Verizon has joined the bandwagon and announced a new open access plan for its network. This plan will go into effect next year and means any application can run on any device from any manufacturer and will have full access to the Verizon spectrum.
Verizon representatives say this move was prompted by two different motives, the first being more sophisticated customer needs and the second is an explosion in innovation. They are hoping to see an wave of wireless devices flood the market in more arenas than the traditional handset market.
Some speculate that this decision is tied to the upcoming 700MHz spectrum auction, Verizon denies this was their motivation but the timing couldn’t be more coincidental.
Via [arstechnica.com]
The much anticipated 700MHz spectrum auction in January officially has another bidder. Google has announced that it will toss its hat in the ring.
A Google representative says that the company’s goal is to offer American consumers more choices in an open and competitive wireless world. Officially, Google doesn’t have to announce its plans until December 3rd so until then speculations abound.
Some say Google has no interest in becoming a network provider, others look to the previously proposed four open access provisions, or possibly they will lease space to others. Nothing is certain at this point except that when Google does make its plans known it will create a nationwide buzz.
Via [arstechnica.com]
Published on
November 19, 2007 in
WiMAX.
Tags: WiMAX.
The deal struck between Sprint Nextel and Clearwire back in July has been scrubbed and the national WiMAX network took a hit. Both companies say they will continue to work on the technology independently.
Although both companies appear committed to developing WiMAX, their shareholders may actually hold the reins as huge sums of money are necessary to go forward.
Manufacturers of WiMAX equipment feel the technology is still sound and they plan to go ahead with device creation, it just may take longer for the technology to take hold. AAA So, the future of WiMAX is uncertain, it may be better suited for emerging markets than the U.S., only time will tell.
Via [news.com]
The recent departure of Sprint CEO, Gary Forsee, is having some far reaching impact. The WiMAX build out between Sprint Nextel and Clearwire is the latest victim as the proposed joint, nationwide WiMAX effort has been dropped.
Sprint’s corporate shake up was not the only reason the proposed venture was nixed,the complexities of the transaction were also cited as a stumbling block. So that leaves the American WiMAX project in a bit of a conundrum, do Sprint and Clearwire go out and forge independent networks or will new bonds form?
In the meantime, WiMAX is progressing nicely overseas, proving that they technology is valid and workable.
Via [gigaom.com]
IBM has joined forces with MediaTek to develop microprocessor chipsets that will wirelessly transmit videos almost instantly.
These chipsets will let you connect HDTVs with set top boxes without the need for wires. They will also transfer data at rates of at least 100 times that of current WiFi standards.
This new technology, mmWave wireless, is expected to be used widely in homes and offices.
Via [networkworld.com]
WiMAX has a reason to celebrate. The International Telecommunications Union has just approved the non-cellular technology as part of a 3G standard. This means that operators with 3G spectrum in their 2.5 GHz bands globally can use WiMAX to build out a spectrum.
The last interface added was back in 1999 when ITU added IMT-2000 as it established the original technologies. IMT-2000 and five other cellular standards had to be used in the 3G standard, now the door is open to WiMAX.
But all is not rosey for WiMAX, the debate between technologies is far from over.
Via [wirelessweek.com]
The BBC has announced that the Health Protection Agency is going to begin a systematic research program on how WiFi is used. The goal of this study is to determine how WiFi is being used and the possible radiation exposure that results from such use.
Spokesmen from the HPA believe that the study will confirm the safety of using WiFi, but feel that since England’s Chief Medical Officer suggested children limit their non-essential cell phone use due to potential exposure to radiation that a study into the radition emmissions of WiFi was the next logical step.
Results of the study will be publicly available, but officials reinforce their belief that WiFi is safe.
Via [bbc.co.uk]
Chicago’s WiMAX World show displayed a large rift between Mobile WiMAX supporters and municipal WiFi.
With continued problems halting all progress in the municipal WiFi world, WiMAX supports say they have the solutions. They contend that their licensed spectrum will guarantee continuous coverage and that indoor reception will not be as problematic as it is for WiFi.
But all is not rosy in the world of WiMAX, hardware is a huge problem. Every laptop has built-in support for 802.11b/g and will soon have 802.11n, this won’t be the case for WiMAX for quite some time, several years at least.
Right now all eyes are on Sprint and their pricing of Xohm. A reasonable price point may make or break a WiMAX solution for the masses.
Via [arstechnica.com]
Another massive wireless network has fallen behind schedule, this time the location is California’s Silicon Valley. About 40 municipalities over a 1500 square mile area are still in negotiations but representatives have said that the model should be completed by the end of the year.
So far the delay has been blamed on technological improvements and changes and the deeply complex process of covering multiple technologies and different services. This may be so, but the template agreement is still not finalized and even when finally done, it still needs to go to individual municipalities for some tweaking.
Like the struggling citywide Wi-Fi in other cities across the country, their plan is very ambitious and progress is slow.
Via [infoworld.com]
The upcoming wireless auction may be drawing another high roller. BusinessWeek has reported that Apple is looking at the possibilities of a purchase.
It’s believed that this chunk of wireless spectrum is the last available for creating a mainstream broadband network. It’s believed that signals in this 700Mhz spectrum will be able to provide faster Internet access than the cellular and WiFi options available today.
One upside of Apple purchasing the spectrum would be service to iPhone owners. They would no longer have to depend on the phone company but could use a net telephony service for cheaper, more reliable service.
There are other implications for Apple and some of them aren’t so good, for instance their margins would definitely drop.
At this point it appears as if Apple won’t bite but they’re approaching the auction well informed.
Via [businessweek.com]
Google is looking to offer 95% of the population free broadband within the next 10 years. Unfortunately, it seems that the FCC is thwarting their efforts.
Google has contacted the FCC and explained to them their interest in a wireless proposal set forth by M2Z Networks. M2Z is hoping to lease an unused slice of wireless spectrum between 2155 to 2175 MHz.
The FCC’s stance is that they’re waiting to hear how the public wants the spectrum to be used and licensed.
Google has my vote!
Via [theregister.co.uk]
Published on
September 17, 2007 in
FCC.
The FCC’s latest release may actually become this year’s top read. The rules for the upcoming 700 MHz auction is apparently riveting and controversial.
One large chunk of spectrum has a number of open access conditions attached to it while the other requires bidders be active in the public/private public safety network. But the new rules don’t restrict the same company from buying both of these slots. There are also three other large blocks that will be up for auction.
It is possible for one company to come in and purchase all 5 blocks of spectrum but it’s highly unlikely that anyone would as the built-out requirements for each segment are quite expansive and unique, meaning the work involved in just one segment will require a very specialized committment.
Expect the C block to garner the most attention as it could be used for a national high-speed wireless service and many of the telecoms have already expressed their interest.
Via [arstechnica.com]
Sprint’s new WiMAX has a name…Xohm. The company feels the X at the beginning of Xohm gives it an edgy feel but notes the pronounciation is like “home” but with a “z” sound at the beginning.
However, the announcement of the name isn’t the only leap the company is taking. They also plan on rolling out a new business model that is internet-based, not telecom-based. A year ago Sprint stated this venture could cost them $3 million, but new partnerships with companies like Google and Clearwire Corp. may have changed that investment a bit.
Xohm is expected to provide speeds at about 3 to 4 times what 3G is currently offering its customers and the WiMAX network will be operating over a licensed spectrum.
Via [computerworld.com]