amazon

Amazon's Kindle first test of open access in U.S.

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 06:59:58 -0500

Chalk one up for Sprint Nextel, which isn't waiting for its WiMAX network to roll out to begin experimenting with the whole concept of open access. Amazon is distributing a new eBook device, called the Kindle, that makes use of Sprint's nationwide EV-DO network to enable wireless shopping and over-the-air content downloading. (See story No. 1)

While the device and pricing concept of the Kindle is getting mixed reviews, this looks to be an important step for a U.S. industry that faces a regulatory and market environment that is forcing them down the open access path. The Kindle is the start of Sprint's whole concept around its WiMAX business--that a network can be accessed from several different types of consumer electronic devices that aren't subsidized or sold by the wireless operator.

I'm not sure the device will be wildly successful for a myriad of reasons, but it's a good start for open access and a test in finding non-traditional ways to make money in this new environment. We're already seeing innovative services based on open access come to fruition. 3 Mobile and Skype have collaborated on a customized VoIP phone. 2008 should be an interesting year for open access experiments. It's likely we'll see more operators than Sprint in the U.S. begin dipping their toes in the open access waters.--Lynnette

Amazon teams with Sprint for EV-DO eBook

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 06:59:57 -0500

Amazon has launched an eBook device, called the Kindle, that makes use of EV-DO for over-the-air (OTA) downloads. The Kindle Store will initially offer more than 90,000 books, including nearly all of the current New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases, for $9.99. Monthly newspaper subscriptions cost anywhere from $5.99 to $14.99 per month and magazines are priced at anywhere from $1.25 to $3.49 per month. The device's wireless delivery system, Amazon Whispernet, will operate via Sprint Nextel's nationwide EV-DO network, enabling wireless shopping and OTA content downloading.

The Kindle's screen uses ink, just like books and newspapers, but the device displays the ink particles electronically. It also reflects light like ordinary paper and makes use of no backlighting, which eliminates the glare that plagues other devices. So the Kindle is designed to be read as easily outside in the sun as inside.

Kindle is now available at Amazon.com for $399.

For more on Amazon Kindle:
- read this release
- check out this article with photo from DailyTechRag

Related article:
- Amazon.com turns the page on mobile content

Is BPL about to turn the corner?

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 20:01:33 -0400

For years now we have heard predictions about how broadband over powerline (BPL) is just around the corner. It is an interesting approach to broadband delivery, but has so far failed to gain much traction. One of the main reasons is that for BPL to succeed, it must be pushed by the power companies. The trouble is, when it comes to launching into new markets, power companies make the Amazon sloth look nimble and fast-paced.

Things may be changing. Here are six indications:

* Two years ago, in October 2004, the FCC adopted rules to facilitate the deployment of Access BPL, that is, the use of BPL to deliver broadband service to homes and businesses.

* In October 2005, the city of Manassas, Virginia, began the first wide-scale deployment of BPL service in the U.S., offering 10 Mbps service for under $30 per month to the 35,000 city residents (note that in June 2006, the FCC instructed the city to resolve interference problems).

* In April 2006, a group of investors put $130 million into Current Communication Group, a Germantown, MD-based BPL company.

* Also in April, California approved a plan allowing high-speed internet providers to begin testing delivery of online access using power lines

* On August 8, 2006, the FCC adopted a memorandum opinion and order on BPL, giving the go-ahead to the technology. Note that the FCC brushed aside objections from aviation, business, commercial, amateur radio, and other spectrum users, who called for limiting or prohibiting BPL deployment until more studies are done, especially on the issue of interference.

* The Microsoft EMEA event will be held in Munich, Germany, from November 6th-8th and unless we are mistaken, for the first time in EMEA history, Motorola will demonstrate its powerline MU gateway and modem, a broadband over powerline (BPL) solution designed for multi-dwelling units.

What may also help BPL is that a newly discovered surface wave propagation mechanism would allow higher speed transmissions using microwave frequencies. In tests using only a single power line conductor, these systems have shown the potential for symmetric and full duplex communication to be in excess of 1 Gbps in each direction. Other tests demonstrated multiple WiFi channels and simultaneous analog television in the 2.4 and 5.3 GHz unlicensed bands operating over medium voltage lines. Note that since the technology can operate anywhere in the 100 MHz to 10 GHz region, the interference problem associated with sharing spectrum can be completely avoided.

For more on BPL
- see Motorola's Web site
For more on the investment in Current Communication:
- see company's press release
For more on Convergence EMEA:
- see the event Web site

Intel launches World Ahead program

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 20:01:34 -0400

Putting its money where its mouth is, Intel said it will spend some $1 billion during the next five years to help bridge the digital divide between developed and developing nations. Intel will use WiMAX technology, which it has already tested in several developing nations, for the purpose. It has just launched a WiMAX project in the remote Amazon town of Parintins, and this project is the first installation under the ambitious program, which the company announced in May.

The name of the program is the World Ahead Program, and it aims to promote the use of computers in public areas in developing countries. Intel paid for the installation of a WiMAX tower and five spots in the city of Parintins, the inhabitants of which will now enjoy fast Internet connections for the first time. Parintins is located about 1,600 miles north of Sao Paulo and claims more than 114,000 residents. It is so deep in the jungle that it has no roads to connect it to other cities. The only way to get to the city is by boat or airplane. A more localized challenge was the fact that the schools in town had no electricity.

In addition to setting up the WiMAX connection, Intel has also given sixty computers to schools and the one university. The company also gave cameras and other gear to doctors in the city so that they can use telemedicine to consult about difficult medical conditions with specialists in Sao Paulo.

Intel says it is now considering several locations in the Middle East and Africa for setting up WiMAX infrastructure as part of the program.

For more on Intel's plans to bridge the digital divide
-see Alan Clendenning's Newsfactor report