wants to combine Thus’s UK telecoms network with his undersea transatlantic cable to supply telecoms services on both sides of the Atlantic."
Well it makes sense. THUS has a share value of under £200m (at the closing price of 14.25p on Friday - so even less today as the share price dropped to under 14p). With network assets of more that £0.5bn and a turnover of £360m it looks a good buy.
Of course it's only a good buy for someone with cash, they'd have to make an offer to buy out the existing shareholders (mainly institutions) and they'd need a UK network.
THUS has little money for new investment (and new products) so they need external cash. They could go to the banks for a loan, but then they'd be at the mercy of the banks who are vary wary of investing in telecoms companies.
A foreign operator needing a UK network (or a UK operator wanting the Demon brand) would make a good partner, there are some clever people at THUS and the network being one of the most modern in the UK can support the tranch of IP centric services that convergence is demanding.
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