Tag: Commentary

Plans are afoot in Philadelphia and Huntsville, Alabama, as well as my hometown of San Francisco, to provide residents with low-cost or free wireless internet access. It's a great idea whose time has come, like drinking fountains, public toilets and park benches. But last week, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that my city's mayor expects...

For EarthLink, the Philadelphia contract isn't just about starting a new business line. It's also about deploying the latest technology. Cole Reinwand is EarthLink's director of next generation broadband, covering WiMAX, broadband over power lines (BPL), fiber to the home (FTTH), and other technologies. Via [wi-fiplanet.com]

Although mobile WiMax has captured most of the headlines, and a series of trials by mobile carriers highlights the future of wireless broadband, fixed WiMax “remains the technology’s bread and butter through 2009,” according to a report from Visant Strategies. Via [wi-fiplanet.com]

One of the earliest pioneers of the mobile communications industry, Marty Cooper, warned that the sector still has many disruptions in its wake and warned that participants need to separate the technology from the marketing hype during a session he chaired at the Broadband Worldwide forum here. Via [eetimes.com]

The technology for delivering fast Web access over large areas could help upstart communications outfits nab share from established player. Via [businessweek.com]

Hundreds of local governments are building wireless networks-- but the telecom industry has taken issue. Via [informationweek.com]

Wireless access to the Internet via Wi-Fi is increasingly popular, so the technology is being upgraded to ensure that users get prompt, reliable service. Via [sciam.com]

A few years ago, the simplest way of getting online while away from your home or office was to visit an Internet cafe. Internet providers such as Easy Everything did a booming trade in giving users web and email access, but modern times have called for a more flexible solution. Via [vnunet.com]

"The signs didn't work well even in the U.K. where more people take public transportation and walk than in the United States," noted Ira Brodsky, president of wireless market research firm Datacomm Research Co. "U.S. cities are more spread out, so it can be hard for users to spot small signs." Via [technewsworld.com]

Intel is leading a small group of firms that want to write a "whole new proposal," according to one industry watcher, which means the standard currently on the table could be delayed. Via [informationweek.com]

Mobile WiMAX will happen, but don't expect it to be an overnight success, says analyst company Visant. Via [theregister.co.uk]

No, it isn't cheap. But in this case, you get what you pay for. AirMagnet's new Spectrum Analyzer costs about $3,500. In return, the product gives you invaluable tools to protect your wireless network. Via [fcw.com]

Forward Concepts, known for their expertise in the DSP space, has entered the WiMAX forecasting market with a report predicting that the technology will be worth $2 billion in 2009. Via [extremewimax.com]

By working outside of the IEEE's 802.11n next-generation task group, Intel has angered industry participants who accuse the Intel-led alliance of everything from co-opting the standards process to outright antitrust violations. Via [informationweek.com]

Alvarion attracted considerable publicity for failing to be among the first vendors to deliver equipment to the WiMAX Forum labs for testing. However, arriving early has more marketing than real value, and the first wave of certification and interoperability testing is unlikely to start until October. Via [extremewimax.com]