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cdn win:
German TV channel win
http://www.tier1research.com/client/view.php?rid=57227
So this is what Cloud computing is all about???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c761kxpQgms
Rob, the link on the “MORE” button on your banner appears to be broken
Clevus, thank you! It was apparently broken for months for anyone using IE6. I believe I have fixed it now, though people may need to clear their cache to see it.
For those who thought my “More” menu button was just empty, it should open a dropdown menu with more options.
BTW, I highly recommend anyone using IE6 upgrade. IE6 is primitive, is unbearably slow, leaks memory, crashes frequently, and displays many websites incorrectly. IE7 is much better, and Firefox is much, much better.
I agree completely. IE6 acts completely different than most moden browsers when it comes to CSS. With the release of IE8.0 many sites have been modified to keep them working from 7 to 8 but in the process things may get broken in IE6 without anyone noticing, as was the case when our dev team at CDM Media recently updated our cto telecomsummit site. We didnt catch the bug untill 3 days after the new site went up to production.
Rob,
An incosequential suggestion, or perhaps it is once again due to my use of IE6 In the comments, the date that a comment is posted appears as a very light grey color that my eyes just refuse to let me see. Is there anyway that this text can be darkened up a bit?
I’ll see what I can do.
Clevus, does that look better?
Much better, thanks. Sorry for the late response. Hell, it tookme over a day to find out about the Level 3 Sprint rumors. I also like the ## hours ago too.
Interesting Chicago Telecom move…
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=34342
Big news from LVLT, Rob:
http://lvlt.client.shareholder.com/secfiling.cfm?filingID=794323-09-97
MJ brought down the net…
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/06/26/michael.jackson.internet/index.html
Any info on the Hypercube lawsuit? Does it have any foundation and what could it do to Level 3 if they do lose the lawsuit in terms of their business model. Is Level 3 very aggresive with other carriers like this?
How do I get new phone books in Bonita Springs, Florida?
you should look into the litigation between XO & Global Xing. very interesting
What litigation b/w XO & Global Xing? Do you have a link to a filing someplace that you can share? What is basis for complaint? Please expand.
GX is suing XO for numerous employees ignoring non-competes in terms of accounts and executives taking employees with them. A nasty legal fight has been going on for months.
Who says? I searched all online databases of litigation and can find some things related to XO and or GX but nothing with both. Do you have a link to a court document to back up your claim? Or is this another baseless claim ?
Not baseless at all….Rob should dig, big story. GC is suing Wagner and Toplisek for breach of Non competes and Toplisek taking classified info on GC products and maps to XO, when due dilligence from courts asked Toplisek for computer it was allegedly stolen the night before it was to be scanned…yet never a police report was submitted…interesting…..much more on this for Rob to uncover including open recruitment of talent at GC that were instructed by Toplisek to bring customer info to XO as recent as Jan/Feb of this year, despite lawsuit being in motion from Nov of 09′
Hmmm, interesting place for this discussion. I will say that I have certainly heard of a disagreement between GLBC and XO. Much of it seems to stem from XO’s big assault on the fortune 500 last year, in which it brought in a bunch of alpha-wolf salesfolk from GLBC. Ugly things followed thereafter, and it sounds like a real mess. That being said, I don’t yet know of the details of specific litigation mentioned here.
Ridiculous. Clearly a ploy from a GC employee or former XO employee. Either way total BS.
Rumor has it that Fibertech has been sold. The deal is all but done and will be announced shortly. Private equity appears to be the player.
I can valiate Toplisek gave direction to GC employees to take data…slippery fellow he is
You obviously don’t know Toplisek then b/c he would never do what you suggest. What proof is there? zero.
Agreed, Toplisek is hands down the most honorable man in Telecom…
How do the installations for PRI – T1’s work?
Is there an interface software for T1 provisioning and interfacing with the actual carrier?
Can we get orders placed then turn them on at a particular date?
How is your commission structure?
Who is the local contact person?
Anyone hearing about rumors pertaining to layoffs this week at Global Crossing? I am seeing several online posts of individuals in Finance, HR, IT having lost their jobs. Speculation is more have occurred across sales, operations, engineering, etc. Can anyone confirm this?
SEO, Internet Marketing
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SEO – Link Building – Copyright – Web Designing – PHP
Hi,
We are leading SEO service provider and web Development Company. We are expert in PHP,.NET, and many open sources like Joomla, Drupal, WordPress, Oscommerse ,Zencart and Blog Management. We offer best of quality work to our clients at the lowest possible prices. We can quickly promote your website.
We can place your website on top of the Natural Listings on Google, Yahoo and MSN. We do not use “”link farms”" or “”black hat”" methods that Google and the other search engines frown upon and can use to de-list or ban your site. . Price is never a constraint with us because we take pride in handling challenging work.
We would be happy to send you best fit proposal for web development and designing and if you have a SEO requirement we will send you a proposal using the top search phrases for your area of expertise.
In order for us to respond to your request for information, please include your company’s website address (mandatory) and /or phone number.
Sincerely,
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jennyseomarketing@gmail.com
COMPLETE INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTION
SEO – Link Building – Copyright – Web Designing – PHP
Any thoughts on the recent S1 filing by Masergy?
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1127579/000119312511021943/ds1a.htm
Are they looking to be bought? Use the proceeds to acquire?
Any thoughts on the recent filing for XO:
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1111634/000114420411007768/v211015_8-k.htm
he getting ready to swallow them up? also, where do things stand on their recap plan ?
R2 Investments, LDC, a shareholder of XO Holdings, sent the following letter to the company’s Board of Directors today, demanding that they reject a takeover proposal from Carl Icahn that significantly undervalues the company and act in the best interest of minority shareholders.
A full text of the letter follows:
Dear Messrs. Knauss, First, and Gradin:
It appears that Mr. Icahn is back at his old tricks and is again trying to destroy minority shareholder value. We sincerely hope that the courage you displayed last time was not part of a grand scheme to simply help bolster your claim that you are independent this time. If you do not find a way to say “NO” to Mr. Icahn once again, we are going to be forced to believe that this was all part of your original plan to hand the company over to Mr. Icahn and will challenge it as such. How interesting it would be if there was some plan hatched by you all whereby you really always intended to sell the company to Mr. Icahn but felt it would look better to say “NO” the first time to prove your theoretical independence. We will be looking for this smoking gun. We will not be fooled and neither will the Delaware and New York courts!
As you know, R2 Investments, LDC is the beneficial owner of more than 15 million shares of XO Holdings, Inc.’s common stock, and has sent each of you numerous letters asking the “independent” directors to protect minority shareholders’ rights. Unfortunately, Mr. Icahn seems intent on continuing to trample these rights and has now offered to buy all the outstanding shares for an insulting $0.70 per share.
For a moment, please humor us as we predict how the next few weeks might play out. The “independent” directors have likely already retained counsel and will negotiate with Mr. Icahn for an increased price. Mr. Icahn will “generously” increase his offer to $1.00 per share. The “independent” directors may trumpet their accomplishment and tout that they were able to increase Mr. Icahn’s offer by over 40%.
There will be enough of an uproar from the minority shareholders that the new offer of $1.00 per share will likely be rejected. Mr. Icahn will once again “generously” increase his offer to $1.25 per share and will threaten to complete the deal around the minority shareholders, which they may or may not be able to legally prevent. Threatened by a squeeze-out and tired of fighting, minority shareholders may succumb. The Company might be his for $1.25 a share. Our goal is to make certain this never happens.
The shameful aspect of all this is that you, as “independent” directors, could have prevented this unfortunate outcome. You passed up numerous opportunities to refinance the Icahn-owned credit facilities during perhaps the most attractive credit markets in history from 2004 to early 2008 and continue today to forego any refinancing options in an apparent attempt to ensure that the company has no options other than to look to Mr. Icahn for help every time it needs money.
We were truly aghast when we learned that a few years ago one of the potential bidders valued its combined bid for the assets and the net operating losses at approximately $10 per share. The fact that the board rejected this offer in favor of the massively dilutive proposal from Mr. Icahn only causes us to question further the true independence of the “independent directors.” As you well know, this board dismissed proposals from FIVE different bidders that would have each likely garnered more value for the minority shareholders than anything Mr. Icahn is going to offer. It is overwhelmingly evident why Mr. Icahn has warned this board not to start a sale process as part of the steps that it would take to evaluate the fairness of his current offer – Mr. Icahn knows that by threatening to block any sale, there will simply be no other bidders. This is NOT the way to prove the value of this business. And we are certain the judges in Delaware and New York will agree with us.
Please imagine Mr. Icahn’s reaction if he were a shareholder in a company that simply sold itself at a deeply discounted price to its majority shareholder through a sham auction. Needless to say, he would pull all of the tricks out of his typical playbook – calling for the resignation of all directors, pursuing legal remedies, public diatribes, etc.
The only reason we can fathom that a director would allow Mr. Icahn to succeed in his continuing attempt to disenfranchise minority shareholders would be because of the relationships that the directors have with other entities controlled by Mr. Icahn. We did a cursory review of public information and found that the “independent” directors have numerous other connections with Mr. Icahn and his related entities:
Mr. Knauss:
* Current Director of WestPoint International – a company owned by Mr. Icahn’s entities
* Past Chairman of the Board of Philip Services – a company owned by Mr. Icahn’s entities
* Mr. Icahn’s director nominee in his proxy contest against VISX Technologies
Mr. First:
* Past Chief Financial Officer of Icahn Holding Corporation
* Current Director of WestPoint International – a company owned by Mr. Icahn’s entities
* Current Director of American Railcar Industries – a company owned by Mr. Icahn’s entities
* Past Director of Philip Services – a company owned by Mr. Icahn’s entities
* Past Director of American Property Investors – a company owned by Mr. Icahn’s entities
* Past Director of GB Holdings – a company owned by Mr. Icahn’s entities
* Past Director of Cadus Pharmaceuticals – a company owned by Mr. Icahn’s entities
* Past Director of Marvel Entertainment – a company owned by Mr. Icahn’s entities
* Past Director of PANACO – a company owned by Mr. Icahn’s entities
* Trustee for Tropicana Atlantic City Corporation – an entity holding Mr. Icahn’s Atlantic City casino interests
We firmly believe that you are making a mockery of the term “independent committee” and it will be the first thing we will be highlighting to a Delaware and New York judge. You are not independent! If you were any more closely tied to Mr. Icahn, you would be immediate family!
Rest assured, we are going to do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served and that the rights of minority shareholders prevail. We intend to hold each of you personally liable to the maximum extent permitted by law for the numerous infractions you have committed in trampling the rights of minority shareholders should Mr. Icahn prevail.
Very truly yours,
R2 INVESTMENTS, LDC
SOURCE R2 Investments, LDC
I love it
CBS And Netflix Announce Two-Year Licensing Agreement For Library Content
http://netflix.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=384
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/XO-Holdings-Announces-iw-2149284776.html?x=0&.v=1
HERNDON, VA–(Marketwire – 04/08/11) – On April 8, 2011, Carl J. Grivner resigned as Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director of XO Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) (OTC.BB:XOHO – News). Mr. Grivner stated, “It has been an honor and privilege for me to work at XO for eight years. My decision to leave the company to pursue other opportunities is a personal and difficult one. I wish the Company and all of its dedicated employees all the best in the future.”
Carl C. Icahn, the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors and majority shareholder, stated, “We wish Carl the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his contributions to the Company. We are fortunate to have one of the deepest management teams and one of the strongest balance sheets in the telecommunications industry with approximately $1 billion in equity and no outstanding debt.”
The Company’s Board of Directors is conducting an executive search to identify a new Chief Executive Officer and will consider both internal and external candidates. The Board of Directors has established an executive committee to oversee the Company’s operations until a permanent chief executive is selected. The executive committee will be comprised of Daniel J. Wagner, who will continue to lead XO’s Business Services unit, Ernest Ortega, who will continue to lead its Carrier Services unit, and Laura W. Thomas, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, who will oversee all corporate functions and other business units. Mr. Grivner has agreed to assist the Company during this transition period.
Verizon chooses Integra Telecom for their 4G network. Some 200 Cell site in Oregon and Washington.
Is this why Verizon has reached out to 3??
http://news.yahoo.com/s/digitaltrends/20110427/tc_digitaltrends/verizons4gnetworkgoesdowncripplesthunderbolts_1
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_technews/20110427/tc_yblog_technews/is-verizon-4g-down
http://www.cio.com/article/680730/Verizon_Acknowledges_4G_LTE_Outage?source=rss_news
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/28/verizon-idUSN2719279520110428
I would like to share a Press release with Telecom Ramblings.
Cheers,
Edgar
So much for shareholder lawsuits slowing this down!
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/XO-Holdings-and-ACF-Industries-Holding-Corp-Announce-Completion-of-Merger-1551468.htm
August 18, 2011 17:02 ET
XO Holdings and ACF Industries Holding Corp. Announce Completion of Merger
HERNDON, VA–(Marketwire – Aug 18, 2011) – XO Holdings, Inc. (“XO Holdings” or the “Company”) and ACF Industries Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation (“ACF”), today announced that as of 4:45 p.m. on August 18, 2011 (the “Effective Time”), they have completed the merger of the Company with XO Merger Corp. pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 11, 2011 (the “Merger Agreement”). The Merger Agreement provided for the merger (the “Merger”) of XO Merger Corp. (the “Merger Sub”) with and into the Company, with the Company being the surviving entity. XO Merger Corp. was a Delaware corporation owned by ACF Industries Holding Corp., a Delaware Corporation, and its affiliates (collectively, the “Parent Group”). Each member of the Parent Group and Merger Sub are affiliates of Carl C. Icahn, the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors and, prior to completion of the merger, beneficial owner of approximately 91.76% of the combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding shares of capital stock consisting of his beneficial ownership of 113,410,769 shares of the 182,075,165 outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 (the “Company Common Stock”) and 100% of the outstanding shares of the Class B and Class C preferred stock.
As a result of the Merger, the Company has become a privately held company; the Company Common Stock has ceased trading on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (“OTCBB”) and will no longer be listed on the OTCBB or Pink Sheets. Each share of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than (i) shares owned by the Parent Group or held in treasury, and (ii) shares in respect of which appraisal rights have been properly exercised under Delaware law) has been canceled and automatically converted into the right to receive $1.40 in cash without interest plus a non-transferable, uncertificated contract right to receive a pro rata share of certain proceeds received by Parent Group or its affiliates in certain circumstances if Parent Group or its affiliates should sell or agree to sell XO Holdings or its assets within one year of the date of execution of the Merger Agreement and such sale is consummated (the “Merger Consideration”).
Stockholders who hold stock certificates will receive instructions and a letter of transmittal from American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC, the paying agent, concerning how and where to forward their certificates for payment. For shares held in “street name” by a broker, bank or other nominee, shareholders will not need to take any action to have shares converted into cash, as this will be done by the broker, bank or other nominee. In addition, holders of options issued under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan had the right to exercise their options up to the Effective Time. As the Company had no options outstanding with an exercise price below $4.80, the Company did not expect any options to be exercised. All unexercised options expired at the Effective Time.
Anyone know what’s up with L3 leadership changes associated to forthcoming merger with GC?
What’s up with CEO job at XO? Anyone?
I suspect if the real enron_hubbard was interested he’d say something like who really cares? XO is irrelevant at this point. Its been 5 months since they lost their last CEO, they are losing key people all the time, losing sales leaders regularly, losing other top talent – why? B/c with the exception of a few leaders most of the C level are inept. And very clearly the board doesn’t really care.
Why is this board so quiet ?
Cause XO went private.
when has that ever stopped those with opinions and connections inside from commenting?!?!?!?!
There is always an ebb and a flow to things. Right now I sense a lull overall – not just in comments here but in a general wariness across the sector.
Just wondering if there is an inetrest for your company to come into a data center/colo hotel with over 21 Carriers here in Jacksonville Fl. Please check out our website and I thank you for your time.
No coverage on Zayo’s purchase of 360networks?
You’re about a week late! http://www.telecomramblings.com/2011/10/zayo-strikes-again-buys-360networks/
Robert, will you be taking a survey for how your current readership might be responsive to conversation forum pits, possibly by company names here on this blog, much like you had graciously suggested on another venue?
FWIW, I have long had the URL ‘fibertalk.net’ in reserve, so if I were to follow up on the idea I’d probably make it at least a partially independent effort. Past attempts at a direct integration of a forum into Ramblings have not worked out well.
Thank you, Rob.
Some people like to place chess with phantoms in places that don’t exist or operate because they are inaccessible.
Robert, are you ready to launch ‘fibertalk.net’ yet?
That nether world is falling apart!
Rob, speaking of phantoms, we have a new GHOUL by the name of Oppenheimer who has released some bought and paid for report circling the market for some time now, it seems, which is calling for a BROADBAND GLUT to last another ten years, not unlike the analyst Suria, who was correct before them.
Do you have any insight into their MAGIC MATH formula tying supply/demand factors which proves this, or was it a trading tool to pick up dirt cheap stock from the company with sufficient pipes in the ground to control the supply of bandwidth for the next century at least?
Rumor has it Dan Enright formerly EVP of Network at Global Crossing and now regional president at L3 has been fired or resigned yesterday. Anyone else hearing major changes at L3? If so post.
The rumor is true. Not aware of any other major changes.
It’s true. Email from Jeff Story went out yesterday but no SEC filing as of yet.
um, i think L3 already has alot of network guys ?
Rob – any thoughts on the Earthlinks earnings for 4th quarter before they are published? I am hearing they are going to have a nice quarter. What is surprising is that taken individually the companies such as CTC and Choice One were not doing well post integration. Whats so different about Earthlink than the combined One comm?
Looks like XO’s changing its image. Interesting … i wonder if its the smoke before the fire?
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/xo-communications-unveils-new-brand-that-emphasizes-the-customer-experience-1644316.htm
It’s an admirable idea, provided there are no ulterior motives. But whether XO is orange or purple, if they are truly – TRULY – desiring a superior customer experience, then they have the wrong people leading.
Plus, isn’t this a giant admission that they were not so good before? That can’t make long time customers feel very good. Until they actually deliver, it’s still “just talk”.
A dress on a pig is still a pig.
Actually, it would still be a dress, no?
ROB! Some articles went missing! Switching between pages 1 and 2, the dates jump dramatically. The dates go from April 23rd to April 12th. I noticed this first when the Verizon write up from last week was no longer available.
Thanks for the heads up, the cache got corrupted and page 2 was apparently not getting regenerated. And of course this had to happen while I was travelling – Murphy’s law being what it is. Should be fixed now.
Thanks Rob
Looks like Icahn and XO are stirring things up in anticipation for a sale forthcoming by generating some new buzz.
http://www.concentric.com/
“XO Communications announced Tuesday the launch of Concentric Cloud Solutions, the company’s new cloud-based virtualization, content acceleration, and interactive contact center solutions for businesses. The services are available through the indirect sales channel (see related story.)
The services build on XO’s cloud services, which were rolled out under the XO brand early last year, beginning with the Enterprise Connect cloud communications service.
The CLEC switched brands for its cloud rollout on the advice of consultants and brand managers, opting for the data-focused brand over the telecom brand. Concentric has a long history in the Web hosting space, beginning in 1995. It was acquired by Nextlink in 2000, and the two companies merged to become XO Communications, a subsidiary of XO Holdings Inc. In 2004, Concentric returned to the market as an XO Communications service. Today, Concentric operates as a business unit of XO. It uses some share resources, such as finance and HR, but has its own development and sales resources.
“Selling CDN or contact-center applications is very different from selling traditional telecom,” said Peter Papavasilious, vice president of marketing for Concentric Cloud solutions, explaining the decision. He said that the effort requires dedicated sales teams for inside and outside sales as well as engineering support. These teams will work with XO direct sales teams to support their customers. Both teams are aligned and incented to work together, Papavasilious said. Similarly, Concentric Cloud will have its own indirect sales channel (see related story).
Concentric Cloud Solutions leverages its own cloud-based technology as well as technology from partners including Limelight Networks, LiveOps and VCE plus the XO nationwide network.
Concentric Cloud Computing Services include Enterprise Cloud on-demand computing and storage; managed dedicated servers; cloud storage; cloud-based data backup and shared hosting.The Concentric cloud computing infrastructure, which is based on the VCE Vblock platform using EMC SAN storage and Cisco-based networking technology, is deployed as multiple secure cloud infrastructures hosted in data centers located in Atlanta, Salt Lake City and Austin, and connected to the XO nationwide fiber network.
Concentric Content Acceleration Services enable businesses to accelerate the delivery of digital media, online content, and mobile and Web-based applications. They use Limelight Networks’ technology deployed across the XO network to provide content caching, application acceleration, video streaming and content storage.
Concentric Cloud Contact Center Services facilitate inbound and outbound communications for customer contact center needs. These services include cloud-based ACD for 25-400 agents; interactive vice response, intelligent call routing, conferencing, and Concentric Connect, which enables businesses to deliver web-based voice, SMS and email notifications to mass audiences including employees, customers and partners.”
Watch Icahn spin this part of the company off for yet another write off and to steal what little customers he has left from Xo when he sells.
Rob are you going do a write-up with your thoughts on Windstream? They’re stock dropped about 10%, looks like this was due to the billing practices that PAETEC had with switched access.
He seemed to miss Century Link’s report also. There are so many companies and data to field globally for a one man shop! Rob, you might want to “hire” an analyst or two, to add more “color” to your universe.
Rahm’s broadband plan draws lots of interest
November 28, 2012
Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s plan to position Chicago for the digital age has received a warm reception from telecom providers, with more than a score of companies, including industry leaders, seriously kicking tires on the idea of providing ultra-high-speed broadband and expanded free Wi-Fi service here.
According to the city, 24 companies responded by last week’s deadline and put in a preliminary pitch detailing their thoughts in a process technically known as a Request for Information. Included among RFI responders were industry giants such as Cisco, Alcatel, AT&T, Verizon, Level 3 and Motorola Solutions, as well as smaller local-based groups like the Center for Neighborhood Technology, the Chicago Computer Society and Network of Woodlawn.
The city is releasing few details of what those firms ran up the electronic flag pole, saying that the firms proposed everything from using city light poles to hang fiber optic cable to expediting the permitting process. But officials say they’re quite content with the big turnout — and with the quality of the responses.
The idea behind what the mayor calls his Broadband Initiative is that Chicago will grow in the 21st century if it keeps its communication networks in world-caliber shape, much like it depended on a top transportation network of roads, railroads and airports in the last century.
The city specifically is dangling the possibility of leveraging its own assets — space in CTA tunnels and alongside sewer lines, for instance — to those who can install gigabit-speed broadband, make it affordable in underserved areas and establish free Wi-Fi in parks and public spaces.
Officials are pushing gigabit service in neighborhoods in and around the central area and near academic centers where researchers need extremely fast Wi-Fi speeds. Included are the former Michael Reese Hospital site, Bucktown and Wicker Park, the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor and the McCormick Place neighborhood, as well as areas near the University of Illinois at Chicago, the University of Chicago, the Chicago Medical Center, the Illinois Institute of Technology and the South Loop, which is home to Columbia College and Roosevelt University.
The initiative already has netted one prize: an agreement in which free Wi-Fi is offered throughout Millenium Park downtown.
The city is likely to formally advertise for bidders sometime soon. But, according to a spokesman, it’s also keeping other options open, such as forming a team to review various proposals and come up with a favorite.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20121128/BLOGS02/121129846/rahms-broadband-plan-draws-lots-of-interest
http://www.channelpartnersonline.com/news/2013/01/earthlink-layoffs-channel-remains-strategic-to-gr.aspx
EarthLink last week laid off a reported 495 people, including some sales engineers, according to social media posts.
The Atlanta-based company late Monday confirmed that job cuts took place, but did not say how many. EarthLink said it would provide only the following statement:
“To further accelerate EarthLink’s transformation to an IT services provider, we are modifying our direct sales model somewhat,” Michele Sadwick, EarthLink’s vice president of strategic marketing, said in an email. “This resulted in reductions in our direct sales force but had no impact on our channel partner program. In fact, the channel partner program remains strategic to EarthLink’s future growth and we plan to continue to invest in the channel.”
Brian Washburn, research director of network services for Current Analysis, said the losses likely affected EarthLink’s small business units – the legacy One Communications and ITC^DeltaCom groups – as well as staff on the consumer side. EarthLink wants to target enterprise and multilocation users; it has been moving away from integrated T1 customers for months, Washburn said.
The news appears to be a boon for partners. Many have argued over the years that carriers spend too much money on direct sales forces and would save overhead – and thereby earn more profit – by relying on indirect partners for revenue. Unlike direct salespeople who are paid salaries and benefits, agents and VARs pay for their own expenses, such as health insurance and office space, and are only paid on performance. Fewer direct salespeople also reduces the channel conflict with indirect sales agents.
“I think that, overall, EarthLink is going back to the New Edge Networks days – very friendly to the channel and going to continue to be very friendly to channel sales,” Washburn said.
Surf Telecoms press release today: http://newswire.telecomramblings.com/2013/02/surf-telecoms-provides-cornwall-college-with-high-speed-wan/
tw telecom Wins $550 Million GSA Award
By Rich Smith | More Articles
Littleton, Colo.-based tw telecom (NASDAQ: TWTC ) has won the right to participate in a four year contract to provide voice, data, and Internet services to Federal agencies and organizations in the southeast U.S., the company announced Thursday.
The contract, worth up to $550 million initially, includes the possibility of being extended for two additional, successive three-year terms — 10 years in all — and begins on April 1, 2013. The particular type of contract involved is known as an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ), fixed price with an economic price adjustment (EPA) multiple-award contract.
The significance of this is that, while tw telecom has technically “won” this contract, its prize is simply admission to a set of companies, which now have the right to bid on and win further contracts under the umbrella of the original contract awarded today. In other words — failure to win the several GSA contracts awarded under this one would mean tw telecom gets no revenue at all from today’s win.
Investors, however, took the view that “it’s an honor just to be nominated,” bidding up tw telecom shares 1.1% in Thursday trading, to close the day at $25.01.
Provo, UTAH — google fiber city #3
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/google-fiberon-silicon-prairie-silicon.html