January 29, 2013

What You Need To Know Now...

The End To Proof-Of-Performance Testing?
Cablecos no longer should be required to do proof-of-performance testing on digital signals, said the American Cable Association (ACA) in reply comments to a pending FCC NPRM. The group, which represents small and mid-size operators, cited more reliable digital technology it says has negated many of the problems prevalent in an analog era. ACA recommended the FCC let all operators demonstrate compliance through annual certifications. If nothing else, smaller cable operators (400,000 subs or fewer) should be able to comply via certification because of stretched resources that make frequent testing difficult.

Nokia Ramps U.S. Investments Despite Sluggish Returns
With a new $250 million infusion from Nokia, global venture firm Nokia Growth Partners says it will continue to invest in high-potential businesses within the mobile ecosystem, focusing on the United States, Europe and Asia. Networking startups that are part of the investor’s portfolio include Cloudmark, Innovis, Intermedia and Netmagic. Even though the United States isn’t the largest or most lucrative of Nokia’s markets (despite the success of its Lumia phone here), it still is on the front burner for the Finnish company, and there reportedly are plans in the works for new carrier-specific wireless devices. In 4Q12, Nokia sold 4.4 million Lumias globally, but analysts were quick to say there is no comparison to sales by Samsung and Apple.