Supercomm Notebook...
The USTA said bankruptcy rules should be revised to prevent “blatant abuse” by companies that filed for Ch. 11 protection, then emerged as tougher competitors because their debt had been reduced or eliminated. “The nation shouldn’t have to endure another WorldCom,” USTA Pres. Walter McCormick said at Supercomm. He said some companies avoided paying even minimal tax on shedding their debt, and the bankruptcy code should be revised to assure that “the interests of companies that mismanage their finances do not come before those of taxpayers, investors and businesses that conduct themselves in a financially responsible manner.”
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Communications companies are struggling to balance cost reductions with a need to review constantly the balance between product and service development and the selling and marketing of those products and services, a study said. The study released by TIA and consulting firm Spencer Stuart at Supercomm Tues. said cost reduction was central to current business decisions: “Financial constraints and the obsession with stabilizing the business are impeding growth and planning for the future.” It said new product and service development and the growth of key partnerships and alliances were the most important factors affecting communications companies’ strategies and operating plans, despite dramatic spending cuts in those areas. The study also said downsizing had left “huge functional gaps” in customer-facing functions, particularly sales and marketing. It said although leaders were concerned with retaining their “best talent,” only 66% of respondents said their companies were working on a comprehensive human capital plan. As for corporate governance, companies said they wanted board members who were “savvy” about sales and marketing, had specific industry knowledge and fulfilled the new requirements for independence.
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U.S. Robotics announced new “accelerator technology” to boost the speed of 802.11g wireless products to 100 Mbps, from 54 Mbps, on a single channel. The technology, to be available in July, includes a new router, multifunction access point, PCI adapter and PC card.
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Qwest is among the new members of the International Packet Communications Consortium (IPCC), the group announced here. Others include Axes Technologies, Caerus and Trendium.