Source: andyabramson.blogs.com
Pal Paul Kapustka has updated his killer report on the state of WiMax to include analysis of the post sale of Clearwire Sprint and the roll-up with the cablecos Motorola and Google.
Even if you read the original, you’ll want to read the new one.
Source: andyabramson.blogs.com
I think the big follow ups to the Sprint/ClearWire/Google/Comcast WiMax venture will come from Apple and Intel.
Here’s why:
1) Apple was the first PC manufacturer to embrace Bluetooth and then WiFi by building it into their computers and making it so easy to connect to.
2) Apple has a WWDC conference coming up. This is a perfect place to make the news come alive so applications that take advantage of the WiMax network can begin being developed.
3) While everyone is thinking Apple will announce a 3G iPhone, which I think will happen, I also may go as far as saying they may talk about the 4G iPhone that works on the new WiMax network and point the developers to go forth in that direction too.
4) I would not be surprised if Apple also announced with Intel as a partner, some type of retrofit to existing Mac Books and MacBook Pro platforms that enables WiMax.
5) In line with that, I would also expect the next Mac Book Air to offer WiMax on board as well as all new Mac Laptops.
6) Last but not least, I would think that the next generation of Apple Airport WiFi Routers and even the Time Capsules also offer a WiMax to WiFi step down transceiver that makes every WiFi network able to access WiMax.
These are all prognostications, based solely on gut instinct and does not come from any information from inside of Apple. I figure that by MacWorld in 2009 many of these SWAGs will either have happened or will be likely to happen.
Source: andyabramson.blogs.com
A lot of questions have been posed about the idea of VoIP over WiMax.
Well it seems, according to this report from iLocus, that there is lots of interest in Eastern Europe to see VoIP deployed as part of the rollouts.
Source: andyabramson.blogs.com
Om breaks a story about the death of XOHM, the rebirth of Clearwire and a lot of interesting partners.
Source: andyabramson.blogs.com
This would be interesting if it’s true.
But what continues to be the untold story is how Apple keeps lining up with other chip makers separate from Intel.
Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com
LAS VEGAS, Apr 01, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading global manufacturer of wireless phones and devices, today illustrated its strong position in the development of several emerging wireless technologies by staging live demonstrations at its booth (#6007) at the CTIA Wireless 2008 trade show in Las Vegas. Included in the demonstrations are Near-field Communication, WiMAX, Femtocell and a proprietary software architecture for device-based management of dynamic content handoffs between 3G and 4G networks.
"These demonstrations illustrate the strength of KWC’s technology portfolio while giving visitors to the show a glimpse into the future of wireless communications," said Cheri de Lacy, KWC’s divisional vice president of strategic planning. "From our demonstration of the world’s first MIMO-enabled WiMAX device to our role as the exclusive handset provider for the first-of-its-kind North American NFC trial on a CDMA network, KWC has the experience and the vision to assert a leadership position in these key emerging technologies."
Near Field Communication
KWC features a retail environment in its booth - complete with inventory and a cash register - to demonstrate the power of NFC-enabled devices as convenient mobile payment platforms. Visitors to the booth can make purchases using a version of Kyocera’s Tempo E2000 handset, which has been modified with an NFC chipset from NXP Semiconductors and includes a BREW-based NFC payment wallet software from ViVOtech. It is Kyocera’s latest commercial-grade NFC-enabled handset and it includes biometric authentication technology, providing additional security to transactions.
WiMAX
In early 2007, KWC built a WiMAX-enabled PC card that was the world’s first to employ leading-edge MIMO (Multiple Input/Multiple Output) technology. Today, through strong working relationships with WiMAX infrastructure providers like Alcatel-Lucent and Nortel, KWC remains a key player in this emerging industry segment. At its CTIA Wireless 2008 booth, KWC is demonstrating a new USB WiMAX dongle. KWC expects to commercialize the dongle later in 2008.
Femtocell
A femtocell is a small cellular base station, typically designed for use in residential or small-business environments. KWC worked closely with femtocell leader Airvana, Inc. (Nasdaq: AIRV) to ensure interoperability between KWC’s KPC680 EV-DO Rev. A ExpressCard, KR2 Mobile Router and Airvana’s HubBub CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev. A femtocell. HubBub is Airvana’s line of stand-alone femtocells that support both voice and 3G services to enable a consistent mobile experience whether subscribers are connected through their femtocell or the macro network. A demonstration of the interoperability is available at Airvana’s CTIA booth (#3321).
Multi-technology Handoff Control Software
As the number of commercial 3G and 4G wireless broadband protocols continues to grow - WiMAX, EV-DO, WCDMA, Wi-Fi, LTE and more - so does the opportunity for multi-platform devices leveraging multiple wireless delivery technologies. For true mobility, however, those devices require the ability to monitor, select and seamlessly change the optimum delivery channel in real time. At its booth, KWC is demonstrating proprietary multi-technology controller software that allows a multi-platform device to do just this. By comparing network conditions against pre-assigned prioritization instructions, the software allows the device to communicate with its service provider on-the-fly, controlling which protocol is used to deliver multimedia content. When network conditions change, the software dictates and coordinates seamless handoffs between the various technologies. KWC is demonstrating the multi-technology controller software in its booth by doing handoffs among CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, WiMAX and Wi-Fi networks, but the software is platform-agnostic and works with virtually any 3G or 4G technology.
KWC’s emerging technology demonstrations, along with its lineup of new CDMA and GSM handsets, are on display at the CTIA Wireless 2008 trade show (booth #6007) this week in Las Vegas. Additional information is available at www.kyocera-wireless.com.
Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 1, 2008–Mobile broadband leader Sprint today announced further progress with the development of its Mobile WiMAX network ecosystem, citing application program, wireless device and services developments which collectively will enhance the XOHM(TM) customer mobile Internet experience.
Sprint was recognized in 2008 with a Frost & Sullivan United States Technology Leadership Award for its commitment towards building out the first nationwide mobile WiMAX network. "Sprint has taken a leadership role in the WiMAX network development arena and is working collaboratively with ecosystem partners to bring advanced mobile broadband services to reality," said Barry West, president of Sprint’s XOHM business unit.
Sprint is working with WiMAX ecosystem partners and others to incorporate WiMAX technology in a range of computing, portable multi-media, interactive and other business and consumer electronic devices, and provide XOHM customers a unique mobile Internet services experience. Developments include:
Sprint will demonstrate Mobile WiMAX technology at booth #1648 during CTIA Wireless 2008 April 1-3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Press information for Sprint CTIA activities can be found at: www.sprint.com/presskits
Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com
Google and Clearwire, a Wireless Service provider has teamed up to provide combined services to it’s customers. One major move will be to move Clearwire customers to Gmail. Clearwire has wireless broadband networks operating in 46 markets in 16 states and is currently deploying mobile WiMAX technology across the country. Which makes this partnership also important to Google’s wireless plans.
Clearwire is also launching its first voice-over-IP (VoIP) services based on Nortel’s Application Server 5200 and Communication Server 2000 in its data centres to add the first in-house voice services to its portfolio. Clearwire currently provides VoIP services in partnership with a number of carriers.
Clearwire Press Release.
KIRKLAND, Wash., Jan 15, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Wireless broadband pioneer Clearwire Corporation today announced it is teaming up with Google to deliver the company’s popular Google Apps(TM) communication suite to Clearwire customers. Clearwire will begin migrating its current customers to Gmail(TM) and Google Calendar(TM) in the first half of this year. In addition, Clearwire customers will also have access to Google Talk(TM). "Clearwire is excited to launch our relationship with Google to further our commitment to deliver all the Internet has to offer to a person rather than a place. Both companies are built on the foundation of providing a simple to use, rich and open Internet experience and we believe the addition of these communications tools will be a tremendous benefit to Clearwire’s customers", said Scott Richardson Clearwire’s chief strategy officer. "We look forward to expanding our working relationship with Google further enhancing our customer’s access to the Internet — anytime and anywhere."
In addition to Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Talk, Clearwire will use AdSense for Search(TM) to provide Google search capabilities on future Clearwire portal applications.
"We’re pleased to work with Clearwire to offer its high-speed wireless broadband customers access to our leading search and communications tools," said Dave Girouard, vice president and general manager Google Enterprise. "Our companies share a vision of giving consumers innovative choices that will the change the way they interact with each other."
Clearwire is building and operating one of the world’s most capable wireless broadband networks. The company is building from the ground up a single network that bridges the gap between today’s wire line and wireless networks by delivering a true broadband experience to a person rather than a place. By collaborating with world-class companies like Google that are committed to innovation, Clearwire and its customers will enjoy all that the Internet has to offer at home as well as in a mobile environment within the Clearwire coverage area.
Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com
RESTON, Va. & LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jan. 8, 2008–Demonstrating continuing progress with its next-generation wireless network initiative, Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced new Xohm(TM) mobile Internet business agreements involving web portal services and WiMAX network access devices. The company also named an advertising agency of record to help launch the Xohm brand in the United States.
A soft launch of Xohm mobile Internet service is underway with employees in Chicago, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., in preparation for commercial WiMAX service launch beginning later this year in select U.S. cities.
"Sprint is delivering on its Open Internet vision with exciting and differentiated WiMAX services," explained Barry West, president of Sprint’s Xohm business unit. "The new service agreements and device commitments will help Xohm subscribers access, enjoy, store and secure personal digital and user-generated content while experiencing new device innovation."
Sprint is exhibiting Xohm WiMAX applications, access devices and showing WiMAX broadband technical demonstrations during the 2008 International CES show in Las Vegas at booth # 31561, South Hall, in the Las Vegas Convention Center. The company plans to enhance and safeguard the Xohm personal broadband experience as it expands its WiMAX services ecosystem.
Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com
When ever some one talks of the dearth of WiMax, it comes alive somewhere in the world. This time it seems to be a viable solution in Germany
TAUNUSSTEIN, Germany, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Motorola, Inc. today announced that NeckarCom Telekommunikation GmbH, an innovative German telecommunications provider, has launched its commercial Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service following the successful implementation earlier this year of a WiMAX network in the Ulm region of Germany by Motorola. The flexibility of the Motorola WiMAX solution has enabled NeckarCom to easily integrate all of its current standard voice services across the WiMAX network and offer a new combined voice and data solution, quickly and effectively.
"We completed the roll-out of the WiMAX network in the Ulm region in October, which enabled us to offer wireless broadband data services in an area where fixed-line broadband services were not possible," said Mr. Juergen Herrmann, managing director, NeckarCom Telekommunikation GmbH. "We are now extending our services to offer VoIP, transforming communications in the region. The breadth and quality of Motorola’s WiMAX product portfolio will support NeckarCom as we expand and bring further next-generation communications tools and services to our customers."
"WiMAX is significantly disrupting traditional broadband business models and challenging providers to think about how they roll-out new communications networks and services in both metro and rural areas," said Joe Cozzolino, corporate vice president & general manager, Motorola Home and Networks Mobility EMEA. "The Motorola WiMAX network that NeckarCom chose to deploy a few months ago is already transforming its communication capabilities in the Ulm region. We are thrilled to be working with such a forward-looking provider as NeckarCom. Together, we are demonstrating the key benefits that WiMAX offers for voice and data communications today and in the future."
Customers in the Ulm region now benefit from a high-quality, low-cost, complete communications package from a single provider. NeckarCom’s integrated voice and data service was the first 802.16e WiMAX-based offering in Germany and is based on Motorola’s WiMAX technology. WiMAX 802.16e is a future-proof standard which can support fixed, nomadic, and mobile voice and data services and will allow NeckarCom to build a next-generation portfolio of communication offerings on its current WiMAX network.
Further information can be found at www.neckarcom.de
Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com
Cisco is securing it’s place in the WiMAX space with the $330m cash purchase of Navini Networks.
Navini brings a portfolio of "Smart WiMAX" products and technologies, such as subscriber modems, base stations, adaptive antenna arrays and management systems. Under the agreement, Cisco will pay approximately $330m in cash and assumed options. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of Cisco’s 2008 fiscal year.
I was wondering about deal between Navini and Cisco in this post "Will Cisco Acquire Navini Networks?" Now wonder no more and the guesses were right.
Here is some information fro Cisco, News@Cisco spoke to Cisco senior vice president/general manager, Service Provider Technology Group, Tony Bates, about the acquisition and how it will help extend and enhance Cisco’s IP Next Generation Network (IP NGN) vision to enable service providers to deliver any network service to any device over any access technology.
What is WiMAX technology? What are the opportunities for Cisco in this market through this acquisition?
Tony Bates: WiMAX, or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is an Internet Protocol technology designed to provide wireless broadband services over long distances. Through this acquisition, Cisco is addressing several key goals in our service provider IP Next Generation Network architecture. Specifically, it helps to realize our corporate mobility vision to deliver rich user experiences anytime, anywhere, and across any network. In conjunction with our cable and Ethernet solution sets, WiMax supports Cisco’s ultimate goal of accelerating the penetration and adoption of broadband worldwide.
Fast, low-cost, and readily accessible broadband is especially critical for country transformation in "emerging markets." We believe there is a direct correlation between the availability of broadband services and standard of living. The Internet has the potential to enable emerging countries to leapfrog legacy technologies altogether in favor of leading edge technologies, and therefore, put them in the forefront of the Internet economy. Broadband, arguably, is key to bringing access to the Internet and to the average consumer. We are excited about the opportunity for our service provider customers in the emerging countries to use technologies such as WiMAX to roll out portable broadband services quickly and on a mass-market scale over an end-to-end Cisco IP Next Generation Networks infrastructure.
You mentioned "Portable Broadband" - can you explain that further?
Tony Bates: Portable Broadband is a CPE-centric, un-tethered, high speed, efficient broadband technology that delivers data-intensive services to a wide range of IP devices over a wide area. For users, it’s an additional access technology for the connected home and allows consumers to enjoy high-speed network experiences to a wide range of devices, such as their PC, TV or phone. Users simply buy a WiMax modem, plug it into their computer, and fire up the service. They don’t have to wait for any lines to be installed or services to be switched on, and if they were to move, they can easily take their modem with them and keep their current service.
For providers, Portable Broadband is great too. By providing the means to users to do the installation themselves, it eliminates the time consuming and costly need for the provider to send a truck out to the customers’ premises. This process is significantly more efficient and cost-effective. In addition, since this is all done over their existing IP Next Generation Networks, providers can now more quickly offer new services to their consumer and small businesses customers.
Back in 2004, Cisco CDO Charles Giancarlo said Cisco isn’t interested in WiMAX. Why is now the right time for Cisco to enter this market?
Tony Bates: While Cisco has not historically sold WiMAX radio systems, we have delivered products and solutions that are part of WiMAX-based broadband wireless systems. These include the Mobile Wireless Home Agent, Cisco Network Registrar, partnerships with several WiMAX radio systems vendors, and the Cisco ServiceMesh architecture which includes WiMAX as a tested backhaul option.
Cisco listens to our customers and observes the market. Recently, the WiMAX radio systems to deliver broadband wireless have matured, customers are deploying live networks, and overall investment and demand as increased. Therefore, Cisco views this as the proper time to add licensed WiMAX products to our broadband wireless offer.
Also, given the IP-centric nature of the WiMAX technology, it is a natural fit for Cisco’s strategy, experience, expertise, and IP NGN product portfolio. Licensed WiMAX radio systems represent a strategic opportunity for Cisco to quickly address the pent-up demand for broadband connectivity in emerging countries where penetrations are comparatively low.
Cisco’s strategy is to capitalize on market transitions, and Cisco believes that WiMAX has the ability to transform the broadband wireless market to an open IP-based platform, benefiting both service providers and their consumer and business customers.
Why Navini Networks? What are the competitive advantages of Navini Networks?
Tony Bates: As part of Cisco’s normal due diligence in acquiring a company, we carefully evaluated a number of possibilities before selecting Navini Networks. We believed that Navini Networks best met our key requirements for successful acquisitions. Specifically, the two companies share a common vision and there is good compatibility of technologies, people and culture.
Navini Networks is a pioneer in the industry, with innovation available for today’s market, and expertise and intellectual property to support even broader innovation for the future. Navini Networks also has a leading portfolio of "Smart WiMAX" products and technologies with wide-ranging offerings including subscriber modems, base stations, adaptive antenna arrays and management systems. With the acquisition of Navini Networks, Cisco is well-positioned to offer complete end-to-end wireless broadband solutions within the IP NGN architecture. By providing differentiated revenue-generating services to operators worldwide, Cisco is now particularly well positioned to address the immediate market needs in emerging markets.
Entering this market, Cisco will face new competition from its traditional mobility partners. What does this mean for Cisco’s future partnerships?
Tony Bates: As I mentioned earlier, the opportunity of the Navini Networks acquisition is in helping Cisco further execute on our Mobility Vision of delivering rich user experiences anytime, anywhere, and across any network. This is an inherently technology-agnostic view and we see WiMAX as one of many access technologies providers need to offer in order to deliver the connected life to their subscribers, whether they be at home, at work, or on the move. Innovation at Cisco is based on our ability to build, acquire and partner. We will continue to use one or all of these strategies to meet our business goals.
Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com
PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The WiMAX Forum is pleased to recognize the decision of the Radiocommunication Sector of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R) to include WiMAX technology in the IMT-2000 set of standards. This decision is of global importance to operators who look to ITU to endorse technologies before they invest in new infrastructure. The decision to approve the WiMAX Forum’s version of IEEE Standard 802.16 as an IMT-2000 technology significantly escalates opportunities for global deployment, especially within the 2.5-2.69 GHz band, to deliver Mobile Internet to satisfy both rural and urban market demand.
“This is a very special and unique milestone for WiMAX technology,” said Ron Resnick, president of the WiMAX Forum. “This is the first time that a new air interface has been added to the IMT-2000 set of standards since the original technologies were selected nearly a decade ago. WiMAX technology currently has the potential to reach 2.7 billion people. And today’s announcement expands the reach to a significantly larger global population.”
From the initial application made at the ITU-R WP8F meeting in January of this year to this week’s meeting of the Radiocommunications Assembly in Geneva, Administrations, industry and ITU have worked together to achieve this groundbreaking decision.
“It gives me great satisfaction to observe that the ITU Radiocommunication Sector continues to be responsive to the most pressing needs of the wireless industry,” said Valery Timofeev, Director of the ITU Radio communication Bureau.
With WiMAX technology approved as a new IMT-2000 specification, the WIMAX ecosystem will benefit from greater economies of scale, thus reducing the already low cost to deliver broadband wireless services to include VOIP as well as the multiple services expected from wireless broadband Internet access.
Originally created to harmonize 3G mobile systems and to increase opportunities for worldwide interoperability, the IMT-2000 family of standards will now support four different access technologies, including OFDMA (includes WiMAX), FDMA, TDMA and CDMA.
“3G solutions based upon technologies such as W-CDMA, CDMA-2000, and TD-SCDMA technologies were already included in the IMT-2000 set of standards,” said Resnick. “With WiMAX technology now included, it places us on equal footing with the legacy-based technologies ITU-R already endorses." The bottom line is that operators across the globe now have the freedom to select the right technology to best meet their business and regional needs.”
