China on track to add 100M new phone users in '05
China expects to add about 100 million new phone users in 2005 -- a figure that would bring the total number to 750 million -- according to the country's National Development and Reform Commission. China had 383 million mobile phone users and 349 million fixed-line users at the end of October, the last month covered in the report. Separately, the NDRC predicted overall revenue in China's telecommunications industry would increase 10.3% in 2005 over last year's levels. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model)/Dow Jones (12/14)  
| | | | |
 | |  |
| | Don't Let Your Customers Walk Away! Free industry report.
| | |
 |  |
|
| | | | |
 | Business & Industry Watch |  |  |
| |
| |
SureWest hits sweet spot with IPTV
California telco SureWest has emerged as a leader in the IPTV market and could become a significant rival to cable and satellite in the areas it serves. Since adding IPTV to its service bundle in 2002, SureWest's video penetration has reached nearly 20%, and there's still a lot of room to grow. TVWeek.com (12/12)
AT&T debuts online security news channel
AT&T is launching an Internet-based news channel dedicated to stories about Web-security issues such as viruses. The channel, dubbed the AT&T Internet Security News Network, is targeted at the company's business customers. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (12/14)
SES Global to buy rival New Skies
Satellite operator SES Global has reached an agreement to acquire New Skies Satellites for $760 million. The deal expands SES' geographical reach as well as its telecom and Internet capabilities. Reuters (12/14)
KT to raise investment 20% in 2006
South Korea's KT said it will raise investment 20% to about $3 billion in 2006 to support projects in wireless broadband, IPTV and digital entertainment. The investment is the company's largest since it went private in 2002 and reflects growing competition in core businesses such as voice service. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model)/Dow Jones (12/14)
NTT DoCoMo may buy stake in Korea's KTF: Japan's NTT DoCoMo reportedly is in talks to buy a 10% stake in South Korean wireless carrier KTF for about $500 million. Such a move would give DoCoMo a foothold in South Korea's lucrative wireless market. Financial Times (free content) (12/13)
Verizon tests IMS solution from Nortel
Verizon Communications is testing Nortel Networks' IMS solution in the carrier's lab in Waltham, Mass. Ottawa Business Journal (Ontario) (12/14)
Learn how to implement IP video
This important compilation of timely and detailed information from the world's leading IP technology companies explores IP Video, including access network design, digital rights management, content acquisition and video network security. The IP Video Implementation and Planning Guide is invaluable to anyone interested in deploying converged IP Video networks. Price: US Telecom Members: $60/Non-members: $75. Visit www.telecom-bookstore.com for the table of contents and to order.
Avaya unveils VPN remote software for IP phones
Avaya announced new software designed to give its IP phones the capability to access VPNs anywhere, anytime. The technology enables users to connect their home phone to any broadband connection and link to a company's network. InternetNews.com (12/14)
Intel eyes home-entertainment market with new chip
Intel announced a dual-processor chip called Yonah that's designed to help laptop computers consume less energy. The new chip is closely tied to Intel's Viiv entertainment PC platform, which the company is pitching heavily to media companies. Reuters (12/13), The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (12/14)
Companies test wireless payments via NFC network
Cingular Wireless, Nokia, Philips Semiconductors, ViVOtech, Visa USA and Chase Bank have successfully tested a secure "contactless payment" system using a near-field communication network. NFC is expected to gain traction in coming years as demand for wireless payments grows. Research firm ABI Research predicts that more than 50% of mobile phones will include NFC chips by 2010. EE Times (12/14)
| | | | |
 |  |
| |
| | |
| |
Interested in learning more about advertising in the USTelecom dailyLead? Contact Mark Lasser at 202-737-5500 x317 or mark.lasser@smartbrief.com.
| | |
 | |  |
|
TWC seeks statewide franchise in Texas
Time Warner Cable has applied for a statewide cable franchise in Texas even though it has recently filed a lawsuit to challenge a provision in Texas' new franchise law. Multichannel News (12/13)
DirecTV fined $5.3M for telemarketing
DirecTV Group has been ordered to pay a $5.3 million fine for violating the FTC's national do-not-call registry. If a judge approves the settlement between the satellite-TV company and federal regulators, it would be the largest civil penalty ever paid in a consumer protection case. The Washington Post (12/14), NYTimes.com/Associated Press (12/14), The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (12/14)
| |
| LeadQuote |
| |
| |
|
 | Nobody can be exactly like me. Sometimes even I have trouble doing it."
|
|
|
| |
| 
