Ed’s Telecom Alert

Folks,

We all know cochlear implant is controversial.  I acknowledge that it worked very well for many people, and I also am aware that it did not work too well for many people as well.    As the cochlear technology keeps improving, it should present less problem; however, I do not think we're there yet.    It really is dependent on the individual's past history and nature of his/her losing hearing of whether this works or not.  I won't go into this, though, as this is a recall blog.   

This is a recall to a specific cochlear implant model.

Cochlear Recall Article

Quotable quotes:

"Bionic ear maker Cochlear has been forced to begin a global recall of the world’s thinnest hearing implants after some stopped working."

Model type:

"The company has begun recalling its entire Nucleus CI500 range, which makes up the bulk of its sales, from shelves after a rise in the number of faults with the CI512 model."

"While Cochlear believes the faults are unlikely to cause any health problems for people with defective implants, they are offering replacement models for re-implantation."

"Cochlear chief executive Chris Roberts said he was unable to say how many of the “very reliable” titanium-based devices were faulty."

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed

Long LInk: http://www.suntimes.com/business/7627305-420/bionic-ear-maker-cochlear-recalls-hearing-implants.html

Folks,

Check this out.

SprintLandLine

"The service, which will offer unlimited domestic calling for $19.99 per month, lets home or small business customers use a landline phone to connect to Sprint’s wireless network."

Landline to connect to wireless network?  Cool!  But note this:

"Verizon Wireless launched a service highly similar to Sprint Phone Connect back in February. Verizon calls its offering Home Phone Connect and it, too, offers unlimited calling for $20 a month by using a device similar to the one from Axesstel that is free with a two-year contract."

I still have landline as I do occasionally use landline for TTY Relay Service and to communicate with relatives as our Internet does have high speed broadband Internet.   This is something I may check into if it is really cheaper and reliable.  Any of you used that?  If so, your feedback, please?    

eyes open & thumbs up,

Ed Bosson

Long Link: http://www.telecompetitor.com/sprint-targets-landline-voice-customers-with-new-wireless-offering/

Folks,

This is intriguing letter from a group of companies and Association regarding advanced communication in rural areas.

Quotable quotes:

"..an unprecedented agreement to reform the mechanisms that support the affordability and availability of advanced communications services in rural areas."

"This universal service fund (USF) and intercarrier compensation reform framework represents the country's best chance to stabilize, modernize, and expand rural networks for years to come."

"..represents a new funding paradigm for rural telecommunications, redesigning support programs for the IP era. Our complementary proposals would promote sustainable, affordable broadband throughout rural America and make those who receive funds accountable to invest in the delivery of such service."

"The plans are aimed at balancing the dual needs to deploy broadband in hard-to-serve rural markets and sustain existing broadband assets. For rural wireless, we propose to set aside $300 million annually, an amount far in excess of the FCC’s recent Mobility Fund proposal."

I do not know whether to support that or not, but on the face value, it looks promising for the rural areas in getting better service; perhaps high speed broadband services.   

This statement "Our framework, which is comprised of two complementary plans to support the deployment and continued operation of networks by providers of all sizes, has recently been submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)."  Indicates plans already submitted.    Check out the FCC website on this unless one of you can readily find it and provide links to that?    

eyes open & thumbs up..

Ed Bosson

Folks..

Long LInk:  http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/EAAC/