Juneau, Alaska residents can now avail of wireless WiMax-based broadband Internet service from AT&T Inc.’s subsidiary AT&T Alascom for $19.95 per month. The company said it is its first venture as part of a statewide plan to broaden broadband coverage via WiMax. The Juneau network will use Alvarion Ltd. equipment and will blanket the Douglas, Lena Point and Mendenhall Valley areas. It is expected to deliver downstream and upstream speeds of up to 1 Mbps. Coverage is likely to include more Alaskan communities later this year and next year.
Via [computerworld.com]
Tag Archive for 'Deployment'
The $800 million El Cajon Dam in Mexico reached completion early this year and a cutting-edge wireless voice and data communications helped made that possible. Raul Orozco, the IT and telecommunications director at the principal contractor of the dam, said the technology not only produced savings but also ensured the safety of workers — as many as 10,000 — during the four-year construction period. According to Orozco “there were no fatalities, a world record for a dam project like this,” and “some say that is because of the communications system.”
Cisco provided the $8 million data and voice system, which has Wi-Fi and mesh wireless components, as well unified communications technology, voice-over-IP phones linked to e-mail and other online functions, and core routing and switching over some wired links. The technology enabled for sharing of 3-D architectural models over the links among workers, dissemination of news and information, and efficient management of payroll needs.
Via [computerworld.com]
AirCell and American Airlines have just announced that they will be testing broadband services beginning in 2008. The goal is to enable passengers to use their laptops, PDAs, iPhones and BlackBerrys, and portable gaming systems.
AirCell is the leader in global airborne communications and its products are found in many commercial airplanes. In 2006 AirCell won the FCC’s exclusive broadband frequency license which gives them a unque air-to-ground network, making in-flight high-speed broadband service is possible.
American Airlines is very excited about this possibility and says that its customers list broadband access as one of their top wishes for future flights.
Duke University is facing a wireless LAN crisis which seems to be related to the recent release of Apple’s iPhone.
Up to 30 wireless access points can be knocked out at a time as the built-in 802.11b/g adapter on the newly released phone flood the area with MAC address requests. The requests are for an invalid router address, since the iPhone making the request doesn’t get an answer it keeps asking, tying up the system for ten to 15 minutes at a time.
Right now this isn’t a huge problem but school officials are worried that the end of August will bring a huge influx of new iPhone users and more headaches than Duke can handle.
Via [networkworld.com]
People in Cape Cod, Massachusetts just weren’t getting the internet service they hoped for, so instead of fighting with carriers they decided to find their own solution.
The non-profit group, OpenCape Corp was started with about $300,000 in donations from local colleges, communities and development agencies. The group is already taking steps toward its goal by installing point to point radios along the Cape and neighboring Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. These radios will form the backbone of the proposed wireless network.
OpenCape currently estimates that the commercial transport net will cost about $2 million to build while the public net will hit the $3 million mark. The commercial side is expected to generate enough revenue that it will pay for the operational costs of both sides.
Via [techworld.com]
The Wall Street Journal reported that Sprint Nextel is seeking new ways to fund its WiMax deployment project. The company, in August last year, announced plans to build a $3 billion WiMax network but with high wireless-customer churn rates and a declining stock price, securing capital investment is proving to be a challenge for Sprint. Its options include a spin-off of the firm’s WiMax business and a roaming deal with WiMax service provider Clearwire. Sprint is also studying a possible arrangement with its cable service provider partners on how they will pay for the use of the network.
Via [computerworld.com]
People who work in and visit the City of London can now have broadband Wi-Fi connection anytime, thanks to a network provided by The Cloud, Europe’s largest Wi-Fi network operator. “We feel it is important to provide this technology to maintain our position as the world’s leading international financial centre,” remarked Michael Snyder, who chairs the City of London’s Policy Committee. “The City is a fast-moving and dynamic environment and we are responding to the increasing time pressures faced by City workers by providing the technology for them to stay up to date, wherever they are in the City.”
The network is equipped by BelAir Networks’ advanced mobile broadband mesh technology, which connected 127 nodes installed in lamp posts and street signs. Over the next month, The Cloud, together with Nokia, will hold promotional activities, including free access for the first month. Aside from high speed Internet and email access, the network promises voice, music, video, gaming and other entertainment services over Wi-Fi, and can work with service providers such as O2, BT Openzone, iPass, Truphone and Skype.
Via [govtech.net]
Southwest Airlines is looking to add WiFi services to its flights. They’re hoping to begin rolling out a prototype within the next nine months. Eventually, the plan is that travelers will not only be able to access their email but also have more entertainment options during their flights. The appeal of WiFi during long flights is apparent and several other airlines have responded by saying they are also looking into offering this service.
Via [denverpost.com]
Following approval by the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration, AirCell announced it will bring in-flight Internet service in airlines, which passengers can avail of starting early next year. In 2006, the airplane cabin communications company shelled out $31.3 million to own spectrum formerly used for pricey air-phone service, which it will now devote to Internet and cellphone service.
Under the plan, AirCell promises to finish installing equipment, which weighs less than 100 pounds, on the cabin overnight. The gear will serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot and enables laptop computers and devices such as a Wi-Fi-enabled Blackberry to access the Internet. Blumenstein said passengers will pay no more than $10 per day for the service and sees partnerships with T-Mobile, iPass and Boingo. He expects speeds of the in-flight service to be similar to that on the ground. The service, however, will not allow VoIP calls except when pilots, flight attendants and air marshals need to speak with people on the ground concerning scheduling, safety and security issues.
Via [online.wsj.com]
Technology has now made gaps in cell phone coverage a thing of the past, that is if there is a Wi-Fi Hotspot nearby. Smart phones, complete with Wi-Fi capabilities are hitting the market, albeit slowly, and allow you to make VoIP phone calls, check email, read the latest news and other activities via the internet. As with all new technology, there are plusses and minuses to using smart phone but the biggest plus is you have the option of using the phone in a traditional cellular mode or switching to a Wi-Fi connection. Look for future improvements to include more options that are less expensive.
Via [google.com]
Hansa Buss has a new line of coaches with WiFi on board. With a $40 one-way ticket, passengers can connect to the Internet during the full five-hour travel from Tallinn, Estonia, to Riga, Latvia.
Prior to launching the line on March 1, Hansa board member Taivo Puuorg sought the advice of Veljo Haamer. The Estonian Wi-Fi pioneer flew to California last summer to understand the technology behind the Wi-Fi equipped Altamont Commuter Express train that journeys between Stockton, California and San Jose, California thrice a day. Haamer is now looking at deploying Wi-Fi in a six-hour train trip between the Estonian capital and St. Petersburg, and plans to study how the same technology can be installed in sea ferries linking Tallinn with Helsinki, Finland.
Via [wired.com]
Sydney Children’s Hospital at Westmead has wrapped up a year-long trial of integrated wireless networking technologies to boost patient care and improve the efficiency of its manual processes. The project involved the installation of 40 Cisco 1200 series wireless networking access points, 40 Vocera hands-free communication badges, 10 Dell notebook computers, which used customized, battery-powered trolleys called COWS (computers on wheels), and 6 Dell PDAs.
The infrastructure provided access to patient records and a rapid voice communication system through the use of portable voice badges, which clinicians wore around their necks. The devices allowed for voice-activated calls to a co-worker, thus reducing “a lot of running around,” and could receive external calls since they are integrated with the hospital’s PABX. They also served as emergency beacons as they can simultaneously transmit a voice stream to all badges.
Prior to the trial, the hospital commissioned the NTF Group to perform a business process audit between June 2005 and December 2006 to determine the feasibility of the project. The research firm projected that, on the basis of staff-time reduction, the hospital will incur savings of A$450,000 ($352,700 U.S.) annually.
Via [computerworld.com]
Verizon Wireless is upgrading its network with CDMA 1x EV-DO Revision A to enable faster BroadbandAccess wireless data services in several U.S. cities. The said technology delivers downstream speeds ranging from 450K to 800Kbps and upstream speeds between 300K and 400Kbps. BroadbandAccess subscribers pay a monthly fee starting from $60 — if they already have a wireless voice plan worth no less than $40 per month — to $80. The company is also selling two two Rev. A compatible products, i.e., the USB720 wireless modem and the AirCard 595 PC card.
Via [pcworld.com]
Reducing communication costs is not the only advantage to using VoIP. Some companies are now opting for the technology because it allows them to reach their employees even when they are not in the office or on the phone.
Jon Levey, broker/owner of ReMax Real Estate Advocate in Lincoln Park, Chicago is thanking the hosted VoIP telecommunications system from local firm Geckotech for not only saving him thousands of dollars but also helping him attract and retain real estate agents. For a flat monthly fee ranging from $35 to $55 per phone, companies subscribed to Geckotech’s solution get unlimited calling privilege and access to a variety of services including “Find Me/Follow Me,” which reroutes calls to a phone number of choice by the user. Sphere Communications’ VoIP system can also perform such service and be dovetailed with a company’s e-mail, customer-relationship marketing databases, and accounting and human resources applications to boost communication within and productivity of the organization.
Because of the advances, the growth of the VoIP market is expected to be sustained. According to Boston-based research firm Yankee Group, this section will see a compounded annual growth rate of 31 percent, reaching nearly $3.3 billion by 2010 from $840 million in 2005. Hosted VoIP will have the fastest expansion with $1.2 billion in 2010, or 400 percent greater than the 2005 level.
Via [chicagotribune.com]
S.F. Should Not Rush Free Wi-Fi Deal
Jake McGoldrick, a supervisor for San Francisco’s First District, raised concerns over the city’s deal with EarthLink and Google to build a citywide Wi-Fi network. He cited a report by a Budget Analyst for the Board of Supervisors recommending that the city explore several business models. This move, the report said, “would encourage creativity and innovation” and enable the city to select the best proposal that would suit its financial needs. McGoldrick believes the city government should not rush the deal and still consider viable options that could result to offering free or universally accessible service. He said the deal provides little money for “digital inclusion,” which would make WiFi accessible to poor residents of San Francisico. McGoldrick also proposed that a municipally-owned enterprise run the network because this could ensure cheaper rates if not free Wi-Fi connection.
Via [examiner.com]