Sprint WIll Raise The Bar On 4G Uplink Speeds!

Sprint 4G http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Sprint always had caps on uplink data capacity set at 1.0Mbps. But Phone Scoop got a message indicating that cap will be raised to 1.5Mbps. So soon, all the people on Sprint WiMax network will experience a jump in upload speeds. But that "soon" has no definitive date.

 "Soon the uplink speed cap on all existing Sprint dual mode and single mode 4G mobile devices will be increased from 1.0 to 1.5 Mbps. Customers may notice uplink speeds as much as 50% faster after the speed cap is raised. We haven’t stated a specific date this will take place."  Sprint spokesperson Stephanie Vinge has told Phone Scoop.

Phone Scoop

Lenovo ThinkPad Mini 10 With WiMAX seeks FCC Approval

Lenovo ThinkPad Mini 10 With WiMAX  http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Lenovo has submitted to FCC a what looks like a 10" subnotebook with factory installed WiMAX mini PCI card. I think it is the way to go for all notebook and netbook manufacturers, provide as much connectivity as possible. 3G, WiMAX and also the plain old wireless. Hope I can do a field WiMAX Test soon on a Thinkpad.
FCC

Sprint Will Bring High Speed WiMAX (4G Mobile Broadband) To Your Door Step This Year.

Sprint WiMAX (4G Mobile Broadband) snapvoip.blogspot.com
Sprint will bring WiMAX (4G Mobile Broadband) to more markets this year.  According to a press release today, Sprint intend to bring their speedy Mobile broadband to as many as 120 million people by the end of 2010. They have marked a few cities to be added to the 27 cities already enjoying the high speed 4G Mobile Broadband othewise known as WiMAX.

Sprint expects to launch 4G service this year in many markets, including Boston, Denver, Kansas City, Houston, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. More Sprint 4G markets will be announced at a later date. Sprint 4G is expected to cover up to 120 million people by the end of 2010.

But the mobile users are not the only ones in Sprint's cross hairs. Sprint wants home users, students in university dorms, or any one with a computer or such device. Sprint wants us to bypass your cable provider and stream HD movies from content distribution providers (such as Netflix, Amazon and Blockbuster) right to your TV; connect our consoles like Xbox 360 and game real-time with someone located across the globe; move pictures wirelessly from your camera to a digital picture frame and surf the Web on your laptop while streaming Pandora, all through a single connection.

If you use a computer, a smart phone, a gaming device, a DVD player or any Wi-Fi enabled device, your online life will change for the better when you experience the Sprint 4G difference. And the value of 4G makes using Sprint 3G/4G to enhance all of your wireless devices a no-brainer," said Matt Carter, president of 4G. "While other national wireless carriers are just talking about 4G, the Sprint Now Network already offers the reality of 4G now in a large number of markets across the country, with many more to follow this year.

Well they better come before Google Broadband comes out.
Sprint

Handoff Between WiMAX And LTE Might Be Possible In The Future With WiMAX and LTE Modem

WiMAX and LTE modem snapvoip.blogspot.com/
WiMAX and LTE from a single chip, yes, they are that close. Beceem announced yesterday Mobile World Congress that they will work together with Motorola to pair off Motorola's 4G WiMAX infrastructure with BeceemsBCS500 4G chip.
The product will result in a 4G modem that will be able to handle LTE and WiMAX and provide users to roam and seemlessly switch between the two networks. Beceem chips currently power the Clearwire Networks and their capabilities already provide VoIP over WiMAX with multi-access network handoffs.

"The know-how gained during the development and deployment of our leading 4G WiMAX solution has contributed to our work with Beceem to offer this advanced chipset solution, We look forward to the opportunities provided by this capability to address market demand." said Bruce Brda, senior vice president, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions and Networks business.

Beceem joins the praise with

"Our 4G-WiMAX chips are powering every device in Clearwire's network, and we would not have been able to achieve this level of performance and market success without our collaboration with Motorola," said Babu Mandava, CEO of Beceem Communications. "We are pleased to enter the 4G-LTE market later this year with our new BCS500 4G-LTE/WiMAX chip that will become the performance benchmark of the 4G industry."

 Press Release

ClearWire Lights Up Five States (NC, WA, TX, IL and HI) With WiMAX.

ClearWire Brings LTE To 5 States snapvoip.blogspot.com
Clearwire has started to lit up some areas of the United States with the high speed sevice.  As of today,  Honolulu and Maui, Hawaii, will get the 4G service. On the mainland, Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh, North Carolina state, Dallas/Ft. Worth, San Antonio and Austin, Texas state, gets the WiMAX.
People in Seattle and King County, Pierce County, Kitsap County, and Snohomish County Washington state along with citizens of Chicago, Illinois, will also be able to signup for the service starting as low as $30 a month.

“CLEAR is excited to bring to Honolulu and Maui residents, businesses and visitors an Internet experience similar to what they’re used to having at home or the office, anywhere around town or on the go,” said Jon Gelman, Clearwire’s regional vice president. “We're pleased to provide this community a valuable new category of Internet service designed to make people’s lives more enjoyable and more productive.”

Clearwire news

TMC's Rich Tehrani Interviews Alvarion's Ashish Sharma

Rich Tehrani Questions Ashish Sharma

Rich speaks to Alvarion's  Ashish Sharma who heads up Corporate Communications and Market Development
about WiMAX, WiMAX business model, broadband stimulus around the globe and usage patterns of WiMAX users. He did not forget to ask about the WiMAX/LTE battle.
Yes it is a video worth watching.

Global WiMAX Roaming With ClearWire!

Global WiMAX Roaming
Clearwire has signed a MOU, memorandum of understanding with WiMAX operators UQ Communications of Japan (UQ) and Yota of Russia to provide roaming between services for users of either service. Cleauqyota will be the rulers of WiMAX skies, at least for now. 
But this initiative will provide opportunity for others to think about providing regular wireless services roaming that does not cost $62000 for data roaming and careers make Mafia look like saints.

The press release by Clearwire;

KIRKLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 14, 2009-- Clearwire Communications, LLC, an operating subsidiary of Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ:CLWR), announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with WiMAX operators UQ Communications of Japan (UQ) and Yota of Russia that identifies the objectives and activities each operator will perform towards the realization of establishing WiMAX roaming between the operators.
Under the MOU, Clearwire, UQ, and Yota plan to collaborate on business and technical aspects of their respective operations to define and institute the process necessary to support international roaming and to ensure the operators’ systems and devices are able to support roaming. Additionally, the operators will work with Clearwire’s Global Alliance Partner Program members and other WiMAX operators to ensure that seamless roaming occurs in an increasing number of countries. Furthermore, the collaboration will leverage WiMAX Forum roaming guidelines, specifications and templates where necessary to help meet business objectives.
“Today’s announcement confirms mobile WiMAX technology’s maturity and robustness and reaffirms that it is the only commercially available 4G standard worldwide with an available ecosystem of infrastructure and devices," said Barry West, president of Clearwire International. "With over 500 WiMAX deployments underway in about 145 countries, the existence of a roaming framework – helping to connect operators as well as WiMAX customers – is vital to advanced cross-market cooperation."
“The mobile WiMAX position in the telecom market is currently so strong, that operators are taking action to organize a civilized roaming environment,” says Dennis Sverdlov, CEO of Yota. “The trilateral MOU, signed by the leading global WiMAX operators, is evidence of that. We are committed to making telecom services easy to use for our clients, and this MOU was signed with their interests in mind.”
"WiMAX is a worldwide technology standard available in many countries, which is already giving birth to a variety of new services and end user devices," remarked Takashi Tanaka, president of UQ Communications Inc. "As a global standard, international roaming is a natural service evolution, and we, as WiMAX operators, have to work closely together to make roaming services available as quickly as possible."
Clearwire, UQ, and Yota currently offer WiMAX services in their respective domestic markets. Through mutual collaboration, the companies will provide their customers the first international WiMAX roaming capability and help 4G services to follow the same global pattern towards international accessibility as other wireless technology.
In addition to today’s announcement, Clearwire will continue to work closely with its Global Alliance Partners YTL Communications of Malaysia, wi-tribe of Pakistan, Vee Telecom of Taiwan, and Global Mobile of Taiwan to ensure successful roaming once the partner networks are commercially deployed.

Clearwire via TechCrunch

ClearWire WiMAX Drivers For MAC, Coming In August., Linux A Little Later!

ClearWire WiMAX Drivers For MAC

Clearwire plans to release a client software for Apple Macintosh laptops to Clearwire WiMax service. They will also introduce Clear 4G+ mobile USB, dual-mode USB modem for WiMax and Sprint Nextel's 3G network.

The WiMax carrier currently offers tabletop, wireless and USB modems to connect to it's network. Clear has only provided Windows drivers for it's USB Modems, so Mac users have not been able to use the Clear service on the run. They only capable of connecting Wi-Fi through the US$139.99 Clear Spot. On Aug. 17, Clearwire will begin offering a Mac driver as a free download for customers, according to Mike Sievert, chief commercial officer.

Clearwire does not have drivers for Linux platform for its modems at the moment but in the future the company plans to offer open-source code for outside developers to write their own drivers, according to CTO John Saw.

If we all can get connection speeds like in this Clearwire WiMAX speed test, I will be a very happy surfer. Clearwire Cell Towers are for you to locate.

Press Release;
Clearwire Introduces CLEAR(TM) 4G Mobile Internet Service to Las VegasClearwire Showcases Mobile WiMAX Capabilities and Devices during Consumer Launch Event Today at Town Square Mall Dual-Mode 4G/3G Modem to Provide Nationwide Service Beginning August 1 Company continues progress on plans to bring CLEAR to 80 markets by end of 2010LAS VEGAS, Jul 21, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Las Vegas region officially hit the jackpot today as Clearwire Communications, LLC, an operating subsidiary of Clearwire Corporation, (NASDAQ:CLWR), rolled out CLEAR's super-fast mobile internet service to serve approximately 1.7 million residents across 638 square miles. Now, consumers and businesses can access the internet wirelessly, at true broadband speeds â"EUR at home, in the office, and on the go anywhere in the CLEAR coverage area.

"While it's true that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, now, thanks to CLEAR, that doesn't mean it has to stay in one place," said Jeremy Abler, General Manager of Las Vegas market for Clearwire. "CLEAR will bring to Las Vegas residents the super-fast mobile internet experience they're used to having at home or the office, anywhere around town or on the go. We're providing a valuable, new category of internet service designed to make people's lives more enjoyable and more productive, wherever they happen to be in our coverage area."

In addition to the launch of Clear 4G service, the company also announced that, starting on August 1, it will offer the Clear 4G+ mobile USB, a dual-mode 4G/3G modem for customers who travel outside of CLEAR 4G coverage areas that uses Sprint's nationwide 3G network - the most dependable 3G network in the nation - creating a truly national footprint for the most mobile of customers.

Owners of Apple(R) Macintosh(R) laptops will be able to connect to the CLEAR network using a USB modem beginning August 17 with the introduction of the Clear Connection Manager software for Mac. The software is compatible with existing Clear USB 4G WiMAX-only modems and will be available for download from clear.com. Dual-mode Clear 4G+ mobile USB service is expected to be available for Macs in Q4 '09.

A CLEAR Difference

Unlike other wireless services, CLEAR delivers a mobile broadband internet experience on par with speeds typically experienced only on wired connections, like DSL. For example, some of today's 3G wireless networks typically deliver download speeds of between 1.0 and 1.7 Mbps. CLEAR customers, however, can expect to see download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps with bursts over 10 mbps.

The CLEAR customer experience is similar to that provided by Wi-Fi, but without the short range limitations of a traditional hot spot. CLEAR uses a 4G technology that differs from Wi-Fi called WiMAX, which provides service areas measured in miles, not feet. In Las Vegas, the CLEAR network utilizes an area-wide WiMAX radio system from Motorola.

As the internet integrates deeper into daily life, the opportunities to stay connected and be productive are enhanced by CLEAR in numerous ways, including by:

• A local limousine or transportation service looking to provide in-vehicle internet service for their clients;
• A busy parent who wants full internet connectivity for kids studying or playing games in the back of the family minivan;
• A college student or retiree looking for one affordable internet service provider to meet their needs at home, on campus and on-the-go;
• A mobile professional who is unsatisfied with the speeds and limitations of 3G modem cards or the need to seek out Wi-Fi hotspots;
• A commuter interested in accessing entertainment sites like Hulu or Pandora on the way home.

For these and many other customers, CLEAR's simple and innovative pricing provides ultimate flexibility. CLEAR's mobile and residential plans can be purchased by the day or by the month, and with several no service contract options available. Home internet service plans start at $20 per month, while mobile internet plans start at $30 per month, or customers can purchase a convenient day pass for $10. Additional savings are available for customers by purchasing a combination of services that could include home-and-mobile or mobile-and-mobile internet plans starting at $45 for both, or by signing up for a two-year service agreement. The dual-mode 4G/3G plan is available for just $80 per month with a two-year service agreement. Customers can find full details about pricing options, business plans and purchase the service online at www.clear.com, or by visiting numerous retail locations throughout metro Las Vegas, including: Sunset Galleria Mall, Boulevard Mall, Meadows Mall, Charleston Rampart, and Eastern Russell (McCarran), as well as any of 6 Best Buys or 24 RadioShack stores; or other authorized CLEAR dealers.

Simply Plug-In and Go

CLEAR offers several simple choices for broadband connectivity.

• Clear USB Modem and Clear 4G+ Mobile: Mobile users simply plug-in CLEAR's compact, mobile WiMAX-enabled USB modem into their laptop to get online. The USB modem, from Motorola, is available for only $59.99 or leased for just $4.99 per month. Customers can purchase the modem from a store or online. Customers who travel across the U.S. will be able to purchase the Clear 4G+ mobile USB, a dual-mode (4G/3G) modem, from CLEAR beginning August 1. The dual-mode capabilities give the truly mobile user access to nationwide 3G network service whenever the Clear 4G service is not available. The 4G+ mobile USB will retail for $79.99, after instant rebate.
• Residential data & voice services: For residential service, CLEAR offers customers a wireless high-speed modem, about the size of a small book. Customers simply plug the modem into a power outlet anywhere in their home or office and connect the modem to their PC or wireless router. This enables consumers and businesses to install high-speed internet service without the need to schedule an appointment, drill holes in their walls, or otherwise disrupt their day. The Clear Modem, a residential modem from Motorola, can be purchased for $79.99 or leased for just $4.99 monthly. Residential customers can also add in-home voice service with purchase of the Clear Voice Adapter for $15, and receive unlimited local and long distance service for just $25 per month.
• Clear Spot: With the Clear Spot, any existing, off-the-shelf Wi-Fi device (compatible with 802.11b/g) can connect to CLEAR's mobile WiMAX network. The Clear Spot creates a personal Wi-Fi hotspot that travels with consumers anywhere they happen to be within CLEAR's mobile WiMAX service area. This $139.99 device is a portable, battery-powered router that seamlessly connects up to eight standard Wi-Fi-enabled devices (computers, mobile phones, portable gaming, consoles, cameras, etc.) to the internet via a Clear USB modem to access CLEAR's mobile WiMAX network. The Clear Spot is compatible with both the Clear 4G and Clear 4G+ mobile USB dual-mode service options.
• Intel Embedded WiMAX Laptops: Numerous CLEAR-compatible embedded WiMAX laptops based on Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 processor technology are now available directly from their manufacturers and through other channels. From Dell, these include the Studio 17, Studio XPS 16, Latitude E4300, Latitude E6400, Latitude E6400 ATG, Latitude E6500, Precision M2400, and Precision M4400. From Fujitsu, this includes the LifeBook P8020. WiMAX-ready laptops from Lenovo include the ThinkPad line: SL400, SL500, X200, X200s, X200 Tablet, X301, T400, T500, W500, W700. From Samsung, this includes the X460 notebook as well as the NC10, the first WiMAX-enabled netbook based on the Intel(R) Atom(TM) processor, available in the U.S. From Toshiba, consumers can order the Portégé(R) R600-ST520W and Satellite(R) U405-S2920.
• Samsung Mondi: Also launching in August is the Samsung Mondi, a mobile WiMAX-enabled handheld device that combines the abilities of a PC with the size and portability of a phone.
• Coming Soon: Panasonic has announced plans to deliver this year a Toughbook(R) computer with embedded WiMAX based on Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 processor technology, and compatible with the CLEAR network.

Tags: Clear 4G+ mobile USB, clearwire, Clearwire WiMax Speed test, Clearwire Mac driver, WiMAX, WiMAX radio system, dual-mode 4G/3G modem

Comcast Clearwire Making WiMAX Waves In Oregon.

Comcast WiMAX in Oregon
Andy Abramson directed me to an article by Rethink-Wireless that shows Comcast had great plans when it partnered with Clearwire.
The combined service that includes WiMAX has been launched in Portland Oregon which continue to provide service to customers with combined fixed broadband, WiMAX (Comcast Speed 2Go) and Sprint EVDO plus WiMAX in areas where Clearwire is active.
The company will offer a metro plan and card that works within the WiMAX footprint area, and a nationwide plan and card that offers 3G everywhere, using the Sprint Clearwire.
While ago we reported the about the WiMAX Speed Test in the same area that reached 13Mbps from various positions that included a car moving at 60-70 MPH.
According to Rethink Wireless the pricing plans do seem attractive across all three companies, either combined or stand alone, depending on what you are looking for and where you want it!
"COMCAST is offering a 12-month introductory rate. For $50 a month, a subscriber gets 12Mbps home cable broadband and WiMAX, which is only a $7 premium over the cost of cable broadband alone (and includes a free Wi-Fi router). A national 3G add-on is an extra $20 a month and roaming to other Clearwire WiMAX markets is free. After the one-year trial the tariff goes up to $73 a month ($93 with 3G). There will be a $99 charge for a dongle (and other devices to follow in future), though people who commit to a two-year deal get the gadget for free.

Clearwire itself charges $20 a month for its in-home 'Clear' service, from $40 a month for mobile internet, and $50 a month for unlimited consumer roaming. It also has a creative range of pricing options, including sharing a connection between multiple devices, or taking up month-by-month contracts or short term passes (a day pass is $10, and customers can add an in-home voice option for $25). Sprint 4G is $80 a month with a two-year contract that includes 5Gb per month of 3G data and unlimited 4G bandwidth. All these plans enable consumers to get cutting edge mobile broadband capabilities - as use of dongles starts to take off, European-style, in the US - for a small premium."

Another good reason for me to shed AT&T DSL and go Comcast way if the service come to San Francisco Bay Area. Mind you, I have been a loyal customer of AT&T, for a long time. I Started my DSL service when PACBELL was still alive and kept it through SBC and now AT&T. Service continue to be the same, no improvements for what it looks like eons but the cost keep on rising.

I looking for better service for cheaper or the same price and Comcast has beeen very inviting.

Rethink Wireless

Andy Abramson

Tags: Clearwire WiMax Speed test, wimax, clearwire, comcast, Sprint, AT&T, DSL, PACBELL, SBC

Cisco Service Provider Mobility Community Network

Social network for service providers
I learned about a fantastic new portal at Cisco, Service Provider Mobility. With projected wireless slated to be growing 66 times the current level or equivalent of 120% annually and 4G networks looking to make us more productive on the go or otherwise, service provider community is going to be a very busy crowd.
So as usual, Cisco has stepped into fill a gap, a community portal for service providers to gather and discuss issues, wishes and achievement etc. Basically a social network for serive providers.
Perhaps the following should invoke your interest in mobile space;

1. New innovative applications such as YouTube, Flickr, WebEx
2. Exciting integrated devices such as the iPhone and Blackberry
3. Roll out of higher performance networks such as LTE, WiMAX
4. New business models enabled, and
5. Unprecedented levels of personalization and ease of use

Links after the Kittur Nagesh welcome message to visitors at Cisco's Service Provider Mobility Community

Follow the link and join the Service Provider Mobility Community.
[via CISCO SP360 ]

Tags: CISCO SP360, social network for serive providers, cisco, Service Provider Mobility, YouTube, Flickr, WebEx, iPhone, Blackberry, LTE, WiMAX

Comcast Offeres WiMax With Cable

http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Comcast is planing to offer mobile internet in Portland Oregon, using Clearwire Data Services that we wrote about earlier in WiMax Field Speed Test.
"We are very interested in being able to offer a wireless component to our products," said Burke, who was visiting Portland from Comcast's Philadelphia headquarters to help launch a new marketing campaign.
Portland, Oregon will be the first place that Comcast will be offering the WIMax service under it's mobile internet service. Most probably bundled with Triple Play, TV,Phone and Internet Service.
Oregonlive

Tags: Clearwire Data Services, comcast, Triple play, wimax

WiMax Field Speed Test

http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Gizmodo has conducted a series of WIMax tests all over in Portland, Oregon. Wilson Rothman, who tested so many gadgets for our (?) behalf got giddy with this tiny wireless modem. It has to be good. He tested the gadget from various positions, such as standing outside a shopping mall, driving down highway at 60-70 miles per hour, and the bugger performed, keep him smiling and to write a great report.
He was on Clearwire Data Services with a Motorola USBw25100 WiMax dongle and managed to reach 13Mbps down stream (Clearwire provided him with uncapped connection). Man I think I am going to be more giddy than him. I jump updaown when I get a 3G connection from AT&T. Dont forget to read my iPhone 3G Speed Test and the iPhone Speed tests covering GPRS,EDGE and WiFI.
Anyway here is the summery of the WiMax Speed Tests.

It's easy to reach download speeds that are four times the peak of today's best 3G networks

Power demand does not seem to be any greater than other wireless connections

Most available Clear services now are capped at 4Mbps, though uncapped plans may be available sometime this year

Only a handful of cities will have this service in 2009, with more to come in 2010

Wide fluctuations in bandwidth feel weird: 12Mbps upside makes 3Mbps feel like a disappointing trickle

Within Portland's city limits, there were plenty of dead zones that will hopefully be filled in soon

Maps Videos and lots more information at Gizmodo.

Tags: clearwire, wimax, WiMax Speed Test, Motorola USBw25100 WiMax, Clearwire Data Services, iPhone Speed tests, iPhone 3G Speed Test

Clearwire Plans To Bring Clear WiMax More Markets By 2010.

Current Clearwire Covrage

http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
In a press release about clearwire's 2008 performance reports, the company metioned that it will bring Clear WiMAX to more markets. The company has clearly covered a lot of grounds and promises to envelope more. Clear is working with Sprint in its efforts.
“During 2009, we expect to launch our Clear™ branded mobile broadband services in a number of new markets such as Las Vegas, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia and Dallas/Ft. Worth and in our largest existing markets, namely Baltimore, Seattle, Honolulu and Charlotte,” Wolff added. “With a robust pipeline of cell sites under development, we are working to significantly extend our wireless 4G network to many more markets, giving us the ability to cover as many as 120 million people with true broadband mobility by the end of 2010, including in major markets such as New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Houston and the San Francisco Bay area to name a few.”
The company listed following high lights in it's reports.

Key 2008 Highlights

• Completed Combination with Sprint’s 4G Assets, Resulting in Largest U.S. Mobile Wireless Spectrum Portfolio
• Closed $3.2 Billion Financing Round at $17 Per Share
• 2008 Pro Forma Revenue Increases 52 Percent Driven by 21 Percent Subscriber Growth and 6 Percent ARPU Increase
• Initial Markets Increase Market EBITDA Margin to 40 Percent in Fourth Quarter 2008

Additional Highlights

• First “Clear” Mobile WiMAX Market Comes Out of the Gate Strong With Initial Sales More Than Double Any of Clearwire’s Prior 47 Market Launches
• Mobile WiMAX Network Expansion Under Way Enabling Coverage of Up To 120 Million Americans Across 80 Markets in 2010
• Atlanta, Las Vegas, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Honolulu, Philadelphia, and Seattle Among Cities Going “Clear” in 2009
• New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Houston and the San Francisco Bay Area Lead List of Planned 2010 Launches
• Clearwire to Launch Dual Mode 3G/4G Modem This Summer Giving “Clear” Subscribers Access to a Nationwide 3G Mobile Data Network

Clearwire

Tags: Clearwire Covrage, Clear WiMAX, sprint, clearwire

Skype™ 1.0 Beta for Intel-based Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs).

http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Basically in other words, that is Skype for your devices like, iPhone, Nokia NXX, Blackberry and UMPCs. But the initial focus seem to fall on Intel Atom Processor and Moblin-based Linux OS (www.moblin.org) As they stand to sell in large quantities, in short time period.
MIDs are an emerging category of small, truly mobile consumer devices enabling a rich Internet experience, coupled with the capability to communicate with others, enjoy entertainment, access information, and be productive on the go - all without sacrificing mobility or performance. MIDs typically come with 4"-7" screens, a camera, GPS and WiFi connectivity. Select MIDs also provide WiMax or 3G/4G support for wireless broadband connectivity on-the-go. ABI Research expects 86 million Linux-enabled MIDs to ship by 2013. For more information about Intel Mobile Internet Devices, please visit www.intel.com/products/mid.

"Today's introduction of the first, complete Internet communications offering for MIDs bridges the gap between the phone and PC and underscores our vision of 'Skype everywhere' and our commitment to open access," said Scott Durchslag, Skype's Chief Operating Officer. "By supporting WiFi, WiMax, 3G and 4G, this development expands Skype's mobile portfolio and further illustrates the broad accessibility to Skype that we offer on a multitude of mobile devices."

"Mobile Internet Devices enable users to enjoy the full Internet experience and stay connected with their friends and family wherever they go," said Pankaj Kedia, director of global ecosystem programs in the Ultra Mobility Group at Intel Corporation. "Our collaboration with Skype to deliver Skype 1.0 Beta for Mobile Internet Devices based on the Intel® Atom™ processor and Moblin-based Linux OS will provide new ways for users to communicate anywhere, anytime."

Tags: Mobile Skype, MIDs, VoIP, Free WiFI, wimax, Linux-enabled MIDs, Moblin-based Linux OS

Sprint Brings XOHM WiMAX Broadband Service To Baltimore

If you were waiting for WiMAX service to utilize the your Nokia 810 WiMAX or any other devices that are WIMAX enabled, you are in luck, provided you live in downtown Baltimore. Today Sprint unveils it's XOHM WiMAX Broadband Service there. Last January Sprint announced that it will be bringing WiMAX to Chicago, Baltimore and Washington D.C.
What I like to know is not the debut but how the service will continue to make things easy for day to day users.
Yes VoIP over WiMAX is not a problem as it is just another IP connection as any other broadband service. So those people with WiMAX equipped UMPC's could talk away on there favorite Mobile VoIP Network or service.

Following is the Press Release by Sprint;

HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A next-generation 4G wireless network based on mobile WiMAX technology debuted today in Baltimore, heralding the start of a new era for wireless consumers as Sprint (NYSE: S) officially launched XOHM(TM) mobile broadband commercial service in the first major U.S. city.

"This is truly an historic day with the birth of a completely new Internet-based business model that alters the dynamics of the traditional telecom industry," explained Barry West, president of Sprint's XOHM business unit. "Wireless consumers will experience WiMAX device and XOHM service innovation on multiple levels as the computer, Internet, telecom and consumer electronics industries converge to redefine wireless mobility."

XOHM WiMAX will extend the home or office Internet experience and mobile multimedia applications to other places and additional devices. With XOHM, consumers, businesses and local governments will ultimately be able to experience new forms of interactive communications, high-speed mobile Internet browsing, social-networking tools, location-centric services and multimedia including music, video and on-demand products at faster average downlink speeds of 2-4 Mbps. The data-centric XOHM broadband service differs from present wireless offerings in that:

• No long-term commitments or contracts are required, freeing customers from restrictive long-term subsidized plans;
• Monthly home, on-the-go and day-pass Internet plans provide service choices;
• A single monthly charge covers service for multiple WiMAX access devices;
• WiMAX devices are purchased like other computing/consumer electronic devices,
• XOHM broadband service is self-activated and includes future updates capability;
• Customers can enjoy an Internet portal offering enhanced mobile services;
• The Open Internet business model transcends other carriers' wireless walled gardens that restrict services, choice and innovation.

Starting today, customers can purchase XOHM-branded Samsung Express air cards for $59.99 and ZyXEL modems for $79.99 via XOHM web, telesales or select Baltimore-area independent retailers. Additional WiMAX devices such as a ZTE USB modem, Intel Centrino 2 WiMAX notebook PCs and the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition are expected in market later this year.

Introductory offers allow customers to choose from both daily and month-to-month service options. At launch, mobile WiMAX service plans include a $10 Day pass, $25 monthly Home Internet service and $30 monthly On-the-go service. Special launch pricing includes a $50 "Pick 2 for Life" monthly service option covering two different WiMAX devices. Visit www.xohm.com to view the current XOHM WiMAX coverage area, details of the introductory broadband service offerings and device sales information.

XOHM subscribers will be given free access to a unique and customizable Web site, called MyXOHM, focusing primarily on local services and entertainment content, as well as providing security services, hosted storage and interactive communications. After choosing preferences, subscribers will have their content pushed to a customized and location-aware portal via small digestible widgets.

XOHM continues to work with WiMAX ecosystem partners and others to incorporate WiMAX technology in a range of computing, portable multimedia, interactive and other business and consumer electronic devices, including the availability of XOHM WiMAX in vehicles for navigation information, news and entertainment.

Sprint will be the first and only national wireless carrier to offer customers a dual-mode 3G - 4G device that extends the power of Sprint's NOW network. Expected to launch in the fourth quarter, this Sprint device will operate on the nation's largest 3G mobile broadband network and the 4G network in Baltimore and other markets as WiMAX service becomes available.

The Baltimore XOHM service launch is one of the most rapid ever for new network development, approximately two years after Sprint's selection of WiMAX IEEE 802.16e as a technology standard and the formation of a charter WiMAX ecosystem with Intel, Samsung and Motorola. Those firms shared a common vision of next-generation mobility services predicated on an embedded chipset model and the wireless enablement of millions of consumer electronic devices that lack wireless connectivity or Internet capability. Nokia, Nokia Siemens Networks, Google, ZTE, ZyXEL and others have since joined the XOHM WiMAX ecosystem.

Sprint's XOHM business unit focuses on developing the WiMAX ecosystem and standards to bring the latest broadband wireless technology to U.S. customers while pursuing roaming and interoperability agreements globally. The XOHM WiMAX network utilizes the 2.5 GHz spectrum holdings that were combined in the Sprint and Nextel merger to deploy next-generation technology. XOHM uses WiMAX infrastructure developed by Samsung Electronics Corporation Ltd. and has worked with them in deployment and buildout of the Baltimore-area WiMAX network. Additional markets are in various stages of infrastructure development for commercial readiness. These efforts are ultimately intended to allow customers to experience a nationwide 4G mobile broadband network that is designed to offer faster speeds, lower cost, greater convenience and enhanced multimedia quality.

As announced earlier this year, Sprint expects to complete the anticipated combination of its XOHM WiMAX business assets with Clearwire to form a new company in the fourth quarter. This new company, to be called Clearwire, will continue to expedite the deployment of a nationwide mobile WiMAX network. Following the transaction, Sprint will be the only national wireless carrier to sell 4G services through an MVNO structure with the new Clearwire.

Tags: WiMAX ecosystem, wimax, Sprint, sprint XOHM, XOHM WiMAX, Baltimore WiMAX

Nortel Heats up the Summer With Hyperconnectivity. Going Online At 100MPH.

TORONTO - From enhancing leisurely pastimes to connecting with work while on vacation, communications technology is changing the way we spend those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. Nortel* [NYSE/TSX: NT] presents the top five ways that summer is becoming hyperconnected:

1. The Office is Anywhere: The allure of a summer house on quiet lake is calling out to you but there's big stuff going on at the office that you just have to keep tabs on. Rather than miss out on the chance to enjoy mid-day swims and evening marshmallow roasts you take your office to the lake with you. Unified communications and telework technologies allow you to do this by giving access to your phone calls, voicemails, e-mails and online collaboration tools like video-conferencing with the same simplicity and efficiency as if you were at the office. Even if you are only heading out of the office for lunch on a patio or a golf tournament, Mobile Unified Communications tools like Fixed Mobile Convergence Mobile Extension can transform your mobile phone into an office extension using the same number and features as your desk phone, like internal extension dialing, conferencing and call transferring. Workers can even access VoIP and video conferencing while on the go with the speedy connections offered by today's 3G wireless technologies, like CDMA EV-DO.
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3. Rural Connectivity: Working from a summer home is one thing if you have high-speed broadband. However, if you are restricted to dial up Internet access, as is the case in 30 percent of rural Canada, it can be a frustrating and downright futile task. With the emergence of 4G wireless broadband technologies like WiMAX (which exists today) and LTE (which is expected to be in deployment by 2010), service providers can cost-effectively deliver high-speed access in areas where it would have been too costly and difficult to build wired networks. This means that in the future more hyperconnected workers and vacationers will be able to access high-bandwidth applications like VoIP and streaming video from rural areas.
4. Road tripping for the Hyperconnected: Getting to your vacation spot of choice leads many folks into that quintessential summer family adventure: the road trip. Luckily today there are iPods, portable video game devices, and cars with built in DVD players to that you can load up with content at home and bring along to entertain hyperconnected passengers. In the future summer road trips will be enhanced by the ability to access online content and applications right from the car such as streaming music, online gaming, and mobile TV. This is another advantage offered by 4G which has the speed and capacity to support broadband connectivity even while traveling at up to 100 km/h. Check out the drive tests that Nortel performed over both LTE** and WiMAX**.
5. Hyperconnected Island Hopping: A recent study conducted by Nortel and IDC showed that hyperconnected workers would take their laptop out before their wallet or even mobile phone if they had to leave their house for 24 hours. In addition, roughly 30% of survey respondents have texted or emailed while on vacation. Based on this, you can bet that many laptops, smartphones, and other connected devices, get packed for summer travel. Luckily hotels commonly offer Internet to guests but some resort and tourist destinations are starting to offer more pervasive wireless access that would please hyperconnected vacationers. For example, an island-wide wireless mesh deployment on the Greek island of Patmos** will make this vacation hot spot a wireless hotspot. The Caribbean Islands can also be a haven for the hyperconnected with service providers in several sunny destinations expanding and upgrading their networks to offer the latest in wireless services such as web browsing, streaming video and multimedia messaging.
6. Hyperconnected Play Time: The sun is in your eyes and you've hit a long drive right into the rough. Rather than take a one stroke penalty for the lost ball, the ball emits a radio signal** which leads you right to it. Maybe you'll also be able to better gauge your next drive with the whole course mapped out and displayed on a screen in your golf cart** through a combination of GPS and WiFi. The golf equipment is just some of a whole host of technology on the market today that makes use of connectivity to enhance leisure experiences. Technology is also making it easier to connect with friends while on the go. The combination of devices like the iPhone with GPS and social networking is making it possible to see what friends are on the same golf course, at the same baseball game or just in the same general area as you are when enjoying the summer sun.
   

Tags: 3G wireless, CDMA EV-DO, WiMAX, 4G wireless broadband, LTE, GPS, WiFi, iPhone

WiMax Goes To Sea At Port Of Singapore.

According to a post on PCWorld, Ships that call on port of Singapore can now use WiMax instead of satellite to connect to the Internet. Singapore's maritime WiMax network will extend 15 kilometers offshore, covering its southern coastline and port, once completed. This harbor is one of the world's busiest with 140,000 ship calling in every year. The government-led project, called WisePort, is run by local operator QMax Communications and uses the same version of WiMax found in South Korea, called WiBro, that uses the 2.3GHz spectrum band.

You can read more about it at PCWorld.

Tags: WiMax, WiMax at Sea, WisePort, Singapore, QMax Communications

DOCOMO Offers 54 Mbps "Home U" High-Speed Mobile Data/VoIP for Home Broadband Networks For FOMA Users.

TOKYO, JAPAN, May 27, 2008 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC. and its eight regional subsidiaries today announced a service that will enable DOCOMO FOMA™ third-generation handsets to connect to home broadband networks via wireless LAN routers, allowing mobile phone users to enjoy 54 Mbps high-speed packet communication and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), beginning in June.

With Home U™, Japan's first consumer service for fixed-mobile convergence, DOCOMO FOMA phones will be able to download large-volume data, such as video, with the speed and convenience of broadband.

VoIP calls to other Home U users will be free of charge, and to non-Home U users will be 30 percent cheaper than normal FOMA charges.

Initially, the service will be compatible with the N906iL onefone™, a mobile/W-LAN dual handset that will be sold from the same day that the service starts.

The monthly charge for Home U will be 1,029 yen. No signup fee will be required.

Tags: wireless, super 3G, 3G, DoCoMo, MIMO, CDMA, HSDPA

WiMAX Big Bang Comes Near

World Street Journal is reporting that;
"Analysts say the venture, valued at more than $12 billion, will have a two year head-start on rivals Verizon Wireless and AT&T Inc., which are just beginning to sketch out plans for their next-generation wireless networks. The venture includes wireless provider Sprint Nextel Corp. and Clearwire Corp., a start-up backed by cellphone pioneer Craig McCaw. Other big-name backers include cable-TV giants Comcast Corp. and Time Warner Cable Inc., Internet giant Google Inc. and chip maker Intel Corp.:
Instead of a WiMAX ecosystem we might have WiMAX global warming!. Man I would like see how these people will work together and when will the next Next iPhone with WiMAX be coming along!

Tags: wimax, WiMAX ecosystem, WiMAX global warming, WiMAX Big Bang

Kyocera Wireless Corp Demonstrates Near-field Communication, WiMAX, Femtocell and software architecture For device-based management

LAS VEGAS, Apr 01, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading global manufacturer of wireless phones and devices, today illustrated its strong position in the development of several emerging wireless technologies by staging live demonstrations at its booth (#6007) at the CTIA Wireless 2008 trade show in Las Vegas. Included in the demonstrations are Near-field Communication, WiMAX, Femtocell and a proprietary software architecture for device-based management of dynamic content handoffs between 3G and 4G networks.

"These demonstrations illustrate the strength of KWC's technology portfolio while giving visitors to the show a glimpse into the future of wireless communications," said Cheri de Lacy, KWC's divisional vice president of strategic planning. "From our demonstration of the world's first MIMO-enabled WiMAX device to our role as the exclusive handset provider for the first-of-its-kind North American NFC trial on a CDMA network, KWC has the experience and the vision to assert a leadership position in these key emerging technologies."

Near Field Communication

KWC features a retail environment in its booth - complete with inventory and a cash register - to demonstrate the power of NFC-enabled devices as convenient mobile payment platforms. Visitors to the booth can make purchases using a version of Kyocera's Tempo E2000 handset, which has been modified with an NFC chipset from NXP Semiconductors and includes a BREW-based NFC payment wallet software from ViVOtech. It is Kyocera's latest commercial-grade NFC-enabled handset and it includes biometric authentication technology, providing additional security to transactions.

WiMAX

In early 2007, KWC built a WiMAX-enabled PC card that was the world's first to employ leading-edge MIMO (Multiple Input/Multiple Output) technology. Today, through strong working relationships with WiMAX infrastructure providers like Alcatel-Lucent and Nortel, KWC remains a key player in this emerging industry segment. At its CTIA Wireless 2008 booth, KWC is demonstrating a new USB WiMAX dongle. KWC expects to commercialize the dongle later in 2008.

Femtocell

A femtocell is a small cellular base station, typically designed for use in residential or small-business environments. KWC worked closely with femtocell leader Airvana, Inc. (Nasdaq: AIRV) to ensure interoperability between KWC's KPC680 EV-DO Rev. A ExpressCard, KR2 Mobile Router and Airvana's HubBub CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev. A femtocell. HubBub is Airvana's line of stand-alone femtocells that support both voice and 3G services to enable a consistent mobile experience whether subscribers are connected through their femtocell or the macro network. A demonstration of the interoperability is available at Airvana's CTIA booth (#3321).

Multi-technology Handoff Control Software

As the number of commercial 3G and 4G wireless broadband protocols continues to grow - WiMAX, EV-DO, WCDMA, Wi-Fi, LTE and more - so does the opportunity for multi-platform devices leveraging multiple wireless delivery technologies. For true mobility, however, those devices require the ability to monitor, select and seamlessly change the optimum delivery channel in real time. At its booth, KWC is demonstrating proprietary multi-technology controller software that allows a multi-platform device to do just this. By comparing network conditions against pre-assigned prioritization instructions, the software allows the device to communicate with its service provider on-the-fly, controlling which protocol is used to deliver multimedia content. When network conditions change, the software dictates and coordinates seamless handoffs between the various technologies. KWC is demonstrating the multi-technology controller software in its booth by doing handoffs among CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, WiMAX and Wi-Fi networks, but the software is platform-agnostic and works with virtually any 3G or 4G technology.

KWC's emerging technology demonstrations, along with its lineup of new CDMA and GSM handsets, are on display at the CTIA Wireless 2008 trade show (booth #6007) this week in Las Vegas. Additional information is available at www.kyocera-wireless.com.