cellular networks

Why one wireless and not another?

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 06:59:59 -0500

Sometimes, the hype can almost deafen you. The sheer volume of email, phone calls, advertisements, and "special messages" that surround new product introductions (especially when the product in question involves billions of dollars worth of investment) can keep you from understanding anything about the true value of the product and its underlying technology. That's been the case with WiMAX for the last couple of years, and I fully expect the volume and tempo to pick up considerably in the coming months. Why? It's almost time for Sprint and other companies to start making money back on their significant investments in the technology infrastructure buildout.

The problem is that the rollout is unlikely to be smooth. I say that because I'm hearing whispers out of Sprint that indicate they haven't learned some very important lessons over the last 20 years. A Sprint official recently said that people looking for a cellular-like "unlimited data" option were going to be disappointed. He also indicated that the model for subsidizing hardware (you know, the "sign up for a year and we'll give you the phone" model) was going to change. What I hear from this is that they're going to make customers pay more up front, then meter the use. I have one thing to say about that: ISDN.

When DSL was starting to roll out a decade ago, equipment vendors told me their biggest fear was that the phone companies would treat it like residential ISDN, a promising technology use that was killed quickly and efficiently by a carrier who didn't have a clue about successful pricing models. The same pricing models that killed ISDN are now being considered for WiMAX. I can't be the only person who's worried about this.

WiMAX is promising for many applications, but it's far from the only wireless game in town. 3G and 4G cellular networks and free or low-cost WiFi hotspots will all compete with WiMAX in the mobile arena. If Sprint blows the pricing, they'll probably still find customers (ISDN is, after all, still available), but they'll ensure that the market is far smaller than it could be with single-price, predictable monthly pricing. Will Sprint and the other carriers figure this one out in time? We'll know the answer starting in the second quarter of this year. -Curtis

P.S. In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday next week, IT-Wireless will be published on Tuesday, instead of Monday. See you next week!

Machine-to-machine messaging

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:59:57 -0500

Messaging between embedded control and intelligence devices may not be the sexiest topic in wireless communications, but it could well be the most important. Just as Bluetooth allows communications between devices that are within a short cable's distance of one another, M2M (Machine to Machine) messaging can allow devices separated by miles or oceans to communicate with one to another. M2M is rapidly changing as analog cellular networks are replaced by digital networks, and the change is being reflected in greater certainty in message delivery and timing--not to mention a higher bandwidth available for messages. The market is predicted to grow beyond $8 billion a year--though this market's impact could grow well beyond those economic measures.

For more on M2M applications and growth:
- Read the hand's on analysis at WirelessWeek

Wireless networks get closer

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 06:59:59 -0400

I remember when email wouldn't travel between networks. I had separate accounts for MCI Mail and Compuserve to increase my reach: it was a great day when email could traverse the Internet and move between networks. Now, of course, we take for granted that messages can move from one client to another. We're on the verge of reaching a similar point, at which the type of network that any client is connected to will matter much less. Smartphones that use both cellular and WiFi networks have been discussed for some time now, but they're finally beginning to make their way to market. Between cellular (and 3G data) networks, WiFi hotspots, and WiMAX networks, we're rapidly approaching a place when ubiquitous data connectivity will be a reasonable assumption virtually anywhere "in town". For those of us who work while moving from place to place, this is an incredible development. It's no less remarkable for organizations large and small because it will continue the change in how work (and the workplace) is defined. I'm not sure that I agree with Intel's assessment that 2008 will be "The Year of WiMAX", but I'm quite confident that we'll look back on 2007 and 2008 as years when the way that we work changed forever. -Curtis

Big business wireless

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 19:01:36 -0500

A new study from the Pew Internet and American Life Project says that roughly one-third of business computer users have taken advantage of a wireless connection to reach the Internet. When the number of companies that refuse to allow WiFi is taken into account, it means that there are many firms that have embraced wireless in a big way. Cellular networks are seen as ultimately winning out over WiFi because of security and footprint issues, and cell data usage is already running high, with 38 percent of those surveyed saying that they've used a web-enabled PDA to access email or web information.

For more on business wireless use:
- read the article at CIO Today

Editor's Corner

Sun, 21 Jan 2007 19:01:39 -0500

Convergence Costs
Every few years, editors in high-tech publications get to bring out the "C" word. That's right, convergence has become the hot topic of the new year thanks to a sharp-looking phone at the MacWorld Expo and a rather thin crop of revolutionary products at CES. Convergence between productivity and entertainment, cell phones and web browsers, WiFi and cellular networks, or media creation and media consumption is taking product design in several interesting directions--all leading to more functions in a smaller package.

Those pushing to include more features in fewer cubic inches of space rarely stop to think about how all of this functionality will be managed (and secured) in an enterprise, but administrative questions must be answered before users start showing up with shiny new communicators in their hands. This issue features articles that look at some of the issues raised by the newest crop of phones and products that might just help you keep them under control.

2007 has begun with an unusual level of excitement surrounding enterprise wireless product and service news. If this pace keeps up, we might end the year in a communications landscape that bares only the slightest resemblance to that of the year past. Hang on--this one should be fun.

Nokia trials tech to move from cell network to WiFi

Sun, 30 Jul 2006 20:01:37 -0400

The capability to switch from cellular networks to WiFi networks, unlicensed mobile access, has been on the horizon for awhile, and Nokia is the latest vendor to jump into the waters and deploy a trial technology that lets mobile phone users move from one network environment to another without interruption of service. Working with the city of Oulu, Finland, about 50 users are testing the service in a two-month pilot using Nokia's new 6136 phone. The device automatically pushes voice or data connections from a GSM network to WiFi when it recognizes a compatible wireless network. Article

A one-stop center for wireless information

Sun, 14 May 2006 20:01:36 -0400

If you want a resource for Bluetooth info or tips on how to reduce interference on that newest wireless network, then check out CNET's Wireless Resource Center. It offers up a slew of good insight and advice, as well as tips and expectations for Bluetooth, WiFi and 3G-cellular networks. There's even a daily blog feature that will help keep you updated on new products and services coming into play. Article