The FCC quietly released its latest broadband subscriber report with details for year end 2010.   What is most compelling, but not surprising, is the fact that subscribers of fixed and mobile broadband were also equal with fixed at 84.5 million and mobile at 84.4 million subscribers. Given the growth rate of mobile broadband (nearly 64% year-over-year), mobile broadband likely surpassed the fixed number during the 1st quarter of 2011. The biggest differential between the two

It’s both good news and bad news:  demand for broadband in North America was flat during 3Q11, growing 1% to reach 98.5M, with net additions nearing 1 million.  However, net additions are down almost 25% from the same period last year.  Historically, 3Q is always a banner quarter where demand for services rebound from the lulls of 2Q, when college students suspend or cancel subscriptions and people tend to move. But this year it is different.  Broadband penetration has reache

At its October 27, 2011 meeting, the FCC voted unanimously to comprehensively reform its Universal Service Fund and intercarrier compensation systems and create a new Connect America Fund with an annual budget of no more than $4.5 billion; down significantly from the $8 billion that currently flows through the USF. Here is how the CAF annual budget is expected to be distributed: Rate of Return Carriers: $2,000,000,000 Price Cap Carriers: $1,800,000,000 Mobility Fund: $500,000

The Broadband Commission for Digital Development was formed in May 2010 by the ITU and UNESCO.  The goals are to define practical ways in which countries can provide access to broadband networks, in cooperation with the private sector. The Broadband Commission believe that broadband networks are a basic infrastructure similar to roads, electricity and water; and is are increasingly the foundation of public services and social progress.  To date they have held four meetings wi

Netflix is scheduled to release its 3Q11 earning report after financial markets close here in the U.S.  Since its lasts earnings call, Netflix has experienced significant highs and lows. The highs include: The launch of Netflix in 43 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean Surpassing 1 million subscribers in Canada Support for Android devices Agreements with AMC, Discovery, Dreamworks Animation, CBS and NBC Universal The forthcoming launch in the U.K and Ireland in early

The European Commission, as part of its Digital Agenda, has proposed spending €9.2 billion on broadband projects between 2014-2020.  This funding is part of a bigger project – Connect Europe Facility (CEF) which proposes €50 billion on projects associated with transportation, energy and ICT.  According to the EU – the funding will  “leverage other private and public money, by giving infrastructure projects credibility and lowering their risk profiles” – which is critical to f

Welcome to the broadbandtrends blog.  We plan to post thoughts, analysis and opinion on news and trends related to broadband, video and smartgrid. The 3Q11 results season is upon us and will likely result in a wealth of discussion opportunities. Thanks for checking us out. #broadband #earnings #IPTV #cable #smartgrid #multiscreen #video #regulatory