VoIP News: April 2009

Satellite broadband provider Eutelsat has launched a new service with the aim of reaching areas of the UK not covered by fixed networks.

The firm's Tooway satellite broadband service is claimed to provide internet of 2Mbps to any part of Britain, no matter how remote.

According to the provider, customers need to purchase a satellite dish and modem to access the service, which is being delivered by the Eurobird 3 satellite.

Alongside mobilebroadband, this type of service could also play a big part in helping the government achieve its pledge of guaranteeing broadband of a minimum speed of 2Mbps to every UK household by 2012.

Arduino Patacchini, Eutelsat's director of multimedia and value added services, told VNUNet: "We are mainly targeting consumers who are underserved by other broadband providers, but packages for professional users can be provided by our partners."

He also claimed the service will be "unique" for consumers and that "no other operator has any comparable service planned".

In related news, Daily Telegraph technology journalist Matt Warman recently warned that connecting every UK-based consumer to fixed-network broadband could cost the government billions of pounds.

Posted on: 2009-04-30, in: Broadband

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Mobile operator T-Mobile has partnered with Virgin Trains to offer a new on-board broadband service for users on the move.

Travellers on Pendolino Virgin trains services on the West Coast Main Line will soon be able to access high-speed internet services during the entirety of their journey.

Being delivered this summer by T-Mobile's solution partner Nomad Digital, the service uses Wi-Fi hotspot technology to provide connectivity, even while the train is travelling through tunnels.

Richard Warmsley, T-Mobile UK head of internet and entertainment, pointed out that as the popularity of mobilebroadband "continues to soar", the firm wanted to "do everything we can to offer people access to the internet wherever they are".

He said the "unique" on-board broadband will be available at "no extra cost" to T-Mobile pay monthly customers, but it will also be on offer to everyone else as well.

"From business users checking emails or sending documents on the way to and from work, to people checking their Facebook, or downloading songs for the trip, this new mobilebroadband service offers all passengers the opportunity to make the most of their journeys," Mr Warmsley added.

In related news, car maker Ford has announced a new in-car computer system that will enable owners to access broadband from their vehicles.

Posted on: 2009-04-30, in: Broadband

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The use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services on mobile phones could have a major impact on the industry, a leading expert claims.

According to Mobile-Phones.co.uk, the growing popularity among consumers for VoIP calls over mobile networks could negatively affect the profit margins of operators.

Thomas Newton, lead contributor for the independent mobile phone comparison website, commented: "There really isn't any way they can adapt to survive it, as it undermines the real bread and butter of the networks - the money they make from traditional cellular voice calls."

In response to this trend, mobile operators such as T-Mobile and Vodafone have already made attempts to block access to VoIP due to fears that it will impact on traditional voice revenues.

However, the European Union (EU) has since hinted that it will act to ensure service providers allow consumers to make VoIP calls on their mobiles.

EU Telecoms Commissioner Viviane Reding told German newspaper Handelsbatt that "action" could also be taken to ensure mobile operators do not block these "innovative services".

Posted on: 2009-04-29, in: General VoIP

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Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers should make the most of the opportunity presented in the recession by reacting to the changing needs of companies, an expert claims.

Kent Hellebust, general manager of digital phone services at Telanetix, told Voip.biz-news that the VoIP industry has so far failed to respond to the shifting needs of companies in the downturn.

"Many telecom vendors have failed to re-think their product, making it unsuitable for the fast moving pace of the business retail channel," he said.

"Only those that have focused on simplifying their message, the offer structure and the installation of their products and services for the generalist small business purchaser are able to profitably harness this channel."

In other news, TMCnet's Brendan Read recently described VoIP as "perhaps one of the most important, game-changing technologies on the market".

He pointed out that the service can bring benefits to operating and capital expenditure, as well as greater flexibility, but this first requires an effective roll-out.

Posted on: 2009-04-29, in: General VoIP

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Delivering high-speed, affordable broadband connectivity to remote and rural parts of the UK could cost billions of pounds in public funds, it has emerged.

Chancellor Alistair Darling recently affirmed in his Budget statement the Digital Britain pledge to provide broadband of a minimum speed of 2Mbps to every household by 2012.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, technology journalist Matt Warman warned that connecting every UK-based consumer to fixed-network broadband could cost the government billions of pounds.

This is primarily because of the cost involved in rolling-out cable networks in rural areas where there may be limited existing infrastructure, which in turn could lead to a widening digital divide in the UK.

As the private sector may refuse to bear this cost, the government may have to get involved, which could place a strain on the public purse.

However, the utilisation of satellite service providers or mobilebroadband technology could prove important in reaching remote areas without such a prohibitive cost.

In related news, a £100 million Digital Region project has been announced to boost the roll-out of next-generation broadband infrastructure in South Yorkshire.

Posted on: 2009-04-28, in: Broadband

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