NEWS IN BRIEF
For the record 13 June
13-06-2007
by Ciara O'Brien
Broadband lines pass 300 million worldwide | IDA Ireland chief executive to step down
Broadband is growing in popularity throughout the world, with the number of high-speed lines now passing the 300 million mark. At the end of March 2007, there were 298 million broadband subscribers, and according to Point Topic's Global Broadband Statistics service, the prevailing growth rates indicate this has now exceeded 300 million. Eastern Europe showed strong growth, recording more than 10 percent growth in the quarter. Elsewhere, Greece topped the growth list, with 26.8 percent growth. However, the US is still top of the broadband charts, with more than 60 million subscribers. China is gaining on the US, with only 4.1 million separating the two countries at the end of March.
British Sky Broadcasting has appointed Nicholas Ferguson as senior independent non-executive director, taking over the role vacated by Jacob Rothschild. Lord Rothschild, who held the role since November 2003, will continue to serve as deputy chairman and as an independent non-executive director.
Web designers are building more sites than ever, but revenue per site has fallen, according to e-commerce software supplier Actinic. The company made the findings as part of its annual survey of web designers, suggesting that it could be a result of increased competition and efficiency. According to the study, web designers built an average of 30 sites each in 2007, outstripping the previous years' low 20s, but average revenue per site fell from STG4,600 to STG3,300.
Business telecoms firm Pure Telecom is expanding its dedicated fixed line audit team to cope with the growing demand for its offer of a free consultation on how to improve telecommunications infrastructure. Four new staff will be recruited to provide the consultations, which include a comprehensive review of the number of telephone lines a business is using and advice on how they can increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Meanwhile, the chief executive officer of IDA Ireland, Sean Dorgan, is to step down in the near future. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheal Martin thanked Dorgan for his contribution to Ireland's public service and to this country's economic success over the last decade. Dorgan played a key role in promoting and shaping the Culliton Review of Industrial Policy and in implementing its recommendations in the 1990s.
Swiss mobile telecoms operator Swisscom has teamed up with NewBay Software to provide mobile blogging and multimedia album services to its 4 million customers. The mobile network launched its service, MoBlog, in March. The new deal will allow subscribers to publish, share and store images, video, audio and text to personal mobile blogs, and network with other mobloggers. NewBay will also managing the service's hosting and moderation.
Caped Koala Studios has built a virtual world for kids, combining education and social networking 