A Swedish government Minister has called for government subsidies for broadband access bringing the price to E22-23/month.
Digital-Lifestyles pre-empted and reported thousands of articles on the then-coming impact that technology was to have on all forms of Media. Launched in 2001 as a research blog to aid its founder, Simon Perry, present at IBC 2002, it grew into a wide ranging, multi-author publication that was quoted in many publications globally including the BBC, was described by the Guardian as 'Informative' and also cited in a myriad of tech publications before closing in 2009
Moxi sales on the move
I’ve written here in glowing terms about the theory and features of the Moxi Media Centre. Back in March Diego bought Moxi and they’ve now reported receiving a positive from the cable industry at the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA) annual tradeshow in New Orleans. Motorola showed their Moxi based “Broadband Media Center’s”, the BMC8000 and 9000, which they are building under license.
They also reported their first sale to Charter Communications, the fourth largest cable company in the US, who will be deploying them in Fall this year. I’m sure there’s no coincidence that Paul Allen owns large portions of both Diego and Charter. He may succeed where his old business partner, Bill Gates, failed, in becoming THE household entertainment device.
US Library of Congress to decide on Webcasting fees
After a challenge from US radio Webcasters to the level of fees they are being asked to pay for playing songs on their station (up to $1.40 per song heard by one thousand listeners). The Library of Congress, who decides these matters, has to deliver its final determination before 20 June.
Speculation on the future use of ITV Digital’s frequency
Murmurs that the frequency that was/is used by ITV Digital in the UK could be sub-divided for wireless broadband access.
BBC Worldwide sign first interactive content deal
BBC Worldwide have just signed their first licensing deal for Interactive content with the Australian broadcaster ABC.
Microsoft announce Xbox Live
At E3, Microsoft announces details their online Multi-user broadband gaming network, “Xbox Live”. At just short of $50/year it will initially offer an “Xbox Communicator” – a mike for in game chatting with remote players. Making clear their commitment to the Xbox over the next five years they’ve also pledged a further $2Bn support budget.
BT waive ADSL activation fee
BT’s offer to wave the £65 activation fee for new ADSL users has been extended until August 2002 from the end of May.
Oftel give BT access to the hallowed ‘Blue bill’
About eight years ago I remember when working on the product structure of the pre-launch of BT’s Wireplay service (Multi-user gaming service – great idea, badly executed, later sold on). One of our suggestions involved placing various charging items on the regular or ‘Blue bill’ and BT were very clear that this was and would only be allowed to be billed for phone charges – although they very much wanted to use it.
I was really surprised to see that Oftel recently gave BT the ability to charge their broadband services on the hallowed ‘Blue bill’. Freeserve can clearly see the advantage of BT having this and have blown a gasket.
Korea now has 8.5m broadband users
The Korean government have just announced they’ve reached nearly 8.5 Million broadband users with Korea Telecom having nearly half of these. Estimates are 10M by the end of the year.
SonicBlue given some breathing space
SonicBlue have been given a stay, until 3rd June, in the court order that will force them to put software in their device that will individually monitor the viewing habits of their customer. The initial demand was made following enormous pressure from the movie and TV media owners. Perhaps the judiciary has remembered, on reflection, that this is in the ‘Land of the Free’.