Author: Wayne Slavin

BT is making it cheaper for new users to use its wireless hot spots; will slashing prices boost demand? Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]

Intel is pushing its wireless USB initiative to faster data transfer rates that enable fewer cables for peripherals like printers, scanners, digital cameras and storage devices. Via [internetnews.com]

As predicted, the big guns are looking at WiMax to provide broadband and voice services wirelessly. In this case Airspan has provided UK major league ISP, Pipex, with the gear to test residential services. Via [theinquirer.net]

Back in 1965, Bob Dylan took the stage with an electric guitar, and although some folk faithful booed, the enlightened went, "Oooo, you can combine folk AND rock. Folk-rock, man. Dig it." Via [usatoday.com]

Intel and Cisco Systems are linking their plans to improve the reliability of wireless computer networks and the quality of Internet voice communication. Via [news.zdnet.com]

VeriSign has planned to get on to the bandwagon of Wi-Fi Cellular roaming and has begun trial tests in three major universities. The commencement of the trial was announced last week and under the pilot program, the company is trying to integrate on-campus Wi-Fi to any wide-area wireless carrier network for data and voice roaming...

In a pre-show briefing to international press on Monday, Intel discussed developments that the company claims will herald a new era of cooperating standards in wireless. "Our goal is to provide seamless network connectivity across a wide range of networks," said Alan Crouch, the director of Intel's Oregon Communications Technology Lab. "And 802.21 is the...

A new worldwide study predicts an annual growth rate of 159% for VoWLAN even though the technology faces challenges. Via [informationweek.com]

Tatara Systems has published the results of business user research into wireless data communications usage, which shows that most users do not understand the differences between 3G, GPRS and Wi-Fi; that Wi-Fi use through hotspots is more popular than Wi-Fi use at home, and that laptop users buy coffee just so they can access hotspots....

Intel supplies wi-fi access at its forum, but for the first time ever we were provided with an A4 printed document, probably in six point type, that spells out the inherent security weakness of such networks. Via [theinquirer.net]

The city is kicking off pre-Wimax for city services later this month, an effort designed to improve employee productivity. Via [informationweek.com]

This week has seen more scepticism than ever about Wimax as a viable wireless carrier technology, following the news from the Forum that testing and certification "could be delayed till October." Via [theregister.co.uk]

Mobile workers in Docklands will soon be able to get high-speed wireless access from the bars and shops surrounding the UK's highest buildings. Via [news.zdnet.co.uk]

The Elata and Flarion acquisitions reflect the outfit's need to keep abreast of tech's latest trends. Expect more of the same. Via [businessweek.com]

NZX-listed transport company Toll New Zealand has begun using wireless handheld computers connected by WiFi access points to check-in passengers on its Interislander ferries, a move that it says could halve loading times. Via [stuff.co.nz]