• Dish Network ramps up HD offerings in local markets
By Mike Robuck

Dish Network recently outlined its plan for adding high-definition (HD) local channels in 22 new markets around the country this summer and into the fall, as well as the availability of HD local channels in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Memphis.

Dish currently offers local channels in HD in 61 markets that reach more than 68 percent of TV households across the nation.

"Earlier this year, we started delivering on our commitment by adding new HD local markets and offering more national HD channels; the launch of Grand Rapids, Memphis and our additional 22 HD markets demonstrates that we are aggressively moving forward with plans to reach 100 HD local markets and 100 national HD channels," said Eric Sahl, SVP of programming for Dish Network.

• TWC Austin deploys Bandspeed’s AirMaestro WLAN solution
By Traci Patterson

Bandspeed Inc. has deployed its AirMaestro wireless LAN (WLAN) solution by Time Warner Cable at Jefferson West, an apartment building in Austin, Texas. The Bandspeed system replaces an existing WLAN solution from another manufacturer.

The Bandspeed system combines the AirMaestro Virtual Controller Access Points (APs) with AirMaestro WLAN monitoring and management software, providing a complete wireless LAN solution, the company said.

“Bandspeed’s deployment at Jefferson West has exceeded Time Warner’s expectations,” said David Roon, VP of Time Warner Cable Austin. “We haven’t received a single WLAN support call since the AirMaestro system was installed. AirMaestro has proved to be an intelligent and robust WLAN solution that allows Time Warner Cable to confidently deploy wireless service for our customers.”

• Mushroom unveils VLL solution
By Traci Patterson

Mushroom Networks has announced its Virtual Leased Line (VLL) solution, which is based on the company’s Broadband Bonding technology and uses the Internet to create high-speed dedicated point-to-point connections.

VLL creates dedicated virtual networks between branch offices and offsite locations, such as data centers, and delivers fast downlink and uplink speeds.

The Truffle Broadband Bonding product line combines multiple broadband Internet connections of any type – including DSL, cable, T1 and fiber – into a single, virtual high-speed link. Utilizing VLL, a Truffle unit placed at the enterprise headquarters can be paired with another placed offsite, creating a virtual dedicated point-to-point bonded link for any IP traffic, including VPNs, file transfers, network storage, and IP based voice and video communications, the company said.

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• Charter boosts broadband speeds in Michigan 

• Comcast adds international plans for VoIP 

• AT&T upgrading networks in Conn., Tenn. 

• ABI: Industry-political obstacles, interoperability challenges face tru2way 

• CTAM, Nielsen research: Adult viewers still prefer TVs for viewing 

• Espial to buy Kasenna for $6.6M in stock 

• Concurrent receives notification from NASDAQ 

• UTStarcom sells another division 

• Broadband Briefs for 7/01/08