ev

Vodafone CEO: Verizon likely to deploy LTE first

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:59:55 -0400

Vodafone CEO Arun Sarin indicated in an interview with BusinessWeek that its partly owned venture Verizon Wireless would likely have to upgrade before Vodafone because the company is "riding the 3.5G wave."

"We are headed [toward LTE]. But we want to get a lot of the technical and standards and intellectual-property rights issues resolved before we say we are ready to sign up for it. Frankly, in this particular instance we have a great advantage. We have deployed something called HSDPA [High-Speed Downlink Packet Access] which is 3.5G. So if you said there is no technology available to you before 2012, we at Vodafone are completely relaxed because we are riding the 3.5-generation wave," Sarin said. "In fact our affiliate here in the U.S., Verizon Wireless, will need the fourth-generation wave faster than we do."

Is that really the case? Simply put, Verizon now has the spectrum in the 700 MHz band to deploy LTE. Vodafone has to ride the 3.5G wave until it has enough spectrum to deploy LTE. And EV-DO Rev. A appears to be running on all cylinders for Verizon Wireless.

For more on Sarin's 3.5G reasoning:
- read the whole interview over at BusinessWeek

Related articles:
- 700 MHz winners reveal plans, no big surprises Report on 700 MHz auction
- Verizon Wireless to trial and deploy LTE Report on Verizon's LTE plans

Qualcomm enhances 1x for EV-DO data capacity

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 06:59:55 -0400

It's all the rage to to enhance existing mobile technology, including EDGE, so why not make CDMA 1x better? Qualcomm introduced last week several enhancements to the technology that will double voice capacity and make room for more EV-DO data channels.

Qualcomm has included reverse-link interference cancellation technology into it most recent release of CDMA base station chips that will help clear up enough capacity on the 1.25-megahertz channel to double call volume. Such a move is expected to have an impact on data capacity for EV-DO because operators can now reduce the number of channels dedicated to 1x and add EV-DO carriers to increase broadband data capacity. Right now CDMA operators have to make some difficult decisions around mobile broadband since adding another EV-DO carrier means sacrificing voice capacity.

The first chip set line incorporating the enhancements wont' begin interoperability testing and commercially shipping until 2010. From there they have to be incorporated into the manufacturer's base stations and then deployed in new networks.

For more about Qualcomm's enhancements to 1x technology:
- check out this report from Telephony

Related article:
Verizon in a position to dictate data limits Report

ALSO NOTED: Motorola announces handoff between EV-DO Rev. A and LTE; T-Mobile USA introduces new BlackBerry with voice over WiF

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 07:59:51 -0400

> NTT DoCoMo says its trials of LTE hit data speeds of 250 Mb/s on the downlink. Article

> Motorola has announced the first successful packet-switched network handoff between CDMA EV-DO Rev-A and LTE technologies in a demonstration with VoIP calls and streaming video. Article

> T-Mobile USA introduced the BlackBerry 8820 smartphone with a voice over WiFi capability that enables voice connections over any public or private WiFi network. Article

> Worldwide sales of wireless LAN equipment hit $1.9 billion in 2007, says Infonetics. Release

> TeleCommunication Systems plans to demonstrate location fixes over WiMAX during CTIA. Release

And Finally... A student was booted from a Las Vegas coffee shop for not ordering enough coffee to justify his exorbitant free use of WiFi. Article

Sprint announces EV-DO Rev. A handset

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 07:59:55 -0400

Sprint announced that it would release a software update for its HTC Mogul handset that would allow the phone to connect to its EV-DO Rev. A network. The HTC Mogul is the first handset to connect to the data network, which has been restricted to data cards for laptops up until this point. Verizon Wireless also has an EV-DO rev. A network, but to date it has only been used for laptop data cards, too.

For more on the upgrade:
- read this article from the AP

CradlePoint offers WiFi hotspot to go

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 06:59:53 -0500

CradlePoint has introduced what it calls a Personal Hotspot that enables a 1xEV-DO USB modem or handset to create a WiFi hotspot to extend Internet access to any WiFi-enabled device and share connectivity. The device, called the PHS300, uses patent-pending technology called WiPipe and is highly intuitive, requiring no special software to enable broadband access via WiFi on PCs, PDAs, MP3 players, game devices and more.

The Personal Hotspot will be available with support for a number of USB Modems from Sierra Wireless, Novatel Wireless and Franklin Wireless. In addition, select mobile phones, PDA and Blackberry devices can also be linked to the PHS300 to provide instant Internet access, provided that a phone-as-a-modem plan is activated.

For a look at the PHS300:
- check out the company's web site
- read this article from MobileTechNews

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

Sprint's WiMAX biz speculation continues

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 06:59:57 -0500

News reports are once again putting Sprint's WiMAX business in question. The Wall Street Journal reports that Sprint is mulling a spin-off or merger with or sale of the business to Clearwire. The news comes after Sprint reported more dismal results, namely a 77-percent drop in net income. Again, Sprint says it is still on track with its WiMAX business.

While Sprint maintains its commitment to WiMAX, the company has reduced its spending on WiMAX. The company cut back on capex during the third quarter, spending $813 million. That money primarily went to CDMA and EV-DO improvements. The expected capex increase around WiMAX didn't happen. The company said it spent $73 million on WiMAX for the two markets it is launching this year: Washington, D.C., and Chicago. That amount is less than it anticipated to spend.

During the VON trade show in Boston, Sprint's vice president of technology development, Ali Tabassi, indicated the operator has 10,000 sites prepared, 1750 base stations ordered in 2007 for delivery and 20,000 antennas ordered. He added that Sprint will "soft launch" its WiMAX network in Chicago and Washington, D.C. while friendly users will start using the network in February. Commercial launches are scheduled for April and additional markets will be lit up in 2008.

To find out more about Sprint's WiMAX plans:
- read this article from the WSJ
- check out this article from Telephony Magazine
- take a look at this report from InformationWeek

Viable 3G business case for China rests on TD-SCDMA

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 07:59:58 -0400

The Chinese government's adamant efforts to push its home-grown TD-SCDMA 3G standard looks like they are beginning to pay off. Of course, in any free-market society, the technology would have long been dead given the enormous head start WCDMA and CDMA EV-DO have had. But the Chinese government took some drastic measures to make sure this technology succeeds and that it positions China as a leader in technology. Consider some of the results so far: ZTE, that low-cost vendor everyone is afraid of, is targeting emerging markets with TD-SCDMA technology and trials are reportedly pending. Japanese wireless licensee now wants to flip from TD-CDMA technology to TD-SCDMA (see story No. 2), citing better costs since some 20 vendors have developed more than 100 kinds of handsets. That's pretty good for technology that hasn't been commercially rolled out yet.

Early last year, regulators ordered China's operators to stop work on WCDMA trial networks presumably so that TD-SCDMA could get a head start. It's also requiring that at least one major operator, China Mobile, deploy the technology. The 2008 Olympics are also expected to play a big role in TD-SCDMA's future, as the country looks to showcase its 3G capabilities there and demonstrate to the the world how modern it is.

Right now China's tune is that it has no timetable for issuing 3G licenses because it believes there is not a viable business model for 3G (huh?). That tune may change when the Olympics are over. If TD-SCDMA performs beautifully, Chinese regulators may very well declare that there is indeed a business model for 3G.--Lynnette

Qualcomm introduces EV-DO/HSPA chip for laptops

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 06:59:58 -0400

Hello readers. I've spent weeks scouring over the Internet for the latest commercial WiMAX equipment deals across the globe. The result is what I believe a useful resource that will keep you up to date on the latest plans of operators around the world. It's a running list, and I'm also relying on you to help me make sure I've included them all. Check out the list here. We posted this on Monday but the link didn't work.

Qualcomm made an interesting move yesterday, announcing the Gobi chip, a laptop chip designed to connect to the world's two dominant 3G standards--CDMA EV-DO and HSPA. It appears to be Qualcomm's competitive answer to the looming threat of WiMAX, a market Qualcomm has chosen to stay out of at this point.

The chip is available now and is expected to be embedded in laptops by the second quarter 2008--about the same time Sprint rolls out a significant number of WiMAX markets. The chip already has the endorsement of Hewlett Packard, Vodafone Group and Verizon Wireless. It's certainly something HSPA operator Vodafone and partner EV-DO operator Verizon have been waiting for to help them bridge their disparate technologies.

The Gobi, which Qualcomm hasn't given too many details about yet, could very well change the mobile broadband market rather quickly and dramatically as it not only takes a shot at the lack of coverage WiMAX will have initially but also WiFi, since it eliminates the need to connect with various hotspots. Of course, operators such as AT&T, Verizon and Sprint have to make this competitive. Would they be willing to create roaming agreements? Would they offer more per-use rates that are competitive with WiFi hotspots? How about more aggressive pricing plans in general to compete with WiMAX?

The biggest impact could be on the enterprise market, which needs connectivity around the world. I could see a Wayport getting involved to manage those connections.--Lynnette

AT&T's HSUPA launches with Sierra data card

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 06:59:54 -0400

AT&T is now offering the Sierra Wireless AirCard 881 for AT&T data subscribers looking to take advantage of its new HSUPA network: average upload speeds for the users will be between 500 Kbps and 800 Kbps. The carrier will announce HSUPA availability in select U.S. markets later this fall. The data card will also help users take advantage of HSDPA speeds ranging between 600 to 1,400 Kbps. The data card is backward compatible with EDGE/GPRS and mobile networks worldwide, including those in Japan and South Korea.

AT&T is being aggressive with HSUPA as it has to catch up with Verizon Wireless and Sprint, who have already rolled out faster EV-DO Rev. A networks.

For more on AT&T's HSUPA launch:
- read this press release

T-Mobile sells first 3G phone, WCDMA rollout near?

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 06:59:55 -0400

T-Mobile is selling its first 3G device in select retail stores in New York City. The Samsung T639, a quad-band GSM/EDGE and WCDMA 1700 MHz clamshell, is the first phone compatible with T-Mobile's WCDMA network, which isn't running yet. T-Mobile won 3G licenses in the 1700 MHz band in the 2006 AWS auction and is currently building out its 3G network. The phone's introduction likely indicates T-Mobile may be ready to roll out its WCDMA network in some markets.

For more about T-Mobile's 3G phone:
- read this article from Phone Scoop

Metric: Mobile broadband to overtake fixed by 2011

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 06:59:53 -0400

Mobile broadband subscribers will out pace fixed broadband users by 2011, according to research from Informa Telecoms & Media. According to the research firm, rapid adoption of mobile broadband will lead it to dominate the connectivity market within four years, when services based on HSPA, EV-DO, WiMAX and other systems will have more subscribers than services based on DSL, cable and FTTH. Overall some 1 billion subscriptions on mobile broadband networks are expected by 2011.

Moreover, the report predicts that HSPA will be the leading mobile broadband system in 2012 by number of subscribers, followed by EV-DO and mobile WiMAX. EV-DO will have the most subscribers at end-2007 but will be overtaken by HSDPA in 2009. TD-SCDMA will also become a significant force in the mobile broadband market with close to 50 million subscribers in China by 2012.

For more about the research:
- read this telecoms.com article

Vodafone, Verizon want to harmonize on 4G

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 06:59:57 -0400

Vodafone CEO Arun Sarin and Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg announced at the Goldman Sachs investor conference this week that both carriers are planning on using the same technology for their 4G networks. The likely winner is the LTE (Long Term Evolution) standard, which is the proposed 4G migration path for WCDMA/HSDPA networks. Verizon Wireless uses CDMA EV-DO technology, which is incompatible with HSDPA and doesn't give the two much operational efficiency. Since LTE and UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband) technology, the proposed 4G migration path for CDMA EV-DO, both require a forklift upgrade, there's an opportunity for the two companies to harmonize their technology. Vodafone and Verizon say they are also looking at WiMAX. According to an article in Telephony, Verizon says it has not solidly committed to deploying the same technology as Vodafone.

"It makes complete sense for us to go from HSDPA to LTE and it makes sense for Verizon to go from EV-DO to LTE." Sarin said. The CEO said it would be another three or four years before LTE could be deployed.

Will the move quiet those investors who keep calling for Vodafone to sell its 45-percent stake in Verizon?

For more on Verizon Wireless and LTE:
- read this article from Unstrung
- check out this report from Telephony

Related articles:
Vodafone, DT face dilemmas in U.S. market
Vodafone hanging on on Verizon
Vodafone eyes first Middle East deal

Sprint details WiMAX, PTT and femtocell plans

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 06:59:57 -0400

Sprint gave what analysts called a surprisingly frank discussion of its upcoming service offerings that included more details about its WiMAX launch, the Qchat PTT service over EV-DO and its plans for femtocell technology.

WiMAX: WiMAX services, to be branded Xohm, are expected to generate $2.5 billion in revenue by 2010. Chicago and Baltimore/Washington markets will be the first to have service by the end of 2007 via a soft launch. Xohm commercial services are expected to be available beginning in the first half of 2008. Sprint expects 80 percent of the revenues will be incremental since the network will enable the company to attract new segments of users outside of the EV-DO realm. Capital expenditures are expected to reach $2.5 billion by year-end 2008, which is 20 percent lower than what Sprint originally estimated because of its deal with Clearwire. By 2010 Xohm will cover 125 million people and could connect up to 130 million consumer electronic devices. This estimate doesn't include the Clearwire coverage area.

PTT: Sprint's push-to-talk service will launch on the company's CDMA EV-DO Rev. A network in early 2008. The service is being rebranded Nextel Direct Connect, reflecting that Sprint made a bad choice when it originally branded both the CDMA and Nextel PTT Direct Connect. The Nextel Direct Connect brand was always a very powerful brand. Sprint said it has commitments from all of its handset suppliers to build QChat-enabled phones for its planned launch next year.

Femtocells: The technology Sprint hasn't said much about may actually be launched soon. Sprint has been working with Samsung to build CDMA femtocells that can support three simultaneous phone calls over a home broadband network. While the femtocell modem is ready, Sprint is still conducting trials.

For more about Sprint's updates:
- read this piece from FierceWireless
- take a look at this article from Telephony
- listen to Sprint's Technology Summit webcast here

Interest in CDMA EV-DO Rev. B heating up

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 06:59:58 -0400

Interest in CDMA EV-DO Rev. B heating up
Just when it looked like CDMA 1xEV-DO Rev. B was going to be dead in the water, it appears the technology is gaining some momentum, thanks to the threat of WiMAX, say CDMA vendors.

Rev. B is not so much a new technology as an added feature to existing Rev. A platforms, which have been deployed by Sprint and Verizon. It takes multiple 1.25-megahertz channels into one super channel, allowing users to share the compounded capacity of the combined spectrum. Vendors expect that a 5-megahertz Rev. B channel will support average downstream rates of 9.3 mbps, representing an improvement over Rev. A by three times.

Rev. B certainly hasn't received quite the warm reception that EV-DO Rev. A technology received when first announced. CDMA operators have questioned whether there are applications that would demand the extremely high data rates of Rev. B beyond those in niche markets. It was thought that EV-DO Rev. A would ride CDMA operators through until they needed to make the jump to OFDMA-based networks.

When Qualcomm introduced its first EV-DO Rev. B chipset in March, people wondered why. Now Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDMA Development Group, says he is surprised about the level of interest surrounding Rev. B.

The interest now has to do with timing, say CDMA advocates. "Operators are now looking at it as an alternative to WiMAX. They're looking to stay competitive with WiMAX in the first iterations," said Daniel Locklear, director of mobility access product marketing with Nortel Networks.

One advantage of Rev. B is the fact that existing Rev. 0 and Rev. A handsets can benefit from the capacity advantages, said Dave Nowicki, vice president of marketing and product management with Airvana, which recently announced that it successfully complete a Rev. B call in its development lab. Airvana will commence Rev. B trials this quarter.

I'll be interested to see who commits to Rev. B. I remember when CDMA operators were leery in 2000 of dedicating an entire 1.25-megahertz channel to EV-DO Rev. 0, wondering if there would be enough demand for high-speed data services. It seems that history may be repeating itself.--Lynnette

Qualcomm: No deal with Broadcom

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 06:59:55 -0400

Qualcomm said a settlement with rival vendor Broadcom is not likely given the potential impact on the CDMA innovator's licensing business. During its quarterly results announcement last week, Qualcomm said it would continue to defend itself against Broadcom's attempts to keep WCDMA and EV-DO handsets containing Qualcomm's chipsets out of the U.S.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) earlier this summer ruled in favor of Broadcom and issued a ban on the import of new cell phones made with Qualcomm 1xEV-DO and WCDMA chipsets. The ITC said those chipsets infringe upon patents held by Broadcom.

Verizon has agreed to pay Broadcom to use the disputed chip technology in its phones.

"Although Verizon announced it has entered into a license agreement with Broadcom eliminating the risk of not being able to import handsets using our chips for use in Verizon's network, a comprehensive settlement between us and Broadcom is unlikely given Broadcom's insistence on terms which could have a material impact on our licensing business," the company said.

The Bush administration has until Aug. 6 to veto the ITC's ruling or let it stand.

For more about Qualcomm's unwillingness to settle with Broadcom:
- read this article from telecoms.com (sub. req.)
- take a look at this report from Dow Jones

Verizon Wireless wants Amp'd off its 3G network

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 06:59:56 -0400

Verizon Wireless told the court handling MVNO Amp'd Mobile's bankruptcy case that it wants to disconnect Amp'd from its EV-DO network. In court papers filed in the case, Verizon Wireless said Amp'd has been burning through cash since filing for bankruptcy in June, compounding expenses of $370,000 a day to Verizon alone.

"Based on the record of this case and the fact that (Amp'd) has been given ample opportunity (over 46 days) to secure debtor-in-possession financing which has not materialized, this court should not permit this case to be run for a single additional day on Verizon Wireless' back," Verizon Wireless said in papers filed with the court.

Since filing for bankruptcy, Amp'd has racked up $15.6 million in charges for use of the Verizon Wireless network. That's in addition to the $41 million Amp'd owed the company before filing for bankruptcy. Amp'd Mobile will have just $9,000 in cash as of next Monday, Verizon Wireless said. Earlier this month Judge Brendan Linehan Shannon of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Delaware signed off on a deal to keep Amp'd operating over the Verizon Wireless network during Chapter 11 reorganization by paying Verizon Wireless $2.5 million. Now Verizon Wireless says Amp'd is unlikely to get the financing it needs to keep going.

To read more about Verizon Wireless' frustration with Amp'd Mobile:
- check out this article from Forbes

Related articles:
- Amp'd files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Sprint to begin trials of 802.16e

Tue, 27 Sep 2005 20:01:37 -0400

Sprint Nextel and Samsung early next year will launch a series of lab and field trials of 802.16e-based products offering 1 Mbps average throughput in the 2.5 GHz band. The companies thus become the first in the US to conduct major tests of the mobile version of WiMax. 802.16e is expected to be ratified by the IEEE later this year. Sprint will be using a wireless modem and a cellular/WiMax handset in the trials. Note that Sprint has every incentive to enter these trials, as the company owns 2.5 GHz spectrum in markets which cover 85 percent of the US population.

Sprint will be offering a variety of data technologies to meet the different needs of different customers. The company already offers WiFi hotspot service in 19,000 locations, mostly through roaming agreements with other companies, and plans to expand the number of hotspots to 25,000 by year's end. Sprint is also offering CDMA 1x EV-DO service in 75 markets and is currently expanding coverage within these markets. It will offer EV-DO in 200 markets by early 2006. EV-DO's average throughput is 300 Kbps to 500 Kbps. Sprint also plans to offer EV-DO Revision A further to accelerate CDMA 1x data speeds.

For more on Sprint's strategy:
- see Joseph Palenchar's Twice report

PLUS: Alcatel says it has achieved a world first by delivering IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) based services over a WiMax radio access network. Report

ALSO: Intel is currently involved with WiMax trials in Thailand and Malaysia. Story

FINALLY: Intel is also eying a launch of WiMax in Nigeria and Kenya. Story

Embedded EV-DO to challenge WiFi

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 20:01:38 -0400

WiFi is becoming ubiquitous in the sense that more and more handheld devices incorporate the technology. WiFi hot spots, however, are not ubiquitous, so you may be carrying a WiFi-enabled device but still cannot make an Internet connection. The short range of WiFi and the slowness of developing more roaming agreements among carriers do not help. Into this gap steps Verizon Wireless. The company is aggressively pushing PC notebook makers to embed CDMA EV-DO chips in their gear -- and it has already convinced Dell, Lenovo, and HP to do so.

EV-DO is not exactly a speed demon -- indeed, next to some WiFi versions it looks more like a crippled snail. Still, Verizon offers speeds of 400 Kbps to 700 Kbps sixty metropolitan areas and sixty airports, with seamless fall back to the slower 1X RTT network in many more places. The key selling point: EV-DO may be slower, but you can connect practically anywhere.

Will embedding EV-DO capabilities in handhelds materially affect the trend of WiFi nibbling -- energetically nibbling -- at the revenues carriers were hoping to realize from cellular data and voice services? I think not. There is no turning of the tide. The steady if slow spread of muni-WiFi -- just imagine what Intel-backed Digital Communities initiative will do in this respect -- and the coming of full-fledged WiMax in both its fixed and mobile versions, will undercut Verizon's effort. Too little, too late.

For more on Verizon's move
- see Andrew Orlowski's TheRegister report

MORE: Verizon Wireless is cutting the prices of its wireless Internet service by as much as 25 percent. Report.

ALSO: On Intel's Digital Communities initiative, see this report.