1. Joint press release about the funding
2. NTIA BTOP NOFA
3. RUS BIP NOFA
Look for a complete analysis from us after we spend some time reviewing.
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( 3 / 106 )This from our sources at Wilkinson Barker Knauer:
It now appears that NTIA and RUS will be releasing their Notices of Funds Availability next Tuesday or, at latest, Wednesday, to cover the second tranche of ARRA broadband economic stimulus funding. The documents are currently undergoing final review at the Office of Management and Budget and other White House offices, and likely will not be published today. Our understanding is that the deadline for filing applications will be in mid-April (somewhat later than had been initially expected) and that the agencies anticipate ruling on all first tranche applications at least 30 days prior to the second tranche filing deadline.
As always we'll continue to provide information as it becomes available.
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( 3 / 106 )Just when you think the broadband fray is tilting in favor of one technology or another, something happens to level the playing field. ADSL2+ was trumped by DOCSIS 2.0. DOCSIS 2.0 was trumped by VDSL2. VDSL2 is now being trumped by DOCSIS 3.0. FTTH promises to continue the competitive challenge that cable systems bring to wireline operators.
At some point, consumers and businesses become desensitized to the back and forth of barbs laced with multi Megabit promises and peak activity caveats. Ultimately, consumers care about dynamic service offerings, attention to customer service, the ease of doing business and value.
The lines between wireline, wireless and MSO providers have been getting more blurry by the month. In case you haven’t heard about the latest entrant into the wireless provider space, I invite you to check out a cute advertisement by Cox Communications located here. While this wireless service is limited to a single market, it marks the latest volley in the back and forth between providers in a high stakes game to attract consumers and their discretional spending dollars.
Will Cox be successful? If history tells us anything, they will succeed in changing the dynamics of mainstay business for ‘traditional’ wireless operators like at&t and Verizon. After all, it was the MSOs who made the biggest impact on wireline voice revenues when they began bundling voice with television and Internet services. By bundling wireless into the service mix, Cox is taking aim at the most comprehensive of service offerings as a means to attract and retain customers.
Ultimately, Cox’ success will depend on their ability to offer a compelling service mix at an attractive price point while satisfying customer needs in a manner that is better than existing providers. It’s a daunting task for even the most experienced operator. But if you watch their advertisement, you can see the basis for their strategy. They plan on addressing issues wireless consumers have with existing providers – unforeseen charges and carryover minutes.
This is not a story of impending doom for wireline operators that do not offer a wireless service in their bundle. This is simply a note to highlight a dynamic in the communications and entertainment market. The distinction between wireless, wireline, MSO and even Internet giants like Google is quickly eroding.
To stand apart, wireline broadband operators may choose to differentiate on local presence, quality of service and attention to customer service. But that doesn’t mean they can be complacent in delivering a dynamic service mix at a decent price. Clearly, companies like Cox will not allow that.
Cox undoubtedly will position themselves as offering a comprehensive service mix (voice, television, Internet and now wireless) at an affordable price. Customer service and ease of doing business will also factor into consumer thinking and determine their success or failure. But will that be enough to win? What do you think?
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( 3 / 95 )Last Friday, the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia held a hearing arising out of the FCC decision to order Comcast to stop blocking subscribers from using file-sharing services.
"You can't get an unbridled, roving commission to go about doing good," said Chief Justice David Sentelle, as quoted in the Wall Street Journal.
The three judge hearing sought to understand from the FCC's perspective what part of the communications law justified the ruling. At the heart of the discussion is whether or not legally binding law, or just policy statements.
The outcome of this appeal, which was actually started by then FCC Chairman Kevin Martin in 2008, will have tremendous impact on the pending net neutrality, as well as the whole National Broadband Plan, discussion and implementation.
Current FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski issued a statement after the hearing that he remained "confident the Commission possesses the legal authority it needs."
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( 3.2 / 120 )My home network connects two laptops, a desktop, an iPod Touch, a SiriusXM radio, and a Wii. I’m a technology geek and happily spend my evenings on the computer rather than in front of the TV. So three weeks ago, when my wireless router died, I cried.
OK, not really. But I was pretty upset. Not because I didn’t know what the problem was or what I needed to do to fix it but because it was the week before Christmas, I had presents to buy (online preferably), family trips to plan for, and “I just don’t have the time for this”. I decided that I would just make do until after the holidays were over but it wasn’t pretty.
Today, I’m happy to report that one new wireless router, a new external hard drive, four driver downloads, and twenty gray hairs later, all devices are up and running smoothly again.
By now you’re asking yourself, “What does this have to do with me?” My answer? You missed an opportunity to up sell me…a LOT. Why? Because I’m loyal to my providers if they offer good service and here’s where you could have added more dollars to my monthly bill:
- IT Services: I know how to fix most problems on my own but timing was the issue. I don’t trust the big box stores’ “Squads” of teenagers who know less than I do about computers. However, had my trusted service provider offered services at a reasonable rate and been at my house at a time convenient to me, I would have happily paid for someone else to take care of the headache.
- Online Storage: I knew that my laptop’s memory was getting pretty full—that’s how the external drive worked it’s way into the purchase—but had you been helping me, you might have suggested your online storage/back up service—I probably would have upgraded.
- A Package Deal: I currently purchase TV, broadband and phone service from three different providers but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been looking to move toward a package deal if it fits my needs and my budget.
So there you have it, my one-woman focus group. While my suggestions may not be relevant to your current customer base, this post demonstrates an important part of any business. Take the time to listen to your customers and potential customers. Find out what they are struggling with and what, if any, complaints they have. Then figure out how to solve those problems. You’ll no doubt begin to see a positive impact on the bottom line.
-Rebecca
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