Video Conferencing for Small Businesses

By James A. Martin
April 3, 2008

Video conferencing and Web conferencing options for small businesses include:

WebEx ($39-$49/month per person) provides Web conferencing that includes on-demand, online meetings combining video conferencing, IM and shared desktops and applications. The WebEx service works within your Web browser; there’s no need to install an application.

SightSpeed Business ($20/month per person) includes features such as the capability to record video and voice conferences, video mail, file sharing and multiple video viewing modes. (Separately, SightSpeed also offers a free personal video chat service.) With either option, you’ll need to download and install an application to use the service.

Packet8 Virtual Office ($25/month and up), a VoIP service for small businesses, recently added video conferencing via the Packet8 Virtual Office Tango Video Terminal Adapter (VTA). The device uses a built-in, five-inch color screen and a 180-degree rotating camera to capture video. Among the system’s features: You can initiate video conferences by clicking to dial a contact in Microsoft Outlook. The Tango VTA costs $100-$150. Video conferencing is a free add-on for subscribers of Packet8 Virtual Office VoIP service plans.

Polycom, Tandberg and Microsoft also offer a variety of voice and video conferencing systems for small and midsized businesses.

Telepresence: The term used for ultra-expensive video conferencing systems from Cisco Systems, Hewlett-Packard and others. Telepresence systems are aimed at large enterprises. Participants in one telepresence room interact with participants in a remote telepresence conference room. The remote participants are represented in high-definition, life-like size.

Webcams

Each participant in a video conference must have a Webcam attached to, or built into, his or her computer. Laptops from Apple, Asus, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Sony and others feature built-in Webcams. Webcams connect to your computer via USB and are available from Logitech, Microsoft, andCreative Labs for $125 or less.

The better low-cost Webcams today, such as Logitech's QuickCam Pro 9000 ($99), offer 2-megapixel image sensors. Webcams built into consumer laptops sometimes deliver lower-quality, 0.3-megapixel resolution.

Pay attention to the Webcam's frames-per-second (fps) rate. For the most fluid motion, look for a Webcam with 30 fps (some offer only 24 fps).

Usually, Webcams feature a built-in microphone. For the best audio quality, consider using a separate microphone connected to your computer. A headset with a microphone you can place close to your mouth might help people hear you more clearly.

The more bandwidth on your network, and the more horsepower your computer has, the better your video conferencing experience should be. For example, some Logitech Webcams when combined with Skype 3.6 promise "high-quality" video chats. But to experience it, each person participating in the chat must have a PC with a dual-core processor.

Is Security a Concern?

Any online activity comes with security risks and video conferencing is no exception. For example, last year Yahoo had to tweak its Messenger IM software because hackers were fooling people into accepting malicious software disguised as video chat invitations. Overall, though, such threats have been rare.

What’s Next?

Affordable high-definition video conferencing for consumers is on its way, and it’s likely such services will work their way up into the business realm. Example: OoVoo is teaming with Quanta Computer to bring video conferencing to people with HDTVs. The service is likely to be available later this year at consumer-friendly prices.

James A. Martin has years of experience covering technology, and he's also the author of Traveler 2.0, a blog that provides technology news and views for travelers.

Systems for Military

"Let him who desires peace, prepare for war."
- Vegetius

Prepare for War

It is a fact that the U.S. military has always done best when prepared for war. Most experts agree that the many stunning successes during the Gulf War were related to our excellence in training, the growing ability for the various armed forces to work together in an integrated fashion and the quick access commanders have to information.

Each of these facets of information technology form a hub of General Projection's capabilities to design and build military oriented training, briefing and command/control facilities.

Many people have grown concerned that the military with shrinking forces and budgets would not continue to invest in communication technologies, simulation and training. Yet, just the opposite has been true. Military leaders at every grade recognize the need and advantage to communicate efficiently and to command the most highly trained forces in the world.

Design

Design of the military system must include such key features as:

• Screen size meeting MilStd1472 and industry minimums.
• Resolution to meet or exceed source equipment such as PC's running Power Point.
• Sound systems to support the reinforcement of the briefer's voice as well as the playback of media such as DVD's, VCR's, sound files, etc.
• Acoustic and lighting considerations for the type of facility and its uses.

Typical Objectives (right from SOW's we have written):

1. To provide the rapid dissemination of information to officers and staffs to maximize knowledge transfer and/ortraining as well as command decisions.
2. To allow collaboration by executive-level officers from distant locations through the conferencing capabilities.
3. To provide for distance learning and full video conferencing to support training and conferencing requirements
4. To maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of limited resources by supporting automated user-friendly interfaces to new technologies.
5. To provide a flexible, easy to upgrade system that provides room for expansion in order to support enhanced requirements.
6. To minimize technical risk factors in the engineering and selection of equipment for the system.
7. To provide interoperability and compatibility with other services, component commanders and commands.
8. To maximize the integration of system capabilities (voice, video and data).

Design Resources
If you are in the process of designing a new facility or upgrade, visit our AV System Designsection. In this we cover a variety of design topics and considerations as well as provide resources to some excellent design information sites. Also, visit our Vendor Support page for links to vendors of products that may fit your needs.

Many military facilities require furniture that will support the audiovisual and video conferencing needs of the project (such as smart lecterns, high-tech conference tables and teaching stations). Visit our Furnishing Designconsiderations page for more information on that subject.

Using Videoconferencing in the Classroom

Using Videoconferencing in the Classroom

New technologies such as videoconferencing bring new ways for teachers to work with students and encourage the development of strategies more consistent with the emerging technology. Although the use of videoconferencing is fairly new to the classroom there are numerous ways which creative educators have already found to use this new medium. Videoconferencing is an interactive communication medium which lets students and teachers have a visual connection to those they are working with whether they are down the hall, across the street or on the other side of the globe. With the introduction of low cost conferencing systems, which permit the use of inexpensive cameras and low cost or free software such as the Cornell version of CU-SeeMe, videoconferencing will be in the hands of even more educators as the Internet becomes more available in the school setting.

There are many ways that videoconferencing might be used in a classroom. Below are some of ways that it has already been successfully used.

Collaborations
Project work or research collaborations among classes allow those in different locations to share a visual connection even when a face-to-face visit may not be feasible. Groups from locations around the world can now work together, adding a dimension beyond a text based or e-mail project.

Sharing or informal chats
Showing projects, sharing books read or reading original written pieces can be the basis for rich communication and the formation of relationships between learners or between learners and those mentoring them.

Reporting news
Videoconferencing can be used to show current events as they happen. Eclipses, cyberevents and celebrations such as those which take place during National Science Foundation's Science and Technology Week, and NASA space flights have been broadcast for others to view.

Planning
Planning projects or future events with those in distant locations has been successfully done using videoconferences. Teachers and students can meet to plan their work, a conference, lesson or to touch base on progress towards a goal. Meeting to plan workshops for teachers or to plan with a business partner or university student teacher can all be done via this medium as well. Teachers can form a teaching team with remote teachers and plan lessons or even mentor another teacher during the planning process.

Guest Experts
Scientists, politicians or those with special expertise have been able to visit with students in their classrooms without ever leaving their office. Videoconferencing can give students access to people they might not otherwise have been able to interact with. Distance is no longer a factor in being able to hold a meeting, conduct a panel discussion, meet with an author or receive feed back on a science project from an expert.

Guest Visitors
Costumed guests representing a specific historical or literary figure have been able to interact with students and role-play their character through a presentation and question-answer session. Using videoconferencing in this way adds another level of interaction to an activity which in the past has been successfully conducted through e-mail.

Training
Students and teachers have been able to learn to use new software or techniques during videoconferences. Even learning to navigate the Internet or create a web page can be done during a videoconferencing training session. Businesses have been able to offer job orientations and training to future employees as part of career preparation activities.

Virtual Field Trips
Aquariums, zoos, museums, libraries, hospitals and other facilities have been able to offer tours or specific programs for students. When distance, cost or time factors are deterrents to students taking a field trip to a location which would enhance their study, virtual field trips can often be arranged.

Team Learning and Teaching
Teaching teams made up of students and teachers can be formedto provide experiences for those on the team. Much can be learned from those living in a different area or possessing content expertise. Presentations from various locations made by the teams can be enhanced with the newer features available in some of the videoconferencing packages.

Student Competitions
Spelling Bees, Geography Bees, Trivia Challenges or other types of student contests and competitions can be held on-line allowing students to compete with those from other areas. This could even be a culminating team activity to test or review the information collected during collaborative projects.

SlideShare Business: LeadShare & AdShare

Remember to Display Images You can also view this newsletter online

ROI for even the smallest businesses & budgets On Tuesday we announced the launch of SlideShare Business, a new section of the site geared towards businesses on SlideShare. (We're hoping the name is self-explanatory). SlideShare Business has two paid services, LeadShare & AdShare. Both are designed to help you grow your business and only take a minute to set up. Even a $5 budget is enough to get going. When was the last time you could try a new revenue stream with your lunch money? LeadShare When someone is browsing your content, LeadShare asks for their contact information. These leads are potential customers you can follow up with and put in to your CRM system. The point is to translate interested viewers into real revenue. Try LeadShare AdShare AdShare promotes your business on SlideShare. You are promoted next to contextually relevant content and in pertinent geographies. AdShare is designed to complement LeadShare and create revenue. Try AdShare

Introducing Telepresence in the Palm of Your Hand

On October 5th, 2009 LifeSize announced the launch of LifeSize Passport. This phenomenal technical achievement is like no other communication device ever built. Passport is the smallest and most powerful HD video conferencing solution on the market anywhere. It is one more step forward in our mission to change the way the world communicates. LifeSize Passport delivers:
True HD video quality - 720p30
Optimized for individual offices, teleworkers and collaboration rooms
The first HD video communication system that works with Skype™
Starting at $2,499 USD
Passport truly redefines video communication.
Watch a quick video of Craig Malloy, LifeSize’s CEO introducing Passport to the world. LifeSize Passport is truly Telepresence in the palm of your hand.See for yourself.If you want to learn more about passport, email us or call 877.LIFESIZE.Regards,The Lifesize Team

Experience Superior Communication

Experience the world’s first full HD video communications system. One look and you can see for yourself that the LifeSize® difference is the LifeSize experience - superior video experiences across cities, across countries, and across continents.

With the LifeSize® Room 200™ solution, you get every bit of quality available today, with full High Definition, standards-based 1080p30 for the highest available resolution and 720p60 for the best motion handling with lower latency. Plus, you get an embedded 6-way Continuous Presence multipoint bridge (with 4 visible participants), complete with transcoding and all digital I/O in a compact, sleek unit that’s less than half the size of comparable solutions.

Flexibility is enhanced, since our exemplary attention to the human interface ensures that the LifeSize Room 200 system is easy to use. And because we’re committed to open architecture, proven LifeSize interoperability provides full integration into your existing communications infrastructure.

You also get unprecedented bandwidth/performance:

• 768kbps for 720p30
• 1.1Mbps for 720p60
• 1.7Mbps for 1080p30

In today’s world, it's better than being there.

In addition to technology, service, and support, LifeSize offers the most interactive, face-to-face video communications experience you can get. In fact, the LifeSize Room 200’s exceptional quality and ease-of-use now make remote communications a more productive, true-to-life experience. And like all LifeSize products, LifeSize Room 200 delivers superior quality of experience, unique flexibility, and unmatched price performance.

BlackBerry® Curve™ 8520 Introduced by Ufone, Priced at PKR 25,000

Blackberry has created some buzz this week, as earlier Mobilink Introduced Blackberry Storm, and now Ufone has come up with BlackBerry® Curve™ 8520. Both phones are exclusive, for their operators.

However, Ufone’s approach sounds better as they came with mid level price tagged blackberry, however, Mobilink opted for high end phone.

BlackBerry® Curve™ 8520 Price: RS. 25,000
Specifications and features are given here

Below is the Press Release

Living up to its commitment of introducing the most innovative and tech savvy services, Ufone one of the leading telecom companies of Pakistan, is proud to bring you the most affordable and exciting BlackBerry yet.

The BlackBerry® Curve™ 8520 is surely to take the industry by storm with its newest features which have never been offered before. It is the lowest priced new generation BlackBerry in the world, being offered for just Rs. 25,000/- The Gemini (Curve™ 8520) is the most innovative and competitively priced handset within the BlackBerry family which has been designed to satisfy the common man’s communication needs & to help them stay in touch while on the move.

At the end of this divine month of Ramadan, BlackBerry has become a reality instead of just a dream. It has become the perfect EID gift from Ufone for anyone who desires mobility, convenience and confidence to move among the corporate brass.

The sleek and shiny BlackBerry® Curve™ 8520 smart phone is jam packed with the coolest features like high resolution display, dedicated media keys, smooth track pad navigation, social networking, immediate iTunes and Macintosh compatibility. It also comes with a 2.0 Megapixel camera/camcorder and is Wi-Fi enabled.

Speaking about this exciting new handheld, Mr. Taimur Faiz Cheema, Head of VAS Ufone said, “This sleek and modern solution from BlackBerry will surely attract every Pakistani customer who has an interest in staying in touch while on the move. This unique smart phone delivers an amazing blend of affordability, functionality, performance, usability and design – making it an ideal choice for both professionals and power users in Pakistan.”

Video Conferencing Helps Cut Travel, Says USA Today

Written by Jeannie on June 23rd, 2009

TANDBERG Telepresence T3

According to a recent USA Today article, video conferencing helps cut travel costs. The article notes that airlines and hotels are “spooked,” as more companies continue to invest in the technology.

It’s no wonder: In 2008 the global video conferencing market grew 24% to $2.4 billion, according to Roopam Jain, a technology analyst at Frost & Sullivan. The firm forecasts the market will more than double, to reach $5.7 billion by 2013. Is your company using telepresence or video conferencing yet?

Global Architecture Firm Saves $120K On One Meeting With Video Conferencing

Written by Jeannie on June 25th, 2009

Qatar Science & Technology Park, Dubai

Forbes magazine recently interviewed the CIO of global architecture firm Woods Bagot about their use of video conferencing to support their “global studio.” “We’re not like other practices, where someone in the New York office doesn’t know someone else in the Chicago office. We leverage our skill pool globally. We have experts from Dubai, Sydney and San Francisco working on a very large development in the Middle East,” he said.

Enabling their experts to easily meet face-to-face and collaborate anytime with each other and clients is a priority for the firm, and why they were drawn to video conferencing. Not only has Woods Bagot’s global deployment of video helped streamline business processes and improved client relations, the savings for the first board meeting replaced by visual communications was $120,000 just for airfare. Now board meetings are held more often at a fraction of the previous costs, which has helped speed decision making.

Telepresence Helps Widen the Hiring Net

Written by Jeannie on June 30th, 2009

TANDBERG Telepresence T1

One Communications uses telepresence to improve their hiring process. With two headquarters — one in Waltham, Mass., and one in Rochester, N.Y. — as well as executives split up among several locations throughout the country, the company found it could use telepresence to make hiring new employees more efficient and less costly.

According to InfoWorld, executives prefer to conduct interviews on the large HD plasma screens rather than over phone because they can clearly read body language during interviews and evaluate a candidate’s character. When they ask tough questions, they can assess the candidate’s reaction. It’s also less expensive than flying in candidates for in-person interviews.

Read about other innovative applications for visual communications here.

Telecommuting on the Rise, Video Conferencing Helps Remote Workers Maintain Important Face-Time

Written by Jeannie on July 6th, 2009

Teleworking could save 84 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually

A recent report by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation predicts that telecommuting could grow fourfold in the U.S. to 19 million and deliver substantial economic, environmental and quality of life benefits over the next 12 years. Spurred by advances in IT, such as video conferencing, many businesses have turned to telecommuting as a viable solution to cut costs, increase productivity, and expand the universe of potential employees. In fact, Fortune Magazine found that 82 out of the 100 Best U.S. Companies to work for provide telecommuting opportunities today, compared with only 18 in 1998. Furthermore, if those who could work from home did so half of the time, 84 million metric tons of greenhouse gas would be saved annually.

The report calls for the government to pursue policies to accelerate and maximize telecommuting. Video conferencing is an integral technology for teleworkers who need to maintain important face-time with managers and other remote teammates. More proof that now is the time to invest in visual communications solutions.

See how much you could save on your commute with TANDBERG’s Commuter Cost Calculator.

Video Conferencing Brings Fragmented Families Closer

Video conferencing brings families together

Video conferencing has helped many families of divorce cope with the struggles of staying connected while living apart. A recent article in theHuffington Post details how Utah resident Michael Gough worried that his ex-wife’s relocation to Wisconsin would hinder his parental involvement. He sought to have the right to video conference with his daughter and as a result Utah was the first state to pass legislation for virtual visitation in 2004. Since then, Wisconsin, Florida, Texas and North Carolina have all passed similar legislation.

“With video conferencing, I was able to read bedtime stories, help her with her homework and even watch her open up a present,” said Gough.

How has video conferencing brought you closer to family and friends?

Three Key Things to Consider When Choosing Video Conferencing Solutions

Video Conferencing Buyers Guide

Three key things businesses should consider when choosing visual communications solutions are:

1.Quality of video:

To experience the optimal benefits of video communications, HD quality is absolute. With anything less than HD video, you quickly begin to lose the feeling of connectedness with the person on the other end because facial expressions, reactions, and visual cues become less apparent. This is a key differentiator between business caliber video and consumer video.

2. Total experience
When considering the entire video experience, ask: Is it easy to connect with everyone in the organization via multipoint calls? Can you collaborate by showing desktops and applications? Is the solution easy to deploy, manage, and scale as you grow? Does the quality the video projects reflect well on your business’ image?

3. Security
Lastly, because consumer PC video solutions are web-based and not designed for business use, they may be susceptible to security risks which can result in confidential information getting into the wrong hands.

Video Conferencing Helps Maintain Business Continuity During Swine Flu Outbreaks

Much of the recent discussion about video conferencing and telepresence revolves around their ability to replace travel, and the associated cost and time savings. But business continuity is a critical benefit that is now more pertinent than ever with the CDC’s prediction that up to 40% of the population will be impacted by Swine Flu in the coming months.

With the CDC recommending that people who have symptoms or have been exposed to others with symptoms stay home, telework is fast becoming a must have for companies preparing to deal with mass absences. Telework has historically drawn mixed feelings from managers who don’t want to lose control, and employees who don’t want to lose face-time. Video conferencing solves these concerns by enabling workers to instantly interact face-to-face as easily as making a phone call. The advanced content sharing abilities of today’s systems maintains the same level of collaboration and productivity for workers as if they were in the office – sometimes even more.

Watch this interview with TANDBERG Americas President Rick Snyder about the business continuity benefits of telework and how it’s enhanced by visual communications:

Video Conferencing is Helping Schools Get Smarte

Engaging the current generation of students who have been raised on technology can be a challenge to say the least. But some innovative schools are harnessing students’ advanced knowledge and love of tech tools to implement creative teaching methods with tools like SMART Boards to teach math and reading, Nintendo Wiis to promote fitness, and video conferencing to connect students to anyone and anyplace in the world for unlimited learning opportunities.

In a recent Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article, Anthony Rubet, a student at Andrew Street High School in Munhall, PA, said, “Last year, we talked to NASA as they were getting ready to go to Mars.”

Another opportunity cited is the possibility that students can take classes that may not be offered at their own schools – Mandarin for example – through distance education over video conferencing with another school that teaches it.

“You can do anything you want,” said Luther Parrish, a student at Andrew Street. “Say someone wants to talk to an engineer; you can find one.”

Watch this video to see how students in Stamford, TX are learning and teaching others with video conferencing:

Is Video Conferencing & Telepresence Usage a Good Indicator of a Green Company?

The latest issue of Newsweek lists The Greenest Big Companies in America – the majority of which use video conferencing and/or telepresence to help reduce travel. Coincidence?

While use of video technology was not listed in the criteria for selection, it is certainly one of the fastest and easiest ways for a company to drastically cut carbon emissions by eliminating the need for travel.

So, should lists like this include video usage among its criteria for the “Greenest” companies? I think so. What do you think?

Remote Healthcare With Video Conferencing is Increasing Successful Treatment

The use of video conferencing in telemedicine is revolutionizing care by providing patients with access to experts and healthcare providers they might not otherwise be able to see.

In London, the most ethnically diverse city in the world, Broadwater Farm Health Centre uses video to connect non-English speaking patients with translators, removing the language barrier to help ensure successful treatment.

Universtiy Hospital of Umea, Sweden used video conferencing to facilitate long-distance speech therapy from local centres and patients’ homes. The removal of lengthy travel has enabled increased sessions, resulting in faster time to recovery.

Specialists on Call have significantly shortened the time to treatment for stroke victims by making remote specialists available via video to approve the administration of life-saving medication. Watch the video:

See how other healthcare organizations are using video conferencing to help people.

There’s More to Telepresence Than Just Hardware

For a business investment as high profile as telepresence, seeing a solid return on investment is important.

Many companies who chose a telepresence solution based on discounted hardware typically realize hidden costs that outweigh the value. That is why it is so important to research your options and make sure you ask vendors some key questions that can help you take a deeper look at the possible choices available for telepresence solutions.

Check out the Telepresence Buyers Guide to see some recommended questions to ask when researching telepresence options.

Do you have any other recommended questions or considerations?

Is IT the Key for SMBs to Get Ahead of the Competition?

According to a recent article in AsiaOne small companies worldwide are transforming themselves into global players by effectively using information technology to, among other things, manage costs. One example discussed is the use of video conferencing to replace travel.

In fact, travel replacement is often cited as the greatest benefit of video conferencing for SMBs who need to get the most productivity out of their often limited staff and time. The New England Credit Union uses video conferencing to reduce travel and increase communication among 150 employees at multiple branches. “It’s 3 days by car, 3 hours by plane, and 3 seconds on video,” said one executive.

Swanke Hayden Connell Architects, a firm with a staff of 350, cut costs and increased productivity with team video conferencing. “Video conferencing means we can truly work across boundaries to collaborate on projects. It’s a huge boon for productivity and I wish we’d done it sooner,” said David Hughes, CEO, Swanke Hayden Connell Architects.

Polycom: A potential takeover target following Cisco-Tandberg deal

With Cisco gobbling up Tandberg for $3 billion and bolstering its video conferencing lineup all eyes turn to Polycom, another market leader that looks ripe to be acquired. If not, Polycom is expected to be able to hold its own against Cisco.

Cisco’s acquisition of Tandberg gives the company a bigger installed base for its telepresence products and an arsenal of lower-end video conferencing gear. Polycom will either need to compete head-on, or be acquired. Analysts seem to be betting that Polycom will be acquired. If not, analysts say Polycom (all resources at ZDNet, TechRepublic) can gain video conferencing share in the short run as Cisco completes the Tandberg purchase.

Cowen analyst John Marchetti notes that Polycom can find plenty of partners given that Tandberg is now owned by Cisco. Marchetti adds that Polycom can compete with Cisco, which is likely to take a hands off approach with Tandberg, but it’s hard to rule out a takeover in the future. Marchetti says:

We believe that Polycom still has significant room for growth given our positive view on the video conferencing market and its strong product offerings in enterprise video collaboration. Further, from a partnership perspective, Polycom likely benefits as other equipment vendors look for an opportunity to work more closely with Polycom. Lastly, while acquisition possibilities likely look to increase for Polycom over the near term, we think, given its voice business, that Polycom is a little more complicated and expect that if a deal does occur, it will take some time to happen and do expect an announcement is imminent.

That voice business that Marchetti refers to is the other side of Polycom. The company is a specialist in video conferencing but also provides voice conferencing and devices for calls. That voice business could complicate a takeover.

Simply put, an acquisition of Polycom may take some time. Piper Jaffray analyst Troy Jenson says that Polycom can do fine on its own. Jenson said Cisco’s Tandberg takeover could benefit Polycom and other competitors like LifeSize.

Here are Jenson’s reasons to believe that Polycom can compete with Cisco/Tandberg:

• The overall industry is going;
• Polycom is the only big video player remaining;
• Tandberg customers may pause ahead of the Cisco integration;
• Polycom can land new channel partners that may not want to sell Cisco gear;
• And Polycom can cherry pick Tandberg sales talent.

In the long run, however, Polycom is likely to be an enticing target for a larger fish looking for a video conferencing play.

ISPs Not Happy with PTCL’s 1 MB DSL for Rs. 299

Internet Service Providers’ Association of Pakistan has termed 1 MB DSL for Rs. 299 (in selected areas), as anti-competitive.

ISPAK in a communication with PTA has requested the authority to check such moves by the PTCL to save total collapse of the broadband industry. ISPAK said that such promotions by PTCL will lead industry to:

1. All DSL operators eventually packing and closing shop
2. Telecom operators who are investing in heavily in various broadband technologies will be forced to rethink about their investments, the end result of which could be a monopoly in the country in broadband, maybe that is what PTCL is trying to achieve with such promotions.

When we spoke with spoke with Mr Wahaj us Siraj, Chief Executive Officer, Micronet Broadband, he said that PTCL’s wholesale price of IP bandwidth to ISPs is not less than US$ 150/Mbit if an ISP purchases 1,000 Mbits of bandwidth. Keeping this in view, if ISP’s wholesale price for 2 Mbits is $300 (Rs. 24,000), how ISP can sell same at Rs. 2,000 to an end user.

“PTA is silent on this issue. They’re not supporting industry and leaning towards the large incumbent operator. PTCL is actually trying to kill competition by hook or by crook. If it succeeds in this, which they would if regulator remains silent, it would monopolize the market again and customers would be left with no choice but to use PTCL only” he added.

It merits mentioning here that PTCL has been offering I MB DSL link for PKR 299 (3.6 USD) per month, with subsidiary from USF.

However, it must be noted that PTCL is offering this package only in those cities where there is no other ISP providing broadband services and USF encourages ISPs to offer broadband services in un-served areas by subsidizing the services, through bidding.

In this regards, when we spoke with Mr. Pervaiz Iftikhar, Chief Executive Officer, USF, he said that USF’s aim is to take broadband in un-served and under-served areas of Pakistan. For the purpose, USF conducts a transparent bidding process, where everyone is invited to participate. He further told that USF will provide subsidiary for infrastructure for broadband to winning bidders, but only after reaching target, for instance in Faisalabad Telecom Region, target is 100,000 broadband customers.

Parvaiz Iftikhar further added that it’s PTA’s mandate to regulate the industry – and this particular issue is clearly between ISPAK, PTA and PTCL.

When we spoke with a broadband analyst regarding this, he said that it is true that PTCL’s package is provided only in those cities where there was no broadband before, however, ISPAK’s viewpoint of anti-competitiveness of this package can’t be ruled out. “Price cut in one area will impact countrywide broadband industry, sooner or later, moreover, it’s not that if today one company is not providing services in some cities, then they won’t go there for entire life” he concluded.

We could not get PTA’s viewpoint over the matter.

ISPs Not Happy with PTCL’s 1 MB DSL for Rs. 299

Internet Service Providers’ Association of Pakistan has termed 1 MB DSL for Rs. 299 (in selected areas), as anti-competitive.

ISPAK in a communication with PTA has requested the authority to check such moves by the PTCL to save total collapse of the broadband industry. ISPAK said that such promotions by PTCL will lead industry to:

1. All DSL operators eventually packing and closing shop
2. Telecom operators who are investing in heavily in various broadband technologies will be forced to rethink about their investments, the end result of which could be a monopoly in the country in broadband, maybe that is what PTCL is trying to achieve with such promotions.

When we spoke with spoke with Mr Wahaj us Siraj, Chief Executive Officer, Micronet Broadband, he said that PTCL’s wholesale price of IP bandwidth to ISPs is not less than US$ 150/Mbit if an ISP purchases 1,000 Mbits of bandwidth. Keeping this in view, if ISP’s wholesale price for 2 Mbits is $300 (Rs. 24,000), how ISP can sell same at Rs. 2,000 to an end user.

“PTA is silent on this issue. They’re not supporting industry and leaning towards the large incumbent operator. PTCL is actually trying to kill competition by hook or by crook. If it succeeds in this, which they would if regulator remains silent, it would monopolize the market again and customers would be left with no choice but to use PTCL only” he added.

It merits mentioning here that PTCL has been offering I MB DSL link for PKR 299 (3.6 USD) per month, with subsidiary from USF.

However, it must be noted that PTCL is offering this package only in those cities where there is no other ISP providing broadband services and USF encourages ISPs to offer broadband services in un-served areas by subsidizing the services, through bidding.

In this regards, when we spoke with Mr. Pervaiz Iftikhar, Chief Executive Officer, USF, he said that USF’s aim is to take broadband in un-served and under-served areas of Pakistan. For the purpose, USF conducts a transparent bidding process, where everyone is invited to participate. He further told that USF will provide subsidiary for infrastructure for broadband to winning bidders, but only after reaching target, for instance in Faisalabad Telecom Region, target is 100,000 broadband customers.

Parvaiz Iftikhar further added that it’s PTA’s mandate to regulate the industry – and this particular issue is clearly between ISPAK, PTA and PTCL.

When we spoke with a broadband analyst regarding this, he said that it is true that PTCL’s package is provided only in those cities where there was no broadband before, however, ISPAK’s viewpoint of anti-competitiveness of this package can’t be ruled out. “Price cut in one area will impact countrywide broadband industry, sooner or later, moreover, it’s not that if today one company is not providing services in some cities, then they won’t go there for entire life” he concluded.

We could not get PTA’s viewpoint over the matter.