Small Steps for some, Giant Leaps for others: [1st Nov 2009]

>>> Motorola has announced this week the first deployment of its RF over glass solution along with Metrocast Communications. It will be used in selected Virginia properties as part of its upgrade of its networks to fiber to the home networks. RF solutions offer a way of expanding service offerings while maintaining existing operations. Motorola see it as the first step toward an all fiber network in the future.


>>> Verizon Communications has this week announced a 30% drop in third quarter earnings. It had been hoping to offset the cost of redundancies and absorbing the acquisition of Alltel Corp, by signing up new subscribers but was unable to do so. The company is half way through making 8000 job cuts due to be completed by the end of the year. Shares also fell by 21cents. Verizon is facing competition from cable providers who are now offering telephone and Internet services.


>>> The Freedom Foundation of Minnesota has studied the requests made under the broadband stimulus scheme and has found some very dubious projects, including one which ask for $5.2m for laptops and Ipods for residents. Other applications in the area include installing fiber optics at a cost of $7,600 per subscriber and one which intends on spending $10,000 per resident.