VoIP News: August 2009

A growth in the number of people using next-generation broadband connections could deliver environmental benefits, according to a report on earth2tech.com.

Virtual goods could become more popular as an increasing number of people seek better prices by shopping online and these products could be more environmentally-friendly to produce as they lack a physical form.

Next-generation broadband could also help reduce domestic and business costs with faster VoIP solutions and download times.

The website states: "The build-out of high-speed ubiquitous broadband networks becomes a means to fight climate change and an issue at the heart of the cleantech industry."

It added that an increased demand for digital products could become a major benefit of next-generation fibre optic networks throughout the UK.

Broadband is already revolutionising the music industry, with many consumers preferring to download albums to the computer of iPod rather than buying a physical CD, while film studios are beginning to experiment with legal movie downloads as well.

Posted on: 2009-08-28, in: Broadband

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For the second consecutive year, Ofcom, the UK broadband regulator, has accredited internet comparison website BroadbandChoices.co.uk.

The website offers a comprehensive price comparison service detailing a range of deals available from broadband providers throughout the UK and the Ofcom accreditation recognises the importance of the site to consumers.

Many homeowners are keen to shop around for the best prices that will allow them to surf the web and use VoIP solutions and against a background of economic turmoil getting the best advice has never been more important.

Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, said: "We have worked closely with Ofcom to ensure BroadbandChoices.co.uk provides a comprehensive, accurate and transparent service and we are delighted that we continue to meet the high standards Ofcom demands."

He added that the accreditation could help reassure consumers of the accuracy of the information available on the website.

Intense market competition has resulted in a fall in the cost of broadband over recent years, often even more so for customers who opt for a bundle deal from a single supplier.

Posted on: 2009-08-28, in: Broadband

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Around 60 per cent of people in Scotland have access to the internet, while 90 per cent of homes in wealthier regions of the country have broadband services.

Nationwide, however, the figures from the Scottish Household Survey fall and although six out of ten households have internet access, less than 55 per cent of these have a broadband connection, reports Cable.co.uk.

This means fewer people are able to download online media content at a reasonable rate or use VoIP solutions more effectively.

Broadband services are much rarer in poorer areas of the country, where less than 30 per cent of homes have faster web connections, and rural areas are more likely to have quicker internet than more urban regions.

A new survey from Orange and YouGov has revealed that more people are likely to move away from urban centres across the UK when universal connectivity is delivered, with many people planning to head for rural areas of Scotland.

Posted on: 2009-08-28, in: Broadband

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People setting out to buy a new computer like shop assistants to have a good knowledge of the subject and to offer good after-sale service, a new study reveals.

Which? Computing recommended that consumers steer away from the larger computer retailers and aim for other stores like John Lewis if they planned to buy a new computer to surf the internet and use VoIP hardware.

Jaclyn Clarabut, assistant editor of Which? Computing, said some stores that have not traditionally specialised in computers or IT are offering better service than the established technology retailers as they increase their investment in the sector.

Ms Clarabut added: "People are really happy with Apple and John Lewis because their staff are available, they're on hand to answer any questions and they are knowledgeable."

Some of the major technology brands scored poorly in a recent customer service survey from Which? Computing, with PC World managing only 42 per cent, while Currys and Comet came out with 45 per cent each.

Posted on: 2009-08-28, in: Broadband

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Innsbruck in Austria has hosted the first test in the world of multi-user broadband services with mobility on a Next Generation Mobile Network using Long-Term Evolution technology.

Network T-Mobile has been operating the test since July and it encompasses 60 radio cells, with the company focussing on the quality of the available service as well as the technology itself, reports Cellular-News.

The technology could be used to provide faster broadband connection speeds, while also facilitating greater use of VoIP hardware.

Jim Burke, chief technical officer of T-Mobile Austria, told the website: "With this showcase we implemented a complete new generation of mobile network, starting from remote radio heads to broadband fibre to all sites with lowest power consumption."

The trials could be a first step in improving broadband connectivity throughout Europe and has potential implications for providing services in rural regions of the UK.

In Britain, the government has been negotiating with mobile networks to free up part of the radio spectrum to provide rural connectivity where fibre cabling may be less practical.

Posted on: 2009-08-27, in: Broadband

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