BROADWING DELIVERS 38 OC-192 CIRCUITS IN LESS THAN 60 DAYS
Broadwing Communications provisioned and installed 38 OC-192 circuits spanning the nation in less than 60 days via its intelligent, all-optical switched network.  The company said the achievement sets new benchmarks for bandwidth capacity and provisioning.  http://www.broadwing.com/press/releases/2001q3/08_02_2001.asp
Broadwing, August 2, 2001

WILLIAMS AND MCLEODUSA ESTABLISH MULTI-YEAR NETWORK SERVICES AGREEMENT
Williams Communications and McLeodUSA announced a multiyear network services agreement enabling both companies to lower their off-net costs in certain markets.  Under the deal, Williams Communications will leverage the Tier Two and Tier Three market footprint of McLeodUSA in its 25-state region.  In return, McLeodUSA will gain access to the market presence of Williams Communications in Tier One markets.  Financial terms were not disclosed.  http://www.williamscommunications.com  http://www.mcleodusa.com
Williams Communications Group, August 2, 2001

FCC AUTHORIZES SECOND-ROUND KA-BAND SATELLITE SYSTEMS
The FCC authorized eleven new and established satellite operators to provide Ka-band satellite service in the US.  The newly licensed companies include CAI Data Systems, Lockheed Martin, Celsat America, Loral Cyberstar, DirectCom Networks, Pacific Century Group, Hughes Communications, PanAmSat, KaStarCom World Satellite, Pegasus Development Corporation and TRW.  All companies, except for Celsat America, Inc. intend to use these satellites to provide Ka-band fixed-satellite services (FSS).  Celsat will use the Ka-band for "feeder links" to support its 2 GHz mobile-satellite system.  http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/News_Releases/2001/nrin0112.txt
FCC, August 2, 2001

• In May 1997, the FCC completed its first round of Ka-band licensing.  A total of 13 companies were authorized to launch and operate Ka-band satellite systems.
• Ka-band refers to space-to-Earth communications (downlink) in radio frequencies at 17.7-20.2 GHz, and the corresponding Earth-to-space communications (uplink) at 27.5-30.0 GHz.

HUGHES LAUNCHES SATELLITE-BASED TELEWORKER SERVICE
Hughes Network Systems (HNS) introduced a new Teleworker Service using its DIRECWAY satellite access system.  The service package offers business-class IP connectivity and enhanced networking capabilities, including secure virtual private network (VPN) technology and the ability to deliver corporate video content.  The service is available now to corporations nationwide.  http://www.directv.com/press/pressdel/0,1112,424,00.html
Hughes Network Systems, August 2, 2001

DATA CONNECTION TO ADD IP ROUTING TO ITS PORTABLE SOFTWARE SUITE
Data Connection Limited plans to add Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol and a suite of IP routing software to its portfolio of portable source code.   The DC-OSPF source code provides a highly scalable Routing Table implementation, can support Virtual Routing and VPN requirements, and is fully integrated with the company’s MPLS software.  The company also plans to use its optical control plane technology to extend DC-OSPF for use in optical networking.  http://www.dataconnection.com/press/ospfannounce.htm
Data Connection Limited, August 2, 2001

SIEMENS AND PROXIM DEVELOP VOICE CAPABILITIES FOR HOMERF WIRELESS LANS
Siemens and Proxim demonstrated advanced voice capabilities over a HomeRF Wireless LAN.  The demonstration consisted of a voice call from a Siemens cordless handset through a Proxim Voice Data Module (VDM) gateway to a standard phone line.  HomeRF 2.0 operates at 10 Mbps and supports CLASS service features like call waiting, caller ID, forwarding to individual handsets, distinctive ringing, 911 breakthrough and other features.  The protocol could provide simultaneous support of up to eight toll-quality voice connections, eight prioritized streaming media sessions and multiple Internet and network resource connections.  Siemens plans to begin field trials with broadband carriers in Q4 2001 and release its product to retail partners mid-year 2002.  http://www.homerf.org  http://www.icm.siemens.com/main.html
Siemens, August 2, 2001

• Last year, the FCC amended rules to allow frequency hopping spread spectrum transmitters operating in the 2.4 GHz band to use a minimum of 15 hopping channels, spanning a total of 75 MHz.  The new rules will allow for hopping channels up to 5 MHz wide, thereby enabling faster wireless LANs and gateways for the home.  Output power would be reduced in proportion to the increase in bandwidth over 1 MHz.  The HomeRF Working Group, which proposed the changes, said the new rules would increase the transmission speed capabilities of the Shared Wireless Access Protocol (SWAP) to 10 Mbps from its currently maximum rate of 2 Mbps.

COPPER MOUNTAIN ANNOUNCES RESTRUCTURING, DROPS LOW-END CPE AND MTU PRODUCT LINES
Copper Mountain Networks reported Q2 revenue of $6.1 million, compared with $8.2 million in the prior quarter and $80.2 million in Q2 2000.  Pro forma net loss was $9.1 million, or $0.17 per pro forma diluted share.  Copper Mountain also announced a restructuring aimed at reducing expenses and conserving cash, resulting in an operating plan that the company believes will sustain its currently planned operations beyond 2002 without the need to raise additional capital.  The plan calls for a headcount reduction of approximately 40% and the elimination of its low-end CPE and MTU product lines.  http://www.coppermountain.com/news/08022001pr.cfm
Copper Mountain, August 2, 2001

RHYTHMS NETCONNECTIONS FILES FOR CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCY
Rhythms NetConnections voluntarily filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.  The company has approximately $133.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, which it hopes to use to fund its business during the post-filing period.  http://www.rhythms.com
Rhythms NetConnections, August 2, 2001

• As of March 31, 2001, Rhythms had 83,000 DSL lines in service, up from 67,000 DSL lines in service at the end of last year.  The Rhythms network covers approximately 1,400 central office locations.
• Rhythms began its network build in September 1997 and completed an IPO in April 1999.
• Strategic investors and partners with Rhythms have included MCI WorldCom, Microsoft, Qwest Communications, Cisco Systems, GATX Capital Corp., Hicks Muse and others.  The company’s technology partners have included Cisco Systems, Paradyne, Copper Mountain, Netopia, Turnstone, 3Com and Efficient Networks.