Author: Wayne Slavin

First there was Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, that nifty way for computer users to make free calls machine-to-machine anywhere in the world. Then came services like Skype and Vonage that, for a fee, let calls generated by a computer or a specially equipped phone connect to regular landline or mobile phones. Via [msnbc.msn.com]...

BT has introduced its first channel-only product, a wireless broadband service that may serve as a precursor to WiMax. Via [vnunet.com]

At the Internet Telephony show in Los Angeles last month, it was fitting that the subject of QoS came up often. During the Wi-Fi conference track, someone joked that the IEEE 802.11e QoS standard “has been six to nine months away - for five to six years.” Via [techworld.com]

Broadband internet connections are now common in hotels and conference centres. But they aren't necessarily secure, and nor are they easy to share between computers. Some venues will set up a local network for meetings and events, but not all. And those that do often charge a handsome fee. Via [news.independent.co.uk]

U.K. telecommunications giant BT is about to give its mobile customers discounted access to its Wi-Fi network. Via [news.com.com]

Net2Phone announced a new handset that lets users connect by Wi-Fi to the company's VoiceLine IP telephony service. Via [commweb.com]

While overall European IT sales have begun to pick up this year, "lingering uncertainty" has prompted essential hardware renewals and infrastructure upgrades rather than mobilisation projects, IDC has reported. Via [vnunet.com]

This week, TeleCIS Wireless announced a plan to enter the WiMax market by developing System-on-a-Chip (SoC) solutions that combine both Wi-Fi and WiMax technologies. Via [wi-fiplanet.com]

Among the factors that have held back enterprise uptake of wireless LANs outside greenfield sites have been security fears and lack of performance compared to wireline Ethernet. The past week has brought little reassurance on the first point, but has highlighted developments pointing to the creation of Gigabit Wi-Fi. Via [theregister.co.uk]

When I moved into a new neighborhood last week, I expected the usual hassles. Then I found out I'd have to wait more than a month for a DSL line. I started convulsing. If I don't have Net access for even one day, I can't do my job. So, what was I supposed to do?...

Dell on Thursday announced a Wi-Fi enabled adapter for its printers. Via [news.com.com]

Two reports out this week outlining the growth of WLAN gear in homes and offices highlight the paradox we've come to expect, created by increased demand for Wi-Fi and a dramatic decline in prices. Shipments of Wi-Fi equipment destined for homes and small offices grew 73 percent since last year, while revenue from the gear...

Looking for a new medium for home broadband service? A way to hook WiFi (wireless fidelity) hotspots to the Internet without wires? The future digital cellular network? Via [globetechnology.com]

Companies tempted to jump the gun on the next-generation 802.11n wireless networking standard have received a warning shot across the bows from the Wifi Alliance, the body that certifies compliant products. Via [vnunet.com]

Supporters of Philadelphia's plan to provide wireless Internet access blasted a bill in the state General Assembly last night that they said threatened the city's proposal. Via [philly.com]