The internet is to completely change the way we watch TV, according to Microsoft founder Bill Gates. In a mere five years, the internet will have completely revolutionised TV and the two mediums will have merged, Gates said on Saturday.
The popularity of sites like YouTube and the increased availability of high-speed internet are precursors of what is to come, the multi-billionaire stated. Speaking to business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Mr Gates said: "I'm stunned how people aren't seeing that with TV, in five years from now, people will laugh at what we've had. "Certain things like elections or the Olympics really point out how TV is terrible. You have to wait for the guy to talk about the thing you care about or you miss the event and want to go back and see it."
Accessing such events on the internet is vastly superior, added Mr Gates. Meanwhile, Telephony Online has reported that the U.S. is not among the top ten countries with the most internet protocol television (IPTV) subscriptions. With 896,000 IPTV subscribers, France tops the list of countries with the most IPTV subscriptions, a new report from the marketing researcher Dittberner has found.
For more information check out the Consumer Deals at www.broadbandnational.com
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Broadband Changing The Face Of Advertising
Advertising is being fundamentally changed by the increasing usage of broadband TV, according to a new report from Nielsen Analytics. Television programmers and advertisers are finding fresh and profitable opportunities to advertise over the new medium, the report found.
Broadband TV viewers are young, wealthy and educated to a high standard, the report stated, therefore allowing advertisers to access a more lucrative demographic. Larry Gerbrandt, general manager and senior vice president of Nielsen Analytics, said: "By researching controlled broadband access, this study concludes that programmers have the opportunity to create new revenue models to benefit content owners and their affiliated stations.
"Such ad-supported models are uniquely adaptable to the broadband environment and are potentially superior to existing models because they can take full advantage of the digital environment." With broadband streams, the capability to fast-forward through commercials can be disabled, which forces viewers to engage with them, added Mr Gerbrandt. Of the US households with broadband connections, 34 per cent fell in the 18 to 34 age group and 45 per cent were in the 35 to 52 group, the report found.
For more information on broadband television (IPTV visit the consumer deals at www.broadbandnational.com
Broadband TV viewers are young, wealthy and educated to a high standard, the report stated, therefore allowing advertisers to access a more lucrative demographic. Larry Gerbrandt, general manager and senior vice president of Nielsen Analytics, said: "By researching controlled broadband access, this study concludes that programmers have the opportunity to create new revenue models to benefit content owners and their affiliated stations.
"Such ad-supported models are uniquely adaptable to the broadband environment and are potentially superior to existing models because they can take full advantage of the digital environment." With broadband streams, the capability to fast-forward through commercials can be disabled, which forces viewers to engage with them, added Mr Gerbrandt. Of the US households with broadband connections, 34 per cent fell in the 18 to 34 age group and 45 per cent were in the 35 to 52 group, the report found.
For more information on broadband television (IPTV visit the consumer deals at www.broadbandnational.com
Monday, January 22, 2007
Verizon Invests To Enhance Michigan Network
Prolific broadband provider Verizon invested nearly $195 million in 2006 in order to upgrade its digital network in Michigan, the company has announced.
Building new cell sites, upgrading existing cell sites and increasing coverage area were all among the upgrades made by Verizon. The company is also seeking to expand its high-speed wireless broadband network.
Greg Haller, the president of the Michigan region for Verizon, said: "Network reliability is the number one reason that customers choose and stay with Verizon Wireless. "Getting through on the first try and maintaining a connection are important to our customers. We continue to optimize our network so that it remains dependable." Verizon has invested $923 million over the past seven years in improving its network in Michigan alone. This includes installing 209 backup generators at cell sites to make sure that service continued even in times of crisis. The company has also recently launched FiOS TV in 106 communities in New Jersey.
For more information visit www.broadbandnational.com
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Comcast Steps In For Adelphia
Philadelphia-based Comcast, America's largest cable provider, is to step in and provide service to former customers of the ill-fated cable company Adelphia in Florida.
Some 550,000 former Adelphia customers in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast will now receive programs streamed from Comcast. Customers will have over 6,000 hours of shows to choose from, according to Comcast.
Mike Paxton, a cable analyst for In-Stat Research, based in Arizona, told the Palm Beach Post: "Compared to some of the cable horror stories I've heard about Adelphia, customers would find they [Comcast] are much more responsive. "They've done a commendable job in taking over Adelphia's systems and transferring those customers into cable customers."
With Comcast, customers will see their broadband speed increase from four to six megabytes per second, the company said. Meanwhile, Comcast and TiVo demonstrated the TiVo service for Comcast DVRs at the recent consumer electronics show in Las Vegas.
Comcast has also announced it’s newest offer of bundled digital services also known as “The Triple Play.” The offer combines VoIP or digital voice products, high-speed Internet connectivity, and digital television.
“Traditionally the three technologies have been kept separate, each with its own dedicated line. Faster Internet connections, and the proliferation of digital media have brought them together,” states Vinny Olmstead, Broadband National’s President and CEO. “This convergence enables users to surf the web, and receive email through a single line. It also allows you to watch regular or on-demand videos, play games, and chat with your friends all at the same time.
“The union of these technologies provides consumers with the convenience of receiving a single bill and generous discounts by getting all their communications services from one source”, says Mark Weibel, Broadband National’s Executive VP of Marketing. “Not to mention the tremendous cost savings associated with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).”
Bundled services have the ability to turn your living room into the entertainment and communications center of your entire house. You’re able to make inexpensive phone calls to family or friends, and talk to them face-to-face using your digital voice phone. You are also able to download your choice of feature films, favorite TV shows or music, and stream them to any room in the home. And all of this can be accomplished with the touch of a button. The offer is available through the website www.comcastspecial.com.
Some 550,000 former Adelphia customers in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast will now receive programs streamed from Comcast. Customers will have over 6,000 hours of shows to choose from, according to Comcast.
Mike Paxton, a cable analyst for In-Stat Research, based in Arizona, told the Palm Beach Post: "Compared to some of the cable horror stories I've heard about Adelphia, customers would find they [Comcast] are much more responsive. "They've done a commendable job in taking over Adelphia's systems and transferring those customers into cable customers."
With Comcast, customers will see their broadband speed increase from four to six megabytes per second, the company said. Meanwhile, Comcast and TiVo demonstrated the TiVo service for Comcast DVRs at the recent consumer electronics show in Las Vegas.
Comcast has also announced it’s newest offer of bundled digital services also known as “The Triple Play.” The offer combines VoIP or digital voice products, high-speed Internet connectivity, and digital television.
“Traditionally the three technologies have been kept separate, each with its own dedicated line. Faster Internet connections, and the proliferation of digital media have brought them together,” states Vinny Olmstead, Broadband National’s President and CEO. “This convergence enables users to surf the web, and receive email through a single line. It also allows you to watch regular or on-demand videos, play games, and chat with your friends all at the same time.
“The union of these technologies provides consumers with the convenience of receiving a single bill and generous discounts by getting all their communications services from one source”, says Mark Weibel, Broadband National’s Executive VP of Marketing. “Not to mention the tremendous cost savings associated with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).”
Bundled services have the ability to turn your living room into the entertainment and communications center of your entire house. You’re able to make inexpensive phone calls to family or friends, and talk to them face-to-face using your digital voice phone. You are also able to download your choice of feature films, favorite TV shows or music, and stream them to any room in the home. And all of this can be accomplished with the touch of a button. The offer is available through the website www.comcastspecial.com.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Online Shoppers Reach The $100 Billion Mark
Americans spent over $100 billion purchasing items on the web last year, according to data recently released by a research firm. Last year's figure of $102.1 billion spent was a significant increase of 24 per cent on the figure in 2005, comScore networks found.
During the Christmas season alone holiday online shoppers racked up expenditures of $24.6 billion. Jeffrey Grau, senior analyst at research firm eMarketer, said: "E-commerce is becoming more mainstream. "A larger segment of the population is buying online, and people are buying more things than they have in the past."
Investment firm Cowen & Co has estimated that commerce over the internet will grow a full 20 per cent during 2007. And in five year's time, sales over the internet could account for as much as 4.7 per cent of US retail sales, the firm forecast. Downloading media like films and music in particular is set to explode, analysts at the company said.
"Broadband access is the key to the maturation of the downloading of media and music on the internet," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Broadband National. For more information visit www.broadbandnational.com.
During the Christmas season alone holiday online shoppers racked up expenditures of $24.6 billion. Jeffrey Grau, senior analyst at research firm eMarketer, said: "E-commerce is becoming more mainstream. "A larger segment of the population is buying online, and people are buying more things than they have in the past."
Investment firm Cowen & Co has estimated that commerce over the internet will grow a full 20 per cent during 2007. And in five year's time, sales over the internet could account for as much as 4.7 per cent of US retail sales, the firm forecast. Downloading media like films and music in particular is set to explode, analysts at the company said.
"Broadband access is the key to the maturation of the downloading of media and music on the internet," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Broadband National. For more information visit www.broadbandnational.com.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Almost 8% of US households Use Broadband And VoIP Phones
Over nine million US households now contain at least one person who uses voice over internet protocol (VoIP), according to new research. A full 7.9 per cent of households use broadband-based phone services, with many reporting more than one service, technology research firm In-Stat found. Using its new Residential VoIP Tracker Service, the firm can access quarterly summaries of trends and usage patterns. Time Warner and Vonage are currently leading the pack of companies which provide broadband phone services, the research showed.
Vonage alone supplies 1.7 million households with VoIP, and the ubiquitous Skype service boasts 2.1 million active households. And a full 49 per cent of those who use VoIP services reported that they had discontinued their traditional phone service soon after. The survey also found that half of those using residential VoIP use it either all the time of some of the time for work-related purposes.
Meanwhile, the use of videoconferencing is also set to expand in 2007, according to Dave Passmore, an analyst at the Burton Group. Cheaper cameras and the growth of instant messaging will make using the medium more popular that it has been in the past, he said.
Broadband National (BBN) a nationwide comparative shopping Web site for broadband products and services, utilizes their unique IBIS technology to give users a chance to choose broadband and VoIP service providers based on a number of factors. The IBIS system compares services from over 50 local, regional, and national providers including Comcast, AT&T, Sprint, Vonage, Time Warner, Verizon and SunRocket.
“Companies benefit through our service as well since the cost of going through Broadband National is far cheaper than traditional sales channels,” states BBN EVP of Marketing Mark Weibel. “It’s great for customers, because the savings which companies see are reflected in the offerings which customers receive. Lower pricing, free equipment, installation management, and other benefits are pretty common.”
Visitors to Broadband National’s site simply enter their current phone number to view a list of competitive service pricing plans. The site works for business customers as well. According to Weibel, the convenience is essential in today’s confusing broadband services market. The company is also beginning to offer the same type of service in other areas, such as home security, automation, music, videos and gaming. Visit www.broadbandnational.com
Vonage alone supplies 1.7 million households with VoIP, and the ubiquitous Skype service boasts 2.1 million active households. And a full 49 per cent of those who use VoIP services reported that they had discontinued their traditional phone service soon after. The survey also found that half of those using residential VoIP use it either all the time of some of the time for work-related purposes.
Meanwhile, the use of videoconferencing is also set to expand in 2007, according to Dave Passmore, an analyst at the Burton Group. Cheaper cameras and the growth of instant messaging will make using the medium more popular that it has been in the past, he said.
Broadband National (BBN) a nationwide comparative shopping Web site for broadband products and services, utilizes their unique IBIS technology to give users a chance to choose broadband and VoIP service providers based on a number of factors. The IBIS system compares services from over 50 local, regional, and national providers including Comcast, AT&T, Sprint, Vonage, Time Warner, Verizon and SunRocket.
“Companies benefit through our service as well since the cost of going through Broadband National is far cheaper than traditional sales channels,” states BBN EVP of Marketing Mark Weibel. “It’s great for customers, because the savings which companies see are reflected in the offerings which customers receive. Lower pricing, free equipment, installation management, and other benefits are pretty common.”
Visitors to Broadband National’s site simply enter their current phone number to view a list of competitive service pricing plans. The site works for business customers as well. According to Weibel, the convenience is essential in today’s confusing broadband services market. The company is also beginning to offer the same type of service in other areas, such as home security, automation, music, videos and gaming. Visit www.broadbandnational.com
America Needs More Broadband
America Needs More Broadband
The US needs more and faster broadband connections for the so-called "YouTube generation" to really flourish, industry experts have concluded. At a resent industry forum in Silicon Valley, a panel of tech experts said that US broadband connections are slower than in other regions like Europe.
As users increasingly access full-motion video on PCs and portable devices, connections which are as slow as 768 kilobits per second are simply not good enough, said Walter Mossberg, one of the panellists and a technology columnist at the Wall Street Journal. Mr Mossberg went onto describe US broadband speeds as "pathetic."
Another panellist and technology columnist, Kara Swisher, said: "The government has got to get behind this [broadband], like it did with the public highways." Government investment is needed to spur faster and more plentiful broadband, she added.
And while the US has the greatest rate of broadband penetration in the world, with 80 per cent of households boasting broadband at the end of 2006, it may soon be surpassed by China. In October 2006, 91.71 per cent of American workers had access to broadband, according to Website Optimization.
One company has taken it upon themselves to help integrate broadband and digital services for consumers. Broadband National (BBN) a nationwide comparative shopping Web site for broadband products and services, utilizes their unique IBIS technology to give users a chance to choose broadband service providers based on a number of factors. The IBIS system compares services from over 50 local, regional, and national providers including Comcast, AT&T, Sprint, Qwest, Time Warner, and Verizon.
“Companies benefit through our service as well since the cost of going through Broadband National is far cheaper than traditional sales channels,” states BBN EVP of Marketing Mark Weibel. “It’s great for customers, because the savings which companies see are reflected in the offerings which customers receive. Lower pricing, free equipment, installation management, and other benefits are pretty common.”
Visitors to Broadband National’s site simply enter their current phone number to view a list of competitive service pricing plans. The site works for business customers as well. According to Weibel, the convenience is essential in today’s confusing broadband services market. The company is also beginning to offer the same type of service in other areas, such as home security, automation, music, videos and gaming. Visit www.broadbandnational.com
The US needs more and faster broadband connections for the so-called "YouTube generation" to really flourish, industry experts have concluded. At a resent industry forum in Silicon Valley, a panel of tech experts said that US broadband connections are slower than in other regions like Europe.
As users increasingly access full-motion video on PCs and portable devices, connections which are as slow as 768 kilobits per second are simply not good enough, said Walter Mossberg, one of the panellists and a technology columnist at the Wall Street Journal. Mr Mossberg went onto describe US broadband speeds as "pathetic."
Another panellist and technology columnist, Kara Swisher, said: "The government has got to get behind this [broadband], like it did with the public highways." Government investment is needed to spur faster and more plentiful broadband, she added.
And while the US has the greatest rate of broadband penetration in the world, with 80 per cent of households boasting broadband at the end of 2006, it may soon be surpassed by China. In October 2006, 91.71 per cent of American workers had access to broadband, according to Website Optimization.
One company has taken it upon themselves to help integrate broadband and digital services for consumers. Broadband National (BBN) a nationwide comparative shopping Web site for broadband products and services, utilizes their unique IBIS technology to give users a chance to choose broadband service providers based on a number of factors. The IBIS system compares services from over 50 local, regional, and national providers including Comcast, AT&T, Sprint, Qwest, Time Warner, and Verizon.
“Companies benefit through our service as well since the cost of going through Broadband National is far cheaper than traditional sales channels,” states BBN EVP of Marketing Mark Weibel. “It’s great for customers, because the savings which companies see are reflected in the offerings which customers receive. Lower pricing, free equipment, installation management, and other benefits are pretty common.”
Visitors to Broadband National’s site simply enter their current phone number to view a list of competitive service pricing plans. The site works for business customers as well. According to Weibel, the convenience is essential in today’s confusing broadband services market. The company is also beginning to offer the same type of service in other areas, such as home security, automation, music, videos and gaming. Visit www.broadbandnational.com
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