Muni Wireless Promises
A survey of members of the International Economic Development Council, a nonprofit association of economic development professionals, revealed a substantial disparity between the expectations many had for municipal wireless systems planned in their area, and the experience of those who have seen municipal wireless systems go online in their communities. Source: International Economic Development Council
Industry Draws Venture Capital The U.S. telecommunications sector drew $558 million in venture capital (VC) funding in the first quarter of 2007, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers, and a total of $1.63 billion in 206 deals between the third quarter of 2006 and 1Q07. Investment in the media and entertainment sector increased 16 percent in dollars over 4Q06 to $489 million in 72 deals. VC investment in the networking and equipment increased 35 percent in 1Q07 from the previous quarter. Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers
Cable Modem Growth Is Rapid Some 28.9 million cable TV customers were using cable modems for high-speed Internet access as of year-end 2006, representing 32 percent annual growth from the 7.3 million residential broadband subscribers at the end of 2001.
Another 2 million businesses also subscribe to cable modem service, bringing total residential and commercial subscribers to approximately 31 million at the end of 2006. Source: Kagan Research LLC and NCTA
