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Predictions and Possibilities at MWC 2010

Elizabeth Dickey on February 12, 2010

Mobile World Congress is an opportunity to bring together manufacturers, mobile operators, software companies, and wireless industry experts from across the globe to showcase new devices and services while learning about the hottest new products and mobile trends.

Last year, MWC brought out new devices from most of the major players including Samsung, HTC, Sony Ericsson, and LG. Hot trends and products from 2009 included (and have continued to be) touchscreens, phones as the new ‘all-in-one’ device, the debut of Windows Mobile 6.5, a variety of new apps, 4G, and LTE. Taking place in Barcelona, Spain on February 15-18, Mobile World Congress 2010 is expected to bring on a flood of new products stemming from last years Congress while also bringing in some unique and first-in-their-class devices and apps.

A key player worth mentioning first is Microsoft. Though the company didn’t reveal much at the Consumer Electronics Show last month in Florida, more can be expected at MWC. A press conference will be held on Monday, February 15 hosted by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and companies and consumers alike have been speculating as to what will be unveiled. It can be expected that he will finally show off the result of all of Microsoft’s hard work with its Windows Mobile 7. Rumors have already been leaked involving user interface similar to the Zune HD, full Zune and XBox integration.

An onslaught of mobile devices is a definite as well. Samsung is expected to reveal its new Bada phones as well as introducing some developer tools and new hardware to host its new software and app store system. Though Samsung is entering the smartphone competition relatively late in the game, they are known for their attention to detail and it can be expected that they will pleasantly surprise those at MWC with some innovative features.

Androids, as always, have a huge presence at major technology conferences and there have been many recent rumors regarding new Android-enabled phones that will be hitting the market. LG and Motorola among other companies have promised Android releases and this year at MWC, it can be expected that many of these devices will pop up including the Dell Mini 3, the LG GT540, the Sony Ericsson Experia X10, and the Mobile Internet Device (MID) called the M1 from Inbrics.

Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, will be giving the keynote speech at MWC, hopefully inspiring … Read the rest

Motorola Integrating IDen into Android Development

Michael Licata on December 7, 2009

Motorola is launching a new IDen phone using the Google operating system Android. It will put it under the Home & Networks Mobility business. This comes after it was announced last week that a formation of companies are looking to build a WiMax-enabled phone using the Android operating system.

Motorola recently launched WiMax service for Dubai rail riders in an attempt to expand its WiMax offerings. It offers backhaul services along with devices and Wimax-enabled phones. Motorola is integrating its WiMax offerings and IDen technology into its Home & Network Mobility brand.

IDen technology was used by Sprint-Nextel, primarily operating the Nextel Push-To-Talk technology that allows a walkie-talkie feature on Nextel phones. The Android operating system has been gaining momentum in the smartphone market, as it sales increased in the third quarter of this year. Android is looking to expand from a smartphone operating system to laptop and other computers.

Google was an early investor in Clearwire, the leading developer and deployer of WiMax services in the U.S., but in another round of funding, Google chose to not give money to Clearwire.… Read the rest

Agreement Could Bring About Smartphone for WiMax Use

Michael Licata on December 3, 2009 | 2 comments

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Users may soon have another way to access WiMax. AD2, Beecem and ECS have formed an agreement to make Android-based smartphones for WiMAX use.The phone will be voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and it will run the Android operating system from Google.

Each member of the agreement brings a different element to design and construction of the phone. It will use mCUE converged communications clite from D2. It will be embedded with VPort VoIP engine powering the ECS 371 mobile device. This is all based on Texas Instrument’s OMAP-3430 processor paired with Beceem’s BCSM 250 WiMax modem

“With the industry actively working toward the creation and delivery of a WiMAX infrastructure, manufacturers will need to develop mobile devices that take advantage of the greater bandwidth, range and other benefits of this technology,” said Doug Makishima, chief operating officer at D2 Technologies. “Together with Beceem and ECS, we’ve shown how a complete ecosystem dedicated to mobile VoIP over WiMAX can help device manufacturers and unified communications/VoIP providers get new products to market more quickly, efficiently and effectively.”

Google was an early investor in WiMax 4G technology and these companies see the importance of getting VoIP into their Android-operating system into smartphones and other mobile devices.… Read the rest

Sprint and Investor Partners to Invest 1.5 Billion More in Clearwire!

Kathleen Regalado (Kathleen@goingwimax.com) on November 9, 2009 | 4 comments

Clearwire-Investors

Sprint and several partners in the new Clearwire will be investing $1.5 billion more in capital in order to assist the WiMax service provider in completing the first stage of the nationwide rollout of its WiMax network. This news comes about 18 months after Sprint, Intel, Comcast, Google Inc., and other partners first put $3.2 billion into Clearwire, which is building the first so-called “4G” mobile broadband network.

Clearwire plans to expand its network to reach up to 120 million people in the U.S. by the end of 2010. Clear WiMax is currently available in Portland, Atlanta, Las Vegas and select markets in North Carolina and Texas, and recently launched in Philadelphia and select cities in the Dallas/Ft.Worth Metroplex.

The negotiations for this venture are said to be private, however many have reported that investors such as Philadelphia-based Comcast Corp. also plans to put more money into the venture. Google another of the partners has chosen not to participate in this round of financing.

Clearwire CEO Bill Morrow has said the company needs to secure financing or delay the buildout. The company plans to spend as much as $1.9 billion this year as it expands the network, and will start offering service in Dallas, Chicago, Honolulu and other parts of the country this quarter.… 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 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

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

Clearwire Launches Wimax Innovation Network for Developers in Silicon Valley

admin on September 30, 2009 | 1 comment

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Clearwire officially introduced the software development community in Silicon Valley to the largest 4G WiMAX application test environment with the launch of the company’s CLEAR 4G WiMAX Innovation Network. The developer network, which is a precursor to commercial service planned for the San Francisco Bay Area in 2010, will cover more than 20 square miles in Santa Clara, Mountain View and parts of downtown Palo Alto, California.

“We see tremendous potential for true, mobile broadband to act as the catalyst for new and compelling Internet applications that leverage our 4G bandwidth, free of the confines associated with wired connections,” said John Saw, chief technology officer of Clearwire. “Our goal is to harness the concentration of developer talent in Silicon Valley and accelerate the pace at which these disruptive services are being developed.”. (Watch John Saw introducing the Network)

The current coverage footprint includes the local campuses of Intel and Google, two founding Innovation Network supporters who have also commenced their own internal 4G application development programs. Cisco’s campus will receive coverage in the coming months as the network expands.

Bright House, Comcast, Sprint, and Time Warner Cable also will join Clearwire, Cisco, Intel, and Google as partners in the Innovation Network with plans to participate in promoting the program and deploying 4G development resources into the network.

Developers interested in working in the CLEAR 4G WiMAX environment are encouraged to attend the conference to learn about the Innovation Network from Clearwire executives first hand. Developers can expect to see peak download speeds of up to 10 Mbps, with average download speeds of 3 to 6 Mbps. In contrast, some of today’s 3G wireless networks typically deliver download speeds of between 600 kbps – 1.4 Mbps.

The 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 addition, WiMAX technology is truly mobile and enables seamless handovers from tower to tower, similar to cellular.

Service will be provided free to a limited number of qualified developers leading up to the commercial service launch in this area.

The coverage maps are the following : Palo alto, Mountain View, Santa clara

To access the network, developers can purchase a Clearwire WiMAX USB modem for $49.99. Developer-owned, CLEAR network-ready … Read the rest

Sprint Smartphone to Utilize Google Android OS

admin on September 22, 2009 | 2 comments

google-sprint

According to PC World, Sprint will launch a smartphone in late 2010 that will run on Google’s Android operation system.

Sprint‘s VP of device and technology department, Mathew Oommen, believes Google’s operating system is the best for this device. Downlink speeds for this device would average 2-4 Mbps, with the highest speed reaching 12 Mbps.

It is believed that Samsung who has released the WiMax-enabled Mondi earlier this year, may produce the new device.… Read the rest

MTS to Serve Rural Russia with Help from EBRD

goingwimax on June 29, 2009

329ebrd The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced its success in raising €218 million for Russia’s MTS mobile operator. Commercial banks will provide €103 million of the loan. The loan will support MTS’s expansion and deployment of new technologies that reduce energy consumption of base stations, incorporate renewable energy sources, and reduce the carbon footprint of telecommunications.

MTS Systems Corporation collaborates with product developers to help customers design, develop, and produce high quality technological products. The company serves the global telecom market. The EBRD is an international financial institution that invests primarily in private sector clients whose needs cannot be fully met by the market. It promotes the entrepreneurship of small businesses and the privatization of publicly-owned companies.

EBRD will set aside €10 million of its loan to fund MTS’s trial program for rural areas. The program will attempt to cut MTS’s carbon footprint by using renewable energy to power 20 base stations in rural Russia. The trial will use 3G, GSM, and WiMAX technology to power base stations in the rural areas.

The telecom industry has failed to power rural base stations in the past because of the high cost and seemingly low return; however, the 3G, GSM, and WiMAX technologies are a solution to the financial issue. If the program succeeds, it could reach rural communities that exist beyond the reach of electrical grids. It could also cut energy use by up to 46 percent.

The EBRD’s endorsement of environmental-conscious technology through MTS mirrors the move toward smart grids around the world. General Electric (GE), IBM, Google, and others are now in the midst of developing smart grids for their utilities products. GE announced just last year that it plans to base its smart grid products on a WiMAX platform.… Read the rest

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