* Bright House adds new SEO position
By Traci Patterson

Bright House Networks has named Kashif Haq to the newly-created post of strategic execution officer (SEO).

Haq was previously the SVP of broadband technology and services for the operator. His new roll will encompass the traditional duties of a chief information officer (CIO) and chief network officer (CNO).

The expanded role will allow Haq to develop and implement corporate Web strategy, build systems to lead automation of key business practices, deliver new broadband products and services, and evolve the company’s converged IP broadband platform, Bright House said.

* Optimum Lightpath promotes two execs, adds a new exec
By Traci Patterson

Optimum Lightpath – a division of Cablevision Systems Corp. that provides data, Internet, voice and video transport and managed services – has promoted two executives and brought on a new engineering executive.

Robin Silverman, previously the VP of information technology, has been promoted to SVP and chief customer officer (CCO). She will be responsible for managing the key “touch points” of the customer relationship, the company said. And Joe Caruso has been promoted to SVP of business planning, intercarrier and administration. He will be responsible for carrier relations, including interconnection and related regulatory matters concerning Optimum Lightpath and other telecom carriers.

Additionally, Tom Welsh has joined the company as VP of engineering. He will be responsible for the ongoing technology planning, architecture and support of Optimum Lightpath's Intelligent Enterprise Network, ensuring that the network is architected to deliver highly scalable, innovative applications and managed services focused on business performance and growth requirements, the company said.

* Qwest enhances business VoIP
By Brian Santo

Qwest Communications has enhanced its OneFlex VoIP product suite aimed at business customers.

New compression technology makes better use of bandwidth. An “Escape to Operator” feature enables inbound callers to access an operator from their voicemail simply by pressing ‘0’ for assistance.

The “Sub Office Administrator Portals” feature allows office administrators to keep employees plugged into the system, whether they are in the office or working remotely.

* Ciena completes acquisition of World Wide Packets
By Brian Santo

Ciena has completed its acquisition of World Wide Packets, a purchase announced on Jan. 22. 

Ciena acquired all of the outstanding shares of World Wide Packets’ common and preferred stock in exchange for $196.7 million in cash and 2.5 million shares of Ciena common stock, worth approximately $87.8 million, for a total value of about $284.5 million.

Ciena President and CEO Gary Smith said the acquisition will help Ciena bring some carrier Ethernet products to market sooner, and will help Ciena expand its customer base.

More Broadband Direct:

• FCC to consider phasing in DTV transition 

• Analyst downgrades Cablevision due to acquisition strategy 

• Insight bulks up digital tier with more HD, digital music offerings 

• NCTA, cable entities come together on scheduling industry events 

• Brophy, Campbell join ACA’s executive committee 

• AT&T, Sprint upgrade networks in select markets 

• Clearwire ups sub count, operating loss in Q4 

• New Cisco router based on new chip 

• Japan, China, U.S. drive 2007 fiber deployments 

• Number of U.S. mobile subs who recall ads increasing 

• Broadband Briefs for 3/04/08