Devicescape: Wi-Fi Expectations Continue to Rise

An overwhelming number of Wi-Fi users (96%) now expect device manufacturers to build Wi-Fi into more devices - such as cell phones, digital cameras and portable gaming devices, according to Devicescape's second quarterly Wi-Fi Report. The survey, conducted by Decipher, Inc. and sponsored by Devicescape, Intel and Meraki, queried more than 8,000 Wi-Fi users, representing a cross-section of Devicescape's overall membership. Key findings from the Devicescape...

Read More

WildBlue Surpasses 400,000 Rural BB Customers, Adds 3rd Satellite

WildBlue Communications now has over 400,000 customers of its satellite broadband service. WildBlue initially launched its service four years ago. WildBlue said it continues to aggressively add capacity to its network to serve additional rural customers throughout the U.S. The company recently activated services on a third satellite in early August, and has applied for federal stimulus money to help fund a next generation satellite with the ability...

Read More

FCC Adds Wireless Inquiries to Thursday Meeting's Agenda

The FCC's Open Meeting scheduled for this Thursday, August 27, 2009 will include discussion of three new inquiries into the wireless industry.First, the FCC will consider a Notice of Inquiry to seek to understand better the factors that encourage innovation and investment in wireless and to identify concrete steps the Commission can take to support and encourage further innovation and investment in this area.Second, the FCC will consider a Notice...

Read More

Australia's TransACT Tests 1 Gbps FTTP with Alcatel-Lucent

TransACT, which provides TV, phone and broadband services in Canberra, Australia, has tested Alcatel-Lucent's GPON architecture to deliver up to 1 Gbps to residential users. A first for Australia, TransACT is now committed to provisioning Alcatel-Lucent's ONTs in all of its future fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) deployments.TransACT Chief Executive Officer Ivan Slavich said: "TransACT has been deploying an open fibre-to-the-home network for two years now and we are committed to keeping our eye to the future, investing in the best technology available...

Read More

CEA Calls for Spectrum Reform and Unified Agency Control

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is calling for reform of U.S. federal spectrum usage and that the responsibility of spectrum allocation be placed under the control of one agency. The CEA's position on these issues were revealed in comments submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Notice of Inquiry regarding its implementation of the Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act (CSEA). "Spectrum is the lifeblood for wireless broadband technologies and services. More than any other country, Americans...

Read More

Qualcomm's BREW Selected by Cox

Cox Communications plans to use Qualcomm's BREW technology to enable aspects of its mobile data experience. Following the launch of Cox's wireless service, its wireless subscribers with BREW-enabled handsets will be able to download a wide variety of applications from categories such as games, tools, lifestyle, location, messaging and ringtones. Qualcomm will host the BREW service for Cox, enabling them to provide their customers with a dynamic mobile application shopping experience."In today's competitive telecommunications market, providing subscribers...

Read More

Harris Stratex Networks Gains RUS Listing for Wireless Products

Harris Stratex Networks received U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Rural Development product acceptance for two additional wireless transmission products. Specifically, Harris Stratex secured RUS listing for products within the Eclipse and TRuepoint 5000 platforms. These products are ideal for use in telecommunications systems operated by RUS loan program borrowers.RUS acceptance is recommended for broadband stimulus funding provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and required...

Read More

Verizon Wireless Updates Specs for 4G LTE 700 MHz Devices

Verizon Wireless released updated specifications for wireless devices -- traditional and innovative -- that will run on the nationwide Long Term Evolution (LTE) 4G network it is building on the Upper 700 MHz C-Block spectrum. The network access requirements contain key updates, clarifications and additions to guide developers into the next phase of bringing their LTE devices to the Verizon Wireless network. Developers can access the specs online....

Read More

Verizon Wireless Completes Key Phases of Alltel Integration

Verizon Wireless, which acquired Alltel in January, has completed key milestones in seamlessly converting former Alltel customers to its service in Florida. These efforts include welcoming these customers onto the nation's largest and most reliable wireless voice and data network, rebranding and remodeling 21 retail stores in Florida, and managing a multi-million dollar conversion of network operations across the state. More than 700 former Alltel cell sites and several large switching facilities across Florida are being upgraded and reconfigured...

Read More

AT&T, Apple Comment on Google Voice App for iPhone

AT&T and Apple each responded to an inquiry from the FCC regarding the Google Voice app and Apple's App Store approval process AT&T stated unequivocally that it had "no role in any decision by Apple to not accept the Google Voice application for inclusion in the Apple App Store. AT&T was not asked about the matter by Apple at any time, nor did we offer any view one way or the other." Furthermore, AT&T stated that its policy is "not block consumers from accessing any lawful website on the Internet. Consumers can download or launch...

Read More

BT Reaches 500,000 Wi-Fi Hotspots

BT is now providing public wireless broadband at over 500,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across the UK and Ireland. The sites include hotspots provided by the BT FON Wi-Fi Community, BT Openzone, 12 ‘wireless' city centres, plus BT Openzone hotspots via the BT Business Hub. Well known brands offering access include Hilton, Thistle and Ramada Jarvis hotels, Caffe Nero and Starbucks coffee stores, Welcome Break and Roadchef Costa service stations, BA, Flybe...

Read More