October 2009

Sprint’s Agenda: WiMax in 2010

Kathleen Regalado (Kathleen@goingwimax.com) on October 30, 2009

Sprint has been weathering some financial issues. Sprint reported it lost 801,000 postpaid subscribers in its third period. Financial losses grew to $478 million from $326 million in the year-earlier quarter and revenue fell 9% to $8.04 billion.

Recently Sprint executive David Owens talked about how his company intends to get back on the right track. The plan is to give customers more of what they want. Since Android has become all the rage, more Android smartphones will be coming soon. Sprint’s current Android devices, the Samsung Moment and HTC Hero, will be receiving updates soon. For the Hero, this likely means Android 2.0. They are also looking into the possibility of an Android smartphone with a built-in MiFi-type router.

Sprint is also planning to bring new Windows Mobile devices to their customers. The Touch Pro 2 and others should be receiving a Windows Mobile 6.5 update soon. New BlackBerries will also be available next year, along with a WiFi update for the Tour. David Owens also confirmed that WiMax will be coming to Sprint in 2010.… Read the rest

Intel May Take Part in Wimax Spectrum Bid in India!

Kathleen Regalado (Kathleen@goingwimax.com) on October 30, 2009

A couple days ago we reported on the rumors that surfaced saying that Google might bid on the WiMax spectrum in India. Now some are reporting that other major international players besides Google are taking interest in India’s 3G and WiMax auction.

According to the Indian Business Standard newspaper, Intel wants to team up with a local operator in the auction. They are willing to support their partner’s roll-out plans financially and in technology and expertise, increasing the chances of a rapid and competitive roll-out; and give Intel a strong guiding hand over the business models and services adopted. There is a strong possibility partners could be Bharti Airtel, Reliance or Tata Communications. These are some of the major cellcos that are expected to join state-owned BSNL and MTNL in rolling out WiMAX.

Intel has experience in this type of venture. The have taken part in several WiMax ventures around the world. Either by joint ventures like Clearwire or Freedom4, by purchasing spectrum directly as in Sweden, and by injections of capital or equipment into start-up providers, often in emerging markets.

The WiMAX auction will start a few days after the conclusion of the 3G sale, which is due to start on January 14. The Department of Telecom plans to auction two blocks of 2.3GHz spectrum in January. About 28 companies – including Intel Technology India, Alcatel-Lucent India, Motorola, Huawei, HCL Infosystems and TCIL – have bought tender documents.… Read the rest

WiMax Has an Advantage Over LTE!

Kathleen Regalado (Kathleen@goingwimax.com) on October 29, 2009

wimax-vs-lte

TMCnet conducted an interview with Gary Croke who works in product marketing at Harris Stratex Networks. In the podcast they discussed the advantages WiMax holds over LTE. According to Gary Croke, one major advantage of WiMax is that it’s a wireless access technology that’s cheaper and faster to deploy than fixed access solutions such as fiber, cable or DSL.

The economic stimulus package signed into law earlier this year ear-marked $7.2 billion in grant and loan funding for broadband initiatives for rural, un-served, and under-served geographies. Croke said he thinks given stimulus push and the tight time frame to roll out some of these solutions, I think we’re going to see a lot more wireless than we think here in the (United States), in terms of access,” Croke said.

During TMCnet’s interview with Croke they also discussed issues associated with the spectrum, the role that broadband stimulus funding can play in smart grid deployments and WiMax versus LTE.

According to Croke, since WiMax operates in the licensed band, it can provide assurances of clear spectrum, unlike some of the other wireless access solutions, such as WiFi. “It’s really a mobility solution, so WiMax, being able to offer fixed-mobile access in a single solution, really helps meet the explosion in demand for mobile applications which I think is really critical.”… Read the rest

Wimax for Big Guys

Estie Neff on October 29, 2009

Rumor Alert: Google May Bid on Wimax Spectrum in India - Oct 27, 2009 (Wimax News)
According to Reuters, Google Inc. may bid for WiMax radio waves in India’s upcoming auction.
The auction for third generation technology (3G) spectrum in India is expected to start on January 14, 2010.

Beceem Expects WiMAX Solution Shipments to Taiwan to Double in 2010 – Oct 29, 2009 (Digitimes)
WiMAX solution provider Beceem Communications expects its shipments of WiMAX chips to Taiwan to account for 60% of its total WiMAX solution shipments in 2010, compared to 30% in 2009, according to company VP of worldwide sales David Carrol.

Gadget Alert: WiMax eBook Reader – Oct 29, 2009 (Wimax News)
Further details of ASUS’ upcoming eBook reader have emerged, and the company may have confirmed that WiFi, 3G and WiMax versions will be announced before the year is out. The price is said to be competitive to what Amazon and Sony already offer.

Nick VanWingerden Updates Us on the Liberty University WiMax Venture – Oct 28, 2009 (Wimax News)
Liberty University is set to bring WiMAX to its hometown, Lynchburg, VA, by partnering with the Virginia School of the Arts. We spoke to Nick VanWingerden, a part time student in the Online MBA program at Liberty who works in the CIO’s Office as IT Executive Business Analyst and Project Manager, about the university’s plans to offer WiMax to students.

WiMAX Players Fined for Failure to Reach Coverage Target - Oct 28, 2009 (TeleGeography)
Three of Malaysia’s WiMAX operators have been hit with fines relating to failures in rolling out their networks on time, the Star Online reports. According to reports, the country’s telecoms watchdog, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, advised REDtone, Asiaspace and Y-Max Networks that they failed to reach the 25% population coverage stipulated by their concessions by March 2009.

Funding Delay Bad News for Rural WiMAX Providers – Oct 28, 2009 (Wireless Week)
The decision by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to delay the payout of the first broadband stimulus grants until December came as bad news for rural WiMAX providers counting on the funds.

Intel, HCL Launch First WiMax-enabled Nettops – Oct 28, 2009 (Economic Times) The world’s largest chip maker Intel, along with HCL Infosystems, on Tuesday announced the launch of the first of WiMax-enabled nettops and laptops in the country.

Multisource Telecoms Selects Airspan’s WiMAX … Read the rest

Gadget Alert: WiMax eBook Reader

Kathleen Regalado (Kathleen@goingwimax.com) on October 29, 2009 | 2 comments

asus-ebook

Further details of ASUS’ upcoming ebook reader have emerged, it has been speculated that the company confirmed that WiFi, 3G and WiMax versions will be announced before the year is out. The price is said to be competitive to what Amazon and Sony already offer.

Rumors have surfaced stating that ASUS is readying two different sized reader devices, one with a 6-inch display while a second model will have a 9-inch panel.

Some have argued whether or not a WiMax connection is necessary since the WWAN link will only be used to download new ebooks. However ASUS seems to believe that there’s a market for them. Let’s stay put and see what happens.… Read the rest

Nick VanWingerden Updates Us on the Liberty University WiMax Venture!

Kathleen Regalado (Kathleen@goingwimax.com) on October 28, 2009

liberty-university-flameslogo

Liberty University is set to bring WiMAX to its hometown, Lynchburg, VA, by partnering with the Virginia School of the Arts. They have been given the go-ahead from FCC officials. We spoke to Nick VanWingerden, a part time student in the Online MBA program at Liberty, who works in the CIO’s Office as IT Executive Business Analyst and Project Manager about the university’s plans to offer WiMax to students.

How did the university first hear about WiMax?

When we realized we had 2.5 Ghz spectrum in the Lynchburg area and did some research about its use.

How and why did the University decide on deploying WiMax at Liberty?

The University, after doing research and attending WCA(Wireless Communication Association), realized that WiMax wouldn’t be a replacement for WiFi but rather a way to get from one hot-spot to another. It also has a great chance of revolutionizing broadband as we know it because of the mobile nature and planned deployment of WiMax.

How is Liberty University planning to build this network?

We have submitted a RFP (request for proposal) and are currently negotiating with several companies about leasing out our spectrum and the spectrum of Virginia School of the Arts (VSA). Together, Liberty and VSA have created the Lynchburg Educational Broadband Joint Venture which seeks to bring WiMax to the greater Lynchburg area.

What were the main steps the university had to take in order to get WiMax at Liberty?

1. Realize the potential of our spectrum

2. Develop & Issue RFP

3. Rate and negotiate with respondents

How is the University project managing the deployment?

We won’t be other than getting status updates from the lessee.

By when will WiMax be deployed on the campus?

TBD. The FCC requires that we meet “substantial service” by May of 2011.

Why did Liberty decide to partner with the Virginia School of the Arts?

Both schools seek to bring WiMax (particularly mobile broadband) to Lynchburg and with a partnership, synergy is achieved that could not have been if attempts were made independent of each other.

Who will provide maintenance to the network?

The Lessee will be providing maintenance to the network.

Will campus tech support be trained in WiMax?

Yes, but only to the extent that they are currently trained with broadband offerings.… Read the rest

GE WiMAX Smart Grid Solution to Reduce Carbon Emissions

WiMAXian on October 28, 2009

ge_wimax_smart_grid_solution_butterfly

As we have known that GE has developed a WiMAX smart meter and smart modem reference designs, for use in GE’s advanced meter and modem product family bundled with GridNet’s PolicyNet software. GridNet has been working closely with its technology partners GE Energy, Clearwire, Intel, and Motorola to develop secure, standards-based, and scalable WiMAX smart grid network solutions for utilities.

Recently SP AusNet,one of Australia’s largest publicly-held electricity and gas providers, will be the first in the world to implement GE WiMAX Smart Grid Solution. SP AusNet, will partner with 12 companies and utilize WiMAX technology to rollout 680,000 smart meters in Victoria.It will begins over the coming months and runs through 2013.

The 12 partners include Landis+Gyr, GE and Grid Net, UXC Limited, Electrix, Motorola, Unwired, eMeter, Logica, Accenture, Enterprise Business Services, and Geomatic Technologies.

GE will provide the meter communications technology for the SP AusNet network and half of the new meters. Landis+Gyr will provide the balance of the meters. Grid Net will contribute its Policy Net network management software which will oversee the meters, switches and other elements of SP AusNet’s Smart Grid.The software was developed to be compatible with the GE WiMAX meters and related equipment. Motorola will provide WiMAX infrastructure.

gridnet-policynet-software

“This is the first time WiMAX technology will be used in smart metering for an electrical utility company. The WiMAX technology supports high-speed data communications and hundreds of thousands of smart metering connections that are capable of covering large geographical areas, providing a solid foundation to build a reliable and cost-effective communications network for smart metering,” said Eric Starnes, vice president of sales and operations for Motorola’s Home & Networks Mobility business in Asia.

ge_wimax_smart_grid_solution_motorola_wap_650_wimax_base_station
Motorola will supply and deploy WiMAX WAP 650 base stations operating at 2.3GHz, Access Service Network (ASN) Gateway and new microwave systems to extend the wide area network (WAN) to new coverage areas. The system is based on a flat, all-IP architecture that enables high-speed machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. It will facilitate communication with SP AusNet’s smart meters embedded with WiMAX chipsets, collecting measurements and sending instructions in real time, supporting the analysis of usage patterns and power generation needs.

ge_wimax_smart_grid_solution_ge_wimax_smart_meter

The GE WiMAX Smart Meters is among the fundamental building blocks of smart grid deployments. They track and report energy usage by time of day, enabling utilities to charge less for electricity used during off-peak hours. As a result, consumers … Read the rest

Nec Aterm WM3300R: WiMax Radio and WiFi Router!

Kathleen Regalado (Kathleen@goingwimax.com) on October 27, 2009

nec-Aterm-WM3300R-wimax-mifi

Image Credit: Slash Gear

The NEC Aterm WM3300R is WiMAX radio and WiFi router in one palm-sized device. It offers up to 40Mbps downlinks and up to 10Mbps uplinks, together with a removable 1,880mAh Li-Ion battery.

The device supports WiFi b/g, together with direct USB connections for tethered use, and offers the usual encryption standards so that it’s only you taking advantage of the high-speed network.

Price for the Aterm WM3300R itself is expected to be around $272… Read the rest

Rumor Alert: Google May Bid on Wimax Spectrum in India!

Kathleen Regalado (Kathleen@goingwimax.com) on October 27, 2009 | 1 comment

google-logo

According to Reuters, Google Inc. may bid for WiMax radio waves in India’s upcoming auction.

The auction for third generation technology (3G) spectrum in India is expected to start on January 14, 2010. India will be auctioning off third-generation (3G) and WiMax radio waves. Foreign firms will be allowed to participate in the auction. However, they will have to form a joint venture with a local firm if they win spectrum and can have a maximum of 74 percent stake in the venture.

This story is still developing. Google has yet to comment on the speculation or their plans.… Read the rest

Exclusive: Robb Henshaw on Proxim Wireless!

Kathleen Regalado (Kathleen@goingwimax.com) on October 27, 2009 | 2 comments

ProximQB8100

Can you briefly introduce yourself and your company?

Proxim Wireless is a leading provider of end-to-end broadband wireless systems that deliver the quadruple play of data, voice, video and mobility to all organizations today. We are 100 percent focused on wireless technology, and that focus enables us to provide a complete portfolio of Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP), WiMAX, Point-to-Point (PtP) wireless backhaul, and WLAN technologies.

Regardless of the application, our end-to-end product portfolio enables partners to custom-build the wireless solution that fits customers’ specific needs. Our broadband wireless equipment is used by service providers, carriers, government entities, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, municipalities, enterprises and other organizations that need high-performance, secure and scalable broadband wireless solutions.

I am the Global Director of Marketing at Proxim Wireless, where I oversee the company’s marketing and communications efforts. For the last 8 years I have been dedicated to helping develop the wireless industry and raise awareness for new technologies, and my wireless experience spans from enterprise WLANs, to carrier-grade wireless backhaul, to WiMAX and point-to-multipoint broadband wireless access (BWA) solutions.

Prior to joining Proxim Wireless, I held PR positions where I helped establish wireless industry leaders including Airespace (acquired by Cisco), Good Technology (acquired by Motorola), Network Chemistry (acquired by Aruba Networks), HP’s ProCurve networking division, and DiVitas Networks.

Why and when did Proxim decide to enter the WiMax industry?

Proxim was selling WiMAX-like products for 3+ years prior to the founding of the WiMAX Forum, so we’ve been involved in the WiMAX market from the very beginning. In the late 1990s, Lucent/Agere was developing its ORiNOCO Outdoor Router products that were based on 802.11b chipsets, but utilized a proprietary polling protocol that dramatically increased the reliability and coverage, compared to 802.11b radios running basic WiFi protocol. Proxim acquired the Lucent/Agere wireless division in 2002. A few months prior to the Lucent/Agere acquisition, Proxim and Western Multiplex merged. Western Multiplex had also developed its own product called the Tsunami MP-60 base station unit (BSU) and subscriber unit (SU), which was released in 2002, which had patented interference rejection capabilities and circular polarization. The Tsunami MP-60 product was the highest capacity point-to-multipoint (PtMP) product on the market at that time, as it was capable of greater than 50 Mbps of actual throughput. Once the three companies (Proxim, Western Multiplex and Lucent/Agere) got together, they started working on the next generation fixed and mobile point-to-multipoint products, … Read the rest

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October 2009

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