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Telecomworldwire, Dec 2, 2009

TELECOMWORLDWIRE-2 December 2009-Kazakhtelecom implements Cisco-based IP network(C)1994-2009 M2 COMMUNICATIONS http://www.m2.com

Telecom operator Kazakhtelecom and network equipment specialist Cisco (Nasdaq:CSCO), in collaboration with the AMT Group, announced on Wednesday that JSC Kazakhtelecom has deployed a Cisco Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) based on Cisco optical networking and routing technologies.

Project design and implementation was carried out by AMT Group, a Cisco Gold Certified Partner, based in Moscow. No financial details were disclosed.

According to the company, the solution allows Kazakhtelecom to utilise its existing fibre optic infrastructure in Almaty and to offer Internet-based services to business and residential customers. The services include high-speed Internet access with integrated voice, video and data; virtual private network (VPN) offerings for businesses; Cisco TelePresence virtual meetings; and IPTV.

The solution also brings savings in capital and operating expenditures, which result from the integration of advanced DWDM optical transmitters into the routers, simplified network management and reduced rack space and power consumption.

The operator’s Internet Protocol/Multiprotocol Label Switching (IP/MPLS) core infrastructure in Almaty runs on the Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System platform. The next-generation optical transport network is based on DWDM infrastructure, equipped with the Cisco ONS 15454 Multiservice Transport Platform.

The DWDM technology utilises reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) devices implementing omnidirectional capabilities and virtual transponder functionalities, which improves flexibility (any service can be provisioned and delivered from the centralised Cisco transport management system), scalability (up to 3.2Tb/s) and resiliency (network survivability from multiple simultaneous failures).

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0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Dec 5, 2009 | by Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Senate on Friday turned back a Republican effort to eliminate a long-term care insurance program to help seniors and the disabled, saving the plan once championed by the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy in its health overhaul bill.

But the vote exposed the difficulties Democratic leaders face in persuading their own moderates to remain united behind sweeping legislation they hope to deliver to President Barack Obama. Eleven Democrats voted with Republicans, who warned that the new program would turn into a drain on the federal budget.

Republicans fell short in a bid to strike the long-term care plan on a 51-47 vote. They needed 60 votes to prevail.

Two leading Democrats who shaped the health care bill, Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus of Montana and Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad of North Dakota, voted with the GOP — underscoring the gravity of the fiscal concerns.

Known as the CLASS Act, short for Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, the idea was originally pushed by Kennedy, the Massachusetts liberal who pursued the goal of health care for all through decades in public service until his death from brain cancer in August.

Workers would pay a modest monthly premium during their careers into the voluntary program. If they become disabled, they would get a cash benefit of at least $50 a day. That can help pay for a home care attendant, for supplies and equipment, to make home improvements such as new bathroom railings, or defray nursing home costs. A version of the plan was passed by the House. The Obama administration supports it.

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., who led the effort to cut the CLASS Act, said it would add another unaffordable commitment to a government already swamped with debt — and taxpayers would eventually get the bill.

“The CLASS Act is the same old Washington, same old smoke and mirrors, same old games,” said Thune. “We are locking in future generations to deficits and debts as far as the eye can see.”

But Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., said the Congressional Budget Office projects the program to be fiscally sound for 75 years, without taxpayer bailouts. As a further safeguard, the Senate voted to ensure that funds collected under the plan would only be used to pay out benefits — and not to cover other government obligations.

“It is a solid program that can make a huge difference for millions of Americans, allowing them to lead independent lives with dignity,” Dodd said.

Supporters said the program would begin to fill a yawning hole in the social safety net
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