Not All Devices are Created Equal

As an analyst who spends countless hours talking to different parties within the mobile broadband world, the desire to see new classes of devices connected to mobile networks is frequently discussed.

Wireless Broadband Perspectives - WiMAX.com Weekly Series Sponsored By: For the next few months, WiMAX.com and Cisco will be featuring weekly perspectives from leading thought leaders in the WiMAX & wireless broadband industry.

These devices are a central part to many business plans.   What I don't hear as much, is how operators plan to charge for those devices.   This deafening silence is especially notable with mobile operators talking about LTE.   If operators want to add new classes of devices to their network, the first thing they need to do is figure out how much consumers value the device.

Phones play a very central role in most people's lives.   People like to talk, and do it often.   People take cell phones with them in their everyday travels.   Consumers place a value on cell phones such that they are willing to pay a monthly fee to use the device.   This value though does not translate to all devices.   Locking a user into a service fee for a device, which does not hold the same level of value that a cell phone does will be tough.   When service providers look at how to value a device several factors should be considered:

- How often does somebody take it with them when they leave their house, or place of business?
- How often do they use the device?
- How do they use the device, and can another device class substitute for it? Such as using a camera phone in place of a digital camera.
- Why does the device need to be wireless connected?

After measuring the device value, operators need to look at new ways of pricing connectivity for those devices.   Some of those ways are:

- Pre-paid consumption based pricing, where for $X a user could purchase the right to transmit X bytes of data over a fixed period of time.
- Bundling of devices together, where for a single price a user could have the right to connect multiple devices under a single service plan.
- Transaction based pricing where you only pay per session or for a specific activity.   Such as charging a per-rate fee to download a song or movie to a personal media player over a wireless network.  
- Work through third party vendors like Sprint and the Amazon Kindle.   The cost of connecting is built into the cost of the e-book download.

Another challenge that needs to be addressed, and can be a real bottleneck, is device cost.   The cost of embedding a device needs to come down.   Removing traditional cellular service fees requires the end-user to take on the full device cost.   The cost of an embedded device, versus the same device minus the radio, needs to be minimal.   Wi-Fi has done a great job in that area.   WiMAX shows promise.   Recently Dell announced WiMAX embedded laptops.   The cost of the embedded radio only added $60 to the price, and did not require a service agreement.   This is a move in the right direction.   Clearwire's recent announcement with Cisco should lead to similar advancements with devices.

Successfully bringing connectivity to new device classes will take time and a change from the traditional mobile operator handset model.   Operators that can do this will be able to drive new revenue streams across their networks.
 

Daryl Schoolar is a Senior Analyst within the Mobile Internet group at In-Stat.   At In-Stat he contributes to the "Wireless Broadband Evolution" research tract.  He focuses primarily on WiMAX, LTE, 3G and Wi-Fi. 

In his coverage, Daryl primarily focuses on mobile broadband at the infrastructure and carrier level.  His work within those areas includes sizing of markets, carrier strategies, and market drivers.




 

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 in Applications  | Permalink |  Comments (2)

Can Developing Countries Afford Wireless Broadband Technologies to Deliver Healthcare?

While working recently on a paper on WiMAX healthcare applications in developing countries, one of the key questions faced was whether wireless and wireless broadband in particular can truly help rural and underserved communities - where people may subsist on less than a dollar a day, houses have no running water or electricity, and kids only have access to the most basic education.

Wireless Broadband Perspectives - WiMAX.com Weekly Series Sponsored By: For the next 3 months, WiMAX.com and Cisco will be featuring weekly perspectives from leading thought leaders in the WiMAX & wireless broadband industry.  For this week, Monica Paolini with Senza Fili Consulting explores the trade-offs that healthcare providers in developing countries must between delivering basic medical services to providing access to new technologies to improve treatment and ultimately save more lives.

Without doubt, wireless broadband, and more specifically, WiMAX can improve the quality of health care and access to services, and provide better training for the medical workers - but is this the best way to use the scarce resources available to hospitals, non-profit organizations or health care agencies? Wouldn't they be better off providing the basics of health care-vaccinations, drugs, more doctors in remote or poor areas? Would wireless broadband deliver high levels of care in the handful of villages selected for a trial, but be too expensive to benefit entire regions or countries?

Simply put, we do not know the answer to this question yet and, in most likelihood, different communities will develop a wide range of approaches, and some will be more successful than others.  Right now, we are in the very initial phase of exploring the opportunities that wireless broadband brings and there is hardly any historical data to measure the impact of wireless broadband on health care in emerging markets.

However, the indications we have so far are extremely encouraging and fascinating.  In developed countries we still think of wireless broadband as a luxury service mostly limited to the business users that afford a $60/month contract.  In emerging countries, wireless broadband can address basic community needs and not just health care: education, ability to develop small businesses, access to government services can equally benefit-by making scarce resources available more widely and more efficiently.  This is because wireless technologies are often the first communication technologies to reach the communities that need most assistance.  In these communities, wireline connectivity is often not available, and people are often quite isolated as they do not own cars or live in villages only reachable by foot.

Emerging countries have shown to be extremely quick at adopting wireless technologies.  Even in the most remote villages, cell phones are widely used, as they offer the only way to keep in touch with friends, relative or customers.  In health care, SMS messaging to remind people to take their daily pills or to encourage them to get HIV testing have proven to deliver substantial results with little cost. 

Wireless broadband provides the next step.  For sure, developing countries have limited funding available for health care.  But what they crucially lack are resources - there are few doctors and most of them do not want to work in remote or poor areas.  They often do not even speak the same language as many of the people in these communities.  To get care, people living in rural or poor areas have to spend huge amounts of time to travel to the hospital and wait to be seen by a doctor-and, because of this, they often postpone the trip to the hospital until it becomes much more expensive and difficult to treat the condition.

According to Dr.  Manuel Dayrit, Director of the Department of Human Resources for Health at the World Health Organization, "even if you have the medicine, the vaccines, and the bed nets, you need the health workers to deliver the service.  With the experience of the last few years, where you have had huge global funds move into an activity to provide resources.  ...we've found that the bottleneck is really the delivery."

This is exactly where wireless broadband and WiMAX fit and where cellular technologies, powerful as they are for narrowband applications, are not sufficient.  The ability to establish a data connection between visiting nurses in remote or underserved areas and doctors in urban hospitals brings affordable health care exactly where and when it is needed.  A broadband connection allows the nurse, which has often very limited training, to get immediate answers from attending doctors and to avoid costly referrals.  Basic tests can be done remotely and the data can be analyzed in real-time at the hospital.  VoIP and video sessions allow doctors to interact directly with the patient and the nurse.  Remote learning courses can be made available on-line to give additional training to nurses without taking them away from the community where they operate. 

Wireless broadband applications encourage a shift from the still dominant urgent-care treatment that is often administered too late, to more effective preventive and early-stage treatment that reduces both the medical and social costs of health care. 

These wireless broadband applications play are uniquely positioned to bring health care closer to the patient, where the need is strongest and the resources more scarce.  This new approach has been recently championed by the World Health Organization to address the very basic needs that current health care systems struggle to meet.  It is an approach that certainly requires some initial funding, but that also promises to deliver a more cost-effective, equitable and effective framework to provide primary health care services in emerging countries.


Countries with a critical shortage of health care workers.  Source: World Health Organization.  The World Health Report 2006
 

Monica Paolini is the founder and president of Senza Fili Consulting.  She is an expert in wireless technologies and has helped clients worldwide to understand technology and customer requirements, evaluate business plan opportunities, market their services and products, and estimate the market size and revenue opportunity of new and established wireless technologies.  She has frequently been invited to give presentations at conferences and has written several reports on wireless broadband technologies. 

She has a PhD in cognitive science from the University of California, San Diego (US), an MBA from the University of Oxford (UK), and a BA/MA in philosophy from the University of Bologna (Italy).  She can be contacted at monica.paolini@senzafiliconsulting.com.

 

Monday, May 18, 2009 in Applications  | Permalink |  Comments (1)

Keeping WiMAX Devices Secure

It pays to certify devices for use on a public network. Certification for network use protects quality of service and sets a baseline for subscriber security.

It’s a business that Motorola has been in for years, and one that now reaches into the realm of WiMAX.  The WiMAX Forum has selected Motorola’s public key infrastructure (PKI) Center of Excellence for certification of WiMAX devices.  This means that the Motorola Center can test products and issue certificates enabling authentication on a WiMAX network.

The Motorola PKI Center in San Diego is an extension of the company’s history in network security.  Part of the reason for the separable security movement in set-tops, and the CableCARD mandate, was the limited number of companies able to secure content on cable networks.  Motorola is part of a very elite group of companies working successfully in the cable conditional access (CA) space, and has extended that expertise to device certification across many different types of networks.

A few stats on the PKI Center:

- More than 65 billion dollars of entertainment content and data services are protected by Motorola’s PKI security every year.
- To date, the PKI Center has produced more than 650 million certificates. 
- Motorola issued 180 million certificates through the PKI Center in 2008 alone. 

The PKI Center certifies devices of all types for all kinds of networks, including cell phones, cable and satellite set-tops, cable modems, DSL modems, portable media players, two-way radios, and more.  The addition of WiMAX certification authority comes just as mobile WiMAX is starting to roll out in the US.

Mari Silbey
Chief Blogger, Motorola's Media Experiences 2 Go


 

Thursday, February 05, 2009 in Applications  | Permalink |  Comments (0)

D2 Technologies Demonstrates Reference Design for WiMAX Phones

Will VoIP happen over mobile WiMAX devices? D2 Technologies definitely thinks so. The company is displaying the industry’s first complete reference design for the creation of WiMAX mobile phones this week at ITEXPO East 2009 in Miami, Florida.

The reference design provides manufacturers with a turnkey software solution for quickly developing and delivering WiMAX handsets and similar portable devices to market.  The reference software implementation is running on a dual-mode mobile platform running Linux on a Texas Instruments OMAP-based processor; this version is available immediately, with additional implementations on the Google Android and Microsoft® Windows® CE/Mobile platforms coming in the second quarter of 2009.  The reference design includes everything a developer needs to implement VoIP over WiMAX.

"The industry is pouring tremendous resources into the creation and delivery of a WiMAX infrastructure, and manufacturers will need a fast and cost-effective way to develop mobile devices that take advantage of the greater bandwidth, range and other benefits of this technology," said Doug Makishima, vice president of marketing and sales at D2 Technologies.  "Our mCUE platform offers these companies a quick, easy and affordable path to the delivery of converged, unified WiMAX communications devices."

Opinion:  We think there is a real market for VoIP over FIXED WiMAX in developing countries or under-served/rural areas in developed countries.  In this case, fixed WiMAX 802.16d or 802.16e is used in place of DSL or cable access.  We are less optimistic about VoIP over truly mobile WiMAX, which has yet to gain market traction in any country (with the possible exception of WiBro in Korea).

Alan Weissberger
DCT Advisors
2013 Acacia Court
Santa Clara, CA 95050-3482

Monday, February 02, 2009 in Applications  | Permalink |  Comments (0)

General Dynamics military radios enable high-speed communication with WiMAX

Tactical radios carry WiMAX networking technology and enable moving vehicle decision-making.

General Dynamics announced its Handheld, Manpack and Small Form Fit (HMS) radios will utilize Wideband Networking Waveform and WiMAX wireless networking technologies to enable communication between tactical vehicles while they are on-the-move.  WiMAX was selected to bring added capability to the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS).  The company's software makes the radios suitable for communicating large amounts of information and for on-line collaboration between moving vehicles.

General Dynamics C4 Systems has a contract to deliver HMS radios to the U.S.  Department of Defense.  The company is demonstrating the radios' vehicle-based communications capability at a military communication event this week.  The demonstration shows HMS radios meeting battlefield networking requirements by embedding WiMAX wide area networking (IEEE 802.16).  WiMAX technologies provide the necessary bandwidth and spectrum range to facilitate communication between moving vehicles.  The scope of the mission for HMS radios increases rapidly by enabling communication between vehicles and soldiers on the ground.

"Demonstrating WNW and 802.16 for advanced, high-speed networking places HMS in a class by itself for performance and efficiency," said Chris Brady, vice president of Assured Communications Systems for General Dynamics C4 Systems.  HMS radios are designed to meet waveform-compliance, interoperability and security standards set forth by JTRS.  The first HMS radios will be in warfighters' hands during early 2010.



General Dynamics C4 Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics.  General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, USA, employs over 90,000 people worldwide.  The company is active in driving business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies.

By Jeff Orr, ORR Technology, LLC
 

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 in Applications  | Permalink |  Comments (0)

Expanding the potential of wireless broadband services in the US using the 3.65GHz band

For wireless broadband operators, the availability of affordable, clean spectrum in which they can deploy the most advanced technologies is critical to their success.

Monica Paolini
Senza Fili Consulting

Until recently, operators in the US have faced spectrum restrictions that have limited the market growth of wireless broadband services.  License-exempt bands in the 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequencies have been successfully used by many operators, but interference has increasingly become an issue, especially for Point to Multipoint (PMP) networks.  In these bands, operators face interference not only from other operators, but also from consumer devices (microwaves, phones, residential Wireless Local Area Network [WLAN] hardware, etc.) that make it difficult to manage interference successfully. 

The other two bands that are available in many markets are 2.5GHz and 3.5GHz.  The 2.5GHz band is available in the US, but it is largely controlled by large operators-mostly by Clearwire, Sprint, and AT&T.  In most countries, wireless broadband operators have access to licensed spectrum in the 3.5-3.7GHz band-along with a large choice of commercial equipment, because this is the licensed band most widely used for fixed broadband services.  In the US, wireless operators were not able to use this band until the end of 2007.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recognized the spectrum limitations that US operators faced, and introduced an innovative licensing scheme in the 3.65GHz band.  It is designed to unlock the market potential for wireless services and widen the availability of broadband to underserved areas in the country.  The newly available spectrum is subject to light licensing: licenses are not exclusive, and they are easy and inexpensive to obtain.  In many ways, the 3.65GHz band promises to combine most of the advantages of unlicensed bands with substantially lower, manageable levels of interference. 
 

While the light-licensing scheme used for the 3.65GHz band is still largely untested because of its recent introduction, the results so far are very encouraging.  Commercial equipment based on Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) with the necessary FCC approval is now available from multiple vendors.  In some cases where vendors have invested in Interoperability Testing (IOT), operators can use interoperable gear from different vendors within the same network.  As of September 2008, 420 operators nationwide have applied for or received a license, and some of them have launched commercial services using WiMAX-based equipment.

Wireless operators have welcomed the availability of the spectrum in the 3.65GHz band because it allows them to better serve their existing and prospective clients, to extend coverage, or to start new deployments in a cost-effective way.  This is possible because, in addition to the low levels of interference, the 3.65GHz band has good propagation characteristics that enable Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) operations.  This results in lower deployment costs and better coverage. 

The additional benefit of the 3.65GHz band is that it brings wireless operators access to WiMAX-based technology, which before now was available only for licensed spectrum.  WiMAX supports improved spectral efficiency, lower per-bit costs, and Quality of Service (QoS) for carrier-grade voice services and enterprise Service Level Agreements (SLAs).  As WiMAX equipment is deployed worldwide, operators can expect to reap the advantages of economies of scale-lower equipment prices and wider choice of vendors and products-even though equipment for the US market has to be slightly modified to meet the domestic regulatory requirements. 

The FCC regulatory framework for the 3.65GHz band

Licensing in the 3.65GHz band and FCC product certification both started in 2007, with the first commercial deployments announced in 2008.
 

The FCC's goal was to create a band with low entry costs and minimal regulatory delays to enable multiple wireless operators to roll out services, while keeping interference at a minimum.  In trying to find a compromise between expensive, difficult-to-obtain licensed spectrum and interference-prone unlicensed spectrum, the FCC decided to adopt a nonexclusive licensing scheme with a contention protocol requirement.

Under the nonexclusive licensing scheme, there is no limit to the number of operators that can obtain a nationwide license.  The implicit expectation is that each operator will focus on selected geographical areas and that this will prevent spectrum overcrowding.  Obtaining a license in the 3.65GHz spectrum is a fast and straightforward process that can be completed at any time with minimal cost (210 USD).

To manage interference, the FCC uses two tools: a requirement that operators "make any effort" necessary to minimize harmful interference, and the adoption of a contention protocol.  All operators with a license are required to register their base station locations with the ULS (Universal Licensing System) prior to deployment, and to appropriately coordinate operations to minimize interference.  Operators that deploy first in a given area do not enjoy any first-to-market advantage over operators coming on later.  They are all required to collaborate to find a solution that enables multiple operators to coexist. 

Furthermore, base station registration allows new entrants in a market to evaluate spectrum availability-as well as market potential-based on the base stations already installed.  This may turn out to be the most effective tool in preventing spectrum (and market) overcrowding.  In most markets, there is effectively room for only one or two operators to roll out services profitably in the band.  In this sense, early operators enjoy a substantial advantage and may effectively stop others from entering the market, unless they are not successful at attracting or retaining customers.
The adoption of a contention protocol to manage interference has attracted a lot of criticism from operators and vendors alike, especially as the FCC initially had not defined what the contention protocol was.  In 2007, the FCC issued a clarification that opened the door to equipment certification, but there is still considerable uncertainty about which contention protocols will be allowed by the FCC.

The FCC has defined two types.  A restricted contention protocol manages interference among devices using the same wireless interface.  WiMAX qualifies as implementing a restricted contention protocol, as multiple subscriber devices can coexist within the same network, and multiple networks can coordinate operations to minimize interference.  All products certified by the FCC to date support restricted contention protocols.

Unrestricted contention protocols work across multiple wireless air interfaces.  The FCC defines such a protocol as one that "can avoid co-frequency interference with devices using all other types of contention-based protocols."

The "listen-before-you-talk" protocol used by Wi-Fi is the most commonly cited example of an unrestricted contention protocol.  While a listen-before-you-talk protocol can limit the impact of interference, it carries significant overhead requirements that can dramatically affect the spectral efficiency of the technology.  For the end user, the difference in performance between interference and network congestion may be difficult to see.  As of September 2008, the FCC had not yet certified any equipment that supports an unrestricted contention protocol, but the IEEE 802.11y Amendment was defined to develop equipment that meets the FCC requirements using Wi-Fi technology.

The FCC has reserved the upper half of the spectrum (3.675-3.700 GHz) for equipment using only unrestricted contention protocols, to encourage their development.  The lower half of the band (3.650-3.675 GHz) is available to equipment that implements both types of contention protocols.

The FCC has also taken into account the fact that the band was already allocated to FSS licensees and to radiolocation services.  As a result, wireless operators are not allowed to operate in areas surrounding grandfathered satellite earth stations and radiolocation stations. 

The market impact

The availability of the 3.65GHz band on a nonexclusive licensed basis greatly expands the market opportunity for wireless broadband services in the US.  It will widen the availability of broadband in digital-divide, underserved areas, and it will provide more choice to broadband subscribers in competitive markets.

It is still unclear whether the contention protocol and frequency coordination mandated by the FCC will be effective in controlling the impact of interference.  The new licensing scheme adopted for the 3.65GHz band may prove effective and usher in further innovation in licensing frameworks in the US and abroad.  If its effectiveness is limited, operators will still benefit from affordable access to the 3.65GHz band and from the ability to finally deploy WiMAX-based solutions in the US, even if they do not have access to the much more expensive and difficult-to-obtain 2.5GHz spectrum.

All types of fixed wireless operators in the US can benefit from the availability of the 3.65GHz spectrum-although, realistically, in each market the number of operators that will be able to successfully operate side by side within the band will be limited.  This may have the positive effect of containing interference within manageable levels. 
Established wireless broadband operators have already started to deploy 3.65GHz equipment to expand their reach to new market segments, to offer new services, or to improve the performance or capacity of their network. 

The availability of WiMAX technology for the 3.65GHz band will give both new and established operators the ability to roll out carrier-grade networks with improved performance, NLOS capabilities, and QoS support, which can support voice and data services on the basis of a compelling business case.

Monica Paolini is the founder and president of Senza Fili Consulting and can be contacted at monica.paolini@senzafiliconsulting.com.   Senza Fili Consulting provides expert advisory services on wireless data technologies and services.
 

Wednesday, November 12, 2008 in Applications  | Permalink |  Comments (0)

WiMAX and TV White Space Spectrum - A Short Tutorial

Will WiMAX make a big impact in the new unlicensed spectrum TV White Space? We look at the basics of what you need to know.

With the FCC ruling in the last week that it would allow unlicensed use of TV "White Space" spectrum for the US many camps are all aflutter about the potential for this technology to be a big front for WiMAX growth. 

So will it? Well, I guess that depends on your point of view.  My short answer is I don't think anytime soon.  But it maybe could.  So why and what is it about this spectrum that has so many so excited?

The FCC has been testing devices and taking comments from many interested parties, both pro and con.  Testing actually took two phases and the first phase of tests did not go so swimmingly.  There were problems.  And actually in my opinion the second phase of testing was not without some hiccups.  There were some problems.  I think that the testing did not have enough field trials to really be definitive.  Radios did not sense active signal in all cases, but I think those are mostly solvable issues. 

In any event finally the FCC has ruled.  The basics are this: Devices can be used for both fixed and portable use (an important element) but they must also possess a geolocate feature, be able to sense active licensed spectrum channels and, at least initially, they must be able to download a database of spectrum in use for a given area.  They also must be able to sense wireless microphones which are allowed via Part 74 of FCC rules.  Sound complicated? Well, a bit maybe, but I don't see any of this as a big hurdle for device manufacturers.  We will have devices relatively quickly I think, possibly in the next 12 months even. 

The FCC will require testing for all devices of course, which will take some time.  So where is this "White Space?" Basically devices will operate in UHF channels 21-51.  And most of the devices tested out to sensitivities below -110 dBm and some quite a bit better. 

Okay so we have covered the basics of the ruling and devices (the very basics), now why is everyone so excited about this spectrum.  Well, being unlicensed it would free up vendors and users to define creative and valuable ways to use the spectrum.  And it could be especially useful in rural areas.  The why of that, is that the physics of spectrum dictate that the lower the frequency the better signal propagates over distance and the easier it is for it to penetrate solid objects.  So a carrier would need fewer base stations and mobile devices could receive signal indoors more easily.  So what is the catch---I mean it sounds perfect right? The catch is bandwidth.  And notwithstanding the fact that the nation's carriers spent unprecedented money to acquire 700 MHz spectrum this past year, bandwidth is the big bugaboo.  The lower the frequency the lower the theoretical limits of bandwidth and information that can be transmitted. 

The reason carriers loved this spectrum in licensed bands is they could cover wide swaths of area for much less base station cost.  I think this spectrum will be a nice addition to the panoply of unlicensed frequencies, especially when taken in concert.  But I will blog more on the creative use of multiple spectrum in future posts.  The key here is that I think hardware is slowly moving to real cognitive capability where radios can work in multiple spectrum ranges and sense what is available.  Now why will WiMAX be a while getting involved? I think WiMAX vendors will focus on radios for carriers with licensed spectrum because that will initially be where the money is.  To date the WiMAX Forum has set just one product profile for unlicensed spectrum and I think they won't jump on this quickly---just my opinion of course.  What do you think?

Tim Sanders
www.TheFinalMile.net
 
 

Monday, November 10, 2008 in Applications  | Permalink |  Comments (2)

ERF Wireless adopts WiMAX for WISP and utility production markets

Company plans limited deployments in 3.65 GHz spectrum across Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana.

ERF Wireless announced it has registered and received a nationwide license for operation of WiMAX-based services in the 3.65 GHz frequency band.  In addition, the company is partnering with entities owning 2.5 GHz spectrum to grow its coverage footprint.  The operator is a wireless ISP and services multiple vertical markets including the oil and gas industry.  ERF Wireless is currently evaluating equipment vendors for limited deployment in select markets across Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana.



"The adoption of WiMax technology is a critical part of our current network expansion strategy," said ERF Wireless CEO, Dr.  H.  Dean Cubley.  Dr.  Cubley went on to note that one of the most compelling reasons for deployment of this new licensed frequency band is its ability to eliminate the problems of frequency congestion and interference, particularly in areas where unlicensed spectrum is under heavy usage. 

Oil and gas companies recognize the benefits of broadband wireless - a secure, robust and cost-effective data pipe - for essential business expansion in the most active areas of exploration, drilling and production.  "ERF Wireless believes this is a very opportune time to add WiMAX capabilities to our extensive existing wireless footprint and our major customers are in total agreement," added Cubley.



Businesses will also benefit from the enhanced network coverage.  "Leading-edge WiMax technology also brings a great advantage to our WISP deployments with its increased coverage and enhanced service offerings, including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Internet portability and the promise of true broadband mobility nationwide," said Bob "Bobby Mack" McClung, CEO of the company's Bundled Wireless Services subsidiary.

ERF Wireless Inc.  specializes in providing wireless and broadband product and service solutions to enterprise, commercial and residential clients on a regional, national and international basis.  Its principals have been in the wireless broadband, network integration, triple-play FTTH, IPTV and content delivery business for more than 40 years.  Based in League City, Texas, the company is the parent of ERF Oil & Gas Services.

By Jeff Orr, ORR Technology, LLC

Monday, November 03, 2008 in Applications  | Permalink |  Comments (0)

Netbooks and MIDs go big: Intel's UrbanMax concept tablet

Larger PC slate excites possibilities for future portable applications.

Intel showed off its concept computers this week at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in Taiwan.  One system that gathered attention is the company's UrbanMax tablet.  Concept computers are not production-ready.  Instead they are developed to inspire manufacturers to introduce imaginative solutions.  Intel first demonstrated the UrbanMax in August at the U.S.  conference stop.

Powered by a Core 2 Duo processor beneath an 11" multi-touch screen, the tablet can utilize Intel's mobile WiMAX module for connecting to high-speed Internet outside of the home and hotspot.  Other proposed specifications include a solid state drive (SSD), high-definition video playback and a full-size QWERTY keyboard.




The design follows the mechanics of pocket-sized mobile Internet devices (MIDs), while maintaining the larger size of a thin notebook computer.  The form-factor is interesting because it can be used in places where a traditional clamshell laptop lid cannot open, such as an economy airline seat.  Configurations for use include closed flat like a paper notepad, slid open to expose the keyboard or with the screen tilted up to resemble a traditional notebook view.  Laptop vendors have introduced a series of sub-notebooks or netbooks that reduce size and cost from their larger counterparts.  Does the UrbanMax suggest the opportunity for a Mega-MIDs category?

Along with the physical transformation, the UrbanMax operating software adjusts to match the usage scenario.  While in tablet mode, a minimal interface is presented to maximize the use of the touchscreen.  As an open laptop, the visuals change to a standard Windows Vista user interface.

The shape and size of computers continues to change each decade.  From room-sized behemoths to desktops and laptops to MIDs, the miniaturization of computer platforms inspires new ways for people to communicate with the digital world around them.

By Jeff Orr, ORR Technology, LLC

Thursday, October 23, 2008 in Applications  | Permalink |  Comments (0)

Digifriends M3 Mobile Internet Device to be powered by NextWave Wireless WiMAX chipset

Mobile WiMAX handheld to focus on video streaming and bandwidth-intensive Internet applications.

Digifriends Co.  Ltd.  and NextWave Wireless Inc.  announced the development of a WiMAX-enabled Mobile Internet Device (MID), called the Model M3, powered by NextWave's NW2000 WiMAX chipset.  Expected to debut during the second half of 2009, the MID will bring new mobile multimedia features to a range of users by delivering higher-speed access to next-generation content and services. 

Key applications for the M3 MID include media streaming that require broadband speeds, including interactive gaming, streaming video of user-generated content, video conferencing/chat, and Voice-over-IP (VoIP).  Features of the M3 include:

- High-speed Internet browsing
- Integrated WiMAX / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth connectivity
- 1.3-inch hard disk drive with 30~60 GB capacity
- Two built-in digital cameras -- a 2 megapixel camera for capturing still images and a 0.3 megapixel webcam on the screen side for mobile video chat

Add-on accessories and peripheral components include a keyboard, device stand and external speakers.



"We expect to see an explosion of consumer and operator excitement for WiMAX in 2009, fueled by the introduction of innovative devices -- like the M3 -- that offer end-users a completely new mobile multimedia experience," said Byung Kang Park, CEO, Digifriends.  "We are confident that the M3's entry into the global market will accelerate the path to WiMAX, as it offers unique features that leverage the innovative technology found in NextWave Wireless' WiMAX chipset."

NextWave's NW2000 family of mobile WiMAX chipsets is targeted at small form-factor mobile broadband devices.  The 802.16e-2005 chipset includes a baseband System-On-a-Chip (SoC) and single-chip, multi-band Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver, offering dual independent receive chains for mobile applications.

By Jeff Orr, ORR Technology, LLC
 

Monday, October 20, 2008 in Applications  | Permalink |  Comments (0)