Fixed operator strategies - 18/06/05

China netcom and China Telecom remain committed to PHS and are testing a new PHS product, called Q-box, which improve indoor coverage. This technology is developed by UTStarcom and need the handset to be upgraded to Q-box. The service will be cheaper than current PHS, but the handset is not. The targeted market is the business users at th workplace.

Bellsouth, SBC and Verizon have launched a request for information (RFI) for passive optical networks using BPON (broadband PON) and EPON (Ethernet PON) to GPON (gigabit PON). GPON seems to have the preference of operators. They have asked for pricing for 200k ONTs and 1 m ONTs annually. They are also considering Ethernet over copper solutions offered by Hatteras Networks, Overture Networks, Anda Networks, Actelis Networks, Covaro Networks.

PLDT (Philippines) could buy BayanTel, a unit of Benpres Holdings, to expand its fixed-line business.

Fastweb (Italy) could announce a data-only DSL option that does not include telephony or television services, while Fastweb is a triple-play pioneer. In fact, Fastweb has found that the take-up of video services has recently slowed, impacting ARPU.

Tele2 (Sweden) will enter the digital television market via its Kabelvision unit. Kabelvision will be renamed Tele2Vision.

Beltelecom (Belarus) has called a tender to supply network equipment by year-end.

France Telecom is trailing mesh WiFi network on the Supelec campus.

Verizon has launched a $1bn RFP in the marketplace for optical infrastructure -- specifically for combination Sonet/WDM equipment. It is trying a new strategy to get TV franchises faster. It is offering to pay the municipalities higher franchise fees in exchange for statewide approval.

ATT plans broad WiMAX trial in Atlanta this fall.

T-Online uses Microsoft for French internet TV.