http://www.currentanalysis.com/ Analysis Reports provided by Current Analysis, Inc. en-us All materials Copyright 1997-2010 Current Analysis, Inc. Reproduction or distribution prohibited without express written consent. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:44:04 GMT http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=54128&rss Verizon has completed the spinoff of its local exchange operations in 14 states to Frontier Communications. The carriers created an integration program to reduce or eliminate cutover problems, but the success of this program remains undetermined. Whelan, Cindy 2010-07-07T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=54121&rss Cable&Wireless Worldwide’s demerger demonstrates the strength of its GBP 717 million carrier business. It must now show its commitment to the carrier channel with further product and service innovation. Chappell, Caroline 2010-07-06T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=54124&rss Telefonica Multinational Solutions extends its mobile service footprint in the U.S. with white label service from Verizon Global Wholesale; a logical move to fortify its position in the Americas and serve its existing base of 800 MNCs. Weldon, Kathryn 2010-07-06T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53981&rss Colt’s rebranding as an information delivery company strengthens its appeal to wholesale customers with enterprise clients. Chappell, Caroline 2010-06-23T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53969&rss Wholesale services are rapidly evolving in innovative directions, including for example IP/ Ethernet services, and specific packages for content providers and mobile operators. This report examines the major carriers’ efforts to innovate. Stradling, Joel 2010-06-22T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53921&rss BICS’ rebranding gives the company a higher profile in the crowded carrier market as it bids to become a market leader in voice and mobile services Chappell, Caroline 2010-06-18T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53909&rss TSIC’s goal of becoming one of the top three IP carriers in the world by the end of 2010 is by no means certain as competitors move in on the voice front. Chappell, Caroline 2010-06-17T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53913&rss Allied Fiber is embarking on its plan to build fiber routes connecting New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. The strategy mixes long-haul route choice, short-haul taps, and colos, but it remains unclear if it can replicate the trick. Washburn, Brian 2010-06-17T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53874&rss Orange International Carriers is competitive in the global carrier-to-carrier market based on existing entrenchment and comprehensive infrastructure and reach. Orange mobile services lend positive synergies for a strong mobile line-up. Stradling, Joel 2010-06-15T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53834&rss Verizon has integrated its international and U.S. wholesale organizations into a single business unit with a single strategy. The combined organization presents a stronger global image and a simplified business structure to wholesale customers. Whelan, Cindy 2010-06-10T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53826&rss Covad continues to execute on its strategy to enhance services for wholesale partners and resellers, launching offers that include MPLS VPN and Ethernet access services. Covad must maintain its momentum through its planned merger with MegaPath. Whelan, Cindy 2010-06-09T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53806&rss TI Sparkle continues to consolidate its network as a primary Mediterranean hub with new nodes and capacity investments. The carrier is well-positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities through product innovation and partners. Stradling, Joel 2010-06-07T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53689&rss Competitors need to keep a watching brief on Interoute’s new push into the mobile market, but so far this remains at the transport outsourcing level. Stradling, Joel 2010-05-27T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53619&rss Colt gave a positive impression during its analyst event, the first in a while, informing the analyst community of its fresh image and its progress in moving from a traditional telco to an integrated IT, service and network provider. Stradling, Joel - Barton, Gary 2010-05-19T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53553&rss NTT Communications is one of the world’s largest communications providers in terms of revenues; and its Tier 1 global network offers considerable scale and reach to support competitive global IP transit. Whelan, Cindy 2010-05-14T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53541&rss Tata Communications’ new Global Carrier Solutions division, with its emphasis on international managed services, is pacing AT&T, Verizon, BT, and other carriers with similar ambitions. O'Boyle, Sandra 2010-05-12T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53527&rss Now that the corporate barriers are down between KPN International and iBasis, the companies must prove they can deliver joint wholesale opportunities in a converging market. O'Boyle, Sandra 2010-05-11T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53503&rss Akamai’s massive server count (62,000+) positions it to deliver more than just CDN services. The company is poised to enter the cloud computing realm with a hybrid CDN/hosting capability. Larsen DeCarlo, Amy 2010-05-10T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53490&rss Internap, with a new executive team in place, is shifting its mix to include more company owned facilities and move away from third-party sites as it looks to better differentiate its offering and control more elements of the solution. Larsen DeCarlo, Amy 2010-05-10T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53489&rss Limelight’s partnership with Bharti Airtel gives it a key foothold into the Indian and Asian marketplaces, addressing a perceived global weakness that put the company at a disadvantage versus its nemesis, Akamai. Larsen DeCarlo, Amy 2010-05-10T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53420&rss Equinix’s purchase of Switch and Data made it through stringent regulatory reviews and is completed, eliminating a competitor and solidifying the company’s role as a leader in the carrier-neutral data center market. Whelan, Cindy 2010-05-05T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53367&rss AT&T has the depth and breadth of services and the network coverage to serve most providers. AT&T’s 2010 plans include expansion of strategic services along with development of tools to help carrier customers manage demand for emerging services. Whelan, Cindy 2010-05-03T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53245&rss CenturyLink has made a bid to acquire Qwest, a company more than twice its size. The move may seem brash and risky upfront, but the all-stock deal actually may be too conservative to keep out counter-offers from other interested parties. Washburn, Brian - Whelan, Cindy 2010-04-26T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53154&rss The financial industry is demanding higher performance and willing to pay a premium for it. Level 3 stepped up its Chicago-NYC low-latency focus with an assortment of techniques to shave tiny but valuable fractions of a second off the route. Washburn, Brian 2010-04-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53121&rss Equinix comes out swinging with the launch of Carrier Ethernet Exchange in five markets, with 24 members onboard. Equinix is leading the deployment of Ethernet exchange facilities, with services to be available in 14 IBX locations by early 2011. Whelan, Cindy 2010-04-14T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53099&rss BT Wholesale absorbs BT’s Media and Broadcast activities in readiness for a new push into content delivery. O'Boyle, Sandra 2010-04-13T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53043&rss Demand for mobile backhaul and switched Ethernet are a focus for U.S. wholesale providers, driving network expansion and new interconnection models. Established carriers are enhancing networks and cable operators are moving deeper into the market. Whelan, Cindy 2010-04-05T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=53011&rss Privately held companies MegaPath and Covad plan to combine operations, in a good fit for service portfolios and network architectures. The deal will get Covad back into retail services, while MegaPath joins Covad's national colocation footprint. Washburn, Brian 2010-04-01T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52995&rss Tata Communications held its global analyst and media summit in London. The carrier is an established power house in global wholesale, and is now looking to ramp up momentum in the MNC segment which represents a challenge, given the competition. O'Boyle, Sandra 2010-03-31T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52982&rss In 2009, XO installed platforms capable of supporting 40 Gbps and, once the technology becomes available, 100 Gbps services. XO has rolled out the new capacity network-wide, bridging the gap until 100 Gbps is ready for roll-out. Washburn, Brian 2010-03-30T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52933&rss IP exchange is making the headlines with more commercially defined offerings being announced by major players. Early movers include DT ICSS, Tata, TIWS, iBasis, and BT. With all this activity, what differentiates one IPX from another? Stradling, Joel 2010-03-24T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52886&rss Global Crossing’s 2010 plans call for a focus on cable and wireless operators, geographic expansion in emerging markets, and globalization of growth services. Execution of these plans will further cement the carrier’s role in the wholesale market. Whelan, Cindy 2010-03-19T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52865&rss Verizon Global Wholesale has created VoIP and Integrated Access promotions for wholesale customers targeting SMBs. Service and equipment discounts will help Verizon’s partners create solutions to win business in the highly competitive SMB market. Whelan, Cindy 2010-03-17T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52845&rss Covad jumps into the Ethernet market with its April launch of Ethernet over SDSL, bonded copper pair and DS1/DS3. Availability of higher speeds is limited, but nationwide SDSL and DS1 tiers to 12 Mbps will help Covad gain traction in the market. Whelan, Cindy 2010-03-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52835&rss DT ICSS continues to push the boundaries of wholesale innovation with the release of a SaaS-based, white label unified communications suite that marries traditional and Web 2.0 communications functions. Kehoe, Dustin 2010-03-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52841&rss Level 3 saw wholesale revenues decline 2009 due to the economic pressures, but the carrier’s recent service enhancements and capacity upgrades, along with its CDN capabilities, should help Level 3 regain lost ground in 2010. Whelan, Cindy 2010-03-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52838&rss Level 3 has brought its converged Layer 2/Layer 3 to 47 markets. Consolidating IP and Ethernet services on one edge platform lets the carrier groom and manage traffic locally, both for better performance and lower costs. Washburn, Brian 2010-03-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52496&rss Optimum Lightpath debuts 40 Gbps wavelengths network-wide. It isn't about cost advantages over 10 Gbps wavelengths; instead it's about shaving microseconds of latency off transport – considered a valuable edge by major financial industry players. Washburn, Brian 2010-02-02T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52471&rss Tata Communications improved its media play leveraging the Mosaic acquisition and Video Connect launch. The carrier has two strong levers working together to give an appealing message, but more solid market traction for Mosaic is needed. Stradling, Joel 2010-01-29T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52428&rss The partnership between XO and Hibernia Atlantic aligns two carriers with complementary coverage. While the deal may not have a substantial impact on the overall wholesale market, it does offers important benefits to each carrier. Whelan, Cindy 2010-01-21T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52408&rss BT Wholesale and C&W face aggressive new threats to their established wholesale businesses from TalkTalk, ntl:Telewest and Easynet. This report summarizes how such emerging players aim to carve out share and the competitive dynamics in the market. O'Boyle, Sandra 2010-01-20T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52239&rss Deutsche Telekom ICSS has a strong mobile wholesale range leveraging its strong global network and all-IP innovations. The carrier has a convincing one-stop shop message over a single connection, and one contract and invoice. Stradling, Joel 2009-12-11T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52234&rss IntelePeer is the latest provider to certify its SIP trunking with Microsoft OCS 2007 R2. The combination of the carrier’s Voice Peering Network and its AppworX platform also help set it apart from other certified, enterprise-focused players. Whelan, Cindy 2009-12-10T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52223&rss CeltixConnect has a convincing message based on the shortest under-sea cable connecting Dublin and North Wales for low latency. However, as a new kid on the block there will be strong challenges ahead in an intensely competitive marketplace. Stradling, Joel 2009-12-09T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=52193&rss DT ICSS is ahead of traditional carrier competitors with the launch of ‘CONX’ – an audio-visual media trading platform. Facilitating content trading is a good initiative, but the carrier must still demonstrate positive customer take-up. Stradling, Joel 2009-12-03T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51877&rss Belgacom ICS is very strong in wholesale mobile, with its nicely-wrapped and thorough Global Mobile Village. Solid entrenchment and leading technologies are bywords, but many large-scale vendors are claiming ‘me, too’ in their offerings. Stradling, Joel 2009-11-04T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51869&rss NTT’s acquisition of Pacific Crossing increases the carrier’s capacity between the U.S. and Japan, but connectivity into new countries would make the carrier’s wholesale capabilities more competitive. Whelan, Cindy 2009-11-03T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51831&rss Equinix’s acquisition of Switch and Data eliminates a rival and moves the company into a top spot as a provider of wholesale data center services. The move augments Equinix’s North American reach, but it should increase its international presence. Larsen DeCarlo, Amy - Whelan, Cindy 2009-10-28T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51835&rss FairPoint’s integration of Verizon properties in three states has been bumpy, with provisioning delays, inaccurate bills, and other issues. The bankruptcy filing buys time to fix problems, but it must rebuild credibility with wholesale customers. Whelan, Cindy 2009-10-28T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51808&rss Level 3 comes up with a new twist to solve the old problem of fiber for wireless backhaul. The carrier is working with partners building new towers in or near its own facilities, making Level 3 the preferred infrastructure provider by default. Washburn, Brian 2009-10-26T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51742&rss Orange Business Services’ network upgrade in the Middle East/Africa means greater capacities and support for IPv6 and multicast. The carrier is consolidating its regional presence, but many competitors are investing in undersea cables here. Stradling, Joel 2009-10-16T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51734&rss Sprint marks a milestone as the first Tier 1 IXC to offer VoIP peering with its launch of Partner Interexchange Network (PIN). Sprint has laid the foundation for a peering platform, but it must build up membership for PIN to offer real value. Whelan, Cindy 2009-10-15T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51674&rss Equinix has entered the carrier Ethernet market with plans to develop its Carrier Ethernet Exchange platform with Alcatel-Lucent. Interconnection standards are still being finalized, but Equinix can show customers a strategy for future services. Whelan, Cindy 2009-10-07T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51681&rss NTELOS' wholesale business rests largely with one customer. The acquisition of Allegheny Energy's fiber assets and wholesale business gives NTELOS an opportunity to expand services and build up this segment. Washburn, Brian - Whelan, Cindy 2009-10-07T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51673&rss TI Sparkle has given its CDN play a big injection by partnering with CDNetworks. TI Sparkle has created a dedicated sales team, and combining its network assets with CDNetworks’ expertise result in TI Sparkle becoming a highly credible CDN vendor. Stradling, Joel 2009-10-07T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51597&rss AT&T’s wholesale VoIP enhancements provide U.S.-based AVOICS customers with lower-cost access options and international GHIA customers with proactive rate change updates, features that can help carrier customers manage business more efficiently. Whelan, Cindy 2009-09-23T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51540&rss Qwest Mobile Ethernet Backhaul will provide mobile operators with a scalable, high capacity alternative to T1 backhaul services. But Qwest is in the early stages of deployment and will need to build out access to cell sites from its network. Whelan, Cindy 2009-09-17T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51505&rss BT Wholesale will provide Vodafone UK with national fixed IP-enabled voice and data services in a new five-year deal. This win proves BT Wholesale’s independence from retail divisions and the value of its managed services for enterprises. Stradling, Joel 2009-09-11T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51471&rss BT Wholesale launches a managed broadband connection service to IPstream Connect that supports both legacy and 21CN broadband service aggregation on a single backhaul platform. The move will encourage end-users onto 21CN. Barton, Gary - Stradling, Joel 2009-09-08T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51436&rss Covad has dipped a toe into the Ethernet services market with its 12-state trial of Ethernet over bonded T1. Making the service is generally available will open up new service options for Covad wholesale customers. Whelan, Cindy - Washburn, Brian 2009-09-01T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51418&rss Reliance Globalcom’s new terrestrial cable system between China and India offers wholesale customers a high-reliability, low latency transport option to reach destinations in the two countries. Soh, Siow Meng - Whelan, Cindy 2009-08-28T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51344&rss One Communications beefs up its Wholesale Integrated T1 with extended reach, reduced prices in some markets and an improved customer portal. Resellers will like these new enhancements, but NxT1 access options would make the offer even better. Whelan, Cindy 2009-08-21T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51309&rss XO is installing its third-generation of long-haul transport gear, doubling the capacity with a platform that can accommodate up to 160 wavelengths and that requires lower operating costs. If margins are tight, XO is making it up with volume. Washburn, Brian 2009-08-18T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51300&rss In the U.S., Tinet has added several more PoPs, a great deal of long-haul capacity, and plans for a North American NOC in Newark, NJ. If it keeps up its expansion, the carrier could broaden its international carriage with domestic U.S. contracts. Washburn, Brian 2009-08-17T00:00:00-04:00 http://www.currentanalysis.com/COMPETE/FrontEnd/Report.aspx?rid=51203&rss Deutsche Telekom ICSS creates an early-mover advantage with the launch of its IPX service based on international and GSMA specifications. The move sets an aggressive agenda for interoperability in a segment poised for rapid expansion. Stradling, Joel 2009-08-04T00:00:00-04:00