• AT&T today announced a new contract with Aeroflex, a global technology company that develops a diverse range of microelectronic T&M products, to serve as the primary networking-services provider for Aeroflex. Under the terms of the 3-year contract, AT&T will provide a VPN, Remote Access, VoIP, hosting and security services. Aeroflex selected AT&T to create a customized globally managed VPN incorporating ANIRA, a remote access VPN to core data services.
• Nokia and Live Nation announced the North American launch of Nokia Ticket Rush, a free membership program providing access to tickets for concerts, tours and live entertainment events. The program delivers promotions for these shows directly onto millions of mobile handsets. Users of the service are also privy to pre-sale tickets; special lots of tickets are made available only to service subscribers. The service is free.
• PlayPhone, a provider of off-deck entertainment offerings, said it raised $18.7 million in a third round of venture capital funding. The financing was led by Scale Venture Partners and included participation from existing investors Cardinal Venture Partners and Menlo Ventures. The company said it will use the funds to expand into new international markets.
• CellAntenna announced the roll-out of a new emergency communication system: MOFORSAS. This Multiple Output Fiber Optic Repeater Smart Antenna System promises to provide clear, reliable communication to disaster recovery teams in extreme, hostile conditions, such as building collapses, mining accidents, hurricanes and similarly harsh situations. The system was designed to bring radio communication signals from outside a building and carry them into deep interior locations where no signal exists.