Apocalypse No

So what was the big deal? Why were all those hands wringing? Wireless Number Portability Day was much ado about nothing, like the apocalypse that never came during the Y2K sweatfest. According to analysts, fewer than 100,000 users made porting requests on Monday, Nov. 24. Though the carriers were not seemingly overwhelmed, most reported porting failure rates in the 40% range. And though AT&T Wireless denies it, some analyst say the operator was experiencing problems with its systems that made it difficult for the service provider to port new customers to its network. http://www.nwfusion.com/edge/news/2003/1125dayafter.html

So what was the big deal? Why were all those hands wringing? Wireless Number Portability Day was much ado about nothing, like the apocalypse that never came during the Y2K sweatfest. According to analysts, fewer than 100,000 users made porting requests on Monday, Nov. 24. Though the carriers were not seemingly overwhelmed, most reported porting failure rates in the 40% range. And though AT&T Wireless denies it, some analyst say the operator was experiencing problems with its systems that made it difficult for the service provider to port new customers to its network.

https://www.nwfusion.com/edge/news/2003/1125dayafter.html

And then there were four… Verizon is the latest RBOC to throw its hat into the voice-over-IP (VoIP) service ring. The carrier plans to turn up two VoIP services next year – the first, a “non-QoS” offering for consumer DSL customers; and then a managed service offering over DSL and T-1 access lines for residences and enterprises. Verizon joins SBC, which unveiled a nationwide managed VoIP service for small and midsize businesses called PremierSERV Hosted IP Communications Service. Also, Qwest announced that it plans on delivering VoIP service using gear from Lucent and offer VoIP in Minnesota. And BellSouth recently unveiled a VoIP service for the small-business market.

https://www.nwfusion.com/edge/news/2003/1121vervoip.html

Things sounded so good when core router start-up Chiaro Networks briefed us on its progress to date: a pending VAR arrangement leading to a trial in one of Japan’s largest carriers; existing trials with 10 carriers, four in North America; and discussions with a large, established vendor on a strategic partnership – the kind of stuff start-ups that are now slashing staff and shuttering operations wish they could share with the world. Turns out Chiaro is not immune to the layoff virus infecting start-ups weak and strong after all. The company was back a week after its glowing progress report to say it’s reducing ranks by 15% due to continuing economic conditions, and a shift in priority from development to sales and marketing.

https://www.nwfusion.com/edge/news/2003/1121chicuts.html