FTWR: 2009

Friday, July 17, 2009

Another Wireless?

Here's why. Most wireless carriers traditionally used leased T1 lines to funnel traffic between the base-station controllers and the mobile switching center. They work just fine, but they are one of the largest recurring costs for wireless operators. The costs mount for the carriers as the need for additional capacity grows. At some point, to expand a network, it becomes more cost-effective to switch to wireless equipment -- which Ceragon makes.
Ceragon's fortunes didn't always seem so obvious. The company, founded in 1996 as Giganet, almost lost its business entirely when the CLECs collapsed in early 2000. But Ceragon reinvented itself, developing fast wireless connectivity hardware and software needed by wireless carriers and private networks. Now, as wireless carriers upgrade their networks and deploy 3G networks, Ceragon's strategy is paying off.
It's about time. The first quarter was disappointing for the company. Growth from hotspots like Asia slowed, and recessionary fears put a damper on spending by the carriers. As a result, Ceragon reported first quarter sales of $43.9 million, down 7 percent from a year ago. Earnings were down 95 percent, to $215,000.
But that should change. With investment from Tata Teleservices rebounding, 3G networks being rolled out in India and around the world, and Latin America serving as another hotbed of activity, Ceragon's business has many great opportunities ahead.
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/07/10/wireless-watch-ceragon-builds-highways-in-the-sky/

Smart Phone Sales to Exceed 310 Million by 2013

Smartphone Sales to Exceed 310 Million Units by 2013: Report (http://asterisk.tmcnet.com/topics/open-source/articles/59404-smartphone-sales-exceed-310-million-units-2013-report.htm)

An interesting Link (Fiber Tower FTWR)

I've got an interesting link for you:
Article - WSJ.com (http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090707-711503.html)

AT&T and Verizon Expansion on Fire, Fiber Tower, FTWR

Interesting News - Fiber Tower, FTWR

How do you see the balance between wireless backhaul and fiber to the tower developing over the next few years?
SL: There are more than 250,000 cell sites in America and, based on the realities of physics and economics, we believe there are tens of thousands of those sites that will not be reachable by fiber connections anytime in the foreseeable future, if ever. Like in Europe and Scandinavia, we believe hybrid, carrier grade networks that seamlessly combine fiber and licensed microwave connections to support ever increasing capacity demands at diminishing costs per megabit will be needed to cover a nation as heavily populated and geographically vast as the U.S. Additionally, these hybrid networks need to be designed to accommodate both TDM and Ethernet transport to match-up with wireless carriers’ long term technical plans.
http://www.telecomramblings.com/2009/04/conterra-wireless-backhaul-part-2/

More VZ Expansion, Fiber Tower, FTWR

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/More-3G-Wireless-Coverage-for-prnews-470925783.html?x=0&.v=1

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Verizon-Wireless-Expands-3G-prnews-3992014831.html?x=0&.v=1

Our Days are Coming - Fiber Tower, FTWR

http://www.zacks.com/stock/news/21611/Govt.+Stimulus+Helps+Small+Telecom+Firms
Govt. Stimulus Helps Small Telecom FirmsBy: Zacks Equity ResearchJune 29, 2009 Comments: 0Recommended this article (0)ALVR ADCT ANEN ARRSPrint ShareSmall telecom equipment manufacturers, like Alvarion Ltd. (ALVR - Analyst Report), Arris Group (ARRS - Analyst Report), ADC Telecommunications (ADCT - Analyst Report), and Anaren Inc. (ANEN - Analyst Report), are expected to benefit from the $7.2 billion Broadband stimulus fund granted by the U.S. government under the Rural Utilities Service program.
The American Reinvestment & Recovery Act contains provisions that encourage telecom operators to apply for grants, loans and guarantees to assist them in deploying un-served and under-served communities for broadband access. Telecom-gear makers and infrastructure-solution providers will help the regional/rural telecom operators to plan, design, and implement broadband networks.
Recently, Alvarion received a five-year contract from Open Range Communications Inc, a U.S. wireless operator. The total contract size is more than $100 million. Alvarion will provide radio-access equipment, customer premises devices and systems integration for Open Range's broadband wireless network deployment spanning 17 states, 546 rural communities that may reach out to a population of 6 million.
Arris Group has decided to assist cable operators in preparing their applications for the Broadband Stimulus fund. Arris has a strong presence in the rapidly growing cable modem, cable modem termination systems (CMTS), and embedded multimedia terminal adapter (E-MTA) markets.
ADC Telecommunications, a leading connectivity solutions provider for copper, fiber, and wireless network, is also likely to be benefited. We expect increased spending by telecom carriers for next-generation fiber-based networks and wireless networks to boost demand for connectivity solutions, especially in the local loop areas.
Demand is also likely to grow for the products sold by Anaren, a provider of microwave components and subassemblies for the wireless industry. As a pioneer in high-frequency electronics, Anaren's base-station antenna and lightweight components/subsystems can be used by rural telecom operators cost effectively.
We remain bullish on Alvarion, and ADC Telecom, and maintain our Hold rating for Arris Group, and Anaren.than

Great news - Fiber Tower FTWR

http://searchtelecom.techtarget.com/news/article/0,289142,sid103_gci1360489,00.html
According to HeavyReading projections, mobile advertising revenue worldwide will increase from $1.4 billion in 2007 to more than $10 billion by 2013. To make the new mobile advertising model work, however, traditional advertising media buyers will have to get used to dealing with wireless operators, and vice versa. Advertising media buyers aren't used to doing business with wireless carriers, but the nascent mobile phone advertising market has enormous possibilities, according to Broos. "People carry their phones 24 hours a day and use them for all sorts of multimedia activities," he said. "It's every marketer's dream to use that platform."
The way Alcatel-Lucent sees it, the mobile advertising value chain will have to change, and media buyers will need to include mobile operators in the list of media sellers that include newspapers, magazines, radio, television and Internet advertising. "Mobile operators have a role to play. But they need a technical solution and the expertise to know how to sell the assets they have in the language media buyers understand," Broos said.Instead of trying to learn the advertising business, E-Plus is working with a German sales agency that will sell on the carrier's behalf.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Government support FTWR

http://4g-wirelessevolution.tmcnet.com/news/2009/06/26/4247098.htm
As part of the Wired Road project, wireless towers have been installed at all Carroll County schools, a fiber optic network has been installed in downtown Galax, and wireless towers have been installed in Elk Creek and Independence in Grayson County to provide high speed internet services to surrounding homes and businesses. The federal funds announced today will advance the project, enabling 360 additional homes and businesses to receive high speed Internet services.

Friday, June 26, 2009

new AT&T Contract

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ATampT-signs-5year-service-apf-4054166435.html?x=0&.v=1

More wireless backhaul validation

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/a6dd58/wireless_middle_mi

Validation - why backhaul

http://www.fiercewireless.com/press-releases/infonetics-research-mobile-backhaul-equipment-market-growing-fast-no-letup-sight

http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/4g-backhaul-opportunity-and-dilemma/2009-06-09

http://4g-wirelessevolution.tmcnet.com/wimax/topics/wimax/articles/58726-backhaul-requirements-up-300-percent-2013.htm

Fierce Wireless!

http://www.fiercewireless.com/press-releases/infonetics-research-mobile-backhaul-equipment-market-growing-fast-no-letup-sight

Backhaul Demand (why FTWR)

http://4g-wirelessevolution.tmcnet.com/wimax/topics/wimax/articles/58726-backhaul-requirements-up-300-percent-2013.htm

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Validation of Backhaul Wireless

http://www.convergedigest.com/bp/bp1.asp?ID=585&ctgy=Mesh

http://www.telecoms.com/11961/harris-stratex-eyes-obamas-72bn-broadband-fund

http://searchtelecom.techtarget.com/news/article/0,289142,sid103_gci1334102,00.html?asrc=SS_CLA_313377&psrc=CLT_103

http://www.bitpipe.com/data/detail?id=1238075922_92&type=RES&asrc=SS_SRCH

Data Demand is key!!!

http://www.cnbc.com/id/31408695

http://seekingalpha.com/article/142480-smartphones-becoming-a-necessity-expect-more-growth

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/10/technology/10phone.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idCAN1736704720090618?rpc=44

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/TMobile-to-launch-second-apf-516208446.html?x=0&.v=1

http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/06/22/daily17.html?ana=yfcpc

MMS on Iphone creates increase in demand

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2009/06/22iphone.html

pple Sells Over One Million iPhone 3GS Models
iPhone 3.0 Software Downloads Reach Six Million
CUPERTINO, California—June 22, 2009—Apple® today announced that it has sold over one million iPhone™ 3GS models through Sunday, June 21, the third day after its launch. In addition, six million customers have downloaded the new iPhone 3.0 software in the first five days since its release.
“Customers are voting and the iPhone is winning,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “With over 50,000 applications available from Apple’s revolutionary App Store, iPhone momentum is stronger than ever.”
The new iPhone 3GS is the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, packed with incredible new features including improved speed and performance—up to twice as fast as iPhone 3G—with longer battery life, a high-quality 3 megapixel autofocus camera, easy to use video recording and hands free voice control. iPhone 3GS includes the new iPhone OS 3.0, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 100 new features such as Cut, Copy and Paste, MMS*, Spotlight™ Search, landscape keyboard and more. iPhone 3GS customers get access to more than 50,000 applications from Apple’s revolutionary App Store, the largest application store in the world where customers have already downloaded over one billion apps. iPhone 3GS offers twice the capacity for the same price with a 16GB model for just $199 and a new 32GB model for just $299.** And iPhone 3G is available at the breakthrough price of just $99 for the 8GB model—a huge milestone for the high end smartphone market.
*MMS messaging is available only on iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS; fees may apply. MMS may not be available in all areas. MMS support from AT&T will be available in late summer.
**Qualified customers only. Requires a new two year AT&T rate plan, sold separately.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

Smart Phone Demand Accelerating

http://apple20.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2009/06/18/survey-smartphone-demand-accelerating/?source=yahoo_quote

Survey: Smartphone demand accelerating

Demand for smartphones (as opposed to ordinary cellphones) has never been higher and continues to accelerate, according to a report issued Thursday by RBC Capital and ChangeWave Reseach.
In a note to client, RBC’s Mike Abramsky ticks off four key findings from interviews conducted June 9-15 among 4,100 mostly high-end consumers.
Interest is high. 14.4% planned to buy a smartphone over the next three months, up from 11.2% in March.
Apple and Palm lead demand. Interest in buying Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone jumped to 44% (from 30% in March) following the introduction of the 3GS. Interest in Palm (PALM) doubled to 8% (from 4% in March and 1% last December). Interest in buying Research in Motion’s (RIMM) BlackBerry was still a “healthy” 23%, but down from 37% in March.
Touchscreens are hot. 43% of prospective smartphone buyers say touchscreens are “very important” to them, up from 33% in September. But users who do a lot of typing still prefer QWERTY keyboards (33%, basically unchanged).
Who needs TV? Asked in May what they’d be willing to part with, 1,700 respondents in a separate survey made their priorities clear. 44% would give up their TV service, 23% their home phones, 11% their DVD/movie rentals, but only 3% their cellphones.
ChangeWave surveys, according to the company’s literature, are drawn from “a group of 20,000 highly qualified business, technology, and medical professionals — as well as early adopter consumers — who work in leading companies of select industries. They are credentialed professionals who spend their everyday lives on the frontline of technological change.”
Below the fold: The RBC/ChangeWave fever chart of the horse race between Apple, RIM and Palm.

FTWR