NL Short Takes

Bell Canada spurs increase in BCE bottom lineBCE Inc has released its Q4 and year-end results, with Bell Canada contributing solidly to the conglomerate’s bottom line. Bell data revenue was up 29% while subscriptions to Sympatico high speed Internet service increased to 299,000. This represents 34% of the market. Sale of Asian properties lowers BCI resultsBell Canada International reports consolidated revenues decreased by 17% in Q4 2000 compared with Q4 1999. The BCE Inc subsidiary attributes the decline primarily to the sale of its interest in Hansol M.com. The company is de-emphasizing its Asia operations in favour of establishing services in Latin America.Decision expected soon on Bell petition in U.S.Bell Canada has still not had a ruling from the Federal Communications Commission in Washington on its application for non-dominant status in the U.S. (NL, Mar. 8/00). The company filed in November 1999. There are reports the FCC expects to issue a decision next month.Telecom revenues up, workforce downStatistics Canada reports operating revenues in the telecom industry in Q2 2000 were $7.5 billion, an increase of 5.1% from a year earlier. Per-capita wireline investment was $34.48 for the quarter. The total telecom market, wireline and wireless, had 79,216 workers, a decrease of 0.5%. Wireline lost 836 employees during Q2. Voice-grade access paths consisted of 20.5 million public access lines and 7.7 million wireless subscribers.360networks files US$3B registration statementVancouver’s 360networks Inc has sent a filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington DC regarding an offering which potentially could total US$3 billion. The offerings would be in debt securities, preferred shares, subordinate voting shares, warrants, and stock purchase contracts and stock purchase units. A similar filing will likely be offered in Canada, the company reports. Papers will be filed with the appropriate authorities.Shaw becomes anchor in Vancouver officeShaw Communications Inc is becoming the anchor tenant at the Burrard Landing project in Vancouver. The company is working with Ledcor Industries and Westbank Projects Corp in the creation of the headquarters of its operations in the lower mainland. CIRA finds 41,000 domain names not registeredThe Canadian Internet Registration Authority has discovered 41,000 .ca domain names that had been registered previously which have not been re-registered with the agency. CIRA took over administration of .ca names from the University of British Columbia last year. Any domain names not re-registered by Feb. 1 will become available on the open market.Bell brings 70 new call centre jobs to KingstonBell Canada is expanding its call centre in Kingston ON, creating 70 new jobs. The call centre, which originally employed 40 people, will have 220 workers. The company is also investing $30,000 in a regional tourism contact centre. The centre will connect tourism bureaus from upper New York state with similar offices in the Ontario communities of Napanee and Brockville.Eicon introduces new plug-and-play ADSL modemMontreal’s Eicon Networks has released a second edition of its ADSL modem. The Diva 2430 SE is a plug-and-play device that allows home office users to connect to corporate networks over high-speed lines.Portals for smart communities launched in OttawaCivicLife.com Inc has introduced CivicLife.com Interprise, a web-based application that helps smart communities in Canada deploy one-stop portal destinations. Last year Industry Canada announced the 12 areas that were designated smart communities. The government commissioned CivicLife.com, which has offices in Ottawa, to build a civic portal gateway.Universal high-speed Internet coverage recommended An advisory group has recommended that all of Saskatchewan have access to high-speed Internet and to wireless telephony. The Action Committee on the Rural Economy made six suggestions on revitalizing the economy in outlying areas. CrossKeys moves into Asian market with IP backboneCrossKeys Systems Corp of Ottawa has sold its network performance and service level management software to Hong Kong-Pacific Century CyberWorks—Hong Kong Telecom. The Asian firm is one of the largest IP backbone companies in the Pacific Rim. Linmor and Avantas form tech and marketing partnershipOttawa’s Linmor Technologies Inc has entered into a technology and marketing agreement with Avantas Networks Corp of Montreal. The two companies will develop and supply integrated solutions to enable telecom firms to test, monitor and manage their optical networks. Optical company expands operations in Quebec CityTelops Inc plans to increase its engineering and technical staff by 50 people this year. That is a jump from the 31 workers currently there. The firm, which designs and manufactures optical systems, is located in the Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures area of Quebec City.Locus Dialogue receives certification from NEC AmericaMontreal’s Locus Dialogue Inc has received certification from NEC America for its Liaison speech recognition solution. The software is a turnkey solution that permits callers to forego dial-pad entry .Bell Canada gives development money to 14 communitiesThe Bell Canada Economic Development Fund has awarded $190,000 to 14 communities in Ontario. The money is to be used for projects that use telecommunications to generate employment, create wealth and promote economic growth. The areas involved include Sault Ste. Marie, London, Toronto, Kingston and Seaforth.

NL Short Takes

News | 01/29/2001 5:00 am EST

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