Sigma Systems Group, has signed an intellectual property rights (IPR) agreement with CableLabs as one of the founding members of its CableB2B program. As a result, Sigma will contribute its knowledge and expertise in cable OSS to develop specifications for shared access across the cable industry.
Shared access will enable cable operators to offer their subscribers a choice of ISP when selecting who will deliver their Internet applications, such as e-mail and Web space hosting. More broadly, shared access will allow any content or service provider to reach customers over an MSO’s cable plant. Most cable operators currently do not operate in a shared access framework. It is expected that most MSOs will come under regulatory or business pressure to support shared access shortly.
Motorola takes tough stand against violators
Motorola, Inc. has settled its lawsuit against a New York two-way radio
Dealer for advertising and selling illegally imported Motorola two-way radios. The suit against Data Communications Network of New York, was dismissed after the two parties reached an agreement regarding Data Communications Network’s alleged advertising and selling of Motorola GP68, GP88 and PRO Series of the Professional Radio line.
Customers are frequently misled and deceived into believing that they are purchasing suitable domestic Motorola two-way radios by these sellers and importers of foreign Motorola products. Customers who purchase illegally imported two-way radios may be subject to FCC fines and penalties because the end-user is held liable for meeting FCC rules and regulations. As part of the settlement, Data Communications Network is barred from importing and/or selling any Motorola foreign two-way radios or related software, parts or products. Financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Toronto launches robot that installs cable in sewers
Stream Intelligent Networks Corp. and Toronto mayor Mel Lastman announced that Stream’s STAR (Sewer Telecommunications Access by Robot), will be deployed in the City of Toronto’s sewer system. Stream will help build Toronto’s high-speed Internet infrastructure for local businesses and residents. Toronto plans to fulfil the National Broadband Task Force’s goal to have all cities wired for broadband services by 2004.
Residents of Toronto have had a concern with traffic, congestion and construction in other fibre instalments. However, during this deployment, traffic disruptions from lane closures, construction waste, noise
pollution and disruptions to storefront businesses will become a thing of the
past. STAR travels through the existing underground sewers to lay fibre-optic cable at up to eight times faster than previous excavation methods. The cable-laying robot, which is about 1.8 metres long and is equipped with five television cameras to monitor operations, is fed into the sewer system through manholes. It can operate in pipes ranging from 200 millimetres to 1200 millimetres in diameter. STAR is capable of completing projects in days as opposed to open-trench digging methods that would take weeks or even months.
