• SMC Networks joins Hotel Technology Next Generation
By Mike Robuck

In an effort to strengthen its hand in the hospitality sector, SMC Networks announced it has joined the Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG) forum.

SMC Networks joined HTNG following the recent release of its new TigerAccess Extended Ethernet Switch (SMC7824M/VSW) and TigerAccess Extended Ethernet CPE (SMC7801A/VCP), which is a VDSL2 extended Ethernet platform that was designed specifically to enable the deployment of high-speed voice, video and data access over existing category 1, 2 or 3 wiring in multi-unit environments such as hotels, apartments, dormitories, etc.

"We are excited to announce our membership with HTNG as it provides us with a new forum to demonstrate SMC's technology and will enable us to grow the awareness of the value that our solutions deliver to the hospitality industry," said Keith Alexis, vice president of sales and marketing at SMC Networks.

Rogers Cable is using a cable modem gateway from SMC Networks in its DOCSIS 3.0 deployment that was announced last week.

• FCC sets Sept. 22 as license fee deadline
By Brian Santo

The Federal Communications Commission is setting Sept. 22 as the final deadline for U.S. companies to pay annual regulatory fees. The Commission is requiring all companies to file through its recent Fee Filer system.

The FCC has a site online where licensees can view specific information about their FY 2009 regulatory fees.

Anyone missing the deadline, the FCC said, will be assessed a 25 percent late-payment penalty.