Events

NTIA Announces Second Round of Applications For Funding

on April 9, 2010   |   1 comment



The National Telecommunications and Information Administration received 867 applications for the second round of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding. The final figure for applications totals around $11 billion for broadband projects. The NTIA allocated around $2.6 billion for the projects.There’s about $4.5 billion dollars in non-federal matching funds submitted by the applicants, improving the amount to over $15.5 billion.

The review process will start now and the grants will be award this summer. The applicants chose between three categories, Comprehensive Community Infrastructure, Sustainable Broadband Adoption and Public Computer Centers. CCI saw 355 applications. SBA received 251 applications and PCC had 261 applicants.

The Recovery Act offers $7.2 billion to expand and adopt broadband services. $4.7 billion will be used to install broadband infrastructure. Applicants ranged from state, local and tribal governments, non-profit organizations, industrialists, education providers, hospitals, public safety organizations, libraries and other community groups.

‘We are pleased that a high percentage of applicants appear to have met our priorities and we look forward to reviewing this more targeted pool of applications,’ said Lawrence E Strickling, assistant secretary for communications and information and administrator of NTIA.

CCI will focus on middle mile broadband infrastructure that connects municipalities institutions like schools and libraries. This round, NTIA plans on dolling out $2.35 billion for these projects. The SBA requested about $1.7 billion in financing for broadband education, equipment for groups in under served areas. The PPC category will expand broadband capacity for public libraries, community colleges and other public institutions. The NTIA has budgeted $150 million for this section of funding.

Eight applications feature WiMAX. There’s a $25 million dollar bid for Houston to expand its hard line connection, WiMAX and 700MHz public safety network. Towerstream asked for $20 million for two proposals of funding, by building WiMAX networks in the under served neighborhoods of Boston and Detroit.

This government action will improve broadband, providing broadband connectivity to under served areas in the U.S. The first round was mostly for fibre connections. They really haven’t thought of WiMAX as a suitable deployment, only choosing a few WiMAX projects to finance during the first round of funding. We’ll see which projects the government chooses. WiMAX could help with last mile connectivity, providing broadband where land line can’t go. It’s important to get broadband after the F.C.C.’s announced initiative to make broadband internet the standard for connection.

Photo Courtesy of Grant MacDonald … Read the rest

WiMAX Forum Sets New Standards to Address Increase in Data Traffic

on April 8, 2010   |   1 comment



The WiMAX Forum began an initiative to speed up WiMAX features based on it’s initial release. Certified products expected to use these enhancements should be in market towards the end of 2010.

WiMAX providers give users and owners a large amount of data, with some networks delivering over 10 GBs per month to the normal user. The WiMAX Forum understands the operator’s need for more advanced technologies as network use expands and the need for more data space grows.

“With the global demand for 4G wireless broadband services experiencing explosive growth, WiMAX service providers need faster networks with greater capacity and efficiency, and the WiMAX community has responded,” said Ron Resnick, president and chairman of the WiMAX Forum. “There is no country where this demand is as pronounced as it is in India, where there is less than three percent broadband penetration. WiMAX can address this demand as well as the growing needs around the globe, plus we’re committed to taking performance to the next level in an unmatched timeframe.”

The improvements include additional MIMO antennae on base stations, higher order of modulation on uplink, downlink beamforming and improved fractional frequency reuse. This will increase the reuse 1 deployments while ensuring multi-vendor interoperability. The features should double peak data rates and increase average and cell edge end user performance by up to 50 percent.

WiMAX Forum is also working on the IEEE Standard 802.16m later this year. It’s WiMAX 2.0, which means that the next version of WiMAX could be seen by the end of 2010. They are also preparing certification standards for WiMAX 2.0 products, with release by late 2011.

It’s good to stay ahead of the data crunch that some operators may face with the increase in subscribers. The WiMAX Forum does a great job of leading the industry by standardizing requirements for the technology. They continue to help foster and grow both the network market, along with certifying products and devices.… Read the rest

YTL Contracts Connectiva to Assist in WiMAX Roll Out

on April 6, 2010  



WiMAX in Malasia will grow much faster in rural areas

YTL Corporation Berhad will install and use Connectiva Systems’ Connectiva AFFIRM to mange its revenue assurance processes. The technology will be used on YTL’s 4G wireless network in Malaysia. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission awarded YTL spectrum space in the 2.3GHz band for WiMAX deployment.

Connectiva AFFIRM enables YTL to correct, ID and prevent loss across the entire revenue chain. Connectiva will provide re-rating and re-billing services to support the 4G network.

“We are delighted that YTL Communications has selected Connectiva to provide the highest quality revenue assurance solutions and to support the expansion of its 4G network,” said Avi Basu, CEO of Connectiva Systems. “WiMAX usage in the Asia-Pacific region alone is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 102 percent between 2009 and 2015.[1] The market potential combined with YTL Communications’ nationwide 4G network present an excellent opportunity for both companies.”

Deals like this help solidify the WiMAX deployment before the physical project of installing base stations and getting the network up and running for end users. It’s a good deal for both parties as long as the software holds up and revenue is saved because of the system. Malaysia is quickly becoming an operators competition ground with P1 already established as a WiMAX leader in the country.… Read the rest

Beceem IPO Looking to Raise $100 Million

on April 5, 2010   |   1 comment



Beceem Communications, the 4G chipmaker, filed a $100 million initial public offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Beceem will trade on the NASDAQ index under the BECM symbol.

J.P. Morgan and Barclays Captial will serve as co-lead underwriters.  The company reports $43 million in 2009 revenue, compared to nearly $14 million in 2008. It was a 300 percent revenue increase. Beceem raised finances of $110 million from venture capitalist funding. Intel Captial, Walden International, Global Catalyst Partners, Khosla Ventures, NEC, KTB Ventures, Mitsui, Motorola and Samsung all own a stake in Beceem.

IPOs are a great way to raise capital quickly and Beceem might be a sound investment. Their revenue may not grow at 300 percent year-to-year, but the future looks bright. They product both WiMAX and LTE chips sets along with being one of the first makers to release a dual LTE/WiMAX chip. They should continue to grow and build chips as the move towards 4G continues.… Read the rest

International Conference in UK to Discuss Next-Generation Technology

on March 29, 2010  



A number of next generation technology topics, including WiMAX, will be discussed at the annual NGN & Basestations Conference in Bath, UK, April 19-23, 2010. Other topics will include next generation networks, basestations, LTE, femtocells, backhaul, spectrum re-farming, and going green. 

Distinguished speakers from leading operators including Vodafone, Telenor, Telefonica, O2, British Telecom, Orange, SFR, Virgin Media, 3UK, Vimplecom, Digicel, Mobilkom Austria, Elisa, and Globul will share a platform with industry analysts from Ovum, ABI Research, Analysis Mason, Heavy Reading, Arete, GSMA and Ofcom. 

A major topic of discussion will be the deployment of home basestations/femtocells, with increasing numbers of operators worldwide introducing new products.

Vodafone markets the Sure Signal femtocell in the UK and Head of New Technology for Vodafone, Kenny Graham, will be speaking on “Femtocells — the Next Phase”. Green Basestations and networks are another hot topic and the conference will be focusing on claims made by vendors and operators alike to be more eco friendly.

“Whilst there are many conferences (on wireless networks), the International Basestation Conference is exceptional both for its clear focus and the high-quality of attendees,” said Rupert Baines, VP of Marketing at picoChip, who will be addressing the topic of Architecture for Next Generation Networks at the conference. 

The conference aims to bring together all the different players in the the wireless world – operators, network vendors, analyst and subsystem/chip providers and more to provide delegates with the latest on LTE standards, backhaul, femtocells, spectrum refarming, mobile WiMAX, VoIP, HSDPA, fixed/mobile convergence, and more.

To follow the conference, check out the event site at www.avrenevents.com.

Photo courtesy of Ian Muttoo via Flickr… Read the rest

Sprint, Clearwire Offer WiMAX, 4G Services in Houston

on March 29, 2010   |   1 comment



Clearwire Communications and Sprint have started WiMAX services in Houston on March 29. The network covers over 1,900 square miles and more than 4 million people.

Houston becomes the 28th WiMAX market in the U.S. and the first launch of 2010. Texas is quickly becoming a WiMAX hotbed, with networks covering Bilene, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Killeen/Temple, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Waco and Wichita Falls.

Clear, offered by Clearwire provides complete 4G coverage anywhere within the network. The network boundaries are Conroe in the north, Kingwood in the northeast, Katy in the west, Richmond in the southwest, south as far as Alvin, east as far as Baytown and southeast as far as Clear Lake.

“CLEAR is thrilled to bring to Houston 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 John Smith, Clearwire general manager, Houston. “We’re pleased to complete our Texas service launch with a valuable new category of Internet service designed to make people’s lives more enjoyable and more productive.”

Clearwire offers 4G packages that include mobile and home use. Mobile users can purchase the CLEAR 4G+ plan that gives unlimited access to the 4G network and 3G connection when outside the coverage area. CLEAR offers a diverse number of devices for the internet user. The Clear USB Modem simply plugs into a USB port on your laptop and the user is online. Need a home modem, CLEAR offers one that allows home owners to bundle their phone and internet into one neat monthly package.

If you need to connect a small office or a few friends when on the go, get the Clear Spot. It allows up to eight WiFi enabled device to connect to Clear’s 4G network. It connects anywhere within the network, it’s compatible with the Clear 4G and 4G+ mobile USB service optioon.

Visiting Houston soon? Many dealers allow visitors to rent Clear service for a few days. Choose which device you would use.

Sprint offers many similar devices to Clear and its the only U.S. nationwide carrier that offers 4G services. Houston will get to experience the HTC EVO 4G, the first U.S. 4G phone that doubles as a mobile hotspot. The Overdrive 3G/4G hotspot also allows users to connect up to five WiFi devices with fallback to Sprint’s most … Read the rest

SIA Awards Alvarion’s BreezeMAX

on March 26, 2010   |   1 comment



The Security Industry Association awarded its Best in Public Safety Solutions award to Alvarion’s BreezeMAX Extreme 5000 wireless broadband solution. The event took place at the 2010 New Product Showcase at ISC West in Las Vegas.

“We are pleased to be recognized for our innovation and commitment to the public safety market through our efficient and cost-effective wireless broadband solutions,” Mohammad Shakouri, corporate VP, Innovation and Marketing of Alvarion said. “Our state of the art BreezeMAX Extreme solution includes advanced capabilities of standardized 802.16e WiMAX technology.”

The device is the first mobile WiMAX base statioin that broadcasts in the 5 GHz frequency. The solution provides advanced air-protocol capabilities that lowers costs included high-bandwidth, carrier-class broadband connectivity for many different WiMAX uses.

The New Product Showcase goes hand-in-hand with ISC West in Las Vegas. It showcases the best security product innovations for the upcoming year. The ISC West provides a good platform for solution providers like Alvarion to demonstrate how WiMAX helps other industries. With Proxim’s announcement of smart meters for customers in Michigan, WiMAX is finding another market to branch out into.

“The Security Industry Association is proud to promote the development of products that make our world safer,” Jennifer Martin, NPS Committee Chair said. “We congratulate Alvarion for their technological achievement by recognizing their BreezeMAX Extreme 5000 for Best in Public Safety Solutions, and we are thankful for their important contribution to the industry.”

… Read the rest

GE Launches Smart Meter Pilot Program in Michigan

on March 25, 2010   |   2 comments



WiMAX enables General Electric to deploy its smart meters for Consumers Energy’s customers in Michigan. The program showcases real-time wireless communications between home meters and utility’s network management and control systems can lower costs by eliminating meter readers. It’s the first program of its kind in the U.S.

“This infrastructure solution could be significant in its ability to provide far more real-time information and updates to distributed intelligent metering devices over utility equipment lifespans,” said Wayne Longcore, director of Enterprise Architecture and Standards for Consumers Energy.

GE’s teamed with many different utilities companies in the U.S. and around the globe to test WiMAX and smart meters. It falls in line with the F.C.C.’s announcement that called for an update to the country’s electric grid. Smart meters from GE would provide reliable infrastructure, make America’s energy future better.

“This pilot helps Consumers Energy evaluate the immediate benefits of smart metering, while providing the company with a powerful platform to adopt additional smart grid technologies to further increase energy efficiency, improve reliability, empower consumers with information and more-easily integrate cleaner energy sources,” said Bob Gilligan, vice president–digital energy for GE Energy Services. “Deploying better ways to move information is key to finding smarter, more efficient and more reliable ways to move electricity.”

When using wireless technology, security is always a concern. WiMAX exceeds security standards that were set by the U.S. Department of Defense. Smart meters provide network managers an accurate grid operating status at all times. The info identifies problems before it happens and allows for quicker response when problems do happen.

Michigan’s Consumers Energy can better regulate power consumption by users, offering customers to choose to take less electricity during peak hours. The variable pricing allows users to move energy-intensive activities to off-peak periods of the day. It’s an interesting application, reducing costs to consumers and giving them the choice of when to consume energy and offers more reasonable pricing. This should be in a good test in a cold weather state, but it’s spring now so we’ll see what happens next winter.… Read the rest

CTIA Shows Promise Of Major U.S. WiMAX Expansion

on March 24, 2010   |   2 comments



After day one of CTIA Wireless 2010 in Las Vegas, a number of announcements, presentations, and unveilings are already under way. Optimism surrounding future roll out, devices, and  forward-thinking shows real promise in regards to the extent of WiMAX expansion in the United States for 2010.

Demand for broadband across the country has been increasing at rates greater than expected, leading service providers and companies to up their efforts to deploy networks in new markets. In yesterday morning’s keynote at CTIA, AT&T CEO Ralph de la Vegao stressed this point, emphasizing how the U.S. is moving faster than any other country in the world to deploy these networks and lead the way in 4G.

In terms of these developments, a variety of announcements and unveilings took place on day one. Motorola announced that they have doubled their WiMAX CPE and dongle shipments in the past month and have surpassed two million shipments. Motorola is clearly taking advantage of WiMAX’s momentum, now holding 40 worldwide WiMAX operator contracts.

WiMAX superstar Clearwire unveiled its 2010 plan for installing WiMAX networks nationwide and announced additional markets including Miami, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Salt Lake City. Looking at the immediate future, Clearwire will launch WiMAX in Houston later this month. The majority of new markets won’t start being built out until the second half of 2010, but it can be said, without a doubt, that Clearwire is going to consider to succeed. 

Sprint announced that they will provide 4G WiMAX for 120 million Americans by the end of the year. Sprint VP of network development and engineering, Iyad Tarazi, emphasized an immediate need for nationwide 4G now since phones have become more advanced than networks in recent months, indicating that the network can and will do more.

Sprint will also be giving test drives of its WiMAX network in downtown Las Vegas, an area considered to be very difficult because of many large casinos. It will be interesting to see how these tests go in an area with challenging topography – New York’s skyscrapers and San Francisco’s hills pose similar challenges in building out WiMAX and both cities are on the list for buildout in 2010. The results of test drives in Las Vegas could be very indicative of how close WiMAX engineers are in mastering these cities.

Verizon will be hosting a press event today in regards to … Read the rest

D2 and GCT Bring VoIP over WiMAX for Mobile Devices

on March 22, 2010  



D2 Technologies will join with GCT Semiconductor to provide users with VoIP over WiMAX for mobile devices. It will be for Android and Linux operating systems.

D2′s mCUE communications software and its vPort embedded VoIP engine power two GDM7205 from GCT. The result being OEMs and ODMs, a faster and cheaper way to bring mobile WiMAX devices to market with several different VoIP and IP communication capabilities.

The device will be showcased during CTIA Wireless 2010 in Las Vegas starting March 23-25. It will also show off an optimized integration of vPort VoIP engine embedded directly on a GDM 7205 for single-chip mobile applications.

“WiMAX and 4G networks are poised for phenomenal growth; however, mobile devices that can take advantage of their greater bandwidth and speed have been slow to enter the market,” said Doug Makishima, chief operating officer at D2 Technologies. “Now that the industry is actively working toward the creation and delivery of a stable WiMAX infrastructure, OEMs and ODMs are eager to launch products aimed at fulfilling consumer demand. By partnering with GCT, we can offer a turnkey mobile platform for delivering 4G unified communications/VoIP over WiMAX on the Android or Linux OS.”

GCT 7205 offers a versatile chip that is perfect for high demand for processing and wireless connectivity. Combined with D2′s vPort software platform, it offers manufacturers the opportunity to bring dual mode WiFi and WiMAX enabled mobile devices to market. vPort’s advanced VoIP offers voice quality assurance technology like jitter buffer and packet loss compensation. mCUE enables Skype, video call/chat, seamless call handover and HD voice.

“GCT wants to offer its customers the most advanced chipsets possible for efficiently and economically delivering new products built on OS such as Linux,” said Dr. Kyeongho “KH” Lee, president and CEO of GCT Semiconductor. “By porting D2’s vPort to the GDM7205, OEMs and ODMs get the industry’s most advanced IP communications capabilities in a small and efficient form factor – in effect, a complete solution for accelerating design-to-market timelines for VoIP over WiMAX mobile devices.”

Photo Courtesy of Christopher Chan via Flickr… Read the rest

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