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Misleading iPhone TV ads banned
I used to love Apple and everything it stood for, but the release of the iPhone has me thinking it might be getting a bit too big for its boots.
Apple built its reputation on doing its best for the consumer - unlike Microsoft - yet the iPhone 3G has completely polarised opinion, with the majority of people I know here in Australia extremely disatisfied with the gadget.
You can't stream video on it, unlocking it is a pain in the arse, you can do this, you can't do that - the list of gripes is ever growing. And now, it appears the advertising behind it is taking us for a ride, too.
Please, Apple, don't slip further. Make sure the iPhone 4G is as brilliant as many of the other things you've done in the past so well. I used to love Apple and everything it stood for, but the release of the iPhone has me thinking it might be getting a bit too big for ... more -
Slow light to speed up the net
A huge increase in the speed of the internet could be produced by slowing parts of it down, say researchers.
Applying the brakes could be the "metamaterials" that may make it possible to create invisibility cloaks. The net's speed limit comes about not in transporting information, but in routing it to its various destinations. Metamaterials could replace the bulky and slow electronics that do the routing, paving the way for lightning fast speeds.
High-speed telecommunications routes include fibre-optic cables that span vast distances, carrying different streams of information in different channels—each with its own frequency of light. As data nears the end of its journey, these frequencies must be separated and sent to their destinations. The separation is accomplished with bulky equipment that spreads the closely spaced frequencies in the pulses into different detectors.
The light must then be converted into electrical signals which are stored, routed, and turned back into optical signals with lasers. The conversion, besides adding significant cost and complexity, also slows down the data transmission.
(continued at link) A huge increase in the speed of the internet could be produced by slowing parts of it down, say researchers. ... more -
Apple to launch the iPhone 'nano' in time for Christmas
Apple to launch the iPhone 'nano' in time for Christmas
By SIMON FLUENDY
Apple is about to launch a 'nano' version of the hugely successful iPhone. It is expected to be in the shops in time for Christmas.
The product will be launched in the UK at up to £150 for pay-as-you-go customers by O2, the mobile phone group owned by Spain's Telefonica. 'This will be a big one,' said an industry source. Apple to launch the iPhone 'nano' in time for Christmas By SIMON FLUENDY ... more -
Hillary votes against FISA while Obama votes for it
I am so damn proud of Hillary. I can't tell you how happy I am.
Dear Obama supporters, if you are reading this, it is not to late. Hillary can still be our President!
News from the blogosphere
"This is too good. Having once promised to filibuster any FISA bill with telecom lawsuit protection that reached the Senate Floor, Barack Obama today voted in favor of the compromise FISA bill pushed by President Bush. The left-wing base of the party is beside itself, as expected, but there is another interesting wrinkle to this story.
Hillary voted no. Captain Ed raises the delicious question: is she setting herself up for a netroots push at the convention? Please let it be so! (from Jim-Rose)"
"Okay. The Obama folks won’t like the reaction that Obama’s hypocritical vote on telecom immunity will spawn. My prediction is that this will spawn a movement to put Hillary back on the ticket. Don’t think so? If you don’t think so you are underestimating the damage that Obama has done to his shiny new brand for “change.” This is not change it is just doing the same thing as the rest of the gutless and complicit Democratic leadership. Read the following article if you underestimate the damage that this vote has done to the country and perhaps Obama’s campaign. And my Obama friends, if you think “hypocritical” is too strong a word, read the actual record of the statements that our hero has made.
Glenn Greenwald - Salon.com I am so damn proud of Hillary. I can't tell you how happy I am. ... more -
Tisk, Tisk, Tisk! What The FCC Is Doing Wrong Now
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is holding an open meeting today, giving students of public policy a chance to observe an especially egregious arm of the regulatory state. If you want to see what's wrong with Washington, the FCC is as good a place as any to start looking: Since its birth in 1934, it has manifested three fundamental problems ...
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An interesting editorial about how the FCC does, or doesn't, act in the public's best interest. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is holding an open meeting today, giving students of public policy a chance to observe an ... more -
Phone companies spying on Americans: the case against retroactive amnesty for tele...
Congress is now considering whether the President has unilateral power to ask companies to break American law.
Don't let these corporations get away with invading our privacy. If we do, a dangerous precedent will be set and you will see not just the phone companies, but electric, gas, and any company that has information on you to read your mail, tap your phones, find out what toilet paper you use, or whatever.... without a warrant. Without a court order and totally illegal since the corps will know the government will protect them from felonies involving any of this. MAKE THEM PAY for their crimes!!!
For more than five years, AT&T and other telephone companies broke the law and violated their customers' privacy rights by sending billions of private domestic internet and telephone communications and records to the National Security Agency. (See Diagram)
1. Reporting from every major American media outlet and undisputed whistleblower evidence show that AT&T and other phone companies were complicit in the NSA's warrantless surveillance. This included the records and full content of the private domestic communications of millions of ordinary Americans. The President and the phone companies hid this information from Congress and the American people for at least six years.
2. These actions violated at least four major privacy laws that have protected Americans' privacy for over 30 years. The laws deliberately and specifically require telephone companies to safeguard the privacy of their customers communications, especially when the government seeks to access them. The violation of these laws is at the core of almost forty pending lawsuits against AT&T, Verizon, MCI, Sprint and other telephone companies. These lawsuits have been consolidated before Judge Vaughn Walker in California.
3. Now, the phone companies and the Bush administration are trying to bar Americans from defending their privacy. Their arguments in favor of retroactive immunity are manipulative, illogical and simply unconvincing.
4. The American people deserve their day in court. Companies that break the law deserve to be held accountable. Oppose retroactive amnesty for telecommunications companies.
“AT&T cannot seriously contend that a reasonable entity in its position could have believed that the alleged domestic dragnet was legal."
-Judge Vaughn Walker
"The Whistleblower Vs. The Spies"
AT&T Technician Mark Klein speaks out
http://www.eff.org/pages/news-coverage-mark-klein-washi...
This guy worked there and helped the NSA set up all the equipment at AT&T which allowed the government to collect info on all Americans going thru AT&T. He figured it was not right and now spoke out about it.
And, when you've finished reading the above and the article and any document you want to examine, please go to this page http://www.stopthespying.org/ to determine who you representative in congress is and let em know you don't want the phone companies getting away with what they did. Again its at:
http://www.stopthespying.org/ Congress is now considering whether the President has unilateral power to ask companies to break American law. ... more -
Scientist secretly tracked 100k+ people via mobile phones
From ReadWriteWeb: Ethically challenged physics researcher Cesar Hidalgo used cell phone towers to track the locations of more than 100,000 people whenever they made or received phone calls and SMS over a six month time period. Hidalgo and fellow researchers used the installed tracking technology in the phones of another 206 unwitting people, checking in on where they were every two hours. The conclusion: most people don't go that far from home in their every day lives. Almost half of the people tracked generally stayed within the same six mile area. Shocking, isn't it? Now just imagine what they could find out if people were given implants unknowingly. From ReadWriteWeb: Ethically challenged physics researcher Cesar Hidalgo used cell phone towers to track the locations of more than 10... more
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Cisco On-Stage TelePresence Holographic Video Conferencing
"The ‘Cisco On-Stage TelePresence Experience’ was an ambitious collaboration between Cisco and Musion Systems, which took place during the opening of Cisco’s Globalization Centre East in Bangalore, India. Musion seamlessly integrated their 3D holographic display technology with Cisco’s TelePresence’s system to create the world’s first real time virtual presentation." "The ‘Cisco On-Stage TelePresence Experience’ was an ambitious collaboration between Cisco and Musion Systems, which took place d... more
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"AT&T Works In More Places Like NSA Headquarters"
By Blank DeCoverly
BLF Minister of Propaganda
The Billboard Liberation Front [has] a major new advertising improvement campaign executed on behalf of clients AT&T and the National Security Agency. Focusing on billboards in the San Francisco area, this improvement action is designed to promote and celebrate the innovative collaboration of these two global communications giants.
“This campaign is an extraordinary rendition of a public-private partnership,” observed BLF spokesperson Blank DeCoverly. “These two titans of telecom have a long and intimate relationship, dating back to the age of the telegraph. In these dark days of Terrorism, that should be a comfort to every law-abiding citizen with nothing to hide.”
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Full story at link. By Blank DeCoverly BLF Minister of Propaganda ... more -
Transitioning from Calling Card to Residential Service
Many Calling Card Companies are focusing their offerings on Residential Services which have proven to be an easier way to succeed in the long distance businesses. Contrary to those of Calling Card, Home Service clients are usually more loyal to their providers and are not always “shopping around” for a cheaper card.
Many Calling Card Companies are focusing their offerings on Residential Services which have proven to be an easier way to succeed in the long distance businesses. Contrary to those of Calling Card, Home Service clients are usually more loyal to their providers and are not always “shopping around” for a cheaper card.
Additionally, Home Services allows customers to have access not only to residential clients, but also to business clients that may be in need of a long distance provider. Business clients offer a higher volume of calls and have a stable relationship with their providers. As long as you make sure they receive a reliable service, you can rest assured you have gained a client for life!
There are 2 ways of offering Home Services, one is through the normal phone lines and the other is by using IP phones and offering “Vonage” type Broadband Telephony Services. Both businesses can be easily set up in less than 2 weeks and with the holidays and New Year’s call traffic, it’s very easy to recover your investment. Many Calling Card Companies are focusing their offerings on Residential Services which have proven to be an easier way to succeed in t... more -
How to Start Your VoIP Company in Less than 10 Days
VoIP Broadband Telephony services are becoming more and more common with internet services being more available and affordable for people all over the world. Companies like Vonage have changed the VoIP market and brought a new line of benefits and flexibility to phone services. Users are able to travel and receive calls on their IP phones or cells, and access their services from anywhere where internet is available, which has led more and more users to switch to VoIP.
At IPsmarx, we have helped hundreds of customers start their companies in less than 2 weeks. The process is simple and most clients start seeing their return on investment in less than 3 months.
What does IPsmarx provide? IPsmarx provides customers with a fully tailored billing platform called the Class 5 Softswitch that enables clients to offer VoIP Services and enhanced features like Voicemail, Call forward, Call Waiting, 3-way Calling, Follow me, Conferencing, Auto provisioning, and more. IPsmarx clients will also receive a server with Windows Platform and all the modules required to fully meet their business requirements.
What do clients need to provide? Clients need Internet Access, DID access numbers, and a company to terminate their calls. IPsmarx can offer the call termination services if needed, however, customers are not required to use IPsmarx services. Usually clients choose their provider based on the prices offered on their top 10 target destinations.
What is the process? IPsmarx provides referrals to reliable companies who can provide all of the requirements from DIDs to internet. Once all of the requirements are in place, we proceed to install the software which takes 3 business days. After installation, our clients are fully trained and ready to go and join the VoIP revolution! At IPsmarx, we take care of the whole set-up process so clients can focus on their business! VoIP Broadband Telephony services are becoming more and more common with internet services being more available and affordable for peo... more -
How to Manage Multiple Termination Providers
To ensure call quality and dependability, it is best to have at least 2 providers for each destination you want to connect with. For one, it is rare to find a provider who will have the absolute best rates and quality for each destination. This will allow you to pick and chose which destinations each provider will be set to connect to.
Furthermore, in the occasion of a technical issue with one of your providers, having a back up will allow you to continue connecting your customers’ calls. This will allow seamless connectivity through technical failures that are out of your control and will keep your customer confident in using your services.
Our softswitch will allow you to prioritize your providers for each destination. For example, Provider X may be in 1st priority for USA while Provider Y is in 2nd. In Mexico, however, you can make Provider X 2nd priority if their rates or quality are not as good as Provider Y.
These best practices will allow you and your VoIP business to keep your customers happy and allow you to grow your business. To ensure call quality and dependability, it is best to have at least 2 providers for each destination you want to connect with. For o... more -
VoIP Market to Grow an Estimated 240% in Western Europe by 2012
According to a recent study by InfoCom, the number of residential broadband connections will reach 121 million in Western Europe. InfoCom is estimating that 73% of these connections will also support a VoIP subscription, which means 50% of households in this region will subscribe to VoIP.
The source of VoIP growth is expected to come primarily from countries where VoIP is currently not very developed, such as Greece and Spain. InfoCom sees VoIP as being in the early phases in most Western European countries, although about 33% of households subscribe to VoIP in France and the Netherlands.
InfoCom estimated 25.8 million VoIP subscriptions in June 2007 and expects that number to top 87.8 million by 2012. According to a recent study by InfoCom, the number of residential broadband connections will reach 121 million in Western Europe. Info... more -
Triple Play Predicted to Drive Revenue for Brazilian Telecommunications Market
Broadband, VoIP, and mobile telephony have led to revenues growth for the Brazilian telecommunications services market. In 2006 the market earned revenues of $58,266 million. According to new analysis from Frost & Sullivan, this number is expected to reach $74,280 in 2012.
What will lead to this increase? Frost & Sullivan sees opportunity for growth in the convergence of voice, data, and video and triple play is expected to penetrate lower end users.
Carriers see triple play as a way to expand their offering and to penetrate lower social classes. Several carriers are seeking partnerships or acquiring other companies to offer triple-play services.
Because many carriers have already reached saturated rates in higher social classes and among large companies, they will tailor their offering to lower social classes in order to foster growth. Broadband, VoIP, and mobile telephony have led to revenues growth for the Brazilian telecommunications services market. In 2006 the ma... more -
Recent Study Predicts the Biggest Boom in VoIP Growth is Still to Come
It is estimated that only 25% of small businesses have converted to using VoIP services, which is an indicator that the largest boom in VoIP services is yet to come. Infonetics Research found that businesses of all sizes are in the evaluation and planning stages of implementing VoIP. However, only 36% of large companies, 23% of midsize companies, and 14% of small companies are currently using VoIP service, according to a survey conducted by Infonetics.
The study predicts an increase to a $10 billion market by 2010, meaning now is the time to establish a VoIP service to target SMBs. IPsmarx’ Hosted IP-PBX solution enables service providers to target business clients with advanced features like auto-attendant, unified messaging, and music-on-hold. It is estimated that only 25% of small businesses have converted to using VoIP services, which is an indicator that the largest boom i... more -
VoIP Ranks #1 on IBISWorld's Top 10 List for 2008
On IBISWorld’s list of industries with strong growth forecasts for 2008, VoIP comes in #1. The VoIP industry is projected to grow 24.3% this year. VoIP subscriber growth will rise by 21.2% to 16.6 million according to studies.
Senior analyst at IBISWorld, George Van Horn commented: “The VoIP providers industry will easily outperform the wider telecommunications sector this year, given that it is an emerging service which continues to gain greater consumer and business acceptance. As houselod broadband penetration increases, it will facilitate greater use of digital services, helping to improve the call quality of industry services. In fact, by 2012, we expect revenue growth of 90.2 percent, bringing total revenue to $4.88billion. By the same time, we predict that the US will have approximately 25.4 million paying VoIP subscribers.” On IBISWorld’s list of industries with strong growth forecasts for 2008, VoIP comes in #1. The VoIP industry is projected to grow 24.3... more -
Quebec Study Says 44% of Population Have Replaced their Landline Phones with VoIP
According to an article in the Canadian Press, a study from Leger Marketing suggested that about 44% of Quebecers subscribed to VoIP phone services in 2007. These results are surprising as VoIP has only been available in Quebec since 2005.
The study suggests that Generation Y has a better understanding of internet technology so they can grasp the concept of VoIP easily. That combined with the significant cost saving on long-distance has led to more VoIP users. The article also mentions the success of small emerging companies in the VoIP space that are offering innovative services and responsive customer service to draw subscribers in. According to an article in the Canadian Press, a study from Leger Marketing suggested that about 44% of Quebecers subscribed to VoIP p... more -
Fixed Mobile Convergence - Can you hear me now?
What is Fixed Mobile Convergence?
Fixed Mobile Convergence is the way to connect the mobile phone to the fixed line infrastructure. With the convergence between the mobile and fixed line networks, telecommunications operators can provide services to users irrespective of their location, access technology, and terminal.
What are the key drivers that cause traffic to migrate between fixed and mobile networks?
Call substitution occurs when users have a choice of access to both fixed and mobile phones and they choose which one to use depending on cost and convenience. Users may have a choice between making a call on a fixed or a mobile phone if they are in the workplace or from home where both are available.
Lifestyle changes and network reach, and efficient pricing models and attractive personalization of services and applications will encourage users to opt for mobile, but operators need to work out their specific fixed-to-mobile substitution lifecycle strategies to achieve lasting growth in mobile voice traffic.
Does growing dependence on mobility cause consumer to use there mobile at home?
YES! A survey from DotEcon analyzed data on over 7,000 British telephone users in order to investigate the link between mobile phone ownership and fixed telephone usage. They concluded that with penetration levels as high as 70% in several developed countries, mobile telephony may now present a significant alternative to traditional fixed telephony. What is Fixed Mobile Convergence? ... more -
What is a DID Number?
DID (Direct Inward Dialing) numbers have particular relevance for VoIP communications. In order for people connected to PSTN network (traditional phone line) to call people connected to VoIP networks, DID numbers from the PSTN network are obtained by the administrator of the VoIP network and assigned to a gateway in the VoIP network. The gateway will then route calls incoming from the PSTN across the IP network to the appropriate VoIP user.
US DID numbers can be purchased in bulk from a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier. International DID numbers can be purchased in bulk from international DID providers. There are also a number of DID resellers offering DID numbers for individuals and small enterprises.
In other words an individual can assign a DID number to his/her IP phone and the DID number can be from anywhere in the world. This is especially lucrative for businesses because for example if they do business in Brazil and the UK but they are located in USA, they can have a Brazilian DID number and a UK DID number assigned to their IP phone. Thus, making it more cost effective for contacts from those countries to locate them.
Using IPsmarx Softswitch with DID2IP module, our clients can provide this service to business and residential clients. DID (Direct Inward Dialing) numbers have particular relevance for VoIP communications. In order for people connected to PSTN network (... more -
Unique Funding Opportunities for Start Up VoIP Companies
Because VoIP can revolutionize telecommunications in areas where there is little or no pre-existing infrastructure, there are some unique opportunities for VoIP start-ups to secure funding.
RUS Funds can be used for those who are planning to offer service in rural areas in the United States. More information can be found here: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/strategicplans/goals.html.
Because VoIP can revolutionize telecommunications in areas where there is little or no pre-existing infrastructure, there are some unique opportunities for VoIP start-ups to secure funding.
RUS Funds can be used for those who are planning to offer service in rural areas in the United States. More information can be found here: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/strategicplans/goals.html.
There are also many organizations in the United States that offer support and loan opportunities for first time business owners and minority entrepreneurs. Try visiting your local government’s website to search opportunities in your community. The LEDC (www.ledcdc.org) in Washington, DC provides support for new business owners from creating a business plan to execution.
If you are setting up a service to benefit other countries, you can also research funding that is available for these regions. For example, in South Africa, funding has been approved for telecommunications projects leading up to the 2010 World Cup.
Aside from these options there are financing companies that fund VoIP solutions. Check with an IPsmarx Account Manager for more details. Because VoIP can revolutionize telecommunications in areas where there is little or no pre-existing infrastructure, there are some uni... more
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