Government feels they are investing whilst providers feel they are interfering: [18th Dec 2009]

>>> The Obama Administration is to award $2bn in loans and grants over the next 75 days in a bid to expand broadband access and to create many thousands of jobs. 18 broadband projects in 17 states will be announced this week as part of an initial investment of $182m. The White House National Economic Council has said in a report that providing Americans with access to broadband will bring with it opportunities in employment, education and healthcare. Those companies and individuals who will benefit from the investment will be announced later in the week. A total of $7.2bn is to be allocated in the coming months.

A report by Insight Research Corp has indicated that the broadband stimulus fund is unlikely to be enough to bring high speed Internet to the predicted 49% of US households expected. They say that 40m households still wont have access by 2014. They have said that the allocation of $7.2bn is simply not enough and relates to approximately $164 per household. They estimate that $1500 per household is required. The main problem is that many households do not have computers, an issue which hasn't been accounted for.


>>> Verizon Wireless has announced that it has increased the broadband capacity for the Western New York network. They hope that this new capacity will provide for the increased demand from customers with smartphones. The company is investing in its network in a bid to maintain its reputation as being the most reliable wireless network in the country. The company has invested $45bn since it was formed, an average of $5.5bn each year and has plans to invest a further $100m in New York alone this year.

Verizon has also announced a new series of wifi hotspots across the country which will allow mobile broadband users to enjoy connectivity without having to pay extra. The hotspots will be available in cafes, bookstores, airports and hotels across the country as well as in Canada and Mexico. A monthly mobile access plan is required for users to gain wifi access as well as a supported device such as a USB modem, PC card or a device with built in mobile broadband.


>>> AT&T has extended the availability of its 3G mobile broadband network to northern Worcester County. They expect their customers to experience better connectivity and performance due to the upgrade. They have also upgraded parts of Palmer, Rutland and Warren.

In addition, AT&T have also announced that they will be providing free Internet access to all 13,000 McDonalds locations across the country starting in mid January. Currently people visiting McDonalds have been paying $2.95 for two hours of access and the chain hope that having free access will encourage customers to stay longer. AT&T provide a similar service to other stores around the country including the Barnes and Noble bookstores.

AT&T has also hit out at the FCC this week and suggested that net neutrality rules could hurt investment in networks. The rules require providers to carry all Internet content and applications. AT&T say that while preserving the open character of the Internet is important, they believe the FCC should balance that with the need for incentives and competition. This would limit the opportunities for consumers to buy innovative products and services. The FCC argue that allowing providers to pick and choose services would destroy the free and open Internet and lead to pay-for-play services.


>>> Comcast has announced this week that they have introduced a service which allows cable and broadband subscribers to watch many TV programs from a PC outside their homes. Fancast Xfinity TV offers free access to 2000 hours of television shows from a variety of networks. Subscribers need to nominate up to three PCs which will be authenticated by Comcast. It is believed that Comcast are trying to get ahead of the industry by offering services which will prevent people from switching from cable to broadband TV.


>>> The Mobile Excellence Awards announced its winners for 2009 last week in Los Angeles. GoTV received the best Mobile Video Programming award, the Industry Star Award and the Mobile Ambassador Award. The awards were issued on the basis of strategy, technology used, ease of use and market success. GoTV is the premier mobile media services provider in the US and is accessible via streaming and on-demand formats.


>>> The FCC has called on ISP's to provide low cost basic broadband to customers on low incomes to help drive adoption of broadband across the country. The Chairman of the FCC has praised a new bill which will create a pilot program aimed at providing low cost broadband packages. The cable industry already has Adoption Plus which is aimed at middle school children and their families, who are on low incomes. It is hoped a more nationwide approach can be found by broadband providers.