Providers Working Harder on LTE and Mobile Wireless Broadband over Fiber Optic Internet?: [30th Jun 2011]

A study released this week by VIOP provider BroadSoft Inc. has found that 42% of all global mobile network operators are currently trialling or deploying an LTE network. In addition another 34% have plans to do so in the future. One third of those questioned said that they expect handsets capable of using the LTE network to be available by 2012, another third expect them in 2013. When asked about the most important aspects of mobile technology, most agreed that data sharing was top, followed by video conferencing and standard telephone services.

A survey by the Consumer Union has found that 80% of those questioned would like to be able to opt out of Internet tracking from a single location and two thirds want more government protection of their privacy on the Internet. The study is backing up a hearing on online privacy which is taking place later this week. Three bills will be focused on: the commercial privacy bill of rights, the do not track online bill and the data security and breach notification act. Ioana Rusu from the Consumer Union has commented that very few people would agree to everything they say and do on the Internet being available for use. She points out that the do not track online act will give the industry a requirement that a consumer is able to opt out of being tracked online.

The annual report on the competitiveness of the wireless industry has been released this week by the FCC, however it has failed to to determine the fate of the AT&T and T-Mobile merger. The report has stated that the industry is very complex and that the findings merely seek to present the data on competition and highlight trends. The report appears to indicate that the FCC will not be drawn into whether they think there is enough competition in the industry, but did concede that there is not enough evidence to say either way.

A letter signed by 76 Democrat representatives has been sent to the FCC chairman Julius Genachowski asking him to consider the fact that AT&T will increase its LTE deployment if the T-Mobile merger goes ahead. They argue that this would increase access to mobile broadband and create jobs. The letter stated that the merger should be given due consideration especially in regards to the possible benefits. However the letter did not go so far as to ask the FCC to accept the deal. Opponents to the deal have stated that they wish the signatories had studied the merger more closely. They point out that jobs will be lost, not gained. It has also been pointed out that many of the democrats involved have received money towards their campaigns from AT&T, totalling more than $500,000.

The FCC will be submitting their Net Neutrality rules to the Office of Management and Budget this week. The submission will start the process to make the rules official. It is thought that a number of lawsuits will take place once that happens. However it is likely to be September before the rules a finalized and published. Many questions are now being asked about how the rules will affect the AT&T and T-Mobile merger as they do not apply directly to mobile networks. However it is thought that the FCC will impose restrictions on AT&T forcing them to not block other websites or prioritize their own services.