Mediaboss Marketing

HANGZHOU, China, Aug. 31, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UTStarcom (UTStarcom or the Company) (NASDAQ:UTSI), a global telecommunications infrastructure provider, today introduced a Converged Packet Transport Platform, SkyFlux. The SkyFlux platform combines Segment Routing over MPLS (SR-MPLS) and MPLS-TP tunneling, TDM-like Ethernet based on FlexE/G.mtn, highly accurate time synchronization and SDN-based network intelligence into an efficient future-proof packet transport network that is ready to meet the complex set of requirements from 5G mobile networks and other applications.

Dr. Zhaochen Huang, UTStarcoms Acting Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are excited to launch our next-generation communications platform, SkyFlux Converged Packet Transport. As network infrastructure continues to transition to 5G, we believe the product is well-positioned to meet the needs of key network operators globally. Our new SkyFlux Converged Packet Transport platform enables carriers to effectively manage the network resources and meet complex requirements of 5G mobile systems as well as of various other traditional and emerging applications by ensuring high performance, flexibility and efficiency."

UTStarcoms Senior Vice President of Product & Technology, Mr. Steven Chen, said, "The new SkyFlux Converged Packet Transport platform integrates benefits of advanced communication technologies such as Segment Routing and FlexE/G.mtn with intelligence of UTStarcoms SDN platform SOO Station for extended network and service agility and operational efficiency. On top of high switching capacity and performance, the platform offers such advanced features as hard and soft network slicing, extra-low forwarding latency with FlexE/G.mtn Cross-Connect feature, and very high time synchronization accuracy reaching 5ns TE accuracy characteristics of a transport networks that are particularly important for efficient 5G mobile network deployments. We believe the SkyFlux platform is ideal for mobile and fixed network operators and broadband service providers, as it is optimized for use as a highly efficient backhaul, metro aggregation packet transport network."

Key features of SkyFlux Converged Packet Transport include:

The first product of the SkyFlux Converged Packet Transport platform is the SkyFlux SPN805S a modular 5RU chassis-based platform optimized for high-capacity access and aggregation applications. With its advanced hardware and software architecture, high performance and solid feature set, the SPN805S is designed to help service providers and network operators address the challenges and meet the requirements of 5G mobile network and other applications. These include rapidly growing traffic volumes, network slicing, low latency, accurate timing over packet network, etc.

Major product features of SkyFlux SPN805S include:

Along with the release of the new SkyFlux Converged Packet Transport platform, UTStarcom announced availability of Version 3.2 of its Integrated Management and Control platform SOO Station SDN Controller. The SkyFlux Converged Packet Transport platform is tightly coupled with the centralized SDN controller SOO Station that provides intelligent control of underlying network resources, network automation features and full-featured network management enabling quick and efficient network deployment, operation and maintenance.

UTStarcoms Vice President of Optical Network Systems R&D, Ms. Lingrong Lu said: This release of SOO Station Version 3.2 enhanced with the support of our SR platform and adding several powerful features is a major step forward in our strategy to deliver to network operators and service providers an efficient networking platform optimized for the variety of modern applications including 5G midhaul and backhaul, edge data center / MEC interconnect networks, next generation metro aggregation. Deployed together with our SkyFlux Converged Packet Transport platform, the SOO Station controller provides open and programmable environment that enables operators to build highly scalable, flexible networks that are easy to adapt to changing business needs.

The SOO Station release 3.2 adds support of features that are essential for the SkyFlux Converged Packet Transport platform, including:

Release of Financial Results for the First Half of 2020

UTStarcom today also announced that it will postpone the release of its financial results for the first six months ended June 30, 2020 due to some undetermined items.

About UTStarcom Holdings Corp.

UTStarcom is committed to helping network operators offer their customers the most innovative, reliable and cost-effective communication services. UTStarcom offers high performance advanced equipment optimized for the most rapidly growing network functions, such as mobile backhaul, metro aggregation and broadband access. UTStarcom has operations and customers around the world, with a special focus on Japan and India. UTStarcom was founded in 1991 and listed its shares on the Nasdaq Market in 2000 (symbol: UTSI). For more information about UTStarcom, please visit http://www.utstar.com.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China

UTStarcom Holdings Corp.Tel: +86 571 8192 8888Ms. Ning Jiang, Investor RelationsEmail: njiang@utstar.com / utsi-ir@utstar.com

In the United States:

The Blueshirt Group Mr. Ralph FongTel: +1 (415) 489-2195Email: ralph@blueshirtgroup.com

Read more from the original source:
UTStarcom Launches SkyFlux Converged Packet Transport Platform and Postpones the Release of First Half 2020 Financial Results - GlobeNewswire

BAGUIO, PHILIPPINES (AFP) - Anchor Dhobie de Guzman has been the face of a popular news show in the northern Philipines for more than a decade. Now the closure of his regional station - and dozens of others countrywide - has left him out of work.

He is among hundreds of journalists to lose their jobs at ABS-CBN as the broadcasting giant - a critic of President Rodrigo Duterte - slashes its operations after advertising revenues were ravaged by the loss of its free-to-air licence in May.

The closure of 53 regional television and radio stations that broadcast in six languages will deprive millions of Filipinos of their main source of local news and entertainment.

"It's painful," Mr de Guzman, 43, told AFP last Friday (Aug 28) after presenting the final "TV Patrol North Luzon" in a studio 240km from the capital Manila.

"You do your job responsibly, you do your share to change the life of ordinary people, then at the end of the day you lose your platform to do that."

Congress last month rejected ABS-CBN's application for a new 25-year franchise and a Supreme Court petition over the issue was dismissed.

ABS-CBN, which is owned by the wealthy Lopez family, has broadcast continuously since 1953 except between 1972 and 1986 when it was seized by dictator Ferdinand Marcos - who Mr Duterte admires.

Mr Duterte has a history of clashing with media outlets critical of his policies, including his controversial drug war that has killed thousands of people.

While he has denied any involvement in Congress's decision to reject ABS-CBN's application, he had previously pledged to block its licence renewal.

In the months since losing its free-to-air permit, ABS-CBN has kept showing many of its popular news and drama programmes on cable TV and online.

But much of the advertising revenue it used to rake in has been wiped out, forcing the broadcaster to dramatically cut costs.

"Unfortunately, (digital advertising revenue) is not at the same level as broadcast, so that's where the challenge is nowadays," said ABS-CBN news and current affairs boss Regina Reyes.

After the closure of the regional stations on Friday, more parts of the network will be shuttered on Monday and many of its stars are expected to move on.

Thousands of jobs - including staff and contractors - could be lost, ABS-CBN warned previously.

For decades, ABS-CBN's regional network has played a vital role in broadcasting information on natural disasters, such as typhoons, and health crises - including the coronavirus pandemic - to isolated communities that have little or no Internet access.

For many, it is their only source of news.

Fishermen in some regions have long relied on their local broadcaster to know if it was safe to go out to sea, said Ms Reyes.

"Not everyone has access to the Internet, to radio or newspapers," said Ms Micaella Ilao, a TV reporter in Baguio. "Removing (TV broadcasters) deprives the people of the privilege to receive proper information."

The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines has described the closure of ABS-CBN's regional stations as a "black day for independent media" in the country.

"It's an avoidable national tragedy, inflicted by the very people who should protect Filipinos from all adversity," it said.

ABS-CBN is allowed to file a fresh petition, but its success would require members of Congress, dominated by Mr Duterte allies and whose terms expire in 2022, to change their minds.

For now, they are mourning the loss of their network.

"It's not just a channel... it's a relationship, a connection that has been lost," said Mr Stanley Palisada, who was head of the regional news group.

"You become the medium of preference for people, for the local community, to complain, to ask for help in reaching out to the government officials and (entities) who may have the solutions to their problems."

Read the original post:
Off the air: Top Philippines broadcaster ABS-CBN shuts regional stations - The Straits Times

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, BELGIUM (AFP) - Lewis Hamilton saluted actor Chadwick Boseman on the podium after a majestic 89th career win at the Belgian Grand Prix and then said he would prefer to have to fight harder for victories.

The championship leader and six-time Formula One champion made the crossed-forearms gesture from the Black Panther movies in respect for Hollywood star Boseman, who died on Friday, and to whose memory he had dedicated his 93rd pole position on Saturday (Aug 29).

Hamilton said he had been inspired by Boseman to produce another flawless performance.

"It feels great to finish on a high this weekend, particularly with Chad dying because he made everyone feel like a superhero."

Hamilton claimed his fifth win in seven outings this year to increase his lead in the title race to 47 points.

His team-mate Valtteri Bottas was second.

"I know it is not necessarily what everyone wants to see - the two Mercedes at the front," said Hamilton.

He said he would prefer to have closer racing with multi-stop racing, instead of one-stop, as most drivers finished Sunday's race managing their tyres.

"Today was really all about tyres. Everyone doing this one-stop thing - it's really boring. At the end of the day, we are all managing out there, which is not racing. At the end, we are backing off, maybe it would have been fine but it was too big a risk today," he said.

"I really, really would like to have more of a fight, but that is not on me." Hamilton said that the Mercedes domination was a product of the team's approach.

"No matter how much success we have, we have to keep our heads down," he said.

"It's an incredible mentality and I feel so privileged to be a part of this team."

He said that although his race appeared to be under control from lights to flag, it had ended tensely as he nursed his car to the finish on worn tyres.

"It was a bit of a struggle, but nonetheless it was ok," he said.

"I was a little nervous that we may have something like that which we had at Silverstone with the tyre - so I was nursing it to the end."

Hamilton won the British Grand Prix on three good wheels after suffering a last lap puncture.

He added that, on a personal level, he felt confident, fit and strong ahead of the races ahead, starting with two in Italy in successive weeks.

"I am 35 now, going towards 36, but I feel better than ever," he said.

"That is a positive."

Bottas said he had been unable to catch Hamilton.

"Lewis played the start really well and I couldn't get the momentum. I think he was faultless today and yesterday, of course, he was quick. I did my best and I am glad there is another opportunity next weekend."

View post:
Formula One: Hamilton salutes actor Chadwick Boseman and pleads for end to 'boring' racing - The Straits Times

SINGAPORE - Tighter regulations on what constitutes a mask and how it should be worn also came into effect on Saturday (Aug 29), according to a notice gazetted the day before.

It comes as the Ministry of Health (MOH) reiterated on Saturday that makeshift face coverings such as bandanas, scarves and neck gaiters should not be used as masks.

MOH's recommendation is also in line with those by the multi-ministry task force tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.

The definition of a mask has been revised to mean a covering made of paper, plastic or textile solely designed to be worn over the nose and mouth as protection against infection or air pollution.

Previously, a mask was defined as "any paper or textile covering designed or made to be worn over the nose and mouth to provide the wearer protection against infections or air pollution, but excludes a face shield".

A mask is now also required to touch the wearer's nose, cheeks and chin when worn.

The previous legislation only stated that it needed to touch the wearer's nose and cheeks.

The amended regulations under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act come after an incident earlier in August where a bus driver refused to allow a man wearing a neck gaiter to board.

The amended regulations come after an incident earlier in August where a bus driverrefused to allow a man wearing a neck gaiter to board. PHOTOS: STOMP

A Health Ministry spokesman said at the time that neck gaiters and bandanas were not recommended to be used as masks.

A study published by Duke University in the United States earlier this month looked at 15 types of masks and found that wearing a single layer neck gaiter made of 92 per cent polyester and 8 per cent spandex is worse than not wearing a mask at all.

In a statement on Saturday, MOH noted that there have been recent queries on the efficacy of makeshift coverings in preventing disease transmission.

The ministry said that they may not perform as well as purpose-built masks as they may not have a good fit around the wearer's nose and mouth and are made from materials that are not specific for disease prevention.

"A mask should be worn such that it closely and completely covers the wearer's nose and mouth, without leaving a gap between the mask and the face," the ministry added.

Senior criminal lawyer Rajan Supramaniam said that the amended regulations mean that there is more clarity over what constitutes a mask and are "more decisive".

Commenting on what are possible repercussions should a member of the public be caught wearing face coverings like scarves or neck gaiters instead of a face mask, he said: "They can be reprimanded or be given a warning, or could be prosecuted, which means they could be fined."

Regulations state that those who are caught not wearing a mask can be fined $300.

LISTEN TO HEALTH CHECK PODCAST

Read the original post:
Tighter regulations on what constitutes a mask and how it should be worn come into effect in Singapore - The Straits Times

(The Gateway Pundit himself, Jim Hoft, didnt respond to an inquiry but posted pre-emptively that The Gateway Pundit has been 100% correct in all of our reporting on every major story.)

It was Facebook that became the first target of coordinated right-wing outrage in 2016, when conservatives seized on a Gizmodo article to suggest that editors of Facebooks Trending section were censoring conservative voices. The story had, in fact, uncovered a secret: that Facebook was turning to human beings, with editorial judgment, to make decisions about what content to show its users, rather than simply relying on algorithms.

A former Facebook employee recalls the companys Republican lobbyist, Joel Kaplan, pushing in those early days to do away with human editorial choices, and to let Facebooks algorithms choose what news made its Trending section. Instead, Facebook killed the feature entirely, and prostrated itself to the right in a public meeting with Republican media figures and a private 2016 visit by Mark Zuckerbergs executive team to Fox News headquarters.

Since then, Facebook has sought to ingratiate itself to the Trump administration, while taking a harder line on Covid-19 misinformation. As the presidents backers post wild claims on the social network, the company offers the equivalent of wrist slaps a complex fact-checking system that avoids drawing the company directly into the political fray. It hasnt worked: The fact-checking subcontractors are harried umpires, an easy target for Trump supporters ire.

Its the fact-checking business that is causing all this trouble, Brent Bozell, the founder of the conservative Media Research Center and a veteran professional ref-worker told me.

BuzzFeed News and NBC News reported last week that Facebook executives have acted in recent months on pleas from pro-Trump voices that they not be punished for misleading readers. Its a sign of the pressure on the company but also of a reality that Facebook wont say aloud: The pro-Trump media is in the misinformation business with scale and energy that lacks parallel, and in part because simply repeating the president often means spreading misinformation.

In fact, two people close to the Facebook fact-checking process told me, the vast bulk of the posts getting tagged for being fully or partly false come from the right. Thats not bias. Its because sites like The Gateway Pundit are full of falsehoods, and because the president says false things a lot.

Original post:
How Pro-Trump Forces Work the Refs in Silicon Valley - The New York Times