| ZTE Optik tablet hits Sprint for $100 on February 5th, hopes EVDO is good enough
 Continue reading ZTE Optik tablet hits Sprint for $100 on February 5th, hopes EVDO is good enough ZTE Optik tablet hits Sprint for $100 on February 5th, hopes EVDO is good enough originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments www.engadget.com | 2/2/12 5:15 PM Clear revamps 4G gear with Spot Voyager, Hub Express
 Clearwire's still growing Clear 4G service got refreshed devices for the new year on Monday. The Infomark-made Clear Spot Voyager reinterprets its mobile hotspot and touts a relatively long six-hour battery life for its WiMAX sharing. It can reach as many as eight Wi-Fi devices at once and, at 2.6 inches square, is meant to be pocketable.... Clearwire unveils $99 Clear Hub Express and $129 Clear Spot Voyager hotspots
 Clearwire's impending LTE rollout isn't going to happen overnight, so why not continue to milk the proverbial cow that is their existing WiMax network? That's exactly what the wireless provider is doing today, with a fresh duo of hotspots. The first, the Clear Hub Express, is a $99 WiFi router-mobile hotspot combo which is destined for home or office duty. The second is the Clear Spot Voyager, which for $124 will hawk WiMax to eight devices for up to six hours of continuous use off its internal rechargeable battery. Those are identical specs to last year's model, the Clear Spot 4G Apollo, albeit sans-screen and in a thinner package. They're available today from Clearwire, and either can be kitted with "unlimited 4G" plans that start at $35 a month. Get acquainted with them in the PR after the break. Continue reading Clearwire unveils $99 Clear Hub Express and $129 Clear Spot Voyager hotspots Clearwire unveils $99 Clear Hub Express and $129 Clear Spot Voyager hotspots originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments www.engadget.com | 1/30/12 7:32 PM Panasonic intros a pair of 12.1-inch Let's Note Laptops
 Panasonic Japan's quirky range of chunky Let's Note laptops has swelled by a factor of two, thanks to a pair of 12.1-inch units ousted today. The stock models come with a 1280 x 800 display (extra cash will get you a 16:9 1600 x 900 screen with a built-in 720p webcam). By default, you'll get an Intel Core i5 2450M chip, USB 3.0, WiFi (and WiMax!), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, HDMI-out and on the SX edition, an optical drive. Build-to-order options include swapping in an SSD and a battery pack that promises an unbelievable (i.e. we don't) twelve hours of life on the road. There's no mention of when they'll be available beyond "Spring," nor any indication of the cost, so instead let's think about that crazy circular track-pad, eh? Panasonic intros a pair of 12.1-inch Let's Note Laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Akhibara News |  Panasonic (Translated) | Email this | Comments www.engadget.com |
1/25/12 6:27 PM
Vidtel, CounterPath stretch videoconferencing to Bria-enabled PCs, iPhones
CounterPath and Vidtel are rolling out an affordable mobile videoconferencing service based on the interoperability between their two products: CounterPath's carrier-grade Bria softphone for PCs and mobile devices and Vidtel's MeetMe conferenciong service. The partnership is the latest in a trend among vendors looking to take advantage of increasing consumer adoption of mobile devices on the market with front-facing cameras like those on Apple's (Nasdaq: AAPL) iPhone and iPad. The deal, announced last week, will enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to leverage that trend. By combining CounterPath's Bria softphone for PCs and mobile devices and Vidtel's MeetMe cloud-based conferencing service, SMEs can use devices they already own--tablets, smartphones and PCs--to begin using video conferencing on a daily basis and throughout their organizations. Vidtel becomes the first Internet Video Service Provider to join the CounterPath Partner Program enabling users to quickly configure their Bria clients without needing to know more than a few provider-supplied settings. Vidtel's MeetMe is a cloud-based service that enables any-to-any video conferencing among room-based systems, executive desktop video systems, PCs/Macs, smartphones and tablets using any combination of SIP, H.323 and other technologies. With Bria installed on PCs or iPhones, MeetMe can be accessed over the Internet via a wired Ethernet connection, Wi-Fi or while connected over 3G/4G/LTE or WiMax mobile networks. For more: Related articles: ITU puts LTE-Advanced, WiMAX 2 under IMT-Advanced standard
 The International Telecommunication Union this week gave a label to a whole class of future 4G standards. Both LTE-Advanced and WiMAX 2 (WirelessMAN-Advanced) will be classed as IMT-Advanced. While the actual speeds of the standards vary, the ITU is promising "at least 100 times faster" performance than 3G and to get the higher speeds using less wireless bandwidth.... Don't look now, but 5G may be right around the corner
Even with a majority of wireless consumers not even using 4G technology yet, the wireless industry is already looking to next-generation technologies. The International Telecommunications Union this week awarded both LTE-Advanced and WiMAX-Advanced the "official" designation of IMT-Advanced. The last major update to the standard was in 2000, when the ITU adopted the umbrella standards for 3G. In order to be designated 3G, a service had to provide peak data rates of at least 200Kbps. With IMT-Advanced speeds increase at least one hundred times, says the governing body. "IMT-Advanced marks a huge leap forward in state-of-the-art technologies, which will make… [Continue Reading] betanews.com |
1/20/12 8:24 PM
U.N. Sets Stage for Blazing-Fast New Mobile Devices
A United Nations telecom meeting has approved the next generation of mobile technology, which experts say will make devices 500 times faster than 3G smartphones and eliminate the wait time between the tap of a finger and the appearance of a Web page.
The technology will be used immediately for planning changes to equipment but it could take two years to show up on consumers smartphone, tablets and other devices because of the time it takes to get to production, International Telecommunication Union spokesman Sanjay Acharya said Thursday. The differences between present technology and the new standards for IMT-Advanced are like comparing dial-up Internet to fiber-optic cables, say officials at the U.N. agency responsible for information and communication technology. "This means absolutely no time to get a page open," said Francois Rancy, head of the agency's radiocommunication bureau. The technology hasn't been available until now because the U.N. must first approve of the international standards for its use. The IMT-Advanced system uses radio-frequency spectrum much more efficiently, and devices built with it will need less bandwidth to access the Internet, stream videos and transfer data. That means those devices could deliver blazing fast messages, video chats and even high-definition TV. The new standards for what some call "true" 4G, or fourth generation of mobile wireless standards, were approved by the ITU Radiocommunication Assembly at its meeting this week in Geneva. ITU set the requirements for 4G service in 2009. In December 2010, ITU said some current technologies such as LTE and WiMax could be billed as forerunners to 4G, even though they don't meet the requirements of the IMT-Advanced system. The 2G, 3G and 4G families of standards have been set by the International Telecommunication Union to define the services and download speed provided by networks. The current 3G mobile technology, known as International Mobile Telecommunications, has been widely... www.cio-today.com | 1/20/12 4:44 PM Sprint Will Stop Announcing New WiMax Smartphones and Focus on 4G LTE
Sprint will stop announcing new smartphones, tablets, mobile hotspots, and other consumer embedded solutions that utilize’s the network’s 4G WiMax connectivity and instead choose to focus on building out its 4G LTE network and releasing new devices that run on LTE. While Sprint was the first carrier to launch a 4G service through WiMax technology [...] Sprint Will Stop Announcing New WiMax Smartphones and Focus on 4G LTE is a post by Chuong Nguyen from GottaBeMobile. www.gottabemobile.com | 1/17/12 3:16 PM Sprint Bullish, But Undecided About Unlimited LTE Data Plans
Sprint is in the midst of a transition from 4G WiMax technology to LTE to drive the future of its mobile broadband product line and services. While the Now Network remains the sole carrier of the four largest national carriers to offer truly unlimited, unthrottled 4G data plans, it’s still unclear if the same unlimited [...] Sprint Bullish, But Undecided About Unlimited LTE Data Plans is a post by Chuong Nguyen from GottaBeMobile. www.gottabemobile.com | 1/17/12 2:54 PM Samsung Galaxy S II gets unique WiMAX version on KDDI
 Samsung has developed yet another Galaxy S II variant for a particular carrier. This time, Japanese carrier KDDI has landed a version that includes a WiMAX radio. However, unlike the 4.5-inch display toting Sprint Epic 4G WiMAX variant, the KDDI version comes with a 4.7-inch Super AMOLED HD display with a 1280x720 resolution.... KDDI gets WiMax Galaxy S II, isn't your grandfather's Epic 4G Touch
 Can't keep track of all the different variants of Samsung's Galaxy S II? Tough, because here comes Sammy with another one. Japan's KDDI will soon have a GSII to call its own, boasting the all too memorable model number of ISW11SC -- or rather a Galaxy S II rocking WiMax. That's different than Sprint's Epic 4G Touch, the SPH-D710, which also sports that radio, but not its higher resolution 1280 x 720 4.7-inch display. Rounding out the package are an unspecified 1.4GHz dual core processor, an 8 megapixel rear shooter capable of 1080p video recording, a 2 megapixel front facing cam, microSD and support for NFC -- making it pretty darn close to its Korean and AT&T permutations. You'll find a video demo of it in all its glory at the source below. KDDI gets WiMax Galaxy S II, isn't your grandfather's Epic 4G Touch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink PhoneArena | KDDI (translated) | Email this | Comments www.engadget.com |
1/17/12 4:49 AM
Sprint remains tepid on Windows Phone at CES, confirms no new WiMAX phones are planned
 Sprint remains tepid on Windows Phone at CES, confirms no new WiMAX phones are planned originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 03:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink The Verge | PCMag | Email this | Comments www.engadget.com |
1/16/12 9:36 AM
Sprint drops WiMAX phones for LTE, 'all' to get NFC
 Sprint in commentary during CES confrimed that it was dropping WiMAX on smartphones. The initial LTE smartphones were ultimately representing a full-scale switch to the technology for 4G phones, PCMag was told. The carrier was being more aggressive than it had suggested before and, when promising LTE in mid-year, had meant between January and June, Owens explained.... Sprint Sierra Wireless Tri-Network LTE Hotspot (Video)
In addition to introducing the LTE editions of the Galaxy Nexus and the LG Viper for its network, Sprint also showed off a mobile hotspot for its LTE network that it is building out. The Sierra Wireless Tri-Network Hotspot will be compatible with Sprint’s 3G CDMA Network, the legacy 4G WiMax network, the 4G LTE [...] Sprint Sierra Wireless Tri-Network LTE Hotspot (Video) is a post by Chuong Nguyen from GottaBeMobile. www.gottabemobile.com | 1/11/12 10:05 AM CES 2012: Sprint Ramps Up 4G with Galaxy Nexus, LTE Devices
Sprint announced its first three LTE devices, including its own version of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, as the company works to expand its LTE network capabilities. The carrier, making its announcement at CES, did not give the devices' release date, but they will likely go on sale by mid-year. The Galaxy Nexus, considered the closest competition to Apple's iPhone 4S, is like Verizon's model with one important difference. Sprint's new Android 4.0 flagship phone is the only Nexus so far that has Google Wallet support, which will let owners use its near-field communications, or NFC, technology to pay at MasterCard's PayPass readers in the U.S. Verizon's version also has the NFC hardware, but the carrier is blocking Google Wallet. Only a handful of phones so far have NFC capabilities, but with more people paying by smartphone in the next few years, shoppers may want phones that are already capable of using the systems. In addition to the Galaxy Nexus, Sprint will add the LG Viper, a mid-tier smartphone to its 4G lineup. Like the Nexus, the Viper has a dual-core 1.2 gigahertz processor, but is smaller, with a 4.0-inch display, �5-megapixel back camera and VGA front camera. The Viper also features NFC, giving it the first Google Wallet support outside of a Nexus phone. The Sierra Wireless Tri-Network Hotspot rounds out Sprint's new offerings. It combines 3G and 4G technology, with 3G offered over EVDO, but has 4G on WiMAX and LTE, meaning its speeds won't often drop to 3G. The hotspot handles up to eight Wi-Fi users and supports up to 32-gigabytes of shared storage. Sprint is pushing LTE�as its next-generation 4G network. It had at one time led the way with Clearwire's WiMax network, but carriers are switching to the more modern LTE systems. Verizon now leads the way in 4G, with several phones that have LTE�capability and with a network that can support the devices, but AT&T is gaining ground, and Sprint is entering the race as well with its new phones. Sprint will still need to work on expanding its LTE�network. It planned to buy spectrum from LightSquared, and entered a deal last year that would allow the satellite provider to tie in with its cell tower network. However, LightSquared's expansion plans are on hold�because of government scrutiny over whether its signals interfere with the nation's GPS technology for airplanes, weather forecasting and other applications, leaving Sprint to explore other ways to offer LTE service. The new devices announced Monday, though, signal Sprint's plans to expand LTE�service -- with or without LightSquared�-- and signal the carrier's commitment to remain competitive this year. CES 2012: Sprint Ramps Up 4G with Galaxy Nexus, LTE Devices originally appeared at Mobiledia on Tue Jan 10, 2012 10:58 am. www.mobiledia.com | 1/10/12 10:09 PM Sprint Announces 3 New 4G LTE Devices as Part of Network Vision
Sprint announced three new 4G LTE devices as CES kicks off. The carrier, which has in the past operated on rival 4G WiMax technology, is now beginning its transition to LTE technology as part of its Network Vision strategy to offer customers more robust and faster mobile broadband speeds, which will allow faster downloads and [...] Sprint Announces 3 New 4G LTE Devices as Part of Network Vision is a post by Chuong Nguyen from GottaBeMobile. www.gottabemobile.com | 1/9/12 10:22 PM CES 2012: Sprint to carry Galaxy Nexus, roll out 4G LTE to four cities
(Yahoo! News)
Yahoo! News - Rejoice if you're on Sprint, and have been yearning for an LTE device or two â the carrier recently announced the beginning of its move from 4G WiMAX to 4G LTE. The first four markets to get LTE as well …
us.rd.yahoo.com |
1/9/12 10:17 PM
The Year Ahead: Sprint, T-Mobile Look to Gain Ground
Sprint and T-Mobile lag behind top two carriers Verizon and AT&T in the U.S. market, but if the two companies make the right moves, 2012 may be the year of the underdog. The Year Ahead is a series examining the challenges and opportunities facing the mobile industry and its players in 2012. What forces and trends will impact companies and consumers next year? Look into our crystal ball to find out. Number-three carrier Sprint is expected to beef-up its network to make a showing in the 4G race this year, boosting spectrum and increasing network speed. CEO Dan Hesse has named customer satisfaction as the company's number-one priority for 2012, and the carrier will likely be retooling plans, network and device offerings to meet that goal. T-Mobile reportedly walked away from the quashed AT&T merger with $4 billion in its pockets, but its future remains uncertain. 2012 will likely prove to be a year of transition for the number-four carrier, which enters the year lagging in competitive might as the only national carrier without the iPhone. T-Mobile is expected to make big moves and enter into new deals if it hopes to turn its fortunes around. More Merger Madness Ahead Struggling in the wake of the top two U.S. carriers, Sprint and T-Mobile could combine forces in 2012, potentially creating a stronger third competitor. AT&T's failure to acquire T-Mobile leaves opportunity for Sprint to make its own move, continuing partnership talks the two companies began before the AT&T deal attempt was even in the works. T-Mobile's parent company, Deutsche Telekom, is reportedly still shopping the fourth-place U.S. carrier around, and Sprint is in a position to snap it up, boosting its competitive power against giants Verizon and AT&T and gaining valuable spectrum assets. A deal between the two companies would garner them roughly a quarter of the total wireless market, turning the combined company into a more viable competitor against AT&T and Verizon. Federal regulators needs approve a Sprint/T-Mobile deal, which is where AT&T's merger met its death. However, since both Sprint and T-Mobile account for a smaller share of the market than giant AT&T, a merger between them may more easily pass antitrust scrutiny. The Federal Communications Commission could welcome creation of a third challenger to the "duopoly" of AT&T and Verizon, so all eyes await signs the two carriers will enter negotiations in coming months. Network Improvement Hinges on LightSquared Sprint is expected to enter the 4G race with launch of its own LTE network this year. The Overland Park, Kan.-based carrier will also phase out devices powered by older network technology WiMax in favor of newer, faster LTE-powered 4G phones. Sprint needs a successful 4G LTE rollout to catch up with rivals, but its success partly depends on whether partner LightSquared gets FCC approval to build the network Sprint needs to fuel planned improvements. The carrier recently gave LightSquared a 30-day extension to get FCC approval, breathing new life into their agreement. If the deal succeeds, the two companies will share spectrum and equipment for 15 years, and LightSquared is expected to pay Sprint $9 billion for hosting the carrier's network. On Sprint's end, analysts speculate the agreement will likely save the carrier billions and transform it into a competitive presence in the 4G race. Not Like Other IPhone Providers 2012 marks Sprint's first full year offering Apple's iPhone. Sprint committed billions of dollars to Apple for licensing rights to the iPhone 4S. This risky financial move raised investor concerns, but is expected to help the carrier bring in new customers and reduce subscriber churn in the year ahead. In an effort to differentiate itself from other iPhone carriers, Sprint greets the new year with a custom suite of apps and services for the iPhone 4S, called the "Sprint Zone." All the apps in the world, however, probably won't make iPhone users feel better about the slow speeds they experience on Sprint's network, making Sprint's network improvement plan even more imperative, particularly if they hope to support the new, 4G iPhone expected from Apple later this year. Until its 4G LTE rollout kicks off, Sprint is expected to reduce network strain by continuing to phase out unlimited data plans. The carrier capped tablet plans late last year, and likely will follow suit with smartphone data plans soon. T-Mobile Earns Consolation Prize, Still Underdog Despite gaining a multi-billion dollar consolation prize from AT&T, T-Mobile's future in the wireless marketplace is anything but certain. The company is expected to enter into another buyout or team up with a partner in need of spectrum assets and a 4G network, such as satellite television provider Dish Network. The number-four U.S. carrier has been operating at a loss for nearly a year and has been steadily losing both customers and revenue. T-Mobile's parent company, Deutsche Telekom, is expected to shop the carrier around to potential buyers as the year progresses. A second venture with AT&T also isn't out of the question. AT&T is hinting at plans to participate in a joint venture with the carrier that would allow both companies to enjoy the benefits of a merger while avoiding legal and antitrust scrutiny, since they would compete on handsets, prices, and features, but not on cellular coverage. T-Mobile is expected to make use of the assets it already has this year as it plots future moves. For example, the carrier is exploring expanding Wi-Fi calling services to more Android phones in an effort to provide more reliable network coverage. T-Mobile is the only top U.S. carrier offering Wi-Fi calling, and recently rolled out a software update allowing HTC Amaze 4G and Samsung Galaxy S2 users to participate in the program. By adding Wi-Fi capabilities to best-selling smartphones, T-Mobile expects to improve call quality and reduce dropped calls in areas where network signal is weak or where it doesn't yet have 4G coverage, helping it hang onto subscribers in a market where having the biggest, fastest network makes all the difference. The Year Ahead: Sprint, T-Mobile Look to Gain Ground originally appeared at Mobiledia on Fri Jan 06, 2012 1:34 pm. www.mobiledia.com | 1/6/12 11:28 PM Sprint to Kick Off LTE With Galaxy Nexus
Sprint plans to release the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Google's flagship Android phone, to kick off its LTE network. An official ad from Sprint temporarily appeared on CNET's website that declared the Galaxy Nexus the network's first LTE phone. The ad has now been pulled, but it suggests the device will likely appear at Sprint sometime in the near future. Until now, Samsung only offered an unlocked HSPA version of the Galaxy Nexus, with Verizon having exclusivity of the device in the U.S. Sprint's LTE network hasn't gotten off the ground yet, but CEO Dan Hesse said the company expects to launch the network in 10 cities by the middle of the year. Sprint's LTE network will debut far behind rivals Verizon and even AT&T. The carrier is still depending on the inferior WiMax technology for its users' 4G reception, but bringing a device like the Galaxy Nexus to the network will provide a big boost. Samsung's new handset has received strong reviews, and some analysts argue it's the best Android phone ever made. Sprint also does not necessarily have to launch its LTE network to release the Galaxy Nexus. The company could begin carrying the device with LTE technology built in, giving customers plenty of incentive to buy the device even before the LTE network goes live. The Galaxy Nexus is still the only phone on the market running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest version of Google's OS. Carrying the device will give Sprint arguably the market's best high-end Android phone to sell along with the iPhone, making Sprint's smartphone catalog far more impressive than it was just four months ago. There is no confirmation on exactly when Sprint will launch its LTE network, which will likely underwhelm when it gets off the ground. However, customers may have the Galaxy Nexus to look forward to when the network finally does go live. Sprint to Kick Off LTE With Galaxy Nexus originally appeared at Mobiledia on Fri Jan 06, 2012 10:46 am. www.mobiledia.com | 1/6/12 9:58 PM Sprint encroaches on AT&T markets for first LTE upgrades: Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio
 Update : Sprint has just issued a proper release on the news (it's embedded after the break), with the key snippet as follows: "The launch of these metropolitan areas marks the next step in the company's overall network strategy, also known as Network Vision. Sprint customers can expect to enjoy ultra-fast data speeds, improved 3G voice and data quality, and stronger in-building signal penetration providing a more reliable wireless experience." [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Sprint encroaches on AT&T markets for first LTE upgrades: Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Sprint (Twitter) , Sprint Newsroom | Email this | Comments www.engadget.com |
1/5/12 10:11 PM
Sprint intros white Epic 4G Touch, Replenish on Boost Mobile
 Sprint made a minor contribution to the CES run-up with two special phone variants. The provider confirmed a white Epic 4G Touch and plans to have the special version in stores on January 8 for $200 on a contract. It keeps the 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus screen, dual-core 1.2GHz Exynos processor, WiMAX 4G, and Android 2.3 as its black cousin.... Epic Touch 4G comes out of the dark and into the white, hits Sprint January 8th
 Continue reading Epic Touch 4G comes out of the dark and into the white, hits Sprint January 8th Epic Touch 4G comes out of the dark and into the white, hits Sprint January 8th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Sprint | Email this | Comments www.engadget.com |
1/5/12 4:27 PM
Digital Star still conducting due diligence on Excell
May revealed that Digital Star, which operates a WiMAX network under the brand name Emaxx, is currently conducting due diligence on GT-Tell, but did not give a timeline for the completion of the deal. www.topix.net | 1/5/12 6:40 AM The Year Ahead: Consumer Choices Flourish with More Speed, Pricing Options
Consumers will have more choices to satisfy their desire for unfettered connection in 2012, as carriers compete with new gadgets and evolving pricing structures. The Year Ahead is a series examining the challenges and opportunities facing the mobile industry and its players in 2012. What forces and trends will impact companies and consumers next year? Look into our crystal ball to find out. The race to 4G speeds. Mergers and spectrum acquisitions. A barrage of faster, fancier devices, and varied plans and pricing structures from carriers jockeying to reduce subscriber churn. In a field dominated by change, mobile consumers can be sure of one thing in the year ahead -- device makers and carriers want their business, and will go to great lengths to get it. Failed AT&T Merger Means More Options In the wake of AT&T's decision to scrap its T-Mobile purchase, consumers can expect to have more plans and devices to choose from. If the deal had gone through, most subscribers would be starting 2012 with one of two wireless service providers: Verizon or AT&T, with Sprint carrying a very distant third place. Instead, the four main players are still on the field, and customers can expect to enjoy more plan, pricing and device options going forward. According to the DoJ, "consumers won" when AT&T called off the deal, and mobile users can expect to see more innovation and competitive pricing as a result. In the short-term, AT&T and T-Mobile customers probably won't face drastic changes. AT&T is expected to keep offering its tiered data plans but may increasingly throttle or cap the heaviest data users until it finds ways to boost spectrum. T-Mobile subscribers can expect to continue to enjoy the company's relatively inexpensive smartphone plans, no-contract service options, and wide range of devices. However, the carrier may enter into another deal later this year, changing the competitive landscape once again. Faster Networks to Satisfy Data-Hungry Devices The race for data speed is expected to continue to escalate as 2012 wears on, with Verizon adding yet more markets to its current 179 LTE-covered areas nationwide and competing carriers rushing to catch up. Sprint's CEO, Dan Hesse, has named network modernization and improvement his company's first priority for this year. To that end, the Overland Park, Kan.-based carrier is expected to phase out devices powered by older WiMax technology in favor of newer, faster 4G LTE phones. Around 120 million Sprint subscribers can expect to see 4G speeds in their areas this year, aided by network spectrum from LightSquared if the company gets the go-ahead from federal regulators to switch on its satellite network. AT&T and T-Mobile subscribers won't be left behind, as both carriers expect to add new 4G service areas this year and include more high-speed smartphones and tablets in device lineups as well. Faster, More Powerful Devices to Take Advantage of All That Speed As the carriers race to bolster networks, consumers can expect to find a wider selection of faster devices on the shelves to take advantage of spreading 4G coverage. Consumers who are waiting for a 4G iPhone may get their wish in 2012, as Apple reportedly plans to add 4G LTE to its iPhone 5 and iPad 3, both expected later this year. These additions to the Apple family are expected to even the playing-field with Android devices, taking 4G capability out of the equation as consumers choose between iOS or Android. Android customers can expect an onslaught of new devices this year running the Ice Cream Sandwich update. Android 4.0 will give users streamlined integration to Google's services and products, such as search, the social network Google+ and Google Wallet, and reportedly will cut fragmentation and make the operating system more secure -- good news for people worried about privacy and security, especially as news of Android malware continues to make headlines. Mobile users looking for another option may choose a new, full-featured Windows phone from Nokia or HTC. HTC fans will likely see fewer releases from the Taiwanese handset maker this year, but consumers looking to buy a Windows phone early could find one from HTC in stores as soon as next month. Buy a Bucket of Data New data pricing structures are expected to emerge this year, including shared plans from number-one U.S. carrier, Verizon. Consumers looking to connect varied data-consuming devices, including multiple phones, tablets, Blu-ray players and laptops, can expect to buy "buckets" of data to share among everyone in the household and their favorite gadgets. So far, Verizon is the only carrier with definite plans to offer shared plans; however, other carriers are sure to follow suit as they develop competitive pricing and creative plan structures to help gain and keep subscribers as well as balance increasing network demands. And For Those Who Are Tired of It All Finally, for consumers who don't want a hot new phone or a pricey data plan, but still want to surf, stream and chat unencumbered, there's emerging network Republic Wireless. For just $20 a month, Republic subscribers enjoy unlimited data, voice and texts. They can only use the LG Optimus S phone and they must connect via Wi-Fi most of the time. Republic creates an alternative in a field dominated by competition, mergers and deals and a constant barrage of new gadgets, proving that 2012 may just be a year consumers will cheer. The Year Ahead: Consumer Choices Flourish with More Speed, Pricing Options originally appeared at Mobiledia on Wed Jan 04, 2012 3:49 pm. www.mobiledia.com | 1/5/12 12:58 AM LG Connect 4G Looks Like a Beefed Up Optimus Black LTE for MetroPCS
From a leaked press shot, it appears that MetroPCS is landing the LG Connect 4G Android phone for its LTE network. There is speculation that the LG Connect 4G will also be coming to Verizon Wireless and Sprint–the latter of which may get a WiMax variant as Sprint does not yet have an LTE network [...] LG Connect 4G Looks Like a Beefed Up Optimus Black LTE for MetroPCS is a post by Chuong Nguyen from GottaBeMobile. www.gottabemobile.com | 1/3/12 3:42 PM Stage 2 Networks buys Consolidated Technologies' hosted VoIP business
New York-based Stage 2 Networks has acquired the hosted VoIP business division of Consolidated Technologies, a move the company says will enhance corporate growth through an increased customer base. Stage 2, a cloud communications company with a portfolio of hosted voice and data services, called the deal "a perfect opportunity for both companies to grow our organizations and concentrate on our primary services." Details of the deal were not disclosed. "By acquiring the hosted VoIP division of CTI, we have expanded our market-leading footprint while becoming stronger as a company, both operationally and financially," said CEO Joseph P. Gillette. CTI, a converged technologies company and Avaya gold partner, said its growing partnership with Avaya created opportunities for it to exit the hosted VoIP space and renew its focus on this accelerated business expansion. "CTI has enjoyed significant growth in the enterprise communications market and we are putting considerable investment into our market leading practice of implementing Avaya solutions for these large customers," said David Blau, founding partner and chief strategy officer of Consolidated . "An added bonus to this transaction is that we will continue to partner with Stage 2, as we still have many customers and prospects that will benefit from hosted services." For more: Related articles: Sprint to Begin Honeycomb Roll-Out for HTC EVO View 4G Tablet
Sprint is beginning to roll out its Android Honeycomb update for the carrier’s debut tablet, the HTC Flyer, which is the first tablet that Sprint had supported on its Network with embedded 3G CDMA and 4G WiMax radios. The 7-inch tablet is a variant of the HTC Flyer and comes with an active digitizer for [...] Sprint to Begin Honeycomb Roll-Out for HTC EVO View 4G Tablet is a post by Chuong Nguyen from GottaBeMobile. www.gottabemobile.com | 12/22/11 7:54 AM Samsung Stratosphere review
 Shortly afterward, the Samsung Stratosphere sneaked up and snatched the spotlight away from Pantech, offering the very first QWERTY keyboard on an LTE-capable device for a cost similar to that of the Breakout. But when we first saw the phone, something felt eerily familiar: it looked almost exactly like the Epic 4G , a Galaxy S -era device that was released on Sprint's WiMAX lineup nearly a year and a half ago. Looks are one thing, but what about the internals? Does the brand new Stratosphere perform like an old phone, or does it give a completely fresh perspective on a 2010 classic? Read on for the full scoop. Continue reading Samsung Stratosphere review Samsung Stratosphere review originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments www.engadget.com | 12/17/11 3:33 PM Skype adds 1,000 NYC hotspots to its Wi-Fi footprint
Skype has cut a deal to add WiMAX provider Towerstream's 1,000-plus Wi-Fi hotspots in New York City to its own hotspot footprint. The deal means that users will have one-click access to the third-party wireless hotspots and pay by the minute using Skype Credit. "Wi-Fi has emerged as the leading broadband technology allowing users to truly receive the mobile experience devices are capable of today," said Towerstream CEO Jeff Thompson. "Skype understands the potential opportunity ahead for its customers, and we are thrilled to begin a long and prosperous partnership together." Skype was acquired by Microsoft Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) earlier this year for $8.5 billion. It currently offers its customers Wi-Fi connectivity at more than 1 million hotspots around the world. Towerstream earlier this year announced it was planning to get into the Wi-Fi hotspot market and said it was aiming to become a wholesale provider to operators desiring to offload heavy mobile data traffic. Its Manhattan market is nearly built out with 1,000 access points. And, while it hasn't signed an off-load deal with an operator, it has attracted players like Skype, Boingo and 8coupons. For more: Related articles: HTC EVO Design 4G review
 Where does that leave us with this year's EVO Design 4G ? With middling single-core specs and a mid-range $100 on-contract price, things aren't exactly looking up for a device tasked with wielding a torch branded with the EVO's name. Does it pass muster as a device worthy of its ancestry? Or will the GSM and qHD add-ons keep it from diluting its predecessors good name? Well, frankly, there's only one way to find out, and that's to join us as we explore its intricacies past the break. Continue reading HTC EVO Design 4G review HTC EVO Design 4G review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments www.engadget.com | 12/8/11 4:00 PM Sprint pushing firmware update to Epic 4G Touch, fixes hotspot connectivity and signal strength
 Sprint pushing firmware update to Epic 4G Touch, fixes hotspot connectivity and signal strength originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Sprint Feed | Sprint | Email this | Comments www.engadget.com |
12/8/11 3:41 AM
Clearwire Plans $300M Stock Offering To Fund LTE Buildout
Clearwire plans to raise up to $300 million in a public stock offering to help fund the buildout of Long Term Evolution technology to augment its current WiMax network, the cash-strapped wireless broadband provider said Monday. www.topix.net | 12/6/11 11:42 PM Sprint LTE phones to arrive 'in the second half' of 2012
Sprint LTE phones to arrive 'in the second half' of 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 06:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink The Verge | UBS (webcast) | Email this | Comments www.engadget.com |
12/6/11 12:15 PM
Clearwire to offer $300m in stock to fund LTE deployment
 Clearwire is reportedly set to provide $300 million of its Class A stock as a public offering, in an attempt to fetch additional funding for the company's LTE deployment plans. The WiMAX provider is also said to be leaving the door open, as a 30-day option, for its underwriters to purchase an additional $45 million in Class A shares.... Reggae Marathon Powered By Digicel 4g Broadband
WiMax technology to update race times live KINGSTON - Digicel 4G Broadband will be powering the eleventh annual Digicel-sponsored Reggae Marathon when it kicks off on Saturday 3rd of December, in ...
story.jamaicantimes.com |
12/3/11 3:28 AM
Verizon to Boost 4G in Spectrum Deal
Verizon plans to bolster its 4G network after closing a $3.6 billion spectrum deal with Comcast and Time Warner Cable, in a move to bring faster service to smartphones and tablets. The Basking Ridge, N.J.-based carrier, which purchased 122 spectrum licenses from Comcast and Time Warner Cable, now has the ability to continue to expand its wireless network. "Spectrum is the raw material on which wireless networks are built, and buying the Advance Wireless Service's spectrum now solidifies our network leadership into the future," said Verizon Wireless CEO Dan Mead. "[It] will enable us to bring even better 4G LTE products and service to our customers." A cross-resale agreement is also part of the deal. The cable companies involved in AWS can resell Verizon-branded service, while the carrier's retail stores will sell cable services. The purchase is a huge boost for Verizon as the company attempts to continue to build out its LTE network and stay ahead of its competitors. AT&T is in the process of rolling out its 4G LTE network, but the second largest carrier in the U.S. is already lagging behind Verizon's LTE network and plans to boost its own efforts appear to be in doubt. AT&T's proposed $39 billion acquisition with T-Mobile was supposed to be the carrier's primary resource for the expansion of its LTE service. However, the FCC's recent findings about the merger and AT&T's lawsuit with the Department of Justice may lead to a collapse of the deal. Sprint inked a deal with high-speed wireless company Clearwire, which will build out its 4G network and let Sprint receive unlimited access to Clearwire's WiMax 4G network over the next two years. The carrier also lags behind Verizon in the mounting 4G race. As smartphone use continues to grow and customers use more data, the carrier with the most spectrum will likely be able to offer the best speeds, luring more customers. Carriers lacking the pivotal raw material will be unable to offer the same quality of service as their competition, putting them at a distinct disadvantage in the wireless market. Verizon's deal with the cable companies may have cost the carrier a hefty sum today, but it will likely pay tremendous dividends in the future. Verizon to Boost 4G in Spectrum Deal originally appeared at Mobiledia on Fri Dec 02, 2011 3:41 pm. www.mobiledia.com | 12/2/11 11:38 PM Sprint Pledges Support to Clearwire
Sprint Nextel Corp. is mending fences with independent subsidiary Clearwire Corp., pledging Thursday to use the data network Clearwire is planning to build and to participate if the company raises more capital.
The announcement is a lifeline for Clearwire, which is struggling financially. It's using a network technology called WiMax that has been bypassed by all phone companies except Sprint, and lacks the funding to upgrade to the industry's standard technology. Clearwire shares climbed 43 cents, or 24.2 percent, to $2.21 in midday trading. The stock has been very volatile this year, as investors have followed the blow-by-blow of Clearwire's tempestuous relationship with Sprint. Overland Park, Kan.-based Sprint owns 54 percent of Kirkland, Wash.-based Clearwire, but doesn't have voting control. Sprint now resells access to Clearwire's WiMax network as "Sprint 4G." Two months ago, Sprint made clear that it had no plans to keep selling WiMax-compatible devices after the end of next year, and it said nothing about using the new network Clearwire is planning. That sent Clearwire shares crashing. On Thursday, Sprint said it will collaborate with Clearwire Corp. on building the new network and expects to sell phones that can use it, starting in 2013. It will pay up to $350 million in advance for network capacity if Clearwire meets certain buildout goals. Clearwire will still need more funding for the network. Sprint said it would participate in a share offering, buying shares worth up to $347 million to maintain its stake in the company. Also Thursday, Clearwire said it's made $237 million in interest payments that were due Thursday on its debt. The Wall Street Journal had reported two weeks ago that the company was considering whether to delay the payments. Sprint also said it's paying Clearwire $926 million for unlimited use of its WiMax network in 2012 and 2013, and intends to establish a... www.cio-today.com | 12/2/11 5:03 PM Verizon scores new spectrum from Comcast, Time Warner and Bright House for $3.6 billion (update)
 Update: Wondering how this impending love affair affects Comcast and Time Warner's existing deals reselling Clear's mobile broadband? Per CNET , not great, as the duo will gradually shift those using the WiMax provider to alternatives in the next six months. Verizon scores new spectrum from Comcast, Time Warner and Bright House for $3.6 billion (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments www.engadget.com | 12/2/11 3:43 PM Sprint, Clearwire Intertwine 4G Strategies
Clearwire today signed a $1.6 billion funding agreement with Sprint, allowing the provider to build out its 4G network and intertwining their high-speed strategies moving forward. Sprint will receive unlimited access to Clearwire's WiMax 4G network over the next two years, and have limited use through 2015. In addition, the Overland Park, Kan.-based carrier may also LTE if Clearwire rolls it out before June 2013. "We should take comfort that not only have we identified additional funding, we've extended the relationship with Sprint, we've got a commitment to LTE," said Erik Prusch, Clearwire's CEO. "We achieved the three major goals we set out to achieve." Sprint is heading into 2012 in a heated competition against Verizon and AT&T in the race to produce a legitimate 4G network. The investment, while costly, would give Sprint wholesale agreements for 4G and mitigate the uncertainty arising from its often rocky relationship with its partner. In October, Sprint, which owns 54 percent of Clearwire, said it would stop selling WiMax-capable phones next year, casting doubt its 4G plans. Meanwhile, the company had picked up the iPhone, a 3G device, and taken steps to limit data use. Clearwire, which paid a $237 million in interest today, estimates that it costs $300 million to pay for its regular operations, and will take an additional $600 million to upgrade its network. Sprint, Clearwire Intertwine 4G Strategies originally appeared at Mobiledia on Thu Dec 01, 2011 2:03 pm. www.mobiledia.com | 12/1/11 11:10 PM Sprint Gives Clearwire a Lifeline
Sprint Nextel pledged to use the WiMax data network Clearwire is planning to build out and to participate if the independent subsidiary raises more capital. www.nytimes.com | 12/1/11 9:23 PM Sprint Inks Deal To Support Clearwire With $1.6 Billion
 Clearwire's WiMax network. Without it, Clearwire would have had to choose between paying up on a $237 million interest payment or continuing to build out its LTE network — a necessity in terms of competition for both Clearwire and Sprint.
The deal consists of Sprint paying $926 million for unlimited 4G WiMax services between 2012 and 2013. In the meantime, Sprint is also pledging an advance of $350 million paid over a two-year period for Access to Clearwire's forthcoming LTE capacity. This will allow Clearwire to pay off its debt without derailing plans for its LTE network. That said, Sprint needs LTE just as desperately, so it only makes sense that Sprint would cover for its struggling partner.
techcrunch.com |
12/1/11 9:20 PM
Sprint gives Clearwire $1.6 billion golden parachute, lovers of WiMAX rejoice
 Sprint gives Clearwire $1.6 billion golden parachute, lovers of WiMAX rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Phone Arena | Reuters | Email this | Comments www.engadget.com |
12/1/11 8:19 PM
Clearwire avoids default, gets debt, LTE funding from Sprint
 Clearwire got a last-minute reprieve Thursday after Sprint confirmed a rumored last-minute financing deal. The 4G service is getting both debt assistance to pay off its $237 million owed on Thursday as well as up to $350 million to help Clearwire transition over to LTE. Under the new terms, most of the payments will come during 2012, although Sprint now also has to guarantee use of Clearwire's outgoing WiMAX network through 2015 or later.... Clearwire said close to landing Sprint funding deal
 Clearwire is reportedly close to securing additional funding from Sprint, suggesting the companies may have quietly overcome lingering disputes. The WiMAX provider is said to be in need of nearly $1 billion in additional capital to help keep the company afloat and upgrade its network amid increasing competition from other carriers offering 4G speeds via alternative technologies such as LTE.... Nokia Siemens Networks looks to unload WiMax division onto NewNet Communication
 WiMax expansion isn't exactly all the rage as of late, and so it comes as no surprise that Nokia Siemens Networks is shedding itself of the extraneous baggage. Following its recent whopping round of layoffs , the move is a continuation of the company's efforts to bring stability to its bottom line. NewNet Communication Technologies has agreed to bring the castoff WiMax technologies into its fold, along with approximately 300 NSN employees -- all for an undisclosed price -- in a deal that's expected to be finalized before year's end. A full press release follows the break.Continue reading Nokia Siemens Networks looks to unload WiMax division onto NewNet Communication Nokia Siemens Networks looks to unload WiMax division onto NewNet Communication originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink PCWorld | | Email this | Comments www.engadget.com |
12/1/11 12:57 AM
Clearwire Faces Critical Decision Over Big Debt Payment
 WiMax network operator Clearwire may not be long for this world if they don't make the the right decision about a looming debt payment. Bloomberg reports that the company owes $237 million in the form of an interest payment due on Thursday, and the wrong choice could spell the end of the beleaguered network operator.
techcrunch.com |
11/30/11 8:13 PM
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