PG&E Recognized by Interstate Renewable Energy Council

The Interstate Renwable Energy Council (IREC) recently announced the winners of its Innovation Awards, with PG&E's Solar Schools Program making the impressive list. The award focused on creative market expansion policies and educating young students and new practitioners.  Recipients were chosen for demonstrating new policy approaches, creative integration of on-site and Web-based communications, and the strength of partnerships lead to innovation.

"All winners deserve our thanks and encouragement for giving us viable models and best practices so that moving renewable energy into mainstream markets gets closer everyday," said Jane Weissman, IREC's Executive Director.

Four winners were selected through a competitive process. In addition to PG&E, Washington State's  Production Incentives for Small-Scale Renewable Resources Program, NYSERDA's School Power...Naturally 50 Schools Program, and NABCEP's PV Entry Level of Knowledge Program were also recognized. "All of this year's applicants demonstrated inventive ways of using and growing renewable energy markets. Selecting just four winners was not an easy task," said IREC's Awards Committee Chair, Ken Jurman.

Through a unique partnership, the PG&E Solar Schools Program addresses climate change in a way that benefits underserved schools, students, and the broader community. The program inspires students to become the solar innovators and scientists of tomorrow, and community members to install solar on their homes and businesses. This program takes the resources of the private sector, the talents and "know how" of the nonprofit sector, and addresses the needs of the public sector to help catalyze solar energy projects and work toward mitigating climate change. In addition to PG&E, other partners in the program include The Foundation for Environmental Education and The NEED Project.

For more information, see the official press release.

DIRECTV 9S Satellite Launches Successfully

DIRECTV continues to fortify its satellite fleet with the successful launch last week of DIRECTV 9S, a high-powered, spot-beam satellite that will provide back-up capacity and ensure continuous, reliable service for DIRECTV customers. The spacecraft was successfully launched on Friday, Oct. 13, at 1:56 p.m. PT from Europe's Spaceport in Kouou, French Guiana.

DIRECTV 9S is one of four satellites DIRECTV has launched over the past two years as it continues to expand its capacity to provide new national and local services in both standard- and high-definition, as well as interactive and original programming. DIRECTV will launch two more satellites next year that will more than quadruple its capacity and enable it to lead the industry in the delivery of HD programming.

The Space Systems/Loral-built satellite will be positioned at the 101-degree West longitude orbital slot, providing back-up capacity for the DIRECTV fleet, including spot-beam satellites that deliver standard definition local services. DIRECTV offers local channels in 142 markets, representing 94 percent of U.S. TV households.

DIRECTV 9S was launched aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket and after 26 minutes, the rocket left the spacecraft in a geosynchronous transfer orbit with a high point of 22,300 miles (36,000 km) above the equator. Controllers at the Hartebeesthoek ground station in South Africa made contact with the satellite and confirmed that all systems are functioning properly.

CNET TV Officially Launches Online

CNET recently announced the official launch of its video destination, CNET TV, as well as a partnership with Verizon to distribute CNET's video through on-demand television. The latest partnership extends the reach of CNET content and its original videos to even more people interested in today's latest tech and consumer electronics.

Launched earlier this year, CNET TV offers an environment where users can find all of CNET's videos. In addition, CNET TV makes a selection of the site's popular video content available for distribution on television. The partnership with Verizon follows on successful partnerships with Cox Communications and TiVo, Inc., which currently make CNET's videos available to consumers through their on-demand services. Verizon, which currently offers Verizon, FiOS TV in seven states, will also make CNET's video content available to its on-demand subscribers, including product reviews, help and how-to videos, and commentary on breaking news.

Online, CNET TV is also introducing downloadable content, making CNET's videos available to consumers while they are on-the-go. Users can subscribe to a video podcast they've created based on their own play lists or with the existing channels on CNET TV. For example, a person looking to buy a new flat-screen TV could create a playlist with the latest product reviews and tips and tricks from CNET's experts that they can take with them shopping.

"The latest VOD partnerships are further proof of CNET's unique ability to create video programming that helps demystify technology and help people get the most out of their products," said Joe Gillespie, executive vice president of CNET. "With the official launch of CNET TV and these additional partnerships, CNET videos are available everywhere our consumers want – online, offline, and on-the-go."

According to CNET, CNET TV quickly became a popular destination as a result of its unique design and personalization features, which includes a virtual remote control, a "draggable" interface so users can move things around, full-screen playback, playlists, and customizable channels and backgrounds. With more than 30 original videos produced each week and a library of thousands of videos, CNET TV gives people a single destination to easily find the latest videos on their favorite technology products and topics. Since launch, streams have increased 152 percent thanks to popular video features like the Buzz Report, Car Tech, Insider Secrets, Prize Fight and First Look from the Lab that help consumers figure out what gadgets to buy and how to get the most out them.

For more information, check out the CNET press release.

Charter Communications Partners With Cisco to Enhance Services

Charter Communications announced last week that it is expanding availability of its converged data, voice and video ("triple-play") services with a network based on the Cisco Systems® Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) architecture.

"The growth of high-speed data, voice, video-on-demand and Gigabit Ethernet multimedia services make the IP delivery network the most critical technology in Charter's delivery of rich content to our customers," said Marwan Fawaz, Charter Communications Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

Charter says its goal is to enhance the customer experience while consolidating and simplifying its communication infrastructure to maximize efficiency and reduce costs, especially when enabling disparate infrastructure technologies to work together. Charter deployed the Cisco® uBR10012 cable modem termination system (CMTS) to maintain the expansion of broadband speeds and to support the company's growth of next-generation Charter Telephone services. Charter also utilizes the Cisco ONS 15454 multiservice transport platform (MSTP) with reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexing (ROADM).

"Charter Communications is at the forefront of providing advanced voice, video and data services for the home and businesses," said Surya Panditi, Cisco Vice President and General Manager, Access and Aggregation Business Unit. "Cisco continues to offer compelling reasons to adopt our industry-leading CMTS and ROADM technologies."

The companies say that Charter customers will get enhanced user experiences when viewing and sharing television content, surfing the web, downloading music and videos, and participating in online gaming.

For more information, check out the press release Charter Communications Enhances Business and Residential Service Delivery With Cisco IP NGN Architecture.

Cinemax Debuts Entire Star Wars Saga in HD

Cinemax is giving Star Wars fans a reason to celebrate as it airs all six Star Wars films back-to-back—in story order—for the first time ever on TV. The Star Wars Weekend Marathon begins at midnight on Nov. 10 and will play throughout the weekend.

Broadcasting in high definition for the first time, the marathon will begin with Episode I: The Phantom Menace, followed by Episode II: Attack of the Clones at 2:20 a.m., and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith following at 4:45 a.m. The classic trilogy airs starting at 7:10 a.m. on Saturday with A New Hope, followed by The Empire Strikes Back at 9:20 a.m., and Return of the Jedi at 11:30 a.m.

For fans who don't want to stay up all night, Cinemax will re-air the prequel trilogy on the evening of Nov. 16, and the original trilogy on Nov. 17. In addition, Cinemax On Demand subscribers will have access to all six films from Nov. 2 to Dec. 28, along with more than a dozen special features and footage including original concept art and other behind-the-scenes material.

To see a complete list of when the movies will air, check out the Cinemax Star Wars schedule.

AT&T Wins Four Global Wholesale Carrier Excellence Awards

AT&T recently annouced that announced that it has received four 2006 Global Wholesale Carrier Excellence Awards from ATLANTIC-ACM, a Boston-based telecommunications industry research consultancy. The awards, which are based on customer feedback, were presented at the Competitive Telecommunications Association's (COMPTEL's) Fall 2006 Convention & Expo in Orlando. AT&T received more 2006 Global Wholesale Carrier Excellence awards than any other carrier.

The awards are based on the weighted results of the 2006 edition of ATLANTIC-ACM's Global Wholesale Report Card. The report card analyzes customer feedback in the traditional wholesale telecommunications market as well as in emerging technologies to evaluate the performance of wholesale carriers in key delivery areas.

"We are extremely pleased that the value of the offers we bring to market is being recognized, and as our customers' needs evolve, we will continue to seek ways to meet global requirements," said Sherry Charles, vice president of AT&T Wholesale Marketing, AT&T Enterprise Services, Inc. "These awards demonstrate the solid experience of AT&T's global sales and customer care teams in each segment of the wholesale marketplace that we serve. AT&T is committed to delivering a premier customer service experience through servicing tools, global care solutions and secure Web-based reporting backed by robust service-level agreements and efficient processes."

Now in its sixth year, the ATLANTIC-ACM Global Wholesale Report Card has become the most reliable source of comparable wholesale customer feedback in the telecom industry. The report card will be available in November 2006.

"AT&T had spectacular results this year, not only winning four categories but also improving on its 2005 scores dramatically," said Fedor Smith, vice president of ATLANTIC-ACM. "AT&T's service and quality continued to generate positive feedback from global customers throughout the first year of the completed merger of SBC and AT&T."

Read more in the press release AT&T Wins Four Global Wholesale Carrier Excellence Awards From ATLANTIC-ACM.

Sprint Joins Motorola, (PRODUCT) RED™ and The Global Fund to Help Fight AIDS in Africa

Want RED? Soon the RED MOTORAZR V3m will be available nationwide. The new wireless phone was designed exclusively to support (RED), an initiative founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver to raise awareness and money for The Global Fund. The Global Fund is an innovative public-private partnership created to finance a dramatic turnaround in the fight against AIDS in Africa with an emphasis on women and children.

As the exclusive worldwide wireless partner for (RED), Motorola is developing unique products and partnering with leading wireless operators to enable consumers to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa. The RED MOTORAZR is the first in a series of products in the U.S. to benefit The Global Fund. Both Motorola and Sprint will contribute directly to the fund with each RED MOTORAZR sold at Sprint.

"Motorola is honored to be associated with (RED), The Global Fund and now Sprint in the drive to help those in Africa affected by HIV/AIDS," said Ron Garriques, president of Motorola Mobile Devices. "Together, we are literally placing in people's hands the opportunity to get involved in a meaningful way."

"We are delighted to offer our customers RED MOTORAZR as a way to make a difference in this very important effort," said Mark Schweitzer, chief marketing officer for Sprint. "With the exclusive content available from Sprint, including live television, NFL Mobile and Sprint Music Store, purchasing the RED MOTORAZR is an easy way to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS."

To find out more about (RED) and the availability of the RED MOTORAZR, you can read this Sprint press release.

Comcast Volunteers Provide More Than 180,000 Hours of Community Service Nationwide

Hundreds of communities across the country received a helping hand last weekend, as 30,000 Comcast employees, family members and friends volunteered their time on Comcast Cares Day, the company's sixth annual day of service. In all, more than 180,000 volunteer hours were logged on Oct. 7 on projects ranging from beautifying schools, parks and community centers to delivering meals; and from renovating an apartment complex to sprucing up a neighborhood zoo.

For the first time, the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and the National Urban League were national partners in Comcast Cares Day, working with the company to co-sponsor projects in 30 communities across the country. Comcast worked with 15 local affiliates of NCLR, the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, and 15 affiliates of the National Urban League (NUL), the nation's oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans.

In recognition of the efforts of Comcast Cares Day volunteers, the Comcast Foundation is donating more than $1.2 million in grants to the nearly 300 partner organizations in 34 states and Washington, D.C.

"For the sixth consecutive year, Comcast employees turned out in force to donate their time on the weekend to make a noticeable, lasting difference in the towns where they live and work," said Comcast Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian L. Roberts. "We were particularly honored to have two outstanding organizations, NCLR and the National Urban League, as national partners this year, along with the hundreds of local organizations around the country that work year-round to serve our communities."

In addition to Comcast Cares Day, Comcast employees volunteer year-round with a variety of projects and organizations through the company's Comcast Cares program.

Read more in the Comcast press release.

Atlantic Broadband Provides Free High-Speed Internet to Military Families

Atlantic Broadband this week launched Operation Mail Call, a new initiative that provides free high-speed Internet service to customers with an immediate family member serving in the military in the two war zones.

"This is the 21st Century version of the 'mail call' that brightened the wartime experience of U.S. servicemen and women in past decades," said Rich Shea, VP and Chief Information Officer, who conceived of the idea. "Atlantic Broadband's Operation Mail Call will make it possible for our customers—particularly those who otherwise could not afford high-speed Internet service—to exchange e-mail with their loved ones any time of the day or night," Shea said. "And, because of our broadband speed and capacity, they can share photos, video, and even their children's drawings, virtually instantaneously."

Believed to be the first of its kind in the nation, the Operation Mail Call free Internet initiative is available everywhere Atlantic Broadband provides Internet service, including central and western Pennsylvania and nearby areas in West Virginia, western Maryland and western New York State; the Maryland/Delaware peninsula; and several cities in South Florida, including Miami Beach. Atlantic Broadband's technology and communications tools put the company in a unique position to help ease the anxiety of separation that families endure in wartime. It will keep them connected—more often and more immediately.

The company saw the efforts of the U.S. military—as well as groups like We Support You, the Freedom Calls Foundation and the Military Family Association—to provide troops in the field with Internet connections, voice calling and messaging services. But it also recognized a gap here at home, with many families lacking the resources to make the connection from their own homes.

"Customer appreciation offers are nothing new, but this is a very special one for all of us at Atlantic Broadband," Shea noted. "We are privileged to be able to offer this service to the families who are making such a great sacrifice for all of us.

Atlantic Broadband's Operation Mail Call will provide free Internet service to all customer households with an immediate family member—husband, wife, son, daughter, father or mother—stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan. The household will receive Atlantic Broadband Preferred Service (at up to 3 megabits per second), a free cable modem, up to five separate e-mail accounts, free installation and maintenance. The complimentary service will last as long as the family member is posted in either of the war zones. One household per serviceperson will be eligible.

WhiteFence in the Blogosphere

WhiteFence has been featured on some consumer blogs lately and I've noticed that there are a few questions and concerns that a lot of people have when learning about us for the first time. I thought I would take a few minutes to address some of those questions here in case any of our regular readers (Hi, Mom and Dad!) have the same type of questions.

Why do you need my address?
The prices and services that we offer from our providers vary depending on where you live. Sometimes, they even vary within the same zip code! We want to make sure you get the most accurate information possible before you order services. Your address helps us do that.

What happens to my address information once I enter it? Do you sell it to other companies?
When you enter your address to find information about services available through WhiteFence, your information stays private. We do not sell, rent or give your information away. The only time your information is shared with a service provider is when you complete an order with them. They have to know where you live to set up your service!

Why can I only see certain providers for my area?
We are committed to creating new business and technology partnerships with the best home service providers to make sure you have the most choices available in your area. When you enter your address, our proprietary transaction engine shows you all of the providers and pricing plans available to you through WhiteFence. However, there are areas where we do not have partnerships with certain providers. In those cases, we are not able to connect you to their services.

Why should I use WhiteFence?
Use WhiteFence if you want to save time when moving to a new house or apartment. Instead of calling around to set up or transfer your electricity, phone, cable, Internet, natural gas, newspapers, renters insurance, etc., you can connect them all in one place in just a few minutes. Or use WhiteFence to save money! Take advantage of our comparison shopping if you are adding a new service or unhappy with a provider you are currently using. We want to make it easier for you to get connected to the services you want and need for your home. It really is that simple.

I hope these answer some of your important questions about what we do here at WhiteFence. For more information, see our About Us section. If you still have questions, check out the FAQ section of the Home Services Guide or contact us. You can even comment to this post with your questions. Stephanie and I will do everything we can to answer them. We love to hear from our customers!