More Details on XOHM from Sprint September 28, 2007
Posted by Ari Zoldan in Word on the Street Is....add a comment
Barry West, Sprint’s Chief Technology Officer, revealed more details about their upcoming XOHM service at WiMAX World USA in Chicago. ComputerWorld reports that pricing for XOHM will not be based on contracts or the model of pricing used for cellular phone service. Instead, XOHM will be subscription-based, with longer subscriptions offering lower prices on the service. In addition, various tiers of service will be offered that can be purchased depending upon the consumer’s needs. What will not be included with the service are SLA’s or Service-Level Agreements, which guarantee a minimum bandwidth, or your money back.
As for Sprint’s overall WiMAX rollout in preparation for XOHM? Barry West seems confident enough. He reported at WiMAX World that the company is on target with its preparations for nationwide deployment, and is up to par with its first rollout in Chicago and Baltimore. With competitors like Verizon and AT&T not planning any participation in 4G services until the next two years, West smugly remarked: “Xohm is all there, and we’re going to kick butt.”
Technorati Tags: WiMAX, Sprint, WiMAX World USA, Xohm, WiMAX prices, Ari Zoldan
Ari Zoldan
Launch 3 Communications
Hyperconnectivity and Nortel’s Demo at WiMAX World September 27, 2007
Posted by Ari Zoldan in Analyses and Speculations.add a comment
CNNMoney reports on what is described as “the world’s first demonstration of unified communications over 4G WiMAX at WiMAX World USA.” In the demonstration, Nortel placed a phonecall over a 4G WiMAX network.
Probably the most intriguing aspect of this article, though, is its exploration of hyperconnectivity, which implies the idea of every possible technological device becoming connected. It conjures images of an era when e-mail, text messages, phone, instant messenger and general online access will all be interconnected. Although to some degree this has already happened with devices like BlackBerries, what is profound is the degree to which WiMAX can further develop the speed and efficacy of these interconnected tools. With more speed and a more powerful network, hyperconnectivity can be taken to a level that we cannot currently imagine.
With this in mind, Nortel’s attempt toward “unified communications” further simplifies the complexities that can be associated with hyperconnectivity. Nortel has found a way to eliminate the need for multiple passwords and the like, and has created a so-called “one-stop” way of accessing these different technological tools wirelessly. With convenience and ease of use entering the picture when it comes to hyperconnectivity, its pervasiveness in our evolving technological reality will only become more persistent.
Technorati Tags: WiMAX, Nortel, WiMAX World USA, unified communications, hyperconnectivity, Ari Zoldan
Ari Zoldan
Launch 3 Communications
WiMAX In Buildings September 26, 2007
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The WiMAX World USA conference has featured yet another product that has produced some buzz in the world of WiMAX. InformationWeek describes a module developed by MobileAccess that may help close the debate as to how useful WiMAX is to offices and other large buildings.
In order to bypass the potential problems associated with WiMAX signals permeating the walls in large spaces, MobileAccess’ WiMAX Module will only require sliding a blade into the building’s telecommunications closet. This will greatly facilitate the switchover from current internet services to WiMAX. Rather than having to overhaul an entire building’s infrastructure, this module will make switching over to WiMAX simple and inexpensive. The module is expected to take off at some point next year, and will be particularly useful on college campuses, in large indoor spaces like airports, and even in places like malls and stadiums.
Technorati Tags: WiMAX, MobileAccess, mobile WiMAX, WiMAX World USA, wireless, MobileAccess WiMAX Module, Ari Zoldan
Ari Zoldan
Launch 3 Communications
Motorola’s WiMAX Modem September 25, 2007
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There will probably be more exciting bits to share after The WiMAX World USA conference concludes in a couple of days. For now, Edgadget reports that Motorola is ready to show off its CPEi 300 WiMAX modem in Chicago this week. Though not all the details are out yet, the CPEi 300 is equipped with a data port and two VoIP ports. The price of the modem and related images are forthcoming.
Technorati Tags: WiMAX, Motorola, mobile WiMAX, WiMAX World USA, wireless, CPEi 300, WiMAX modem, Ari Zoldan
Ari Zoldan
Launch 3 Communications
Intel, WiMAX and a New Breed of Mobile Internet Devices September 21, 2007
Posted by Ari Zoldan in Analyses and Speculations.add a comment
Devices like BlackBerries and Sidekicks already provide a degree of wireless access and mobile internet usage. However, the novelty of internet-on-the-go quickly wears off when one realizes the shortcomings of such devices. For one thing, the access these devices provide is fairly slow and is unable to rival the connectivity rates one can get via cable or DSL. In addition, once you establish an internet connection, many webpages prove to be difficult to view or are skewed to a degree that makes them difficult to navigate. Pictures, and especially videos, pose an entirely different dilemma. And finally, once you’ve got the hang of navigating the web, e-mailing and sending text messages on these devices, you come to the realization that you’ve sucked the life out of your (easily drainable) battery.
Without a doubt, our increasingly mobile generation demands full internet access on the go. This access would rival the speeds users are familiar with on most home and office networks and allow users to access high definition videos, images and audio files. According to InfoSync, Intel is aiming to do just that with its new WiMAX-enabled chipsets. However, to take this speculation to the next level, Intel is aiming to create an entirely new breed of mobile internet devices that are WiMAX enabled and provide a more complete wireless experience. What will these devices be like? One word: Menlow. Check out the video below to see it in action.
With better connectivity, PC-level usage capabilities, more energy efficiency and a soon-to-be nationwide WiMAX network behind its back, Menlow–along with any devices created in the same spirit–is sure to shake up mobile devices as we know them.
Technorati Tags: WiMAX, Intel, mobile devices, Menlow, wireless, Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), Ari Zoldan
Ari Zoldan
Launch 3 Communications
More Details on XOHM from Sprint September 20, 2007
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InfoWorld has reported some additional information about Sprint’s WiMAX rollout, known as Xohm. Currently, Sprint is arranging to provide WiMAX femtocells (miniature base stations) to faciliate access in buildings, on campuses and in office setups. The mini base stations will not be used in homes since they will be covered though the primary nationwide network.
How exactly will Xohm’s services be deployed? According to the article,
Xohm will be sold in a variety of ways, including monthly subscriptions, short on-the-spot purchases and “try-and-buy” offers with a period of free service, the companies said. They haven’t disclosed pricing.
Though not all the details are known yet, the update on the nature of Xohm’s services is definitely exciting for WiMAX’s development in the United States. WiMAX will be a useful tool for connecting gadgets as disparate as cellphones, cars and home computers. Once Intel’s WiMAX-enabled Echo Peak chip is embedded in laptops as well, a whole new market for WiMAX gear will be opened as well.
Technorati Tags: WiMAX, Sprint, Xohm, Intel, wireless, Ari Zoldan
Ari Zoldan
Launch 3 Communications
Update on WiMAX in Asia September 18, 2007
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TeleClick reports that Taiwan has granted six spectrum licenses in the past six months, with pressure to deploy WiMAX in the next 18 months. In like manner, both developed and less developed locales in Asia are looking to WiMAX for its convenience and potential to provide connectivity to wide areas.
Asia’s enthusiasm for WiMAX and its related technologies means a potential boost for equipment makers and WiMAX-specific device makers such as Samsung and LG. It will be particularly interesting to observe the way WiMAX develops in Asia, since efforts to deploy the same technology are just beginning in the United States and parts of Europe.
Technorati Tags: WiMAX, Asia, Ari Zoldan
Ari Zoldan
Launch 3 Communications
AT&T and WiMAX? September 17, 2007
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We all know about Sprint’s nationwide WiMAX rollout, known as XOHM, but it looks like AT&T has decided to jump on the WiMAX bandwagon as well. According to Wireless Week, AT&T is planning on offering limited WiMAX services in the southern United States beginning sometime next spring. AT&T has already had some involvement with WiMAX deployment in Alaska. However, unlike Sprint and Clearwire, AT&T is focusing mostly on WiMAX’s potential for use with mobile television and video.
Technorati Tags: WiMAX, AT&T, Ari Zoldan
Ari Zoldan
Launch 3 Communications
WiMAX in Africa? September 14, 2007
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Myadsl.com features an interesting story about the potential WiMAX has in Africa. Generally speaking, WiMAX has proven to be an excellent option in locales where cabaling for internet connectivity has not yet been established or is difficult to set up. In addition, setting up WiMAX base stations is a relatively inexpensive venture. As internet usage increases, the cost of connectivity will only go down. According to the article, “at 12 Gb per user per month Motorola puts the cost differential of ownership between WiMAX and HSDPA at $47 versus $144 per month.” If Africa is able to take advantage of this opportunity, WiMAX could aid the country in leaping ahead to the most cutting-edge technology in an effective and affordable manner.
Technorati Tags: WiMAX, Africa, Ari Zoldan
Ari Zoldan
Launch 3 Communications
Testing Mobile WiMAX Devices with Agilent September 12, 2007
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This week, Agilent Technologies announced that they have developed a “one box” test solution for Mobile WiMAX devices. 
According to their press release, “this solution effectively meets the needs of cell phone, ODM and CM manufacturing engineers testing WiMAX mobile subscriber devices or modules that use IEEE 802.16e-2005.” Known as Agilent’s N8300A, the device promises to further faciliate the manufacturing of Mobile WiMAX-enabled devices. The N8300A will be showcased along with other WiMAX testing solutions at several upcoming events, including WiMAX World USA in Chicago.
Photo Credit: Agilent
Technorati Tags: WiMAX, Mobile WiMAX, Agilent Technologies, WiMAX World USA, WiMAX Testing, Ari Zoldan
Ari Zoldan
Launch 3 Communications
