BriefingRoom on Connected Planet Online

With Apple resisting the move to a 4G network until 2011 at least, other top service providers like Google Android have been able to fill the 4G-less void, yet Apple’s resistance raises several questions about the validity and future of 4G, and the relevant infrastructure that needs to be in place to utilize it fully.

With or without Apple, 4G is coming. And with it integrated users will be able to capitalize on faster speeds, which will mean rapid video and data-download connections, and a wide range of new pricing plans aimed at all segments of the rapidly expanding mobile-data market.

“We need to get people away from the alphabet soup they don’t care about, and just provide a better experience,” Chief commercial officer Mike Sievert of Clearwire said. “There really is a massive consumer demand [for 4G services]. The question is now, how do you stay more

TM Forum’s Management World: Destination Dublin

New state-of-the-art venue to host the world’s leading communications and digital services management conference in 2011

MORRISTOWN, NJ—September 3, 2010—TM Forum announced today that after eleven years in Nice, France, its flagship Management World conference will move to Dublin’s new, state-of-the-art Convention Center - the CCD - May 23-26, 2011. Dublin and the CCD will provide the perfect business environment for Management World attendees—a leading capital city that is easy to get to, easy to do business in and with a reputation for hospitality that is second to none.

As a vibrant European hub for global technology companies, including major communications service providers, IT organizations and large online businesses such as Google, Facebook and eBay, Dublin is a natural fit for the increasing scope of the industry’s premier conference.

“One of the keys to growing an event more

Company overcomes challenges to remain profitable

ST. LOUIS, March 9 — Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical and communications products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, announced today that 2009 was another profitable year and that the company finished the year in strong financial condition.

Net sales were $4.38 billion in 2009, a decrease of 18.9 percent compared to 2008. The company also posted net income of $37.4 million, down 57.3 percent, from the previous year.

“While conditions were some of the most difficult in business history, our performance in 2009 resulted from hard work, a disciplined approach to managing our business and a consistent focus on our long-term strategy,” said Robert A. Reynolds, Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer of Graybar. “We achieved profitability and finished the year with low debt levels and a strong cash position. This prepares us for more

Paris and Eschborn, March 2, 2010

Kuehne + Nagel, one of the world’s leading providers of integrated logistics services, has signed a 3-year contract extension with Orange Business Services. Kuehne + Nagel has implemented Business VPN, a fully-managed, secure, global IP infrastructure from Orange Business Services in order to have fully-managed MPLS services as part of the overall global Kuehne + Nagel network, which is based on leased lines, Ethernet and DSL technologies. It also includes three network-based Internet gateways, four data centers and Kuehne + Nagel’s e-mail hub.

Global availability and reliability of the Orange network were key decision criteria behind Kuehne + Nagel renewing its agreement with Orange Business Services. Kuehne + Nagel offers integrated logistics services across the globe that are based on a sophisticated technology platform. The IT supported supply chain management services represent a significant competitive advantage for the company.

“Orange more