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Telefónica Joins HomeGrid Forum Board of Directors
Telecommunications Leader to Drive Commercialization of ITU-T G.hn Next-Generation Wired Networking Standard
| Source: HomeGrid Forum
BEAVERTON, OR--(Marketwire - November 18, 2009) - HomeGrid Forum, a global, non-profit trade
group promoting the United Nations' International Telecommunication Union's
(ITU-T) G.hn standardization efforts, today announced that one of the
largest telecommunications service providers in Europe and Latin America --
Telefónica -- has been appointed to the organization's board of directors.
This announcement confirms the growing importance and broadening adoption
of G.hn as the next-generation global standard for wired home networking.
The G.hn standard is designed to deliver a unified technology for the wired
home network that addresses key issues of service providers, electronics
manufacturers, and consumers alike. Through one worldwide standard, G.hn
will unify the networking of content and devices over any wire -- coax
cable, phone, and power lines. G.hn enables service providers to deploy new
offerings, including IPTV, more cost effectively; allows electronics
manufacturers to provide powerful devices for connecting all types of
entertainment, home automation, and security products throughout the house;
and greatly simplifies consumer purchasing and installation processes.
"The addition of Telefónica to the HomeGrid board is evidence of the
increasing support from telecommunications carriers around the world," said
Michael J. Palma, senior research analyst for consumer semiconductors at
IDC. "Telefónica's global reach throughout Europe and Latin America, along
with their endorsement of the standard, increases the momentum for the
adoption of G.hn on a global scale."
Within Europe, Telefónica operates in six countries including Spain, Czech
Republic, Germany, Ireland, Slovakia, and UK, and has presence in the form
of commercial offices or owned infrastructure in an additional 20 EU member
states. In addition, the company provides telecommunications services in 13
Latin American countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia,
Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, México, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, Uruguay
and Venezuela.
"As G.hn moves towards approval, a growing number of service providers are
now actively involved in the delivery of the standard to the marketplace,"
said Matthew Theall, president of HomeGrid Forum. "Telefónica's support
and expertise will help accelerate the adoption of G.hn products in markets
around the world. We look forward to their contributions at the board
level, and as a key member of our technical and marketing workgroups."
Telefónica joins a growing list of industry-leading organizations that are
part of HomeGrid Forum. Global leaders in the service provider, computing,
and consumer electronics industries also support the adoption of G.hn
through their participation in the ITU-T. For a complete list of HomeGrid
Forum members, visit www.homegridforum.org.
About Telefónica
Telefónica is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world
in terms of market capitalisation. Its activities are centered mainly on
the fixed and mobile telephony businesses with broadband as the key tool
for the development of both. The company has a significant presence in 25
countries and a customer base that amounts to 264 million accesses around
the world. Telefónica has a strong presence in Spain, Europe and Latin
America, where the company focuses an important part of its growth
strategy. Telefónica is a 100% listed company, with more than 1.5 million
direct shareholders. Its share capital currently comprises 4,704,996,485
ordinary shares traded on the Spanish Stock Market (Madrid, Barcelona,
Bilbao and Valencia) and on those in London, Tokyo, New York, Lima, Buenos
Aires and São Paulo.
About HomeGrid Forum
HomeGrid Forum is a global, non-profit trade group promoting the
International Telecommunication Union's G.hn standardization efforts for
next-generation home networking. HomeGrid Forum promotes adoption of G.hn
through technical and marketing efforts, addresses certification and
interoperability of G.hn-compliant products, and cooperates with
complementary industry alliances. For more information on HomeGrid Forum,
please visit www.homegridforum.org or follow us on Twitter @homegrid_forum.