Save Access

from: Telephony Online

More disturbing numbers for telcos

May 13, 2008 11:02 AM, By Carol Wilson

Two separate sources this week are offering up more analysis showing the telcos are falling behind the cable companies in the broadband and video battle.

Information Gatekeepers, an analyst firm that once predicted the telcos would overtake cable in broadband penetration, this week issued its High-Speed Access Report for the first quarter of 2008, showing cable is outperforming its forecast and the telcos are under-performing what IGI had forecast in 2006. The latest report is in keeping with what IGI began saying in 2007, when it warned that both AT&T and Verizon were falling behind in implementing high-speed access plans, and thus their data revenues would not make up for lost wireline access income.

from: Telephony Online

Qwest charts different video course
By Carol Wilson

Jan 11, 2008 11:10 AM

Fat Internet pipes to access VoD, not IPTV, will meet consumer demands of the future, new Qwest leadership believes

DENVER--While AT&T and Verizon aggressively deploy video services via their U-Verse and FiOS TV offerings, respectively, Qwest Communications is pursuing a very different video strategy. It may appear to be no strategy at all – but that’s a misconception. Qwest is, in fact, expecting the fat broadband pipes that it is developing to become the conduit for a wide range of video-on-demand offerings, including high-definition video.

from: Lasar's Letter

The top paid telecom executives of 2006

The Security and Exchange Commission now has a handy-dandy new database that tells you who in the corporate world is making what these days.

These are, of course, the firms that voluntarily disclosed this data. LLFCC couldn't resist downloading the numbers and coming up with this table. Enjoy!

from: Lasar's Letter

Telco resists DTV notifications on phone bills
by Matthew Lasar Dec 14 2007 - 10:51am DTV transition

A major phone company threw the book at a proposal to require incumbent telcos to provide consumers with information about the upcoming DTV transition in their telephone and cable bills. Qwest's December 12th filing with the Federal Communications Commission claims the idea will cause "customer confusion" and violate the First Amendment.

Note: Our list of Telco 'worst' moments would be a bit longer - and includes items like the ongoing attacks on PEG, exploding telco dslam boxes, and heavy-handed and costly political lobbying. But this list is a good start and it's safe to say the telcos and cablecos need a bit more watching.

from: Huffington Post

from: Denver Business Journal

Qwest changes course on cable franchise agreements
Thursday, December 20, 2007 - 10:57 AM MST

Qwest Communications International Inc. no longer will pursue cable franchise agreements with Colorado cities or build communitywide TV service in areas where it's recently won franchise approval.

from: Denver Post

Qwest move spurs surprise
By Kimberly S. Johnson
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 12/19/2007 02:01:04 AM MST

Local leaders said Tuesday they were surprised to learn that Qwest would no longer pursue cable-franchise agreements at the state or municipal level, as the company was taking steps to gain support for legislation that would have allowed it to do so.

from: Denver Post

Qwest focus in '08 on Web
The new CEO says the telecom will spend $300 million to boost broadband speed rather than roll out a costly television service.
By Andy Vuong
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 12/18/2007 12:24:45 AM MST

New Qwest chief executive Ed Mueller on Monday unveiled his strategic plan for the company, which doesn't stray far from the path laid by his predecessor.

from: Oregon Live

Qwest calls off cable TV plans for Portland
Posted by The Oregonian December 17, 2007 15:56PM
Categories: Breaking News

Qwest Communications International Inc., which won city permission just last month to offer cable TV service in Portland, called off those plans today after the company's new CEO called IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) unsuitable for Qwest. Here's a statement from the company's Oregon office:

from: NY Times

December 16, 2007
Wider Spying Fuels Aid Plan for Telecom Industry
By ERIC LICHTBLAU, JAMES RISEN and SCOTT SHANE

This article is by Eric Lichtblau, James Risen and Scott Shane.

WASHINGTON — For months, the Bush administration has waged a high-profile campaign, including personal lobbying by President Bush and closed-door briefings by top officials, to persuade Congress to pass legislation protecting companies from lawsuits for aiding the National Security Agency’s warrantless eavesdropping program.