Hooray for Climate Change!: [28th Jan 2010]

>>> The rate of ice melting at the Arctic has prompted Kodiak-Kenai Cable Co to consider laying a fiber optic cable through the Northwest Passage, allowing faster communications between Asia and the UK. It is thought that the new cabling would mean that the time to send messages between the UK and Asia would be halved. The US has already had to place the Polar bear on the endangered list due to the melting of the ice over the summertime and the problem has opened a window for construction which may not have been previously available. The project would be known as Arctic Link and would cost $1.2bn. A regeneration station would be needed on the northern coast of Alaska and branches of the line could provide access to the east coast of the US, allowing communication between New York and Tokyo. The route of the cable would follow US and Canadian international waters and avoid Russia or the Suez which can pose problems.


>>> Research and education company Merit Network Inc. has announced that it has been awarded federal stimulus funds to allow it to extend it's fiber optic network by 955 miles. It is thought that the extension will incorporate more rural and under-served communities in Michigan. The extension will allow state and local governments, schools, libraries and health-care facilities to lower costs and provide more to local people. The main focus of the stimulus fund has been causes which improve and revitalize local communities.


>>> The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Agriculture Department's Rural Utilities Service have both made making applications for the second round of stimulus funds much easier. Between them they will be distributing $7bn in funds and they hope to streamline the process and improve efficiency. The NTIA will be focusing on community projects such as libraries, colleges, education programs and public institutions. The RUS will be hoping to deliver more "last mile" projects to reach rural areas. Both agencies have recruited more staff to deal with the expected influx of applications.


>>> According to Informa Telecoms and Media, worldwide fixed broadband subscription numbers will reach half a billion this year. The main increase will come from emerging markets such as China, Vietnam, Russia, Mexico and India. With markets in the wealthiest countries quickly becoming saturated, a second wave of growth can be expected in poorer countries. Of those countries currently in the top 20 in terms of numbers of subscriptions, these emerging markets make up 7. The US is currently number 2, after China which has made the number one spot.


>>> It is being suggested by FierceTelecom.com that Verizon may be looking at making redundancies by the end of March. Despite having made 2,700 management cutbacks in 2008 and having made a 15% improvement in profits at the end of Q4, 2009, it seems that the cuts are likely to be in the consumer and landline sales division, known as Verizon Telecom.

However, the Verizon Foundation has contributed $10,000 towards the American Red Cross in support of the victims of recent flooding and landslides in Southern California. In addition, customers who have been evacuated can have their calls automatically forwarded to a working phone line or to a wireless phone at no extra charge. They have also issued a number of wireless handsets to the American Red Cross and the Orange County Fire Authority. Verizon is warning their customers to make sure they are familiar with the emergency procedures for their area. Landline phone numbers are usually used to give early warnings to those with home phones. Those with cell phones will need to check relevant websites for how to register their phone number.

Verizon has also expanded and enhanced its online and voice activated tools in order for customers to have direct control of their service needs. The tools can be used for paying bills, diagnosing and fixing problems with the service and managing their account. This also allows customers to buy products online without having to use Verizon customer service representatives. The customer service lines remain in operation however, for those who prefer the personal touch. The My Verizon service and the Verizon Perks service are available to customers 24 hours a day and will offer the users money off gift cards from popular retailers.


>>> AT&T has disputed a report which stated that the company is investing disproportionately in its wired network and that its wireless network is lagging behind. The comment was made by Garard Hallaren of Townhall Investment Research. He also suggested that AT&T would have to invest $5bn to bring its cellular service up to the level of Verizon. Figures show that AT&T spent $308 on each subscriber between 2006 and 2009, while Verizon spent $353. The difference has been reflected in poor reliability results conducted by Consumer reports. AT&T commented that the figures ignore significant investment in its backhaul network among other investments made recently. Claims have also been made that the AT&T iPhone exclusive deal has made the company look in better shape than it actually is and problems will become more obvious when the exclusive deal ends.