NetStumbler.com

Avalcom, a leading systems integrator in Russia, plans to undertake a massive trial of WiMax installations in the country over the next three months. The company will use Aperto Networks’ PacketMAX products including PacketMAX 5000 carrier class base station and the PacketMAX 100 CPE for its pilot projects in different regions in Russia. Participating in the project is top Russian ISP, Infoseti, which will conduct the trial of Aperto’s PacketMAX solution in Moscow.
Via [eetimes.com]

Skype users who want more mobility may opt for the new Wi-Fi phones that are due to hit the market in the third quarter of this year. The handsets will be pre-loaded with Skype software and will allow subscribers to use open Wi-Fi access points that do not need browser authentication to make calls. For this service, the eBay-owned telephony firm will charge fees similar to those for calls made from PCs. Belkin, Accton Technology’s Edge-Core, Netgear, and Standard Microsystems will supply the phones, which will be available for purchase at the Skype online store.
Via [pcworld.com]

The latest statement from the GSM Association did not sit well with WiMax supporters. The association is urging European Commission regulators to restrict the so-called 3G extension bands — particularly 2.5-2.690 GHz — to “the IMT-2000 family of technologies.” The plea ensued from proposals labeling certain bands as “technology neutral.” David Pringle of the GSM Association said: “If it’s used for lots of different technologies then anybody trying to manufacture equipment for those spectrum bands is going to be dealing with a fragmented market. If it’s harmonised, that creates the economies of scale that manufacturers enjoy with GSM.” Paul Senior, vice president of marketing for WiMax vendor Airspan, believes the association’s move is “blocking [WiMax] from becoming an IMT-2000 technology.” Last December, the WiMax Forum asked the E.C. to free up the 2.5-2.69 GHz band so as to “enable innovation and competition in personal broadband services.” Senior feels the commission will side with the pro-3G group.
Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]