The forthcoming 802.11e standard will permit scheduling, so traffic can be better managed. Scheduling helps the access point control its own usage of the wireless network to better match the priorities of the client traffic. Via [newsfactor.com]

Wireless fidelity, or WiFi, and cellphones have been the darlings of the wireless stage, but in the coming years they could be sharing the spotlight with a technology called WiMax. Via [globetechnology.com]

Mobile computer users will be able to take advantage of the growing number of wireless 'hotspots', even without wireless capability, under a new plan by Optus. Via [pcworld.idg.com.au]

As interest grows in extending the reach (802.16/WiMax) and speed (802.11n) of wireless networking, so does the intensity of a long-running battle over who will profit from the new technology. An interesting sub-plot to the story of when the proposals become actual IEEE-endorsed protocols is a recently-renewed debate over patents. Via [wi-fiplanet.com]

BT's Wi-Fi subsidiary, Openzone, has added Broadreach Networks' collection of hotspots to its own, courtesy of a roaming deal struck between the two companies. Via [theregister.co.uk]

Local government officials discussed the pluses and pitfalls of wireless technology yesterday at the FOSE trade show in Washington. Via [gcn.com]

Sprint Corp. chief executive Gary D. Forsee predicted that next year will see the first ''combo phones" come to market in the United States, linking conventional wireless service and low-priced Internet calling. Via [boston.com]

President Paul Otellini says that staying competitive in wireless-connectivity technologies such as WiMax is critical to U.S. success. Via [informationweek.com]

Recently, parties lacking experience and facts have suggested that municipalities should not promote or fund broadband wireless networks. Their arguments ignore a growing number of successful municipal deployments and rely on incorrect assertions. Via [news.zdnet.com]

Comms watchdog Ofcom has played down the level of overcrowding in the unlicensed 2.4GHz band of the spectrum. Via [electronicsweekly.com]

Broadcom Corp. has announced what it claims is the first Wi-Fi chipset that supports the PCI Express bus architecture. Via [eetimes.com]

UK Wi-Fi network The Cloud has become Germany's third-largest WISP by acquiring local player Airnyx, the company said today. Via [theregister.co.uk]

Here's something to think about: What if wherever your cellphone worked you also could set up a high-speed Internet network? Via [seattletimes.nwsource.com]

Setup of the HomePlug Ethernet Adapter Kit from Actiontec was pretty simple and well within the grasp of a consumer. Speed is more than acceptable; it's rated at 14Mbps and I observed at least 10 during my residential tests. That's about the same as the older 802.11B standard and plenty for Internet use. Via [newsfactor.com]...

For those basketball fans in the audience, March is best known as March Madness and the NCAA tournament. But, for the WiMAX sector, the last few days should be called Merger Madness. Via [commsdesign.com]