News of the Day

Networks, mobile phones boost Ericsson
Ericsson reported a 14% increase in net profit during the fourth quarter, while sales and operating profit surged 18% and 21%, respectively. Ericsson expects the mobile-phone infrastructure market to grow 5% in 2007, which is at the low end of its previous forecast calling for 5% to 9% growth. The Wall Street Journal (2/2) Forbes/AFX News Limited (2/2) CNNMoney.com/Reuters (2/2)

Business & Industry Watch

Verizon close to TV deal in Oregon
Verizon Communications received preliminary approval to offer television services in Washington County, Ore., as early as late this year. Regulators are opening up the field to more competitors to keep cable rates in check, The Oregonian reports. The Oregonian (Portland) (2/2)

U-verse headed for cell phones through MobiTV deal
MobiTV says it has joined with AT&T to bring the phone giant's U-verse IPTV service to mobile phones. Light Reading (2/1)

Disney film downloads reach 1.3 million on iTunes

The Walt Disney Co. announced 1.3 million downloads of Disney films via iTunes over three months. Disney Chief Bob Iger views digital distribution as a way to increase media consumption.  Bloomberg/ClipSyndicate (2/2) Financial Times (free content) (2/1)

Sprint launches unlimited text messaging
Sprint is offering an unlimited text messaging option for $10 a month as part of its Power Pack Individual and Family Plans. Sprint's Power Packs also include unlimited night and weekend calling that starts at 7 p.m. Telecommunications (2/1)

Technology Trends

Verizon Wireless rolls out Revision A network
Verizon Wireless launched its upgraded high-speed wireless network in Boston; Richmond and Hampton Roads, Va.; Chicago; select Utah cities including Salt Lake City; and parts of Florida. Yahoo!/InformationWeek (2/1)

Daylight-saving time could hit snags this year
It might not be Y2K, but Congress' decision to move daylight-saving time from April to March this year is likely to affect numerous computer systems that have been preset to change the hour on the traditional date. Many people aren't even aware of the change, but it could affect everything from security systems that log the time of critical events to takeoff times for pilots and synchronized international communications components. The Washington Post (2/1)

IP Download

Convergin mixes IPTV, telephony
Convergin unveiled its Convergin Accolade Wireless Convergence Server Service Capability Interaction Management product, which is designed to enable broadband providers to offer IPTV services along with their voice and data services. Telecommunications (2/1)

IPTV poised to hit 80 million subscribers
The number of IPTV customers is expected to increase from 6 million last year to 80 million worldwide by 2011, according to Strategy Analytics. Programming offers will consist of free, pay-as-you-go and subscriptions, the research firm said. CED Magazine (1/2007)

BT makes a play for the U.S. enterprise market
BT Group is buying IT consulting and software firm International Network Service to enable the company to better serve U.S.-based global enterprise companies looking to construct converged IP networks. Telephony Online (2/1)

Regulatory & Legislative

Senate Democrats step up FCC oversight
The FCC should beef up regulation of media ownership, public-interest broadcasting and TV violence, Senate Democrats said at a committee hearing in Washington. But FCC Chairman Kevin Martin responded that the commission believes the public is best served by "a robust, competitive marketplace, not regulation." The Washington Post (2/2)

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