NetStumbler.com

Nokia has began a trial of unlicensed mobile access or UMA in Oulu near the polar circle in northern Finland. Subscribers with UMA-enabled handsets can make Internet calls when they are within the coverage of an unlicensed wireless network such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. When they leave such range, the calls will automatically shift to a connection supported by a GSM, GPRS or UMTS mobile phone network. The test will run for the next two months.
Via [today.reuters.com]

WiFi vendors are expressing concerns over AMD’s plans to acquire ATI Technologies. The perception is that AMD will follow the “Centrino” route, which involved a bundle of an Intel-manufactured processor, chipset, and Wi-Fi card. Dirk Meyer, the president and chief operating officer of AMD, dismissed the concerns, assuring that the company has no plans of copying Intel’s strategy. Meyer stressed that AMD will “continue to rely on the ecosystem and great partners like Broadcom.” Also, “the strength of [AMD's] approach is for customers to have access to best of breed components.” Nonetheless, companies like Broadcom are already studying their options as their own customers are already asking about their contingency plans should the AMD-ATI deal pushes through. Mike Hurlston, vice president and general manager of Broadcom’s wireless LAN business, said: “We’re certainly getting that [kind of question] from a lot of customers. Our answer has been that it’s too early to tell.”
Via [pcmag.com]

Motorola and Softbank Group are teaming up to install a WiMax trial network in Tokyo. Under the agreement, Motorola will supply the necessary equipment such as access points, an access network, and prototype WiMax mobile handheld devices while Softbank — a provider of mobile communications, fixed-line telecommunications and fixed-line broadband services to 26 million subscribers in Japan — will evaluate the efficacy of WiMax as a wireless broadband techology. The trial will run for five months beginning September.
Via [informationweek.com]