The U.S. has more people online than any other nation on earth, according to a recent survey.
However, last year the population of Internet users increased the most in India, Russia and China, the survey by comScore Networks shows. There are now 747 million Internet users over 15 years of age around the globe, the wide-ranging survey found.
Bob Ivins, managing director of comScore Europe, said: "The importance of the worldwide internet population continues to grow. "Internet users outside the U.S. now account for 80 percent of the world's online population, with rapidly developing countries experiencing double-digit growth rates year-over- year."
The Canadians spend the most time online, the survey found, averaging 39.6 hours per month online. Israel, South Korea, the U.S. and the UK follow Canada as the users that spend the most time online. These countries all have extremely high broadband penetration rates, which account for the longer time spent online, the survey found.
Meanwhile, Telephony Online has recently discovered 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.
"We're seeing tremendous growth in all areas of digital products and services," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "As providers expand and upgrade their networks the user base continues to expand."
For more information on high-speed broadband access visit www.broadbandnational.com
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
AT&T Integrates Homezone Service
As part of the company's ongoing efforts to deliver media through the PC, TV and wireless phone, AT&T have debuted the Homezone service.
Using the service, customers can control their television recordings via their wireless handsets. AT&T also claims to have widely expanded the service's content via the Internet to include multiple new program titles.
Rick Welday, chief marketing officer for AT&T Consumer, said: "When consumers think TV, we want them to think AT&T and compelling features, like wireless remote access and thousands of downloadable titles, give us an entertainment service that goes beyond others on the market today." Homezone also lets users look at listings as well as set off video-on-demand downloads, the only service that offers this capability.
Users' can also take advantage of Akimbo, one of the largest video-on-demand services in the U.S., with over 15,000 titles. And Akimbo adds over 150 new titles to its library every week. Meanwhile, AT&T has announced a major expansion of its worldwide Wi-Fi hotspots for business customers. Up to 13,000 new hotspots, available to AT&T Remote Access customers, will be added at hotels, restaurants and airports worldwide.
"We’re seeing growth spurred by the introduction and sale of hardware devices that can convert videos downloaded from the Internet into signals that can be played on high definition television sets," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website.
For more information on wireless networks and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Using the service, customers can control their television recordings via their wireless handsets. AT&T also claims to have widely expanded the service's content via the Internet to include multiple new program titles.
Rick Welday, chief marketing officer for AT&T Consumer, said: "When consumers think TV, we want them to think AT&T and compelling features, like wireless remote access and thousands of downloadable titles, give us an entertainment service that goes beyond others on the market today." Homezone also lets users look at listings as well as set off video-on-demand downloads, the only service that offers this capability.
Users' can also take advantage of Akimbo, one of the largest video-on-demand services in the U.S., with over 15,000 titles. And Akimbo adds over 150 new titles to its library every week. Meanwhile, AT&T has announced a major expansion of its worldwide Wi-Fi hotspots for business customers. Up to 13,000 new hotspots, available to AT&T Remote Access customers, will be added at hotels, restaurants and airports worldwide.
"We’re seeing growth spurred by the introduction and sale of hardware devices that can convert videos downloaded from the Internet into signals that can be played on high definition television sets," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website.
For more information on wireless networks and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Friday, March 23, 2007
Joost To Offer JumpTV Programs
Joost To Offer JumpTV Programs
New Internet television outfit Joost has announced that it has forged a deal to offer content from JumpTV over the Internet.
Under the agreement, Joost will be able to offer Spanish-language programming from Chile, Peru and Colombia, in addition to Arabic-language shows. JumpTV is the world's most prolific broadcaster of ethnic television over the Internet and its content library features programming in Spanish, Arabic, Romanian, Turkish, Russian and Bengali.
Kaleil Isaza Tuzman, president and chief executive officer at JumpTV International, said: "We see Joost as a unique and important distribution/programming partner. Like us, the Joost team innately understands the power of viral, high-affinity long-tail content - for example, JumpTV's ethnic TV programming. Because of the high success rate of its founders Joost could completely transform online television, added Mr. Tuzman. Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, the duo behind the highly successful Internet phone company Skype, founded Joost.
"The target audience would be expatriates and ethnic audiences interested in watching TV from their homelands," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "The news that online TV platform Joost will be adding more programs to its growing inventory of TV shows with international YV program distributor JumpTV has surely had the media buzzing with speculation of its growing threat to YouTube."
For more information on broadband Internet access as well as other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
New Internet television outfit Joost has announced that it has forged a deal to offer content from JumpTV over the Internet.
Under the agreement, Joost will be able to offer Spanish-language programming from Chile, Peru and Colombia, in addition to Arabic-language shows. JumpTV is the world's most prolific broadcaster of ethnic television over the Internet and its content library features programming in Spanish, Arabic, Romanian, Turkish, Russian and Bengali.
Kaleil Isaza Tuzman, president and chief executive officer at JumpTV International, said: "We see Joost as a unique and important distribution/programming partner. Like us, the Joost team innately understands the power of viral, high-affinity long-tail content - for example, JumpTV's ethnic TV programming. Because of the high success rate of its founders Joost could completely transform online television, added Mr. Tuzman. Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, the duo behind the highly successful Internet phone company Skype, founded Joost.
"The target audience would be expatriates and ethnic audiences interested in watching TV from their homelands," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "The news that online TV platform Joost will be adding more programs to its growing inventory of TV shows with international YV program distributor JumpTV has surely had the media buzzing with speculation of its growing threat to YouTube."
For more information on broadband Internet access as well as other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Video Game Soundtracks To Be Sold On iTunes
Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that it will be selling music from its most popular video games on iTunes.
Soundtracks from the biggest-selling games will be available, including those from such titles as Madden NFL and Burnout. Music from Need for Speed will also be sold, including the infamous Snoop Dogg remix of The Doors' classic Riders on the Storm.
Steve Schnur, worldwide executive of music and marketing at EA, commented: "Our game soundtracks have now officially transcended their consoles. "All songs, all mixes and all exclusives from all nations: if it’s in the game, it's now available for fans to own. We consider this to be the next major step in evolving the music discovery experience." The EA website gets more than six million hits per month, with songs, scores, beats and ringtones to be made available in coming weeks.
"The iTunes Music Store is the perfect platform for videogame soundtrack sales," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "The collection available on iTunes will span music from the sounds of the first available consoles to the latest orchestral compositions."
For more information on online gaming as well as other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Soundtracks from the biggest-selling games will be available, including those from such titles as Madden NFL and Burnout. Music from Need for Speed will also be sold, including the infamous Snoop Dogg remix of The Doors' classic Riders on the Storm.
Steve Schnur, worldwide executive of music and marketing at EA, commented: "Our game soundtracks have now officially transcended their consoles. "All songs, all mixes and all exclusives from all nations: if it’s in the game, it's now available for fans to own. We consider this to be the next major step in evolving the music discovery experience." The EA website gets more than six million hits per month, with songs, scores, beats and ringtones to be made available in coming weeks.
"The iTunes Music Store is the perfect platform for videogame soundtrack sales," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "The collection available on iTunes will span music from the sounds of the first available consoles to the latest orchestral compositions."
For more information on online gaming as well as other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
18 Million U.S. Fiber Subscribers By 2011
The three million U.S. subscribers with home fiber links in 2007 will skyrocket to 18 million by the year 2011, according to recent research.
Over the next five years the amount of fiber subscriptions will rise to rival cable and DSL connections, a report from Parks Associates has shown. A combination of telecom companies pushing the connections and consumer demand for new information and video services will see use of fiber lines rise exponentially, the report states.
"While fiber is a small percentage of total US broadband household subscriptions today, it will achieve a faster growth rate than DSL and cable did after their inception," said research analyst Chris Roden. Large communication companies like Verizon and AT&T are intending to beat the broadband deals offered by cable companies and their plans to improve their copper networks, added Mr. Roden. Additionally, rising consumer demand for bundled services including IPTV and video-on-demand are also pushing the demand for fiber links, the Parks Associates report stated.
"An intensely competitive communications market is making deployment of new services, like IPTV, a critical objective for many service providers," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website, "But service structure and payment models used to deliver IPTV vary widely by region and service provider."
For more information on broadband Internet access as well as other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Over the next five years the amount of fiber subscriptions will rise to rival cable and DSL connections, a report from Parks Associates has shown. A combination of telecom companies pushing the connections and consumer demand for new information and video services will see use of fiber lines rise exponentially, the report states.
"While fiber is a small percentage of total US broadband household subscriptions today, it will achieve a faster growth rate than DSL and cable did after their inception," said research analyst Chris Roden. Large communication companies like Verizon and AT&T are intending to beat the broadband deals offered by cable companies and their plans to improve their copper networks, added Mr. Roden. Additionally, rising consumer demand for bundled services including IPTV and video-on-demand are also pushing the demand for fiber links, the Parks Associates report stated.
"An intensely competitive communications market is making deployment of new services, like IPTV, a critical objective for many service providers," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website, "But service structure and payment models used to deliver IPTV vary widely by region and service provider."
For more information on broadband Internet access as well as other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Monday, March 19, 2007
NHL Planning To Broadcast Live Games Over Broadband
The National Hockey League (NHL) could soon be streaming live games over broadband, it has announced.
According to Keith Ritter, president of NHL Interactive Cyber Enterprises, the league's satellite and cable package could be available to high-speed Internet users before the end of the season. He said that the NHL wants to ensure the broadband package is secure in order to protect broadcast partners Versus, NBC and the regional sports networks, reports Multichannel news.
"We've been testing it, but our primary concern is the security of the gating and the ability to make sure our broadcast partners are protected," Mr. Ritter said. "So far, the test is going very well, and I'm hopeful that we'll be able to offer it in the not-too-distant future." Established in 1917 with five teams, the NHL has now grown to 30 teams. The majority is based in the U.S., although there is a small presence in Canada.
National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and ESPN already offer broadband packages, states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "It's our understanding that NHL will charge a fee for the service but an exact cost has not been determined yet"
For more information on high-speed broadband and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Friday, March 16, 2007
Fast Internet For Fast Food
When grabbing a bite to eat, business professionals increasingly want a high-speed Internet connection with their fast food, companies believe.
Marriot, Starbucks and Panera Bread are among brands that have promoted themselves as places where business people can expect to connect to wireless Internet while on the go. In response to this growing trend, Indianapolis-based firm eWireless is unveiling its brand of remotely managed, "no-hassle" Wi-Fi hotspots to members across the state.
Henry Kurkowski, vice president of business development for eWireless, said that the company was looking forward to working with The Restaurant & Hospitality Association of Indiana to ensure that members receive the service. "With our managed Wi-Fi in place, restaurateurs will not only be able to offer their customers free Wi-Fi access, but we would be able to connect their patrons with targeted information, track repeat visits, track length of stay and gain an advantage over their competitors who may not have such an amenity to offer," he added.
eWireless claims that its remotely managed equipment offers a reliable wireless Internet solution that allows restaurant workers to concentrate on the core affairs of running their business. As the mobile consumer market grows, laptops continue to outsell desktops in the US, according to Mr. Kurkowski.
These wireless 'Hotspot' are quickly becoming the norm for not only restaurants but gyms, country clubs and just about anywhere else that people congregate," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "They are easily incorporated into a business and are completely customizable"
For more information on broadband Internet access as well as other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Rockefeller Looks To Safeguard Broadband Discounts
Senator Jay Rockefeller is proposing legislation to safeguard federal discounts for broadband Internet provision at schools.
The senator wants to keep the program, called E-rate, exempt from new government regulations, which state that discounts cannot be handed out to schools unless the federal government has the equivalent value as cash in hand. Mr. Rockefeller is making the calls after a report released on Capitol Hill on Wednesday showed that since 1998, the program has paid for about $18.8 billion worth of discounts on internet and communications services for schools.
Joining others who have expressed concerns, Mr. Rockefeller is saying that since the program is based on forecast federal income, a requirement needing money in hand would seriously jeopardize the extent of the program's reach. Paid for by several major telecommunications companies, including AT&T, Verizon and Cox Communications, the report shows Internet access in public school classrooms grew from 14 per cent in 1996 to 95 percent in 2005. In addition, more than 90 per cent of classrooms in rural, high-minority or low-income districts now have Internet access, up from below ten per cent in 1996.
"The types of services and products eligible for E-rate discounts fall into four broad categories. These are telecommunication services, internet access, internal connections, and basic maintenance," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "Also, if the applicant is requesting service for Internet access or internal connections, the applicant will be required to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act."
For more information on broadband Internet access as well as other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Real-time VoIP security for INSI clients
A leading business VoIP solutions provider has teamed up with a VoIP security firm in order to expand the market presence of both parties.
INSI has partnered with Sipera Systems in a move that will enable customers to access comprehensive VoIP security solutions for all-encompassing, real-time, unified communications. Sipera's comprehensive approach to VoIP security was praised by INSI, especially as it means that enterprise networks will be protected from service abuse including DoS/DDoS floods, fuzzing, stealth and VoIP spam, in real-time.
"We believe secure, corporate communications is crucial to ongoing business operations," said INSI chief Lloyd Rochon. "Sipera IPCS products extend beyond existing security products to combine VoIP VPN, firewall/SBC, intrusion prevention, anti-spam and compliance functionality in a single device."
According to ABI Research, there will be over 267 million VoIP subscribers worldwide in 2012, compared with 38 million last year.
"You also want to make certain that you have intelligent IPS deployed between VoIP gateways and near your call manager," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "This is a key area of attack that contains a lot if not all of a companies critical information."
For more information on VoIP and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
INSI has partnered with Sipera Systems in a move that will enable customers to access comprehensive VoIP security solutions for all-encompassing, real-time, unified communications. Sipera's comprehensive approach to VoIP security was praised by INSI, especially as it means that enterprise networks will be protected from service abuse including DoS/DDoS floods, fuzzing, stealth and VoIP spam, in real-time.
"We believe secure, corporate communications is crucial to ongoing business operations," said INSI chief Lloyd Rochon. "Sipera IPCS products extend beyond existing security products to combine VoIP VPN, firewall/SBC, intrusion prevention, anti-spam and compliance functionality in a single device."
According to ABI Research, there will be over 267 million VoIP subscribers worldwide in 2012, compared with 38 million last year.
"You also want to make certain that you have intelligent IPS deployed between VoIP gateways and near your call manager," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "This is a key area of attack that contains a lot if not all of a companies critical information."
For more information on VoIP and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
SMB Demand A Unique Opportunity For VoIP Firms
Internet telephony pioneer Texas Instruments has claimed that the market for delivering VoIP to small and medium businesses (SMB) is ready to expand.
As the number of businesses turning to VoIP increases, manufacturers and service providers have a "unique opportunity" to deliver advanced products, it said. Although SMBs are in a position to reach a wider audience thanks to broadband, prohibitive long-distance telephone costs have limited their ability to offer the best services.
"Now, however, with the cost-savings and rapid availability of VoIP, SMBs can reach out to customers multi-nationally and globally like never before," said Texas Instruments in a statement. The firm said that VoIP products for SMBs "must be easy-to-use and affordable, while offering the features and quality expected in traditional phone systems and an added layer of security to protect critical business resources". Earlier this month, AMI-Partners said that SMBS are likely to drive further growth in the broadband VoIP market.
"Small businesses are increasingly choosing VoIP hosted business phone packages instead of conventional telephone systems. VoIP can mean a lot more than just savings to a small business," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "The greater versatility of hosted VoIP allows each business to tailor a telecommunications package, regardless of geography, specifically to meet its needs without spending heavily on equipment, installation, maintenance or an IT staff."
For more information on how your small or medium sized business can take advantage of VoIP technology visit www.broadbandnational.com
As the number of businesses turning to VoIP increases, manufacturers and service providers have a "unique opportunity" to deliver advanced products, it said. Although SMBs are in a position to reach a wider audience thanks to broadband, prohibitive long-distance telephone costs have limited their ability to offer the best services.
"Now, however, with the cost-savings and rapid availability of VoIP, SMBs can reach out to customers multi-nationally and globally like never before," said Texas Instruments in a statement. The firm said that VoIP products for SMBs "must be easy-to-use and affordable, while offering the features and quality expected in traditional phone systems and an added layer of security to protect critical business resources". Earlier this month, AMI-Partners said that SMBS are likely to drive further growth in the broadband VoIP market.
"Small businesses are increasingly choosing VoIP hosted business phone packages instead of conventional telephone systems. VoIP can mean a lot more than just savings to a small business," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "The greater versatility of hosted VoIP allows each business to tailor a telecommunications package, regardless of geography, specifically to meet its needs without spending heavily on equipment, installation, maintenance or an IT staff."
For more information on how your small or medium sized business can take advantage of VoIP technology visit www.broadbandnational.com
Skype Teams With Nokia To Provide Broadband Calling Experiehttp://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifnce
Popular Internet calling service Skype has joined with Nokia to develop a new mobile calling function. Announced at the consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, the collaboration basically consists of making Skype mobile on the Nokia N800 Internet Tablet. As long as there is a wireless Internet connection available, customers can use Skype wherever they so choose, under the new service.
Ari Virtanen, vice president, convergence products at Nokia, said: "Skype is the recognized leader of internet communications with over 136 million registered users worldwide. "Nokia's new N800 Internet Tablet is designed for mobile Internet. Together, we can develop communications devices beyond expectations." The Nokia N800 is to become available sometime in the first half of 2007.
Meanwhile, special software has been developed as an add-on for Skype, which can tell whether a person is lying. The software analyzes the voice stream of the person and shows their stress levels to the user. Skype is currently the most widely used Internet communication service and is available in 28 languages. Users of Skype can avail themselves of free voice, video and instant messaging over the Internet.
"Digital voice is one of the fastest growing broadband services," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. For more information on VoIP and digital voice visit www.broadbandnational.com
Ari Virtanen, vice president, convergence products at Nokia, said: "Skype is the recognized leader of internet communications with over 136 million registered users worldwide. "Nokia's new N800 Internet Tablet is designed for mobile Internet. Together, we can develop communications devices beyond expectations." The Nokia N800 is to become available sometime in the first half of 2007.
Meanwhile, special software has been developed as an add-on for Skype, which can tell whether a person is lying. The software analyzes the voice stream of the person and shows their stress levels to the user. Skype is currently the most widely used Internet communication service and is available in 28 languages. Users of Skype can avail themselves of free voice, video and instant messaging over the Internet.
"Digital voice is one of the fastest growing broadband services," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. For more information on VoIP and digital voice visit www.broadbandnational.com
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Next Generation Wireless For Washington
Verizon is rolling-out its new wireless network to customers in greater Washington, the District of Columbia, Baltimore, North Virginia and Maryland.
Residents will now be able to enjoy even faster download and upload speeds thanks to developments in its CDMA 1x Evolution-Data Optimized Revision A technology. Furthermore, the company's flagship business service, BroadbandAccess, offers average download speeds of 450-800 kbps and average upload speeds of 300-400 kbps.
Verizon Wireless regional president Tami Erwin said: "Our existing wireless broadband network has enabled customers to work remotely and stay entertained in unprecedented ways. "Now we're taking wireless to the next level by introducing technology that helps them send data from their mobile devices even faster." Verizon is also planning to implement the same technology to customers in Illinois. T J Fox, president of the Illinois division, said customers "will applaud" Revision A's faster data uplink speeds.
"Future broadband products and services will benefit greatly from these added speeds," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "This will aid in the expansion of future applications that businesses and consumers require."
For more information on VoIP and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Residents will now be able to enjoy even faster download and upload speeds thanks to developments in its CDMA 1x Evolution-Data Optimized Revision A technology. Furthermore, the company's flagship business service, BroadbandAccess, offers average download speeds of 450-800 kbps and average upload speeds of 300-400 kbps.
Verizon Wireless regional president Tami Erwin said: "Our existing wireless broadband network has enabled customers to work remotely and stay entertained in unprecedented ways. "Now we're taking wireless to the next level by introducing technology that helps them send data from their mobile devices even faster." Verizon is also planning to implement the same technology to customers in Illinois. T J Fox, president of the Illinois division, said customers "will applaud" Revision A's faster data uplink speeds.
"Future broadband products and services will benefit greatly from these added speeds," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "This will aid in the expansion of future applications that businesses and consumers require."
For more information on VoIP and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
City To Get Wi-Fi Technology
AT&T has announced that it is to roll out its wireless broadband network to the city of Napa, California.
The company will deploy the wi-fi technology, which will allow residents and businesses to access the network anywhere in the city. Users will be able to choose from several connectivity options, including higher-speed access tiers or a free, advertising supported access choice.
A parallel system is to also be installed to support municipal and public safety communications requirements. This means that communications for public sector workers and emergency service vehicles will be improved. For example, ambulance crews rushing to the scene of an accident can have information such as medical records transmitted to them instantly.
Commander Jeff Troendly, from the Napa Police Department, said: "This city Wi-Fi network will increase broadband Internet choices within the city and provide new dimensions of mobility for broadband users in Napa." He added that the project would enhance quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors.
This new Wi-Fi network will open up a new world of digital products and services for the citizens of the bay area", states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. "They'll also reap the benefits of faster download speeds, and access anywhere, anytime, 24 hours a day".
For more information on broadband and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
The company will deploy the wi-fi technology, which will allow residents and businesses to access the network anywhere in the city. Users will be able to choose from several connectivity options, including higher-speed access tiers or a free, advertising supported access choice.
A parallel system is to also be installed to support municipal and public safety communications requirements. This means that communications for public sector workers and emergency service vehicles will be improved. For example, ambulance crews rushing to the scene of an accident can have information such as medical records transmitted to them instantly.
Commander Jeff Troendly, from the Napa Police Department, said: "This city Wi-Fi network will increase broadband Internet choices within the city and provide new dimensions of mobility for broadband users in Napa." He added that the project would enhance quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors.
This new Wi-Fi network will open up a new world of digital products and services for the citizens of the bay area", states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. "They'll also reap the benefits of faster download speeds, and access anywhere, anytime, 24 hours a day".
For more information on broadband and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Friday, March 02, 2007
Restaurant Chain Offers Wi-Fi Access
A restaurant chain is to offer complimentary wireless Internet access at all its outlets across the country.
Daytime diner First Watch Restaurants is rolling out the technology after finding that more than one in ten customers consider WiFi Internet access as a factor in choosing one cafe instead of another. The system has been designed to be user-friendly and easy to access without complicated login processes. Chris Tomasso, chief marketing officer at the company, stated that the Wi-Fi systems would enhance the overall experience for guests and encourage more frequent visits. He said: "First Watch already appeals widely to the business community and is the frequent recipient of 'Best Power Breakfast' accolades and recognition.
"Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access will only enhance the relationship with this audience." The chain is currently planning to open more than 15 new restaurants throughout the year, which will all be equipped with Wi-Fi.
"The Internet has become completely intertwined with our daily lives," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. " Now you're able to access email, instant messaging, social networks, or download music, news and video almost anywhere there is a broadband connection."
For more information on Wi-Fi Internet access as well as other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Daytime diner First Watch Restaurants is rolling out the technology after finding that more than one in ten customers consider WiFi Internet access as a factor in choosing one cafe instead of another. The system has been designed to be user-friendly and easy to access without complicated login processes. Chris Tomasso, chief marketing officer at the company, stated that the Wi-Fi systems would enhance the overall experience for guests and encourage more frequent visits. He said: "First Watch already appeals widely to the business community and is the frequent recipient of 'Best Power Breakfast' accolades and recognition.
"Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access will only enhance the relationship with this audience." The chain is currently planning to open more than 15 new restaurants throughout the year, which will all be equipped with Wi-Fi.
"The Internet has become completely intertwined with our daily lives," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. " Now you're able to access email, instant messaging, social networks, or download music, news and video almost anywhere there is a broadband connection."
For more information on Wi-Fi Internet access as well as other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Recording Industry Tackles Illegal Downloads
Recording industry groups have announced a crackdown on illegal music downloading in universities.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has complained to a number of universities across the US and has called on them to take action against the offending students. While it is possible to identify which computer is being used, the RIAA does not know which individuals are illegally downloading copyrighted material.
Jonathan Lamy, a spokesman for the RIAA, said: "We know piracy is most acute on campuses. "Students have high-speed access and have more time than money." The RIAA wants universities to take action against those who illegally download music through various means, such as forcing them to watch an educational video on piracy.
It has also suggested that universities revoke students' rights to use computers on campus if they are found to be downloading unlawfully. In the past year, the number of complaints sent out by the RIAA has increased three-fold to 15,000.
"Illegal downloading is certainly not a new story," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "People must remember that along with your music, you are most likely downloading hundreds of nasty viruses that will cripple your PC. They embed themselves right in the music files and begin to go to work damaging your PC while you listen to the music."
For more information on music downloads and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has complained to a number of universities across the US and has called on them to take action against the offending students. While it is possible to identify which computer is being used, the RIAA does not know which individuals are illegally downloading copyrighted material.
Jonathan Lamy, a spokesman for the RIAA, said: "We know piracy is most acute on campuses. "Students have high-speed access and have more time than money." The RIAA wants universities to take action against those who illegally download music through various means, such as forcing them to watch an educational video on piracy.
It has also suggested that universities revoke students' rights to use computers on campus if they are found to be downloading unlawfully. In the past year, the number of complaints sent out by the RIAA has increased three-fold to 15,000.
"Illegal downloading is certainly not a new story," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "People must remember that along with your music, you are most likely downloading hundreds of nasty viruses that will cripple your PC. They embed themselves right in the music files and begin to go to work damaging your PC while you listen to the music."
For more information on music downloads and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Online TV Download Market Set To Grow
Online TV Download Market Set To Grow
Multimedia providers have been advised to consider testing out the Internet television download market.
Adams Media Research estimated that annual consumer spending on video downloads via the Internet would reach $4.1 billion dollars by 2011. Last year, the Internet TV download market generated revenues totaling $111 million. Tom Adams, president of Adams Media Research, commented: "The internet is going to revolutionize the distribution of video."
The firm believes that the release of new products from names such as Wal-Mart, Apple and Amazon could result in a dramatic increase in consumer spending on downloads. These companies already offer consumers the chance to download premium movie and TV content.
Adams Media Research stated that new devices to download and view high-definition content will also play a part in boosting the sector, as many consumers will want to be able to purchase the latest gadgets.
"Most likely you'll see the growth spurred by the introduction and sale of hardware devices that can convert videos downloaded from the Internet into signals that can be played on high definition television sets," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website.
For more information on wireless networks and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Multimedia providers have been advised to consider testing out the Internet television download market.
Adams Media Research estimated that annual consumer spending on video downloads via the Internet would reach $4.1 billion dollars by 2011. Last year, the Internet TV download market generated revenues totaling $111 million. Tom Adams, president of Adams Media Research, commented: "The internet is going to revolutionize the distribution of video."
The firm believes that the release of new products from names such as Wal-Mart, Apple and Amazon could result in a dramatic increase in consumer spending on downloads. These companies already offer consumers the chance to download premium movie and TV content.
Adams Media Research stated that new devices to download and view high-definition content will also play a part in boosting the sector, as many consumers will want to be able to purchase the latest gadgets.
"Most likely you'll see the growth spurred by the introduction and sale of hardware devices that can convert videos downloaded from the Internet into signals that can be played on high definition television sets," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website.
For more information on wireless networks and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Online TV Download Market Set To Grow
Online TV Download Market Set To Grow
Multimedia providers have been advised to consider testing out the Internet television download market.
Adams Media Research estimated that annual consumer spending on video downloads via the Internet would reach $4.1 billion dollars by 2011. Last year, the Internet TV download market generated revenues totaling $111 million. Tom Adams, president of Adams Media Research, commented: "The internet is going to revolutionize the distribution of video."
The firm believes that the release of new products from names such as Wal-Mart, Apple and Amazon could result in a dramatic increase in consumer spending on downloads. These companies already offer consumers the chance to download premium movie and TV content.
Adams Media Research stated that new devices to download and view high-definition content will also play a part in boosting the sector, as many consumers will want to be able to purchase the latest gadgets.
"Most likely you'll see the growth spurred by the introduction and sale of hardware devices that can convert videos downloaded from the Internet into signals that can be played on high definition television sets," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website.
For more information on wireless networks and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Multimedia providers have been advised to consider testing out the Internet television download market.
Adams Media Research estimated that annual consumer spending on video downloads via the Internet would reach $4.1 billion dollars by 2011. Last year, the Internet TV download market generated revenues totaling $111 million. Tom Adams, president of Adams Media Research, commented: "The internet is going to revolutionize the distribution of video."
The firm believes that the release of new products from names such as Wal-Mart, Apple and Amazon could result in a dramatic increase in consumer spending on downloads. These companies already offer consumers the chance to download premium movie and TV content.
Adams Media Research stated that new devices to download and view high-definition content will also play a part in boosting the sector, as many consumers will want to be able to purchase the latest gadgets.
"Most likely you'll see the growth spurred by the introduction and sale of hardware devices that can convert videos downloaded from the Internet into signals that can be played on high definition television sets," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website.
For more information on wireless networks and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Vonage Could Sell Broadband
Vonage could be set to diversify into wireless Internet and broadband access, according to Business Week magazine.
The publication has fuelled speculation that the VoIP provider will move into the wider communications field after the firm announced it would start reselling other carriers' wireless services. Analysts in Business Week believe that this could be taken further and that Vonage will start offering services under its own name and with its own content. This, it said, would give the firm a better chance at being more profitable.
It continued: "Rival (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that already use other carriers' networks to market wireless services under their own brands have been steadily making gains selling to youth and young professionals." Business Week cited Virgin Mobile USA and Helio as examples of firms that have made profits by selling wireless services under their own names.
The magazine suggested that since Vonage caters to the same market of young, early adopters of the latest technology, it could benefit from a similar strategy.
"Millions of consumers use our website because we're totally unbiased and offer them the best possible deal, no matter what product or service they need," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "Our platform instantly searches over 50 national providers and provides the user with multiple pricing options for their area of the country."
For more information on high-speed Internet connectivity, VoIP phones and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
The publication has fuelled speculation that the VoIP provider will move into the wider communications field after the firm announced it would start reselling other carriers' wireless services. Analysts in Business Week believe that this could be taken further and that Vonage will start offering services under its own name and with its own content. This, it said, would give the firm a better chance at being more profitable.
It continued: "Rival (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that already use other carriers' networks to market wireless services under their own brands have been steadily making gains selling to youth and young professionals." Business Week cited Virgin Mobile USA and Helio as examples of firms that have made profits by selling wireless services under their own names.
The magazine suggested that since Vonage caters to the same market of young, early adopters of the latest technology, it could benefit from a similar strategy.
"Millions of consumers use our website because we're totally unbiased and offer them the best possible deal, no matter what product or service they need," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "Our platform instantly searches over 50 national providers and provides the user with multiple pricing options for their area of the country."
For more information on high-speed Internet connectivity, VoIP phones and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
South Carolina To Get Free Wireless Broadband
A House resolution in South Carolina regarding plans to give residents and businesses free broadband access has been approved.
The South Carolina Wireless Technology and Communications Commission will now implement a wireless network across the state and will assess any feasibility issues, reports Greenville Online.
South Carolina will be the first state to have statewide wireless broadband Internet, said Greenville Rep Dwight Loftis, who was behind the proposal.
"Creating a wireless cloud over our state would be a step in the right direction in continuing to move South Carolina toward a knowledge-based economy," said state House speaker Bobby Harrell. The state already owns Internet infrastructure and will work with private Internet providers, which could charge if users wants faster speeds. According to ABI research, the number of broadband subscribers across the country is expected to climb by nine per cent every year for the next five years.
"The idea is to leverage the state infrastructure and work with private Internet providers, states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "A basic level of service would be free inside the state, but the providers would still charge fees for faster speeds and other add-on services."
For more information on wireless networks and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
The South Carolina Wireless Technology and Communications Commission will now implement a wireless network across the state and will assess any feasibility issues, reports Greenville Online.
South Carolina will be the first state to have statewide wireless broadband Internet, said Greenville Rep Dwight Loftis, who was behind the proposal.
"Creating a wireless cloud over our state would be a step in the right direction in continuing to move South Carolina toward a knowledge-based economy," said state House speaker Bobby Harrell. The state already owns Internet infrastructure and will work with private Internet providers, which could charge if users wants faster speeds. According to ABI research, the number of broadband subscribers across the country is expected to climb by nine per cent every year for the next five years.
"The idea is to leverage the state infrastructure and work with private Internet providers, states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "A basic level of service would be free inside the state, but the providers would still charge fees for faster speeds and other add-on services."
For more information on wireless networks and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
TV Network Sites Uninteresting And Out Dated
Although television companies are streaming content over the Internet and broadband video is proving a hit with consumers, TV network sites are failing to live up to the standards of more interactive sites, a new study has said.
According to an industry report by Broadband Directions, TV network sites are less interesting because they fail to engage the user and are much less attractive than popular file-sharing sites.
Other problems likely to divert traffic away from these sites are out-of-date videos and promotional clips and their inability to upload video, download clips to portable media players and create personalized playlists.
Broadband Directions has said that TV stations need to realize that online video is not merely promotional but is a self-sufficient medium, reports MediaPost Communications. "Most networks still have not embraced the value of building out robust, deeply interactive, short-form clip properties," the report said. "The most common interactive element we found was the ability to email the clip along to a friend."
Broadband Direction's report follows a warning from Google that the Internet is not capable of supporting TV broadcasts and that the popularity of services like YouTube could bring the infrastructure down.
"If networks want to broadcast, interact and engage viewers over the Internet there needs to be a serious upgrade and build out of existing networks", states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "The high data transfer rates required for such interaction is why fiber to the premises (FTTP), also called fiber to the home (FTTH) is the preferred technology that many providers are already intorducing."
For more information on IPTV and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
According to an industry report by Broadband Directions, TV network sites are less interesting because they fail to engage the user and are much less attractive than popular file-sharing sites.
Other problems likely to divert traffic away from these sites are out-of-date videos and promotional clips and their inability to upload video, download clips to portable media players and create personalized playlists.
Broadband Directions has said that TV stations need to realize that online video is not merely promotional but is a self-sufficient medium, reports MediaPost Communications. "Most networks still have not embraced the value of building out robust, deeply interactive, short-form clip properties," the report said. "The most common interactive element we found was the ability to email the clip along to a friend."
Broadband Direction's report follows a warning from Google that the Internet is not capable of supporting TV broadcasts and that the popularity of services like YouTube could bring the infrastructure down.
"If networks want to broadcast, interact and engage viewers over the Internet there needs to be a serious upgrade and build out of existing networks", states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "The high data transfer rates required for such interaction is why fiber to the premises (FTTP), also called fiber to the home (FTTH) is the preferred technology that many providers are already intorducing."
For more information on IPTV and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Costs Prevent Young People From Downloading On Phones
Many young people are not downloading music on their cell phones because of the associated cost, according to a new report.
A survey of youngsters in the UK found that around half pay for downloading music, but are deterred from doing so on their cell phones as it is more expensive. Although the study by Q Research found that three-quarters like to listen to music on their phone, 97 per cent actually download on their computers.
Dr Liz Nelson, chairman of Q Research, commented: "This survey shows that while there is already a very buoyant market for paying for MP3 files from the internet among young people, they are very aware of the cost of downloading files to their phones." She added that many young people are also opposed to watching video or receiving video ads to their mobiles because of the cost. The company has urged mobile operators to understand the attitudes of younger people if they intend to keep rolling out new services, such as social networking, advertising and music.
"Cost is most definitely an issue when it comes to downloading MP3 and video files," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "We've been successful in integrating providers with special offers from music and video producers to help offset these associated costs."
For more information on MP3 and video files as well as other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
A survey of youngsters in the UK found that around half pay for downloading music, but are deterred from doing so on their cell phones as it is more expensive. Although the study by Q Research found that three-quarters like to listen to music on their phone, 97 per cent actually download on their computers.
Dr Liz Nelson, chairman of Q Research, commented: "This survey shows that while there is already a very buoyant market for paying for MP3 files from the internet among young people, they are very aware of the cost of downloading files to their phones." She added that many young people are also opposed to watching video or receiving video ads to their mobiles because of the cost. The company has urged mobile operators to understand the attitudes of younger people if they intend to keep rolling out new services, such as social networking, advertising and music.
"Cost is most definitely an issue when it comes to downloading MP3 and video files," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "We've been successful in integrating providers with special offers from music and video producers to help offset these associated costs."
For more information on MP3 and video files as well as other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
U.S. Could Do More To Boost Broadband Penetration
The U.S. still has more work to do to boost broadband penetration across the country, according to industry experts.
Mark Milliman, principal consultant at Inphotonics Research, wrote on the Seeking Alpha website that the U.S. still has a long way to go to make broadband a mainstay in domestic homes.
He stated that proportionally, the U.S. is still lagging behind other countries with its broadband penetration, as there is a greater take-up in places such as the UK, Denmark and Canada. Mr. Milliman added that the U.S. still lags behind some countries in terms of its number of fiber connections, as it has just over 500,000 compared to more than six million in Japan.
The comments came in response to research by Parks Associates, which predicted that residential broadband penetration would exceed 50 percent before the end of the year. This means that more than 60 million people will live in broadband-enabled households.
"Providers are well aware that fiber to the premises (FTTP), also called fiber to the home (FTTH) is the future of broadband," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "We're already seeing implementation of the technology. A good example of which is Verizon's new FiOS Internet service."
For more information on high-speed Internet connectivity and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Mark Milliman, principal consultant at Inphotonics Research, wrote on the Seeking Alpha website that the U.S. still has a long way to go to make broadband a mainstay in domestic homes.
He stated that proportionally, the U.S. is still lagging behind other countries with its broadband penetration, as there is a greater take-up in places such as the UK, Denmark and Canada. Mr. Milliman added that the U.S. still lags behind some countries in terms of its number of fiber connections, as it has just over 500,000 compared to more than six million in Japan.
The comments came in response to research by Parks Associates, which predicted that residential broadband penetration would exceed 50 percent before the end of the year. This means that more than 60 million people will live in broadband-enabled households.
"Providers are well aware that fiber to the premises (FTTP), also called fiber to the home (FTTH) is the future of broadband," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "We're already seeing implementation of the technology. A good example of which is Verizon's new FiOS Internet service."
For more information on high-speed Internet connectivity and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
VoIP Is Evolving
Voice over Internet technology (VoIP) is constantly evolving, according to the head of a technology firm.
Dan Hoffman, chief executive of M5 Networks, stated that VoIP technology is still changing and developing in order to meet consumer expectations. Speaking to the Daily Herald, Mr. Hoffman compared newer forms of VoIP technology to the difference between TiVo and a VCR. He said, "With the VCR, you have to do everything that's needed to record a show, click the buttons and insert the tape. "With TiVo, it was one click - we're that one click."
Since the systems are now improving and offering better sound quality and ease of use, more service providers are marketing the technology, including Skype and AT&T. M5 Networks has also entered the market and provides all the hardware, software and maintenance necessary to operate the systems, which allows consumers to avoid dealing with different providers.
"Soon you'll see VoIP and other types of IP communications being embedded directly into business software," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "This will aid in the expansion of future applications that businesses require."
For more information on VoIP and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Dan Hoffman, chief executive of M5 Networks, stated that VoIP technology is still changing and developing in order to meet consumer expectations. Speaking to the Daily Herald, Mr. Hoffman compared newer forms of VoIP technology to the difference between TiVo and a VCR. He said, "With the VCR, you have to do everything that's needed to record a show, click the buttons and insert the tape. "With TiVo, it was one click - we're that one click."
Since the systems are now improving and offering better sound quality and ease of use, more service providers are marketing the technology, including Skype and AT&T. M5 Networks has also entered the market and provides all the hardware, software and maintenance necessary to operate the systems, which allows consumers to avoid dealing with different providers.
"Soon you'll see VoIP and other types of IP communications being embedded directly into business software," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "This will aid in the expansion of future applications that businesses require."
For more information on VoIP and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Broadband Penetration To Hit 60 Percent
Up to 60 percent of U.S. homes will have broadband by the end of 2007, according to recently released research. And cable operators will see a reduction in their share of the market, the report from legal and business information company Pike and Fischer shows.
Cable companies will have just slightly over half of the broadband market in the US by the year's end, the report predicts. Scott Sleek, Pike & Fischer's director of broadband advisory services and an author of the report said: "We also know that cable operators want to draw users away from the computer screen and back to the TV set, so they'll be developing ways to let customers access web content through their set-top boxes."
The report also forecasts that digital cable subscriptions will represent the majority of the industry's main video customer base. Because digital cable costs more than analog, it also generates more revenue.
"Broadband in the home has grown twice as fast in the year prior to March of 2006," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. "African Americans and middle income Americans accounted for much of the increase along with new Internet users coming online with broadband. At the end of March 2006, 42% of Americans had high-speed access at home, up from 30% in March 2005, or a 40% increase."
For more information on broadband and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Cable companies will have just slightly over half of the broadband market in the US by the year's end, the report predicts. Scott Sleek, Pike & Fischer's director of broadband advisory services and an author of the report said: "We also know that cable operators want to draw users away from the computer screen and back to the TV set, so they'll be developing ways to let customers access web content through their set-top boxes."
The report also forecasts that digital cable subscriptions will represent the majority of the industry's main video customer base. Because digital cable costs more than analog, it also generates more revenue.
"Broadband in the home has grown twice as fast in the year prior to March of 2006," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. "African Americans and middle income Americans accounted for much of the increase along with new Internet users coming online with broadband. At the end of March 2006, 42% of Americans had high-speed access at home, up from 30% in March 2005, or a 40% increase."
For more information on broadband and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
San Francisco Cements Wi-Fi Deal With Earthlink
The city of San Francisco has finalized a deal with Internet giant Earthlink to provide the largest free municipal Wi-Fi service in the US.
After over seven months of negotiations, mayor Gavin Newsom agreed to the contract. However, the Board of Supervisors and the city’s Public Utilities Commission must still approve it.
The president of EarthLink's municipal networks unit, Donald Berryman, said: "We look forward to working with the board of supervisors to gain approval of the agreement so we can begin building out the network in 2007." Mr. Newsom had assured the city that the network would be up and running by the end of 2006; however many are now saying that it won't be operational until at least 2008.
Earthlink is expected to spend between $14 million and $17 million to install the network. The Wi-Fi zone will consist of two networks, with one supported by on-screen advertisements and the other a faster, commercial-free service costing $20 per month.
This new Wi-Fi network will open up a new world of digital products and services for the citizens of the bay area", states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. "They'll also reap the benefits of faster download speeds, and access anywhere, anytime, 24 hours a day".
For more information on broadband and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
After over seven months of negotiations, mayor Gavin Newsom agreed to the contract. However, the Board of Supervisors and the city’s Public Utilities Commission must still approve it.
The president of EarthLink's municipal networks unit, Donald Berryman, said: "We look forward to working with the board of supervisors to gain approval of the agreement so we can begin building out the network in 2007." Mr. Newsom had assured the city that the network would be up and running by the end of 2006; however many are now saying that it won't be operational until at least 2008.
Earthlink is expected to spend between $14 million and $17 million to install the network. The Wi-Fi zone will consist of two networks, with one supported by on-screen advertisements and the other a faster, commercial-free service costing $20 per month.
This new Wi-Fi network will open up a new world of digital products and services for the citizens of the bay area", states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. "They'll also reap the benefits of faster download speeds, and access anywhere, anytime, 24 hours a day".
For more information on broadband and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
New Multimedia Phone Released
Verizon Wireless and Palm have announced the launch of a new phone, which includes Internet access and other features.
Customers with the Treo 700wx Smartphone will be able to use high-speed Internet connections at speeds comparable to broadband, along with a wireless email facility. The phone uses the Windows Mobile 5.0 platform to get online, while the increased RAM will allow people to download more content and applications. It is also compatible with memory cards, which will appeal to those who regularly access music, video and photo images.
Tim Roper, vice-president of Palm, commented: "People love the Treo smartphone because they are driven by the need to stay in touch and manage a variety of communications and information – both business and personal." He added that the features on the new version would be a "core asset" for mobile professionals wanting to be productive while on the move.
The phone is also able to be used with Bluetooth headsets, while it also contains a 1.3 mega pixel camera and touch screen.
"No one should be surprised that there is a convergence of technology to the cell phone," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. "These new phones come enabled with wireless networking technology, instant messaging, picture messaging, digital photo sharing tools, ringtones, gaming, navigation and the ability to store thousands of MP3 files."
For more information on multimedia phones and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Customers with the Treo 700wx Smartphone will be able to use high-speed Internet connections at speeds comparable to broadband, along with a wireless email facility. The phone uses the Windows Mobile 5.0 platform to get online, while the increased RAM will allow people to download more content and applications. It is also compatible with memory cards, which will appeal to those who regularly access music, video and photo images.
Tim Roper, vice-president of Palm, commented: "People love the Treo smartphone because they are driven by the need to stay in touch and manage a variety of communications and information – both business and personal." He added that the features on the new version would be a "core asset" for mobile professionals wanting to be productive while on the move.
The phone is also able to be used with Bluetooth headsets, while it also contains a 1.3 mega pixel camera and touch screen.
"No one should be surprised that there is a convergence of technology to the cell phone," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. "These new phones come enabled with wireless networking technology, instant messaging, picture messaging, digital photo sharing tools, ringtones, gaming, navigation and the ability to store thousands of MP3 files."
For more information on multimedia phones and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
TiVo To Deliver Broadband Video Content
TiVo has announced recently that it has signed Music Choice, America's largest music-related content deliverer.
Through the TiVoCast service, Music Choice is to deliver its catalogue of music videos and programming via broadband to TV. From later this year, TiVo subscribers who have a TiVo Series2 box and broadband Internet will be able to use the service. Tara Maitra, vice president of content services for TiVo, said: "Now TiVo subscribers will be able to get the music videos they want on their TV, not just what a music video channel happens to program.
"Music Choice has the best and widest catalog of music videos along with an extensive collection of original programming, and we expect this service to be extremely popular among the TiVo audience." Recently TiVo allied with digital media company RealNetworks to integrate the Rhapsody digital music service, which gives TiVo subscribers access to over three million songs on demand.
"This cooperation is just another example of how broadband and digital services like music and IPTV are gaining traction with mainstream media and consumers", states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website.
For more information on downloadable music and videos visit www.broadbandnational.com
Through the TiVoCast service, Music Choice is to deliver its catalogue of music videos and programming via broadband to TV. From later this year, TiVo subscribers who have a TiVo Series2 box and broadband Internet will be able to use the service. Tara Maitra, vice president of content services for TiVo, said: "Now TiVo subscribers will be able to get the music videos they want on their TV, not just what a music video channel happens to program.
"Music Choice has the best and widest catalog of music videos along with an extensive collection of original programming, and we expect this service to be extremely popular among the TiVo audience." Recently TiVo allied with digital media company RealNetworks to integrate the Rhapsody digital music service, which gives TiVo subscribers access to over three million songs on demand.
"This cooperation is just another example of how broadband and digital services like music and IPTV are gaining traction with mainstream media and consumers", states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website.
For more information on downloadable music and videos visit www.broadbandnational.com
HughesNet Expands Customer Base
Broadband satellite company Hughes has announced that it will expand the customer base for its HughesNet service. The expansion will be mainly in areas of the U.S., which are underserved, the company said. Performance, rather than price, is the driving factor when it comes to consumers buying broadband, according to Hughes.
Jimmy Schaeffler, a senior analyst at cable conglomerates the Carmel Group, said: "Today's consumers want to download songs and video clips and e-mail pictures to and from family and friends. "Frustrated by slow dial-up, larger percentages of consumers living in areas overlooked by terrestrial broadband providers are choosing satellite for their broadband needs."
Currently Hughes offers five different satellite broadband plans. The highest download speed offered by the company is two megabits per second. Up to 60 percent of US homes will have broadband by the end of 2007, according to recently released research. And cable operators will see a reduction in their share of the market, the report from legal and business information company Pike and Fischer shows.
Although not as fast as DSL or Cable, satellite is a great alternative to dial-up for those without any other high-speed option", states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. "They'll be able to enjoy downloading music and video much faster than before not to mention the new and emerging broadband products and services."
For more information on broadband and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Jimmy Schaeffler, a senior analyst at cable conglomerates the Carmel Group, said: "Today's consumers want to download songs and video clips and e-mail pictures to and from family and friends. "Frustrated by slow dial-up, larger percentages of consumers living in areas overlooked by terrestrial broadband providers are choosing satellite for their broadband needs."
Currently Hughes offers five different satellite broadband plans. The highest download speed offered by the company is two megabits per second. Up to 60 percent of US homes will have broadband by the end of 2007, according to recently released research. And cable operators will see a reduction in their share of the market, the report from legal and business information company Pike and Fischer shows.
Although not as fast as DSL or Cable, satellite is a great alternative to dial-up for those without any other high-speed option", states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. "They'll be able to enjoy downloading music and video much faster than before not to mention the new and emerging broadband products and services."
For more information on broadband and other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
Friday, February 23, 2007
Skype Teams With Nokia To Provide Broadband Calling Experience
Skype Teams With Nokia To Provide Broadband Calling Experience
Popular Internet calling service Skype has joined with Nokia to develop a new mobile calling function. Announced at the consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, the collaboration basically consists of making Skype mobile on the Nokia N800 Internet Tablet. As long as there is a wireless Internet connection available, customers can use Skype wherever they so choose, under the new service.
Ari Virtanen, vice president, convergence products at Nokia, said: "Skype is the recognized leader of internet communications with over 136 million registered users worldwide. "Nokia's new N800 Internet Tablet is designed for mobile Internet. Together, we can develop communications devices beyond expectations." The Nokia N800 is to become available sometime in the first half of 2007.
Meanwhile, special software has been developed as an add-on for Skype, which can tell whether a person is lying. The software analyzes the voice stream of the person and shows their stress levels to the user. Skype is currently the most widely used Internet communication service and is available in 28 languages. Users of Skype can avail themselves of free voice, video and instant messaging over the Internet.
"Digital voice is one of the fastest growing broadband services," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. For more information on VoIP and digital voice visit www.broadbandnational.com
Popular Internet calling service Skype has joined with Nokia to develop a new mobile calling function. Announced at the consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, the collaboration basically consists of making Skype mobile on the Nokia N800 Internet Tablet. As long as there is a wireless Internet connection available, customers can use Skype wherever they so choose, under the new service.
Ari Virtanen, vice president, convergence products at Nokia, said: "Skype is the recognized leader of internet communications with over 136 million registered users worldwide. "Nokia's new N800 Internet Tablet is designed for mobile Internet. Together, we can develop communications devices beyond expectations." The Nokia N800 is to become available sometime in the first half of 2007.
Meanwhile, special software has been developed as an add-on for Skype, which can tell whether a person is lying. The software analyzes the voice stream of the person and shows their stress levels to the user. Skype is currently the most widely used Internet communication service and is available in 28 languages. Users of Skype can avail themselves of free voice, video and instant messaging over the Internet.
"Digital voice is one of the fastest growing broadband services," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. For more information on VoIP and digital voice visit www.broadbandnational.com
Corporate Acquisitions Transforming The IPTV Marketplace
Corporate Acquisitions Transforming The IPTV Marketplace
A recent spate of corporate acquisitions is changing the burgeoning Internet protocol television (IPTV) market, recent research has suggested.
The number of independent IPTV providers is rapidly decreasing, which is creating a wide market gap, according to a report from New York-based ABI Research. Recently Swedish communications giant Ericsson acquired the broadband provider Redband Networks and Motorola announced in December that it was to acquire Tut Systems.
ABI Research principal analyst Michael Arden said: "Those first IP video equipment providers were small startups creating cutting-edge technologies that the larger vendors weren't nimble enough to do themselves. "Lately, as IPTV technology becomes more important - not only for telco TV but also for cable and satellite - the big companies need those technologies."
The larger corporations are now acquiring the smaller companies, which were the first on the market, Mr. Arden added. Recently it was found that the US is not among the top ten countries with the most IPTV subscriptions, reports Telephony Online. 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.
"There's a natural cycle of consolidation in every industry and the IPTV arena is no different", states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. "I wouldn't be surprised if this same thing doesn't happen in other high growth broadband products and services, VoIP being one of them" For more information on IPTV visit www.broadbandnational.com
A recent spate of corporate acquisitions is changing the burgeoning Internet protocol television (IPTV) market, recent research has suggested.
The number of independent IPTV providers is rapidly decreasing, which is creating a wide market gap, according to a report from New York-based ABI Research. Recently Swedish communications giant Ericsson acquired the broadband provider Redband Networks and Motorola announced in December that it was to acquire Tut Systems.
ABI Research principal analyst Michael Arden said: "Those first IP video equipment providers were small startups creating cutting-edge technologies that the larger vendors weren't nimble enough to do themselves. "Lately, as IPTV technology becomes more important - not only for telco TV but also for cable and satellite - the big companies need those technologies."
The larger corporations are now acquiring the smaller companies, which were the first on the market, Mr. Arden added. Recently it was found that the US is not among the top ten countries with the most IPTV subscriptions, reports Telephony Online. 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.
"There's a natural cycle of consolidation in every industry and the IPTV arena is no different", states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, the industries leading comparative shopping website. "I wouldn't be surprised if this same thing doesn't happen in other high growth broadband products and services, VoIP being one of them" For more information on IPTV visit www.broadbandnational.com
Spiketv.com Debuts Eight New Broadband Series
The popular Spiketv.com has announced that it is to launch eight new TV series via broadband.
Freestyle motocross, sexy bartenders, beautiful co-eds/cheerleaders, demolition and stick fighting are some of the programs that will be made available. Furthermore, Spiketv.com will also continue to operate its user-generated content hub along with its Wild World of Spike show.
Steve Farrell, vice-president of digital media at SpikeTV.com, said: "Spiketv.com is the destination for guys looking to feast on non-stop action and beautiful women.
"Our new broadband original series will satisfy their hunger for this genre of programming and keep them coming back for more." Among the new series will be Miss March Madness, a contest in anticipation of the NCAA tournament, where cheerleaders and co-eds from colleges across the country compete to be dubbed the most attractive.
A program currently running on Spike TV is Reality Racing – The Rookie Challenge, which features amateur drivers in stock racing cars.
"SpikeTV.com is one of the first to truly embrace the concept of IPTV," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, creators of the industries leading comparative shopping website. " Their male oriented content is not only original but the production value is also outstanding."
For more information on IPTV and broadband connectivity for your home or office visit www.broadbandnational.com
Freestyle motocross, sexy bartenders, beautiful co-eds/cheerleaders, demolition and stick fighting are some of the programs that will be made available. Furthermore, Spiketv.com will also continue to operate its user-generated content hub along with its Wild World of Spike show.
Steve Farrell, vice-president of digital media at SpikeTV.com, said: "Spiketv.com is the destination for guys looking to feast on non-stop action and beautiful women.
"Our new broadband original series will satisfy their hunger for this genre of programming and keep them coming back for more." Among the new series will be Miss March Madness, a contest in anticipation of the NCAA tournament, where cheerleaders and co-eds from colleges across the country compete to be dubbed the most attractive.
A program currently running on Spike TV is Reality Racing – The Rookie Challenge, which features amateur drivers in stock racing cars.
"SpikeTV.com is one of the first to truly embrace the concept of IPTV," states Mark Weibel, EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, creators of the industries leading comparative shopping website. " Their male oriented content is not only original but the production value is also outstanding."
For more information on IPTV and broadband connectivity for your home or office visit www.broadbandnational.com
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Music Students Go Online
Berkleemusic.com has become the world's largest online music school, having taught over 11,000 students. The online extension of Berklee College of Music in Boston has over 100,000 registered members involved in the online community. And it is estimated that this year alone another 6,000 students will be taught by the online music school.
David Kusek, vice president at Berklee, said: "In four short years, we have built one of the largest music schools on the planet and our mission is aligned with the general trend in the music industry of everything going online." Several big names from the music industry are studying with the school this year, including Scott Underwood from the band Train and Danny Weinkauf from They Might Be Giants. The school also offers online music scholarships named after great artists like Herbie Hancock and Gloria Estefan. Meanwhile, downloading music online has resulted in more people listening to new music, talking about music and attending concerts, according to a recent survey.
Almost 60 percent of consumers said that since they started getting online they have been listening to more music, a survey from the Digital Media Association (DiMA) found.
"It was the advancement of broadband that really propelled the advent of downloading music online," states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for online comparative shopping website Broadband National Inc. "Without a high speed Internet connection the downloading process is just to cumbersome." For more information on connectivity for your home or office visit www.broadbandnational.com
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
The 411 On TTEM
According to resent studies, from Gartner Group and Aberdeen Group an average of 15% is over-spent or wasted by companies on their monthly telecom expenses. Companies have known this for years, but until now, resources have not been readily available to easily mitigate these variances and resolve billing issues.
Considered a rather new concept, total telecom expense management (TTEM) alleviates the problems associated with managing bills, complex contracts and other management responsibilities associated with voice, data, network, and cellular services.
How TTEM Works
TTEM works behind the scenes managing intricate billing and data management, and at the same time providing companies a wealth of valuable information. Companies are able to effectively leverage back office automation by subscribing to TTEM services, which ultimately provides the following benefits, and services:
* Invoice Management- Audit and reconciling of all your telecom invoices on a monthly basis to ensure proper rates are applied as compared to the contracted rates.
* Assurance- Protect your firm against slamming, cramming, and other erroneous charges that inevitably show up on most invoices at some point in time.
* Budget Tracking- Manage budgeted telecom spending versus actual and provide real-time reports and expense tracking.
* Contract Management- Archive critical contract end dates for all providers and services to protect against auto-renewals as well as enable the negotiation of lower rates upon contract fulfillment.
* Dispute Management- whether it’s billing disputes, or trouble tickets, its all handled and saves your company hours of frustration and fruitless efforts.
* Invoice Approval- Broadband National will absorb the soft costs of your firm having to validate invoices, process and pay them on an ongoing process.
* Telecom Inventory Management- Produce and administer a dynamic, enterprise-wide inventory of telecom resources.
* Telecom and Wireless Provisioning- Manage the move, add, change, and disconnect orders for both wireless and landline services.
Total telecom management combined with the key services described above provides you with a view of the entire “procure to pay” function. Managing the entire process maximizes the cost savings and is the most effective way to manage your telecom costs.
Utilizing a TTEM solution enables your firm to maximize savings by optimizing rate plans and avoiding slamming, cramming and other erroneous charges.
www.broadbandnational.com
Considered a rather new concept, total telecom expense management (TTEM) alleviates the problems associated with managing bills, complex contracts and other management responsibilities associated with voice, data, network, and cellular services.
How TTEM Works
TTEM works behind the scenes managing intricate billing and data management, and at the same time providing companies a wealth of valuable information. Companies are able to effectively leverage back office automation by subscribing to TTEM services, which ultimately provides the following benefits, and services:
* Invoice Management- Audit and reconciling of all your telecom invoices on a monthly basis to ensure proper rates are applied as compared to the contracted rates.
* Assurance- Protect your firm against slamming, cramming, and other erroneous charges that inevitably show up on most invoices at some point in time.
* Budget Tracking- Manage budgeted telecom spending versus actual and provide real-time reports and expense tracking.
* Contract Management- Archive critical contract end dates for all providers and services to protect against auto-renewals as well as enable the negotiation of lower rates upon contract fulfillment.
* Dispute Management- whether it’s billing disputes, or trouble tickets, its all handled and saves your company hours of frustration and fruitless efforts.
* Invoice Approval- Broadband National will absorb the soft costs of your firm having to validate invoices, process and pay them on an ongoing process.
* Telecom Inventory Management- Produce and administer a dynamic, enterprise-wide inventory of telecom resources.
* Telecom and Wireless Provisioning- Manage the move, add, change, and disconnect orders for both wireless and landline services.
Total telecom management combined with the key services described above provides you with a view of the entire “procure to pay” function. Managing the entire process maximizes the cost savings and is the most effective way to manage your telecom costs.
Utilizing a TTEM solution enables your firm to maximize savings by optimizing rate plans and avoiding slamming, cramming and other erroneous charges.
www.broadbandnational.com
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Broadband National Promotes Mickey Smith To Chief Operating Officer
Broadband National Promotes Mickey Smith To Chief Operating Officer
Vero Beach, FL—Broadband National announced today the promotion of Mickey Smith from Vice President of Operations to Chief Operating Officer. Smith will be responsible for the operations of the company’s call centers, customer service, and sales.
Mr. Smith has over 20 years of successful management experience in competitive, customer-driven environments. Mr. Smith’s expertise in developing systems and controls that deliver the highest levels of customer service has benefited Broadband National’s goal of becoming the premier online marketing company for digital services and products
“Mickey’s vast experience and management in a customer driven environment makes him the perfect candidate to oversee our fast growing business,” states Vinny Olmstead, President of Broadband National. “His contributions have helped position the company to meet our continued demand which has tripled since his December 2005 start date with the company.”
Broadband National with offices in Vero Beach, Atlanta, Ga, and Orlando Florida is the leading comparative shopping service for digital services such as high speed internet, voip, and cable TV. With a nationwide distribution, Broadband National provides services to both residential and business customers. Broadband National’s proprietary software (IBIS) Integrated Broadband Information System allows customers objective carrier comparisons including service offers, product offers, and guaranteed lowest pricing. Back end integrations with more than 50 companies such as AT&T, Qwest, Time Warner, Comcast, Covad, and Verizon ensures a comprehensive customer solution. Broadband National also licenses the IBIS system to more than 1,500 companies such as retailers, VoIP suppliers, online marketers, and integrators allowing the same robust experience, while monetizing their customer base.
For more information on platform use, business development and strategic partnerships, please visit www.broadbandnational.com. For Broadband National press inquiries, please contact Mark Ballard at 772-539-0618 or email markb@broadbandnational.com
Monday, February 19, 2007
Cingular Triples Profit
The largest wireless provider in the U.S. has stated that its fourth quarter profit has nearly tripled.
Partly driving the company's growth was an increase of 2.4 million customers during the holiday season. A year ago the company recorded profits of $204 million, which tripled to $782 million in the fourth quarter. Cingular also reported having 61 million customers at the end of 2006.
Stan Sigman, the company's chief executive, said: "Our last quarter as a joint venture operating under the Cingular name was our best ever on a variety of fronts." Recently AT&T as part of its $86 billion merger with BellSouth, the largest telecommunications acquisition in US history, acquired Cingular.
AT&T is to gradually phase out the brand name Cingular and offer its wireless services under its own name. The process, dubbed Raising It Higher, is expected to occur over the next few months, with the speed being regulated by customer feedback.
AT&T will also begin aggressively marketing it’s “Triple Play” programs as it rolls out U-Verse based IPTV. In some regions, customers can expect to get TV, DSL, phone, and cellphone service all under the AT&T brand. To see if these services are available in your area visit comparative shopping website www.broadbandnational.com.
Partly driving the company's growth was an increase of 2.4 million customers during the holiday season. A year ago the company recorded profits of $204 million, which tripled to $782 million in the fourth quarter. Cingular also reported having 61 million customers at the end of 2006.
Stan Sigman, the company's chief executive, said: "Our last quarter as a joint venture operating under the Cingular name was our best ever on a variety of fronts." Recently AT&T as part of its $86 billion merger with BellSouth, the largest telecommunications acquisition in US history, acquired Cingular.
AT&T is to gradually phase out the brand name Cingular and offer its wireless services under its own name. The process, dubbed Raising It Higher, is expected to occur over the next few months, with the speed being regulated by customer feedback.
AT&T will also begin aggressively marketing it’s “Triple Play” programs as it rolls out U-Verse based IPTV. In some regions, customers can expect to get TV, DSL, phone, and cellphone service all under the AT&T brand. To see if these services are available in your area visit comparative shopping website www.broadbandnational.com.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
What Is The Difference Between Plasma and Projection TV Screens? Which Is Better?
The trend towards high-def is picking up pace at great speeds. Plasma and projection TVs, both viable options for HD, each have their own pros and cons making them suitable for different types of viewing, different rooms and different programming.
Plasma sets are known for their highly accurate colors, deep blacks and minimal blurring or fast motion. These characteristics make them a great choice for watching action movies and sports. Plasma sets have a relatively wide viewing angle, which ensures that viewers can see the picture from any angle. Look for television sets that have good brightness and contrast. Plasma TVs are thin and can be mounted on the wall or put on a stand. Plasma sets are true flat screens.
Projection sets provide a picture by projecting it onto a screen. The projection is most often done from the rear of the screen. Projection television sets offer an excellent picture quality, however, they have a limited viewing angle. Projection sets come in a variety of resolutions. Resolution is measured in pixels, with the higher pixel density being the best. Displays that are 1080 pixels have 1920 X 1080 resolution and offer the best picture quality. Projection sets may alternatively use Digital Light Processing technology (DLP), which delivers light through a digital chip. This technology is able to produce a highly detailed image while keeping the projector itself small. Projection televisions are usually bulkier than other types but are available in larger image screens.
When choosing a new TV it’s best to compare the pictures in the store. That way you can see which set looks best to you. The most expensive set may not always have the best picture; so test it out watching various programs to see the brightness and contrast as well as the black tones. Watch fast action to check for blurring. Both plasma and projection sets will last through several or more years of constant viewing.
How Reliable Is VOIP Service?
VoIP service has become more reliable in the last two years. Technology is advancing, providing vendors with the ability to provide stable service.
A recent study done by Columbia University determined that net VoIP service availability is approximately 98%. That being said, there is still more chance of line interference and dropped calls than on standard POTS lines, however the gap is closing.
There are many factors that contribute to reliability and service quality. These are generally related directly to the reliability of your Internet connection. Choose a quality vendor and you should have no trouble. Internet providers maintain redundant infrastructure for reliability so widespread failures are uncommon. They also have elaborate backup systems in place, which are designed to immediately take over in the event of a failure.
You must maintain an Internet connection in order for your VoIP service to work. Local power failures are the most common cause of connection problems. In order to keep your connection up you can purchase a power backup system (UPS) to keep your modem, phone and computer connected. This will maintain your VoIP connectivity even in the event of a local power outage.
The speed of your Internet connection also contributes to the quality of your VoIP service. Generally speaking, the higher speed connection, the better the VoIP will be. However, consider the Quality Of Service (QOS) on your Internet connection as well. This is a calculation that measures the consistency of data flowing through your Internet connection and is independent of your line speed.
VoIP is an inherently reliable technology. All in all, VoIP communications are more reliable than cell phone calls. Take into account the considerable advantages and features of VoIP technology and you will see that it offers quite reliable service at a cost savings.
www.voipnational.com
A recent study done by Columbia University determined that net VoIP service availability is approximately 98%. That being said, there is still more chance of line interference and dropped calls than on standard POTS lines, however the gap is closing.
There are many factors that contribute to reliability and service quality. These are generally related directly to the reliability of your Internet connection. Choose a quality vendor and you should have no trouble. Internet providers maintain redundant infrastructure for reliability so widespread failures are uncommon. They also have elaborate backup systems in place, which are designed to immediately take over in the event of a failure.
You must maintain an Internet connection in order for your VoIP service to work. Local power failures are the most common cause of connection problems. In order to keep your connection up you can purchase a power backup system (UPS) to keep your modem, phone and computer connected. This will maintain your VoIP connectivity even in the event of a local power outage.
The speed of your Internet connection also contributes to the quality of your VoIP service. Generally speaking, the higher speed connection, the better the VoIP will be. However, consider the Quality Of Service (QOS) on your Internet connection as well. This is a calculation that measures the consistency of data flowing through your Internet connection and is independent of your line speed.
VoIP is an inherently reliable technology. All in all, VoIP communications are more reliable than cell phone calls. Take into account the considerable advantages and features of VoIP technology and you will see that it offers quite reliable service at a cost savings.
www.voipnational.com
If My Internet Connection Goes, Does My Digital Cable or VOIP Phone Stop Working?
When you’re using your Internet connection for access to digital cable or VOIP there can be issues with connectivity if your Internet connection fails. Your computer needs to be connected to the Internet through a broadband or DSL connection in order for your VoIP phone to work. Although the computer does not need to be turned on, the connection must be maintained.
The connection for VoIP is maintained through the cable connection, which typically requires a modem to function. This modem needs to be powered on to maintain a connection. The actual digital portion of the connection remains available even during a power outage. Internet connections are very reliable and experience few outages. The outages are kept to a minimum because there is usually redundancy in the equipment that supplies your connection.
If you are concerned about power outages you can purchase a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) system that you can plug your computer into. Be sure to purchase one that is rated for the amount of amps you want to draw – basically, remember that you will want to plug your telephone into the UPS as well as the computer, modem, speakers and any other peripherals. The more things you plug into your UPS system, the more power you will draw and the less time your system will be kept up.
Some VoIP users keep a cell phone for emergency communications. You may also opt to maintain basic phone service on your regular telephone line for emergency use.
The connection for VoIP is maintained through the cable connection, which typically requires a modem to function. This modem needs to be powered on to maintain a connection. The actual digital portion of the connection remains available even during a power outage. Internet connections are very reliable and experience few outages. The outages are kept to a minimum because there is usually redundancy in the equipment that supplies your connection.
If you are concerned about power outages you can purchase a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) system that you can plug your computer into. Be sure to purchase one that is rated for the amount of amps you want to draw – basically, remember that you will want to plug your telephone into the UPS as well as the computer, modem, speakers and any other peripherals. The more things you plug into your UPS system, the more power you will draw and the less time your system will be kept up.
Some VoIP users keep a cell phone for emergency communications. You may also opt to maintain basic phone service on your regular telephone line for emergency use.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Google Most Recognized Brand
A recent survey has shown that search engine Google is the most recognized brand in the world.
Video sharing site YouTube and Internet encyclopedia Wikipedia were both ranked in the top five by online magazine brandchannel.com. The survey asked 3,625 students and branding professionals; "Which brand had the most impact on our lives in 2006?"
Editor of brandchannel.com, Anthony Zumpano, said: "The dramatic debut of these newcomers – YouTube in third and Wikipedia in fourth – is an indication of a larger trend – the growing impact of online brands built on user-generated contents." Apple was ranked in second place by the survey, closely followed by YouTube, Wikipedia and finally the coffee behemoth Starbucks.
Online social networking site MySpace was ranked 15th in the US rankings and the news channel Al Jazeera advanced to 19th place worldwide.
Meanwhile, YouTube may start to pay contributors for their content, according to the company's cofounder. Video clips on the site would show a short advertisement before starting, creating revenue, which would be shared with the creator.
YouTube’s popularity soared with the proliferation of broadband access. The company is credited with fueling the craze of uploading, and sharing video clips across the Internet. With the U.S. broadband household penetration rate at only 33% it’s safe to say that there are millions of new video clips bound for YouTube. Seizing on this fact a handful of companies have come forward to offer comparative shopping websites that specialize in broadband Internet access, with www.broadbandnational.com consistently rated the best in class.
Video sharing site YouTube and Internet encyclopedia Wikipedia were both ranked in the top five by online magazine brandchannel.com. The survey asked 3,625 students and branding professionals; "Which brand had the most impact on our lives in 2006?"
Editor of brandchannel.com, Anthony Zumpano, said: "The dramatic debut of these newcomers – YouTube in third and Wikipedia in fourth – is an indication of a larger trend – the growing impact of online brands built on user-generated contents." Apple was ranked in second place by the survey, closely followed by YouTube, Wikipedia and finally the coffee behemoth Starbucks.
Online social networking site MySpace was ranked 15th in the US rankings and the news channel Al Jazeera advanced to 19th place worldwide.
Meanwhile, YouTube may start to pay contributors for their content, according to the company's cofounder. Video clips on the site would show a short advertisement before starting, creating revenue, which would be shared with the creator.
YouTube’s popularity soared with the proliferation of broadband access. The company is credited with fueling the craze of uploading, and sharing video clips across the Internet. With the U.S. broadband household penetration rate at only 33% it’s safe to say that there are millions of new video clips bound for YouTube. Seizing on this fact a handful of companies have come forward to offer comparative shopping websites that specialize in broadband Internet access, with www.broadbandnational.com consistently rated the best in class.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Wi-Fi Adapter Boosts Range
Wi-Fi Adapter Boosts Range
Technology company Buffalo has released a powerful Wi-Fi adapter that can boost reception by some 210 per cent and expand the range by about 170 meters.
Dubbed the AirStation WLI-U2-SG54HP, the adapter simply attaches to one's computer via USB. The adapter measures 220 x 25 x 10mm and weighs 33 grams, and also comes with two suction pods which can be attached to the top of one's laptop to hold it in place. Buffalo is one of the world's primary providers of wireless technology and has offices in the US, Germany, the UK, Ireland and Taiwan.
Founded in 1975, Buffalo also manufactures memory devices, external drives, multimedia and other technology. Meanwhile, software giant Intel has announced that it has upgraded its Wi-Fi technology to produce faster download speeds. The Intel Next-Gen Wireless N network connection solution is an upgrade that Intel claims will increase connection speeds by up to five times.
These higher download speeds will enable the next generation of broadband products and services such as IPTV, VoIP, home automation and security to thrive and grow. The more traditional services such as video and music downloading will also benefit from these higher speeds. Additional information about current and future broadband related services and products can be found at www.broadbandnational.com. The website is regarded as the leading comparative shopping site catering to broadband access as well as digital products and services.
Technology company Buffalo has released a powerful Wi-Fi adapter that can boost reception by some 210 per cent and expand the range by about 170 meters.
Dubbed the AirStation WLI-U2-SG54HP, the adapter simply attaches to one's computer via USB. The adapter measures 220 x 25 x 10mm and weighs 33 grams, and also comes with two suction pods which can be attached to the top of one's laptop to hold it in place. Buffalo is one of the world's primary providers of wireless technology and has offices in the US, Germany, the UK, Ireland and Taiwan.
Founded in 1975, Buffalo also manufactures memory devices, external drives, multimedia and other technology. Meanwhile, software giant Intel has announced that it has upgraded its Wi-Fi technology to produce faster download speeds. The Intel Next-Gen Wireless N network connection solution is an upgrade that Intel claims will increase connection speeds by up to five times.
These higher download speeds will enable the next generation of broadband products and services such as IPTV, VoIP, home automation and security to thrive and grow. The more traditional services such as video and music downloading will also benefit from these higher speeds. Additional information about current and future broadband related services and products can be found at www.broadbandnational.com. The website is regarded as the leading comparative shopping site catering to broadband access as well as digital products and services.
YouTube May Pay Users For Content
Popular video-sharing site YouTube may start to pay contributors for their content, according to the company's co-founder. Video clips on the site would show a short advertisement before starting, creating revenue which would be shared with the creator.
Last year the search engine company Google bought YouTube for $1.68 billion. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Chad Hurley, YouTube's cofounder, said: "In terms of paying users revenue against content they're uploading, we're definitely going to move in that direction.
"We didn't want to build a system that was motivated by monetary reward. When you start giving money to people from day one… the people you do attract will just switch to the next provider that’s paying more" YouTube is at the stage now where they could conceivable pay and retain a community, added Mr Hurley.
Last week YouTube was subpoenaed by Fox Television regarding episodes of 24 and the Simpsons that appeared on the site.
Founded in 2005 by 3 pervious PayPal employees YouTube’s popularity soared with the proliferation of broadband access. The company is credited with fueling the craze of uploading, and sharing video clips across the Internet. With the U.S. broadband household penetration rate at only 33% it’s safe to say that there are millions of new video clips bound for YouTube. Seizing on this fact a handful of companies have come forward to offer comparative shopping websites that specialize in broadband Internet access, with www.broadbandnational.com consistently rated the best in class.
www.comcastspecial.com www.timewarnerspecial.com
Last year the search engine company Google bought YouTube for $1.68 billion. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Chad Hurley, YouTube's cofounder, said: "In terms of paying users revenue against content they're uploading, we're definitely going to move in that direction.
"We didn't want to build a system that was motivated by monetary reward. When you start giving money to people from day one… the people you do attract will just switch to the next provider that’s paying more" YouTube is at the stage now where they could conceivable pay and retain a community, added Mr Hurley.
Last week YouTube was subpoenaed by Fox Television regarding episodes of 24 and the Simpsons that appeared on the site.
Founded in 2005 by 3 pervious PayPal employees YouTube’s popularity soared with the proliferation of broadband access. The company is credited with fueling the craze of uploading, and sharing video clips across the Internet. With the U.S. broadband household penetration rate at only 33% it’s safe to say that there are millions of new video clips bound for YouTube. Seizing on this fact a handful of companies have come forward to offer comparative shopping websites that specialize in broadband Internet access, with www.broadbandnational.com consistently rated the best in class.
www.comcastspecial.com www.timewarnerspecial.com
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Internet (IPTV) To Revolutionise Television
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
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
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
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
ATS and Broadband National Team Up To Offer VoIP
American Telecom Services and Broadband National
Team Up to Offer Consumers Easy Access Internet Services
City of Industry, California, November XX, 2006—American Telecom Services (AMEX: TES), a leading provider of expandable home phone systems that are sold bundled with phone services that save consumers up to $500 a year on their phone bills, has signed an agreement with Broadband National, the largest aggregator of broadband service offerings in the country. The agreement enables the two companies to offer consumers a “one-box solution” of high-speed Internet services from the leading brands in America bundled with VoIP services that are configured in the largest line of cordless multi-handset Internet phones in the industry. For the first time in a single packaged bundle, retailers will be able to offer a bundled VoIP/phone solution with broadband access, saving their customers hundreds of dollars a year through this combination.
“American Telecom Services wants consumers to be able to take advantage of the benefits and savings of Internet calling,” said American Telecom Services CEO Bruce Hahn. “Our arrangement with Broadband National contributes to this by offering every eligible retail customer who currently has no service or only dial-up access the option of purchasing high speed services from the broadband provider of their choice. When consumers buy our cordless Internet phones bundled with Internet phone service at retail, there will be an insert in every package with web and toll-free access to order from most major high speed brands, giving them a ‘one box solution’ to save money on their home phone services if they do not already have the required broadband service needed for Internet telephone service.”
“We believe,” Hahn added, “that through this offering, many consumers will realize that the combination of broadband Internet and Internet phone service will save them hundreds of dollars each year compared to dial-up Internet and traditional phone service. In the end, they will not only have a faster Internet connection for data, but also far more calling features than they ever had before with their new Internet telephone service.”
Broadband National is a marketplace for consumers to shop for available cable and DSL services from nearly 40 service providers, including Comcast, Verizon, Qwest, Time Warner Cable, AT&T and many other national and regional providers.
When consumers purchase an American Telecom Services branded Internet phone, they will be directed to a specially branded, private label Broadband National Web site where they will be able to choose from the broadband providers that are available where they live. They can also sign up through a dedicated toll-free number. From the Web site or over the phone, consumers will be able to compare plans, pricing and features for the services available in their area.
Because Internet calling is still a relatively new technology, consumers are sometimes confused about how they can take advantage of it, especially if they don’t already subscribe to broadband service. But with this new bundled offer from American Telecom and Broadband National, the shopping experience is simplified allowing consumers to make one purchase and quickly begin to enjoy feature-rich calling at prices far less than traditional phone services and benefit from faster Internet speeds through their new broadband Internet connection.
American Telecom will make the Broadband National service available with the purchase of a variety of Internet phones. In return, American Telecom Services will receive a fee from Broadband National for each service account that is activated and will share a portion of those revenues with their retail partners. From a retailer’s perspective, the combination of profit on the Internet phones, service fees and residual income from VoIP services plus the service fees for broadband service activation, makes ATS’ Internet phones one of the most profitable bundled solutions for Internet calling for retailers in America.
About American Telecom Services:
American Telecom Services, a leading provider of traditional and internet phones bundled with service offerings, currently offers Digital Clear Internet phone bundles powered by SunRocket (voice-over-Internet-Protocol or “VoIP”) and Pay N’ Talk prepaid residential long distance communications services powered by IDT. These services are bundled with ATS’ diverse line of custom designed digital, cordless, multi-handset phones. ATS sells its phone/service bundles through major retailers under the “American Telecom,” “ATS,” “Pay N’ Talk” and “Digital Clear” brand names.
About Broadband National:
Broadband National’s industry leading IBIS 3.0 platform allows for efficient management of multi-site locations. Through our bulk qualification process we are able within a matter of hours to quickly, and efficiently determine what services are available at all customer locations, maximizing coverage and reducing overall costs. IBIS 3.0 compares services from more than 50 local, regional and national service providers such as Comcast, AT&T, Sprint, Qwest, Time Warner, Verizon, Speakeasy, Covad, Charter, Nuvox and New Edge.
Formed in 2003, Broadband National is a private company conceived as a solution to a fragmented and confusing broadband marketplace. Millions have used their Web site to compare services, and purchase broadband, VoIP, video, mobile, digital, and similar services.
For Broadband National press or investor relation’s inquiries, please contact Mark Ballard at 772-539-0618 or visit http://www.broadbandnational.com
technorati tags: comcast, bellsouth, timewarner, covad, verizon, qwest, broadband, dsl, T1, speakeasy, sunrocket, packet8, sprint, at&t, d-link,
Thursday, November 16, 2006
A Wider Selection Of Broadband And VoIP Phone Services
Broadband National, the leading online marketing company that promotes digital services in the U.S., has announced a new joint alliance with 8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGHT), provider of Packet8 (www.packet8.net) residential, business and video Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone services.
The agreement will allow Broadband National to offer their residential and business customers Packet8’s affordable and easy to use Internet telephone and videophone services. The Packet8 residential phone service allows anyone with broadband (high-speed) Internet access to use their regular phone to make unlimited calls to anywhere in the U.S. and Canada for only $19.99 per month. Packet8 Virtual Office, 8x8’s hosted IP-PBX service for small to medium sized businesses, gives SMBs access to a powerful corporate-class phone system, complete with unlimited calling in the U.S. and Canada, for just $39.99 per month/extension.
In return, 8x8 will refer their customers who need broadband to complete their VoIP installation to Broadband National’s online comparative shopping website, or directly to one of Broadband National’s call centers. “Businesses and consumers are well aware of the advantages VoIP phone service offers and will actively conduct research to find the best combination of broadband access and hosted business phone services that will save them the most money while providing the flexibility and feature set that best suits their needs,” says Huw Rees, 8x8 Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
“Broadband National is very pleased to partner with 8x8 to offer these amazing values to our growing customer base,” said Vinny Olmstead, President and CEO of Broadband National. “The availability of Packet8 Internet phone service through Broadband National helps complete our VoIP offerings that are quickly shifting towards mainstream consumer acceptance.” Olmstead goes on to state, “Our business customers are looking for VoIP solutions that not only reduce their phone costs, but also offer functionality and features tailored for their distinctive business needs.”
About Broadband National
Broadband National is the leading comparative shopping website for broadband related services and products. Residential and business customers can use Broadband National's IBIS (Integrated Broadband Information System) technology to compare services from more than 50 local, regional and national service providers. Companies such as Comcast, AT&T, Sprint, Qwest, Dlink, Time Warner, and Verizon are offered at www.broadbandnational.com. Broadband National utilizes their online marketing capabilities to attract customers and ultimately complete sales for their marketing customers.
The private company was formed in 2003 as a solution to a fragmented and confusing broadband market place. Millions have used the website to compare services, with more than 300,000 consumers and businesses having purchased broadband, VoIP, and similar broadband related products and services.
The robust IBIS system is also utilized by several companies including selected “Big Box” stores such as Office Depot and more than 1,000 others companies that lease the technology to offer broadband products and services on their websites and in retail stores.
technorati tags: comcast, bellsouth, timewarner, covad, verizon, qwest, broadband, dsl, T1, speakeasy, sunrocket, packet8, sprint, at&t, d-link,
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
New Broadband Cable Website Caters To Exploding Rental Market
Website consolidates digital services and allows renters and those in the process of moving an opportunity to earn money to help defray associated costs.
Broadband National, the nations leading online marketing company that promotes digital services such as broadband, VoIP, and video has launched a Web site targeting the growing rental and moving marketplace.
The new website www.rewards4renters.com allows individuals who are renting or in the process of moving to consolidate their high-speed Internet, telephone service and cable TV and earn up to $260.00 in cash rewards and credits. The new site offers users free equipment, free digital music and video. The site allows new renters to order all the services they will need in one place and receive rewards at the same time.
“In most cases individuals and families that are moving into rental homes and apartments are shopping for digital services. We’ve taken the hassle out of the process by offering them the best possible prices for their Internet, cable and telephone services under one monthly bill,” states Mark Weibel Executive Vice President of marketing for Broadband National. “Renters are often faced with substantial out of pocket expenses before they’re able to move into a new home or apartment. This offer allows them to easily order the digital services they need and at the same time receive money to defray those associated costs.”
Broadband National is the leading comparative shopping website for digital related services and products. Residential and business customers can use Broadband National's IBIS (Integrated Broadband Information System) technology to compare services from more than 50 local, regional and national service providers. Companies such as Comcast, AT&T, Sprint, Qwest, Dlink, Time Warner, and Verizon are offered at www.broadbandnational.com.
Formed in 2003, Broadband National is a private company conceived as a solution to a fragmented and confusing broadband marketplace. Millions have used their Web site to compare services, and purchase broadband, VoIP, and similar telecom services.
www.broadbandnational.com
technorati tags: comcast, bellsouth, timewarner, covad, verizon, qwest, broadband, dsl, T1, speakeasy, sunrocket, packet8, sprint, at&t, d-link,
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