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… Continue Reading
Silicon Valley Wireless Nears Crunch Time
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… Continue Reading
Apple Eyes The Wireless Auction
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… Continue Reading
Google Launches US Wireless Crusade
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… Continue Reading
IOGEAR Ships Wireless USB Hub, Finally
IOGEAR’s Wireless USB hub is now for sale to interested customers. The price tag: $199.95. The device goes by the name of GUWH104KIT and includes a router with four wired USB hubs. It can wirelessly link different Wireless USB adapters or notebooks. The company first announced this product in June 2006 and the first Wireless… Continue Reading
My Wonderful Trip To South Africa That Didn’t Happen Thanks To The TSA And Delta Airlines
I don’t normally post personal items, but I think that everyone should know about some of the horrible things happening at San Diego International Airport and with Delta Airlines. I wrote this immediately after the events that transpired so that I would have an accurate log. Summers are the busiest travel time of the year.… Continue Reading
700MHz Auction: What’s Really Up For Grabs, And Why It Won’t Be Monopolized
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… Continue Reading
Does Skype’s Windows Update Story Fly?
Skype’s explanation on the service’s recent two-day blackout was met with skepticism. In a statement, the VoIP provider said: “The disruption was triggered by a massive restart of our users’ computers across the globe within a very short timeframe as they re-booted after receiving a routine set of patches through Windows Update.” Windows maker, Microsoft,… Continue Reading
Sprint’s New WiMax To Be Called ‘Xohm’
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… Continue Reading
Google-funded Startup To Offer Free Wi-Fi In San Francisco
The city of San Francisco has had its ups and downs with a citywide Wi-Fi system and still there is no system in sight. Google has most recently entered the fray, at least peripherally. Meraki, Google funded start up, claims it can cover the city with Wi-Fi for a fraction of the current plan’s costs,… Continue Reading
Sprint To Offer WiMAX-enabled Linux Tablet
LinuxDevices has discovered that Sprint will be offering an internet tablet similar to Nokia’s N800 next year. This addition to the Mobile WiMAX market will take advantage of Sprint’s 4G wireless services, which may reach more than 100 million people by 2008. In 2006 Sprint announced their plans to begin the 4G nationwide broadband mobile… Continue Reading
iPhone Music Store Plus Apple And Starbucks/T-Mobile Wi-Fi Agreement
We have received word and rumors are spreading that Apple and Starbucks/T-Mobile will be announcing a special deal to allow for iPhone Wi-Fi access at Starbucks/T-Mobile sites. The terms and details of the announcement are not yet known, but we hear that this is going to arrive at the same time that the iTunes store… Continue Reading
Qualcomm Cell Phone Ban To Take Effect
Qualcomm continues to lose the war over patents with Broadcom. U.S. President George W. Bush has announced he will not overturn a June ruling by the International Trade Commission banning the importation of cell phones housing chips infringing Broadcom patents. Qualcomm, however, is determined not to give up the fight. Aside from preparing an appeal… Continue Reading
AT&T Lights Up WiMax In Juneau
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,… Continue Reading
Earthlink Shifts Municipal Wi-Fi Strategy
Earthlink has abandoned its original business strategy for municipal wireless networks. “We’re also beginning a dialog with the municipalities that we’ve partnered with, and that we’re considering partnering with,” said Earthlink President and CEO Rolla P. Huff. “The Wi-Fi business as currently constituted will not provide an acceptable return … We’re going to look for… Continue Reading