Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[T-Mobile launches new contract-free, data-only plans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/t-mobile-launches-new-contract-free-data-only-plans/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/t-mobile-launches-new-contract-free-data-only-plans/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/17/t-mobile-launches-new-contract-free-data-only-plans/#comments T-mobile Store SF

Not all of us want to be locked into a long term contract with a wireless carrier. Especially when it comes to data-only devices that might not get used on a regular basis. For those that want to grab a 4G dongle or a mobile hotspot and go, without the need sign their life over, T-Mobile is launching four new pre-paid data options. The 4G passes start at $15 for 300MB over the course of a week, all the way up to 5GB for $50 over the course of a month. The plans are available on the Sonic 4G and plain ol' T-Mobile 4G mobile hotspots as well as the Rocket 3.0 laptop stick, but tablet users can also hop on the bandwagon. The Galaxy Tab 10.1, 7,0 Plus and SpringBoard are all eligible for the No Annual Contract mobile broadband passes. You can start topping off your megabytes instead of your minutes on May 20th. For more details check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading T-Mobile launches new contract-free, data-only plans

T-Mobile launches new contract-free, data-only plans originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gcontract freeContractFreedatadata plansDataPlansmobile broadbandMobileBroadbandmobilepostcrossNo Annual ContractNoAnnualContractpre paidpre-paidPrePaidT-MobileThu, 17 May 2012 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Xcom Global opens international MiFi rental / service center in New York City]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/xcom-global-opens-international-mifi-rental-service-center-nyc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/xcom-global-opens-international-mifi-rental-service-center-nyc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/07/xcom-global-opens-international-mifi-rental-service-center-nyc/#comments xcom mifi rental service centerServing jetsetters at LAX just wasn't enough for Xcom Global. Engadget's personal favorite when it comes to snagging international data before leaving the States is now opening up shop in the Big Apple -- a wise move for increasing its presence in a market where loads of humans are doing business in nations other than the United States. Xcom's calling its new venue a "satellite customer service center," enabling flyers to swing by before they depart JFK (or LGA, we guess) and pick up a global MiFi. Rather than being positioned within an airport, this one's located near Grand Central Station at the offices of Amnet New York on Madison Avenue, and in case you've forgotten, $12.95 per day (and up) can snag you a wireless data device capable of connecting in some 195 countries. Oh, and you can return the device to the same store or via your carrier of choice. Still trying to wrap your head around it? Have a look at our review.

Continue reading Xcom Global opens international MiFi rental / service center in New York City

Xcom Global opens international MiFi rental / service center in New York City originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airportGrand Central StationGrandCentralStationjfkmifimifi rentalMifiRentalmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetmobilepostcrossnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynovatelnycrentalwireless internetWirelessInternetxcomXcom GlobalXcomGlobalMon, 07 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC to dole out up to $300 million to help carriers expand service in rural areas]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/fcc-mobility-fund/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/fcc-mobility-fund/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/fcc-mobility-fund/#comments

It seems like almost every day that we receive a press release announcing Verizon or AT&T is planning to expand its LTE coverage to three, five, eleven new markets. But in some remote pockets of the country, you'd be lucky to latch onto even a solid 3G signal. In a bid to make sure those folks in the boonies get their due, the Federal Communications Commission is establishing a fund to encourage carriers to roll out 3G and 4G service in sparser areas. All told, the agency plans to award up to $300 million to mobile operators, with funds going to the providers offering the lowest rates. The winners will be decided in a sealed, single-round auction, which opens June 27th and is set to close July 11th. As a condition for receiving the funds, carriers must agree to cover at least 75 percent of the road miles within a given census tract. While it's unclear at this early stage which mobile players will take the bait, the FCC's already signaled which parts of the country will be first in line for upgraded service -- namely, Rocky Mountain states like Utah and Idaho, along with Maine, Appalachia and upstate New York.

FCC to dole out up to $300 million to help carriers expand service in rural areas originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 10:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3G4GauctionbidbidderbiddingbidscarriercarrierscountrycoverageFCCFCC Mobility FundFccMobilityFundfederal communications commissionFederalCommunicationsCommissionfundfundsLTEmobilemobile broadbandMobileBroadbandmobilepostcrossMobility FundMobilityFundruralrural broadbandRuralBroadbandwirelessThu, 03 May 2012 10:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire's TDD-LTE rolling out in 'early 2013,' coming to NYC, SF, LA, Chicago, Seattle and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/clearwires-tdd-lte-2013-new-york-city-chicago-seattle-san-francisco/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/clearwires-tdd-lte-2013-new-york-city-chicago-seattle-san-francisco/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/clearwires-tdd-lte-2013-new-york-city-chicago-seattle-san-francisco/#comments cellphone tower

Clearwire's hardly throwing in the towel after that whole "WiMAX" thing; instead, the outfit has its sights firmly set on bringing TDD-LTE to the masses here in America, starting with an initial rollout in early 2013. A release put out today confirms that New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle will be among the 31 cities where the company will launch the aforesaid network, though there's no breakdown on which of those metro markets will be forced to wait until "mid-2013" to get served. Speaking of, Clearwire's making no bones about the fact that "high demand hot zones" will be the ones targeted initially, and in a bid to outshine those LTE networks already live, President and CEO Erik Prusch is suggesting that his firm's 4G network "will show that not all LTE networks are created equal." Bold words, sir.

Continue reading Clearwire's TDD-LTE rolling out in 'early 2013,' coming to NYC, SF, LA, Chicago, Seattle and more

Clearwire's TDD-LTE rolling out in 'early 2013,' coming to NYC, SF, LA, Chicago, Seattle and more originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g4g lte4gLteChicagocitiesclearwirelaunchLos AngelesLosAngelesltemetromobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetmobilepostcrossNew York CityNewYorkCitynycSan FranciscoSanFranciscoSeattletd-ltetdd-ltewirelesswireless internetWirelessInternetThu, 26 Apr 2012 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy Connect no longer accepting new activations, service to end June 1st (update: confirmed)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/best-buy-connect-ends/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/best-buy-connect-ends/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/best-buy-connect-ends/#comments Image

Remember Best Buy Connect? If so, you'll soon have a few more megabytes of humanized DDR3 freed up, as it appears that the retail giant is ready to put the kibosh on its own branded mobile broadband service nearly two years after it was first unveiled. According to the internal memo shown in the above screenshot, new activations are no longer allowed effective immediately, and the service for legacy customers will be cut off on the first of June.

So why the change of heart? Apparently Connect is the victim of a reshuffling of priorities, and the company determined that it "can achieve greater growth by delivering mobile broadband support in ways other than an exclusive Best Buy-branded service." Of course, this is bound to upset more than a handful of folks who have been relying on Connect for their data needs, and the retailer isn't leaving them completely in the dark: to help smooth out the transition, all Early Termination Fees will be waived, and all customers will receive a $125 or $150 gift card via email to curb the cost of moving to a different carrier. WiMAX Connect users, additionally, will also be given the option to switch over to Clear service. We're still awaiting official confirmation from Best Buy -- as of this moment, the official website remains up and running as if it's none the wiser -- but we'll update as soon as we hear more.

Update: Best Buy has now officially confirmed to us that the service will indeed be shut off on June 1st.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Best Buy Connect no longer accepting new activations, service to end June 1st (update: confirmed) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buybest buy connectBestBuyBestBuyConnectbroadbandconnectdataexclusivemobile broadbandMobileBroadbandmobilepostcrossThu, 26 Apr 2012 14:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Bringing wireless to the disconnected: internet tales from the South Pacific]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/bringing-wireless-to-the-disconnected-internet-south-pacific/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/bringing-wireless-to-the-disconnected-internet-south-pacific/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/12/bringing-wireless-to-the-disconnected-internet-south-pacific/#comments

"We only have dial-up here. You'd be shocked at the speeds. [Laughs.] But it's okay -- as long as I can send and reply to email, I'm fine with it."

Those were the words spoken to me just weeks ago by the absolutely precious owner of Litia Sini Beach Resort on the extreme southeastern tip of Upolu. For those unaware, that's Samoa's most populous island (~135,000 people) -- a sliver of lush, mountainous land dropped almost perfectly in the center of the Pacific Ocean. I chuckled a bit upon hearing it, immediately realizing that I had a connection in the palm of my hand that was 20, 30, perhaps even 40 times quicker than what this business owner was relying on. She paused, as if to collect her thoughts before going into a familiar spiel about the resort's amenities, and then drew my attention to the display of her laptop.

"It's still a draft for now, but this is the new tsunami evacuation plan that we're working on. Soon, we'll have this in each fale. It's taking a bit of time to get right, as the drawings are actually done in New Zealand."

I nodded my head in understanding, immediately thinking that this must be in reaction to the catastrophic tsunami of September 2009, caused by a magnitude 8.1 submarine earthquake that hit barely 100 miles from the very spot I was sitting. It was the largest quake of 2009. The entire resort was leveled. Dozens upon dozens were killed. And here we were, over two full years later, and the evacuation schematics are still in "draft."

Continue reading Bringing wireless to the disconnected: internet tales from the South Pacific

Bringing wireless to the disconnected: internet tales from the South Pacific originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g4gamerican samoaAmericanSamoablueskybluesky samoaBlueskySamoabroadbandfijihspahspa plusHspaPlusinternetmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetrental simRentalSimsamoasimtravelwireless internetWirelessInternetwwanMon, 12 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[US Cellular reassures us of LTE plans: first tablet by March, smartphone by April]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/us-cellular-lte-march-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/us-cellular-lte-march-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/us-cellular-lte-march-2012/#comments
Last we heard, LTE was supposed to land on US Cellular last November, but months passed with nary a peep on the carrier's progress. Finally, a little ray of light shone from its official Twitter account as it confirmed today that high-speed mobile broadband is still on the radar, but its deployment was simply pushed back to the end of March, when we'll see the first LTE-capable tablet arrive. For those craving to have the service on something a little smaller, the company also told us to expect the first smartphone in April. And we have a pretty good idea of where: brief jaunt to US Cellular's website offers a few 4G coverage maps in select parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Maine, Texas and North Carolina. We'll give US Cellular a mulligan this time -- let's just make sure it doesn't happen again, shall we?

Continue reading US Cellular reassures us of LTE plans: first tablet by March, smartphone by April

US Cellular reassures us of LTE plans: first tablet by March, smartphone by April originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbroadbanddeploymentexpansionlong-term evolutionLong-termEvolutionltemobile broadbandMobileBroadbandmobilepostcrossus cellularUsCellularThu, 05 Jan 2012 18:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Qualcomm's Gobi 3000 finds a home in HP laptops, delivers standard agnostic DataPass]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/qualcomms-gobi-3000-finds-a-home-in-hp-laptops-delivers-standa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/qualcomms-gobi-3000-finds-a-home-in-hp-laptops-delivers-standa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/qualcomms-gobi-3000-finds-a-home-in-hp-laptops-delivers-standa/#comments DataPass Qualcomm's Gobi 3000 is already a big hit around these parts for its dual-mode CDMA and GSM radios, which makes staying connected much easier for serious globe trotters. Its no surprise then that HP chose that particular chip for its DataPass-enabled laptops which offer pay-as-you-go mobile broadband. For those that only need occasional access to 3G on the go or who cant stay in one country for more than a few weeks at a time DataPass and the flexible Gobi radio are a perfect match. Check out the PR after the break for a bit more of Qualcomm's gloating.

Continue reading Qualcomm's Gobi 3000 finds a home in HP laptops, delivers standard agnostic DataPass

Qualcomm's Gobi 3000 finds a home in HP laptops, delivers standard agnostic DataPass originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmadatapassdual modeDualModegobi 3000Gobi3000gsmhewlett-packardhpmobile broadbandMobileBroadbandqualcommqualcomm gobi 3000QualcommGobi3000Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Wherever I wander, wherever I roam, LTE probably won't work]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/wherever-i-wander-wherever-i-roam-lte-probably-wont-work/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/wherever-i-wander-wherever-i-roam-lte-probably-wont-work/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/wherever-i-wander-wherever-i-roam-lte-probably-wont-work/#comments Hopes of a cross-network LTE standard were dashed months ago, when Verizon confirmed its 4G band won't overlap with AT&T's. What we didn't realize, though, was just how globally fragmented this technology is likely to become. A report by Wireless Intelligence predicts there'll be 200 LTE networks around the world by 2015, running on as many as 38 different frequency combinations. Moreover, the most common 700-900MHz spectrum range could account for just 16 percent of these networks. This stands to make carrier locking and band incompatibility on handsets even bigger hassles than they are today. And that's what's botherin' me.

Wherever I wander, wherever I roam, LTE probably won't work originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 06:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4GatandtATTbandbandscellphonesfragmentationfrequenciesfrequencyLTEmobilemobile broadbandmobile datamobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileDataMobileInternetmobilepostcrossmobilespredictionreportspectrumVerizonWireless IntelligenceWirelessIntelligenceSun, 11 Dec 2011 06:11:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T's 4G LTE network is live in San Francisco]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/atandts-4g-lte-network-is-live-in-san-francisco/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/atandts-4g-lte-network-is-live-in-san-francisco/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/atandts-4g-lte-network-is-live-in-san-francisco/#comments New York City by the end of 2011? How's about San Francisco by the end of December 8th? We can't say for certain that it's lit up for good ("testing," you know), but at least for now it's absolutely screaming on our LTE-equipped AT&T handsets in downtown SF. Seeing similar? Let us know how it's going for you in comments below, and feel free to stick your tongue out in the general direction of the Big Apple. (They won't see you.) Video after the break.

[Thanks, anonymous]

Continue reading AT&T's 4G LTE network is live in San Francisco

AT&T's 4G LTE network is live in San Francisco originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g4g lte4gLteattbreaking newscaliforniacarrierinternetliveltemobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetmobilepostcrossnetworkonlinesan franciscoSanFranciscowwanThu, 08 Dec 2011 21:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia Siemens promises better TD-LTE and CDMA coverage, no alarms or surprises]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/nokia-siemens-promises-better-td-lte-and-cdma-coverage-no-alarm/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/nokia-siemens-promises-better-td-lte-and-cdma-coverage-no-alarm/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/nokia-siemens-promises-better-td-lte-and-cdma-coverage-no-alarm/#comments So, Nokia Siemens Networks wasn't fibbing when it said it would re-focus its efforts on mobile broadband. It's just announced a 'six pipe' radio head upgrade for time division LTE (TD-LTE) base stations that can boost capacity by 80 percent and coverage by 40 percent compared to a traditional three-sector site. Alternatively, the same replacement can be used to reduce a station's running costs, by allowing it to cover three sectors using a single radio head. As far as we're concerned, anything that recalls OK Computer is a good thing, but if it speeds up carriers' shift to LTE then it's even better. Meanwhile, for those who still want to invest in CDMA, Nokia Siemens is pushing it's 1X Advanced technology, which also promises big improvements in voice and data capacity as well as energy efficiency. Read on for more technical details in a PR double-shot.

Continue reading Nokia Siemens promises better TD-LTE and CDMA coverage, no alarms or surprises

Nokia Siemens promises better TD-LTE and CDMA coverage, no alarms or surprises originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>base stationBaseStationcapacitycarriersCDMAcoverageinfrastructureLTEmobile broadbandmobile coveragemobile dataMobileBroadbandMobileCoverageMobileDatamobilepostmininetwork operatorsNetworkOperatorsnetworksNokianokia siemensnokia siemens networksNokia-SiemensNokiaSiemensNokiaSiemensNetworksoperatorssix pipesix-sectorSixPipeTD-LTEtime division LTETimeDivisionLteThu, 08 Dec 2011 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[LightSquared teams with Soundtracker, gives access to 11 million tunes on-the-go]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/lightsquared-teams-with-soundtracker-gives-access-to-11-million/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/lightsquared-teams-with-soundtracker-gives-access-to-11-million/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/23/lightsquared-teams-with-soundtracker-gives-access-to-11-million/#comments Nothing puts a pep in our step like streaming a little LMFAO radio on our smartphone and busting out a move or two. Until, of course, we see the astronomical data charges from our personal dance party at the end of the month. Hoping to lessen the blow to our wallets while keeping the party pumping, broadband network provider LightSquared is teaming up with internet radio purveyor Soundtracker to give customers access to 11 million songs stored in the cloud. The bundle will give dancing fools a portal into the world of music from wherever they are, without having to worry about racking up the ridiculous data charges associated with streaming radio -- something we can all get down to. We assume this means the cost of bandwidth will be folded in with the subscription costs, but neither party's spilling the beans on how much that'll be. Check out the full PR after the break.

Continue reading LightSquared teams with Soundtracker, gives access to 11 million tunes on-the-go

LightSquared teams with Soundtracker, gives access to 11 million tunes on-the-go originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphonecellphonescloudinternet radioInternetRadiolightsquaredminipostmobile broadbandMobileBroadbandmusicsmartphonesmartphonessoundtrackersoundtracker radioSoundtrackerRadiospotifyWed, 23 Nov 2011 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint undercuts AT&T and Verizon with new Mobile Broadband data plans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/sprint-undercuts-atandt-and-verizon-with-new-mobile-broadband-data/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/sprint-undercuts-atandt-and-verizon-with-new-mobile-broadband-data/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/sprint-undercuts-atandt-and-verizon-with-new-mobile-broadband-data/#comments Sprint just tossed some new data options our way for those of you who tend to sip gulp gigs of data each month. Under the new plans, 6GB of data will run you $49.99, while an extra 30 bucks will let you boost consumption to 12GB -- an amount exceeding Verizon's standard offering (but not the holiday LTE promo) by two gigs, while blowing away AT&T, which doesn't offer an option quite so beefy (12GB there will run you $120, after overage fees). Sprint customers with lighter use can add a 3GB plan to their tablets, mobile hotspots or USB cards for $34.99, while tablet users can opt for 1GB of data for just $19.99 per month. All plans include overage rates of 5 cents per MB for in-network usage (a whopping $50 per additional GB), while roaming will run you 25 cents per MB. All of these plans apply to data-only devices, and don't affect smartphones. Jump past the break for the full PR from Sprint.

Continue reading Sprint undercuts AT&T and Verizon with new Mobile Broadband data plans

Sprint undercuts AT&T and Verizon with new Mobile Broadband data plans originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>datadata capdata capsdata onlydata plansDataCapDataCapsDataOnlyDataPlanshotspotlaptopmobile broadbandMobileBroadbandmonthly billmonthly datamonthly data plansMonthlyBillMonthlyDataMonthlyDataPlanssprintsprint dataSprintDatatablettabletstetheringtieredtiered dataTieredDatawirelesswireless broadbandWirelessBroadbandMon, 14 Nov 2011 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[H2O Wireless brings no-contract wireless broadband with international roaming to Best Buy, prices it into oblivion]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/h2o-wireless-brings-no-contract-wireless-broadband-with-internat/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/h2o-wireless-brings-no-contract-wireless-broadband-with-internat/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/h2o-wireless-brings-no-contract-wireless-broadband-with-internat/#comments And this, folks, is why Engadget will be first in line once the Occupy International Roaming convention gets underway. Truth is, it's not H2O Wireless' fault that its latest mobile broadband launch is priced in a way that would only appeal to those who spend their spare time printing money -- it's just the way the (crooked) industry works. Outside of picking up a rental MiFi or procuring a local SIM card from well-appointed international airports, your options for Facebooking, Google Mapping and VoIPing whilst abroad are limited. At any rate, the aforesaid company will be teaming up with Best Buy in order to deliver a no-contract mobile broadband plan that includes global roaming in 100 nations. The Worldwide Wireless Internet on-the-go package includes the USB device and H2O Broadband SIM card for $99.99, but you'll need a $30 international roaming data card in order to get -- wait for it -- ten megabytes of international data. For the big spenders, a $50 card is also available to provide 1GB of domestic data. In case we didn't make it crystal clear already, that's entirely too much for too little; we'd still recommend a local SIM upon arrival, or an Xcom MiFi if you'll be departing from the US of A. Full release is after the break, should you feel the need to explore further.

Continue reading H2O Wireless brings no-contract wireless broadband with international roaming to Best Buy, prices it into oblivion

H2O Wireless brings no-contract wireless broadband with international roaming to Best Buy, prices it into oblivion originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gbest buyBestBuycontractcontract freeContractFreedataglobalH20 wirelessH20Wirelessinternationalinternational roamingInternationalRoaminginternetmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetoperatorroamroamingwirelesswwanTue, 25 Oct 2011 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint to nix 'unlimited' from mobile broadband and hotspot plans in November]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/21/sprint-to-nix-unlimited-from-mobile-broadband-and-hotspot-plan/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/21/sprint-to-nix-unlimited-from-mobile-broadband-and-hotspot-plan/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/21/sprint-to-nix-unlimited-from-mobile-broadband-and-hotspot-plan/#comments We'd heard rumblings that unlimited data for Sprint's mobile hotspot plan was going the way of the dodo, but come November folks, it'll be official. Data sent and received over tethering -- not smartphone usage -- will now be measured against a 5GB cap. The same applies to mobile broadband subscribers, who will lose "unlimited" WiMax, instead having all their bits counting towards 3GB, 5GB or 10GB buckets (as seen above). Going over your allotment in either plan naturally incurs overages, which could get pricey at 5 cents per MB, and worst of all, existing unlimited plans won't be grandfathered in. So, start counting down those last few days of limitless bliss, as you weep peeping the full details that await at the source.

[Thanks, Darren]

Sprint to nix 'unlimited' from mobile broadband and hotspot plans in November originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broadband planBroadbandPlancellular planCellularPlanchangedata planDataPlanmobile broadbandmobile hotspotMobileBroadbandmobilehotspotmobilepostminioveragesplanplanssprintsprint addonssprint planssprint wirelessSprintAddonsSprintPlansSprintWirelessFri, 21 Oct 2011 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[UK 4G network auction delayed, spectrum sell-off pushed back to the end of 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/uk-4g-network-auction-delayed-spectrum-sell-off-pushed-back-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/uk-4g-network-auction-delayed-spectrum-sell-off-pushed-back-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/uk-4g-network-auction-delayed-spectrum-sell-off-pushed-back-to/#comments

The dizzying world of 4G speeds remains a distant prospect for Britons, with telecoms regulator Ofcom deciding to delay the auction for the next generation of mobile spectrum. It was looking to sell off two potent bands of wireless network by the end of this year, but those plans have been put on hold by some legal jostling and desk-banging from UK carriers, with the British equivalent of the FCC saying it received several "substantial and strongly argued responses." The sell-off delay might not affect any launch dates for 4G (already being tested in rural parts of the UK), as the bands up for grabs still won't be available until 2013. But eventually all of this to-ing and fro-ing will test even the Brits' stoic patience.

UK 4G network auction delayed, spectrum sell-off pushed back to the end of 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>201220134g4g spectrum4gSpectrum800mhzauctionbritainbroadbandcommunicationsmobile broadbandMobileBroadbandofcompreparationsregulatorspectrumspectrum auctionSpectrumAuctiontelecommunicationsukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomMon, 10 Oct 2011 14:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint to launch Direct Connect October 2nd, confirms mobile hotspot capping]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/sprint-to-launch-direct-connect-october-2nd-confirms-mobile-hot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/sprint-to-launch-direct-connect-october-2nd-confirms-mobile-hot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/sprint-to-launch-direct-connect-october-2nd-confirms-mobile-hot/#comments The way Sprint's been going lately, we're wondering if there's going to be anything left to announce at its October 7th strategy update. Another screenshot has surfaced, detailing the Now Network's intentions to launch its CDMA-based (read: no more iDEN) Direct Connect service on October 2nd, with "increased coverage" coming early next year. We've been expecting to see it at some point this winter, which means the Nextel alternative is getting pushed out ahead of schedule. With this, we should be hearing news in the near future concerning compatible handsets like the Motorola Admiral or Kyocera DuraMax / DuraCore duo.

Unfortunately, October 2nd will be filled with both happy news and bad, as it looks like the leaked memo detailing Sprint's plan to cap the mobile hotspot add-on was right on target. The carrier made its intentions official this morning, confirming that it indeed will be putting a 5GB-per-month leash on the tethering done from your phone, complete with overage charges of $.05 per additional MB used. Grandfathered add-ons aren't an option here, so every tetherer already shelling out $30 for the privilege will find themselves restricted as well. But look at the bright side: tablets need not apply to the data cap, and on-phone data plans and dedicated mobile broadband packages will remain unaffected... for now, at least.

Sprint to launch Direct Connect October 2nd, confirms mobile hotspot capping originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g4gcappedcapscdmadata capsDataCapsdirect connectDirectConnectgrandfatheredidenlimitedmobile broadbandMobileBroadbandmobilepostcrossnextelpolicypolicy changesPolicyChangessprintsprint direct connectSprintDirectConnecttabletstetheringunlimitedwimaxThu, 22 Sep 2011 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon starts 'optimizing' (read: throttling) network for the most data hungry users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/verizon-starts-optimizing-read-throttling-network-for-the-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/verizon-starts-optimizing-read-throttling-network-for-the-m/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/verizon-starts-optimizing-read-throttling-network-for-the-m/#comments We can't say we weren't warned, since Verizon updated its data policy way back in February, but it's still a punch in the gut to hear its "network optimization" plan went into effect yesterday. A new policy page pointed out by Droid-Life explains how the policy will affect only the "top 5 percent of data users with 3G devices on unlimited data plans" (LTE and tiered data users are in the clear) by managing their speeds when connected to towers it has deemed are congested. Those conditions, termed network intelligence by Big Red, are what it feels separates this scheme from mere data throttling since it will only affect a few users (those consuming 2GB or more of data per month) at certain times and places, but it's hard to see it any other way. If you're one of those affected, expect a message on your bill or My Verizon account, although you may go into and out of the affected group depending on your usage. Hit the source link below for all the details -- anyone else think it's not a coincidence this policy popped up just before the iPhone 4 came to Verizon and is being implemented only weeks before the next iThing is expected to arrive?

Verizon starts 'optimizing' (read: throttling) network for the most data hungry users originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g4gbandwidthbandwidth capBandwidthCapcapdatadata capDataCapltemobile broadbandMobileBroadbandmobilepostcrossnetwork neutralitynetwork optimizationNetworkNeutralityNetworkOptimizationpolicythrottlingunlimited dataUnlimitedDataverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwwwanFri, 16 Sep 2011 23:35:00 EST<![CDATA[ZTE Sprint International Mobile Hotspot does CDMA in US, GSM abroad]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/zte-sprint-international-mobile-hotspot-does-cdma-in-us-gsm-abr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/zte-sprint-international-mobile-hotspot-does-cdma-in-us-gsm-abr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/zte-sprint-international-mobile-hotspot-does-cdma-in-us-gsm-abr/#commentsWe love mobile wireless hotspots, and we especially love when they work internationally -- which until today, has left Sprint's CDMA/WiMAX devices out of the mix. This latest variant gives some love to the world traveling crowd, however, with domestic support for EVDO Rev A, and international support for GSM/GRPS/EDGE as well as WCDMA/HSDPA/HSUPA. There's no word on what you'll expect to pay for your data abroad, but Sprint does include an "unlocked SIM" in the box, along with international power adapters. A built-in display indicates battery life and connectivity, so you know when the device is ready to beam the web to up to five WiFi devices on CDMA, or a single device while roaming on GSM. Available now, the hotspot will run you $50 after a $50 rebate and with a two-year contract, provides a range of up to 130 feet, and can pump out a wireless signal for up to four hours (sadly WiMAX is not supported). Jump past the break for the lowdown from Sprint.

Continue reading ZTE Sprint International Mobile Hotspot does CDMA in US, GSM abroad

ZTE Sprint International Mobile Hotspot does CDMA in US, GSM abroad originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaconnectivityhotspotinternationalinternational dataInternationalDatainternetmifimobile broadbandmobile hotspotMobileBroadbandMobileHotspotnetworkingsprintSprint International Mobile HotspotSprintInternationalMobileHotspotwifiztezte hotspotZteHotspotFri, 09 Sep 2011 12:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Xcom Global opens LAX service center, the jetset get data without borders]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/xcom-global-opens-lax-service-center-the-jetset-get-data-withou/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/xcom-global-opens-lax-service-center-the-jetset-get-data-withou/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/xcom-global-opens-lax-service-center-the-jetset-get-data-withou/#comments We've sung Xcom Global's praises to the heavens before, and that's because it's made our always-on internet addiction an easy fix abroad. Well, prepare to add the international wireless convenience to your list of last minute carry-ons. Announced today, the company has opened its first satellite service center at Los Angeles' LAX airport, bringing unlimited roaming data to US-based travelers starting at $12.95/day. The rental MiFi Hotspot units, available prior to boarding, come packaged with an Unlimited aXcess plan, and can feed up to five of your data-hungry devices. So, if you're headed out on that next Eurotrip, or just a terminal-bound refugee from Krakozhia, you might want to give this internet lifeline a whirl.

Continue reading Xcom Global opens LAX service center, the jetset get data without borders

Xcom Global opens LAX service center, the jetset get data without borders originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broadbandinternetLAXLAX airportLaxAirportlos angelesLosAngelesmifimifi rentalMifiRentalmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetpricepricingroamingwwanXcom GlobalXcomGlobalThu, 01 Sep 2011 16:46:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile: overages on 200MB data plan in, throttling out]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/t-mobile-overages-on-200mb-data-plan-in-throttling-out/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/t-mobile-overages-on-200mb-data-plan-in-throttling-out/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/t-mobile-overages-on-200mb-data-plan-in-throttling-out/#comments Bad news T-Mobile fans: AllThingsD just confirmed that throttling on the 200MB plan is going the way of the dodo, with the carrier opting to charge overage fees instead. Under the new entry-level plan, those exceeding their monthly allotment will face a $0.10 overage per megabyte, until their penalties reach $30 -- the capped surcharge. The switchover won't happen until midnight tomorrow (the 13th), so those of you seeking to get grandfathered into the throttled plan better hop to it. Or you could just splurge on a pricier data plan, just like Little Magenta would want you to...

T-Mobile: overages on 200MB data plan in, throttling out originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3G4Gdatadata plansdata throttlingDataPlansDataThrottlingmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetoverage chargesOverageChargest-mobiletmobileunlimited dataUnlimitedDatausage chargesUsageChargeswireless dataWirelessDataFri, 12 Aug 2011 14:42:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile to begin charging overage on its 200MB plans on August 14th?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/t-mobile-to-begin-charging-overage-on-its-200mb-plans-on-august/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/t-mobile-to-begin-charging-overage-on-its-200mb-plans-on-august/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/t-mobile-to-begin-charging-overage-on-its-200mb-plans-on-august/#comments Say it isn't so! T-Mobile, flooded by larger-than-expected demand on data, may be just a matter of days away from making a polarizing change to its 200MB internet plans. As the feature currently stands, going over your limit results in a throttling of broadband speeds, forcing your browser to surf and download at a ridiculously slow pace. The rumored adjustment to the plan, however, would take away the option completely and replace it with usage charges. Each additional MB used, according to the leaked docs, will tack an extra dime onto your monthly bill. Fortunately, the overage is capped at $30 -- preventing several potential panic attacks at the mailbox -- and only affects the lower plan; additionally, anyone currently on the 200MB plan will be grandfathered, thus retaining their unlimited (albeit throttled) internet. Those on the 2GB plan can breathe easily for now, but there's no telling when the policy will spread like wildfire throughout the remainder of T-Mobile's data offerings. The change, slated to take place on August 14th, has yet to be officially confirmed by Bellevue. Meanwhile, we continue to watch as our options for limitless internet slowly fade away into the darkness.

T-Mobile to begin charging overage on its 200MB plans on August 14th? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g4gchargesdatadata speedsdata throttlingDataSpeedsDataThrottlinggrandfatheredlimitedlimited dataLimitedDatamobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetoverageoverage chargesOverageChargest mobilet-mot-mobilethrottlethrottlingtmoTMobileunlimited dataUnlimitedDatausageusage chargesUsageChargesThu, 11 Aug 2011 02:34:00 EST<![CDATA[FCC frees up to 650MHz of backhaul spectrum to accelerate rural 4G deployment]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/fcc-frees-up-to-650mhz-of-backhaul-spectrum-to-accelerate-rural/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/fcc-frees-up-to-650mhz-of-backhaul-spectrum-to-accelerate-rural/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/fcc-frees-up-to-650mhz-of-backhaul-spectrum-to-accelerate-rural/#commentsBusting down a critical obstacle in the deployment of mobile broadband in rural areas, the FCC announced plans to make up to 650MHz of spectrum available for microwave wireless backhaul. This particular block, which will be shared with cable TV relay (CARS) and broadcast auxiliary services (BAS), spans across half of the land mass of the US and blankets roughly 10 percent of the total population. The large expense of laying fiber optics at rural cell sites has been a barrier most companies haven't been able to break through; by implementing the use of microwave wireless backhaul, however, the government is hopeful this will drive the cost of deployment down, create new jobs and accelerate the rollout of 4G networks in remote areas. The FCC also allowed for the use of wider channels and smaller antennas, and lifted several federal restrictions in an attempt to make the process of securing spectrum easier. The department's clearly putting more focus on wireless broadband deployment in remote regions, and is currently asking for more comments on ways to ease the burden. Hit up the source link for more details on the plan.

FCC frees up to 650MHz of backhaul spectrum to accelerate rural 4G deployment originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g650mhz650mhz spectrum650mhzSpectrumbroadbanddepartmentfccfederallawlawsmobilemobile broadbandMobileBroadbandregulationsremote broadbandRemoteBroadbandruralrural broadbandrural deploymentRuralBroadbandRuralDeploymentspectrumTue, 09 Aug 2011 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget: what should visitors to the USA do for mobile internet?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/06/ask-engadget-what-should-visitors-to-the-usa-do-for-mobile-inte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/06/ask-engadget-what-should-visitors-to-the-usa-do-for-mobile-inte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/06/ask-engadget-what-should-visitors-to-the-usa-do-for-mobile-inte/#comments We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Mustafa, who'd love to visit America... if only the internet were cheaper. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"As someone who doesn't reside in the USA, I was wondering what would be the best way to get internet for my computer in the US for a couple of weeks? If it were Europe I know I'd look for some prepaid data. Is there anything similar offered by American carriers? A MiFi or a data SIM that I can tether from would work, but I'm trying to maintain a tight budget. Help!"

Truthfully, young Mustafa could probably round up an old AOL dial-up disc and at least connect from a family's house, or just camp out at a Starbucks all day and enjoy the sweet spoils of gratis WiFi. But when it comes to getting temporary mobile data in the States... well, let's just say we're keenly interested in hearing any tricks you readers may know. Xcom Global certainly rents a US modem (nice for folks with family in America that can order for them), but otherwise, we're drawing a blank. Toss your suggestions in comments below!

Ask Engadget: what should visitors to the USA do for mobile internet? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 22:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americaaskAsk EngadgetAskEngadgetbroadbandinternationalinternational roamingInternationalRoaminginternetmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetroamingtravelususaSat, 06 Aug 2011 22:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire boosts NYC WiMAX coverage by 21 percent, 91,363 people rejoice uncontrollably]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/clearwire-boosts-nyc-wimax-coverage-by-21-percent-91-363-people/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/clearwire-boosts-nyc-wimax-coverage-by-21-percent-91-363-people/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/clearwire-boosts-nyc-wimax-coverage-by-21-percent-91-363-people/#commentsConsider yourself a New Yorker? If so, you could find yourself underneath Sprint / TWC / Clearwire's 4G umbrella, as the trio has announced a 21 percent coverage expansion in the greater New York City area. Folks in Alpine, Bayonne, Elizabeth, Fair Lawn, Newark, Paramus, Secaucus, Union, NJ; and Hartsdale, New Rochelle, New York, Rockville Centre, Yonkers, NY will now be covered in the regional Clear network, and as of last count, that amounts to an extra 91,363 people. 'Course, a few newcomers will be born every minute, so maybe we've breached 91,369 by now. Or maybe more. Talk about confusing.

Continue reading Clearwire boosts NYC WiMAX coverage by 21 percent, 91,363 people rejoice uncontrollably

Clearwire boosts NYC WiMAX coverage by 21 percent, 91,363 people rejoice uncontrollably originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 01:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbroadbandclearclearwireexpansioninternetmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynynycsprinttime warnertime warner cableTimeWarnerTimeWarnerCabletwcwimaxwirelessWed, 13 Jul 2011 01:13:00 EST<![CDATA[iPass wants a world of interconnected WiFi, a roaming 'renaissance']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/ipass-wants-a-world-of-interconnected-wifi-a-roaming-renaissan/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/ipass-wants-a-world-of-interconnected-wifi-a-roaming-renaissan/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/ipass-wants-a-world-of-interconnected-wifi-a-roaming-renaissan/#comments Some ideas are undeniably sensible, and zero-click WiFi roaming across carriers and countries is one of them. That's why iPass has set itself the unenviable but likely profitable task of convincing global telecoms giants to overlook their differences and form an "Open Mobile Exchange" based on its cloud-based authentication technology. It won't be the first to embark on such a voyage of persuasion: Skype is already on the case and Boingo is too (at least, sort of), but there are still plenty of fragmented hotspot services out there waiting to be crushed and blended by an effortless roaming technology. We just hope iPass has perfected its pleading email template: "Dearest Carrier, have you considered...?" Full PR after the break.

Continue reading iPass wants a world of interconnected WiFi, a roaming 'renaissance'

iPass wants a world of interconnected WiFi, a roaming 'renaissance' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>authenticationdata roamingDataRoaminghotspotinternationaliPassmobile broadbandmobile datamobile wifiMobileBroadbandMobileDataMobileWifiOMXOpen Mobile ExchangeOpenMobileExchangeroamingwi-fiwi-fi hotspotWi-fiHotspotwifiwifi hotspotwifi roamingWifiHotspotWifiRoamingzero-clickThu, 07 Jul 2011 10:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft-led consortium to trial super WiFi network across the pond]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/microsoft-led-consortium-to-trial-super-wifi-network-across-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/microsoft-led-consortium-to-trial-super-wifi-network-across-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/microsoft-led-consortium-to-trial-super-wifi-network-across-the/#comments British mobile bandwidth hogs won't have to curb their data enthusiasm anytime soon if a scheduled 'super WiFi' trial minds it manners. Led by Microsoft and backed by the UK's biggest TV providers, this roided-up wireless network surfs along the spare 150MHz spectrum that terrestrial television avoids. Christened the 'white spaces,' networks abroad (and in the US) maintain these unused frequencies to prevent signal interference, but with MS' Dan Reed calling spectrum "...a finite natural resource," operators don't have much else to mine. Set for testing in Cambridge -- chosen for its dense cluster of buildings old and new -- this repurposed TV signal walks through walls its weaker mobile brethren smack into (at up to 16Mbps, no less!). With a similar British Telecom rollout already underway in Scotland, we'd say the tech has an imminent Anglo-future -- pity the US can't seem to unravel the red tape fast enough for a homegrown build-out.

[Image credit via ZDNet UK]

Microsoft-led consortium to trial super WiFi network across the pond originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCBritish Sky BroadcastingBritish TelecomBritishSkyBroadcastingBritishTelecomBSkyBBTMicrosoftMicrosoft super WiFiMicrosoft white spacesMicrosoftSuperWifiMicrosoftWhiteSpacesmobile broadbandmobile broadband UKmobile broadband white spaces UKMobileBroadbandMobileBroadbandUkMobileBroadbandWhiteSpacesUksuper WiFiSuperWifiUKwhite spacewhite spacesWhite spaces UKWhiteSpaceWhiteSpacesWhiteSpacesUkMon, 27 Jun 2011 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Dutch net neutrality first in EU, mobile operators side-eye KPN]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/dutch-net-neutrality-first-in-eu-mobile-operators-side-eye-kpn/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/dutch-net-neutrality-first-in-eu-mobile-operators-side-eye-kpn/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/22/dutch-net-neutrality-first-in-eu-mobile-operators-side-eye-kpn/#commentsKPN may have shot itself in the foot, but the Dutch parliament certainly helped pull the trigger. Following a very public brag earlier this year that the operator was using deep packet inspection to throttle service and charge users for unintended network usage comes a massive industry buzz kill in the form of mobile net neutrality legislation. Pending approval by the Senate, wireless network operators in the Netherlands will no longer be able to shiv customers for using that nifty rival messaging, or VoIP service of their choice -- Skype and Whatsapp, for starters. The country's telcos put on their lobbying best to whine the usual lines about higher consumer prices, and shaky quality assurance, but the Dutch government called that bluff. Though the ruling bans traffic discrimination, it doesn't preclude tricksier tiered data pricing -- sneaky little carriers. While this win is a first for Europe, OG credit goes to Chile for paving the way. Not yet banned in the Netherlands? Amazing airports, tulips, and cheese wheels.

[Image credit via Arbor Media]

Dutch net neutrality first in EU, mobile operators side-eye KPN originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>data protection actdata throttlingDataProtectionActDataThrottlingdeep packet inspectionDeepPacketInspectionden hagueDenHaguedpadpiDutchDutch parliamentDutchParliamentEUEuropean unionEuropeanUnionHollandKPNMaxime VerhagenMaximeVerhagenmobilemobile broadbandmobile net neutralityMobileBroadbandMobileNetNeutralityNet NeutralityNetNeutralityT-mobileVodafoneWed, 22 Jun 2011 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Holland's net neutrality act threatens to disrupt mobile carriers' pricing schemes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/hollands-net-neutrality-act-threatens-to-disrupt-mobile-carrier/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/hollands-net-neutrality-act-threatens-to-disrupt-mobile-carrier/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/hollands-net-neutrality-act-threatens-to-disrupt-mobile-carrier/#comments Net neutrality advocates are gaining momentum in The Hague as Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Maxime Verhagen, agreed to begin drafting legislation prohibiting teleco providers from blocking or charging extra for specific data traffic. Verhagen's action comes at the request of majority leaders in Netherland's Lower House, which adopted a motion to modify the Telecommunications Act in support of bit equality. The change should cause waves throughout the nation's mobile industry as Holland's largest provider, KPN, recently announced it would use deep packet inspection to monitor and selectively charge customers based on their usage. Currently, Vodafone blocks VoIP unless customers pay extra and T-Mobile has previously suggested it might follow suit.

The Economic Minister is now working with officials in Brussels to ensure the legislation is compatible with the EU framework, and the proposal is expected to go before the Dutch parliament within a few weeks. Skype and WhatsApp have received particular attention, as mobile providers argue they must offset the losses caused by these apps with surcharges -- or to block them altogether. Perhaps it's not the best week to be a telco exec in the Netherlands, but users of these "controversial" apps surely have reason to smile.

[Image courtesy Flickr]

Holland's net neutrality act threatens to disrupt mobile carriers' pricing schemes originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 May 2011 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>data protection actdata throttlingDataProtectionActDataThrottlingdeep packet inspectionDeepPacketInspectionden hagueDenHaguedpadpiEUEuropean unionEuropeanUnionHollandKPNMaxime VerhagenMaximeVerhagenmobilemobile broadbandmobile dataMobileBroadbandMobileDataNet NeutralityNetherlandsNetNeutralityprivacysecurityskypeT-Mobilethe hagueTheHagueVodafonevoipwhatsappWed, 25 May 2011 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[BT and Everything Everywhere will start LTE trial in rural UK this September]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/bt-and-everything-everywhere-will-start-lte-trial-in-rural-uk-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/bt-and-everything-everywhere-will-start-lte-trial-in-rural-uk-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/bt-and-everything-everywhere-will-start-lte-trial-in-rural-uk-th/#comments Some of the UK's most remote parts still don't have access to broadband of any kind, but later this year, they might have the sort that makes us look on in envy. BT and Everything Everywhere are planning to start an LTE trial in Cornwall, England's most southerly county, which will last from the 1st of September through to the end of December. Connection speeds could scale as high as 40Mbps, though the typical rate is expected to be closer to 10Mbps. Volunteers are now being sought to participate in the trial, though they have to reside (or be willing to move, we presume) in the pretty tiny 4G coverage area near Newquay. BT and T-MOrange have been allowed a temporary slice of 800MHz spectrum to do their experimenting in, which will likely be up for grabs in the LTE spectrum auction that's set for next year. First we take Newquay, then we take the world.

Continue reading BT and Everything Everywhere will start LTE trial in rural UK this September

BT and Everything Everywhere will start LTE trial in rural UK this September originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 May 2011 03:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbroadbandbtcollaborationcornwalleverything everywhereEverythingEverywhereinternetltelte trialLteTrialmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetorangeorange ukOrangeUkremoteruralrural broadbandRuralBroadbandt-mobilet-mobile ukT-mobileUktrialtrialsWed, 25 May 2011 03:47:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T demos speedy LTE, calls 28.8Mbps downloads realistic for real people]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/atandt-demos-speedy-lte-calls-28-8mbps-downloads-realistic-for-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/atandt-demos-speedy-lte-calls-28-8mbps-downloads-realistic-for-re/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/atandt-demos-speedy-lte-calls-28-8mbps-downloads-realistic-for-re/#comments GigaOM got to peek inside AT&T's Foundry innovation center in Texas this week, and the tour came with a special treat -- a first glimpse at how AT&T's upcoming LTE network might perform when the carrier flips the switch later this year. Where Verizon's existing network promises download speeds of between 5 and 12 megabits per second (though we've gotten far better and worse in practice), the publication witnessed a connection with 28.87Mbps download and 10.4Mbps upload speeds, using a MIMO antenna passing bits through both 700MHz and AWS frequencies. "But," you protest, "isn't LTE capable of more?" Sure, but an AT&T executive told the publication that these were meant to be real-world numbers. Still, considering all the factors and where the test was held, it's probably best to break out the table salt for now.

AT&T demos speedy LTE, calls 28.8Mbps downloads realistic for real people originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 May 2011 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4GATTbroadbanddatademoLTEmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetspeedspeed testSpeedTesttestThu, 19 May 2011 19:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon finally killing unlimited data plans this summer, says it'll get iPhone 5 at same time as AT&T]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/verizon-finally-killing-unlimited-data-plans-this-summer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/verizon-finally-killing-unlimited-data-plans-this-summer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/verizon-finally-killing-unlimited-data-plans-this-summer/#comments Verizon's been telegraphing its intent to drop unlimited data plans for nearly a year, and despite the fact that LTE smartphones launched with all-you-can-eat options, those plans haven't changed one bit. Reuters reports that Verizon will finally nix the megabyte buffet this summer, replacing it with a fully tiered data pricing scheme, though CFO Fran Shammo also floated the idea that tiered data could open up an avenue for family data plans. We've never really enjoyed sharing minutes, so we doubt counting our kilobytes will be much fun, but we suppose there's always room for Verizon to pleasantly surprise us with a really low price for mobile web browsing. Right? By the by, Fran also reiterated claims that the next iPhone will be a global device, and said that when it launches on AT&T, it'll hit Verizon stores at the very same time.

Verizon finally killing unlimited data plans this summer, says it'll get iPhone 5 at same time as AT&T originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 May 2011 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appledatadata plandata plansDataPlanDataPlansglobaliPhoneiPhone 5Iphone5limitedmobile broadbandMobileBroadbandtieredtiered pricingTieredPricingunlimitedunlimited dataUnlimitedDataVerizonVerizon WirelessVerizonWirelessVZWThu, 19 May 2011 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Dutch telco KPN using deep packet inspection to monitor mobile customers, throttle services]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/dutch-telco-kpn-using-deep-packet-inspection-to-monitor-mobile-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/dutch-telco-kpn-using-deep-packet-inspection-to-monitor-mobile-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/dutch-telco-kpn-using-deep-packet-inspection-to-monitor-mobile-c/#comments KPN KPN set off some alarms in Holland last month when it announced a plan to start charging customers separate fees for using VoIP, streaming video, and sending instant messages. But, the question remained: how exactly would it keep mobile data users honest? The answer turns out to be deep packet inspection, which examines network traffic to identify what you're sending and where it's going. It's been suspected that the secret ingredient in KNP's service-throttling sauce was DPI, but it was finally confirmed in a presentation to investors recently. In fact, Mark Fisher, the director of KPN Mobile, bragged that it was the "very first" provider to be "able to identify by deep packet inspection what is actually the destination as data packages go along." Predictably, privacy and net neutrality advocates are up in arms, with some claiming it is a violation of the Dutch Data Protection Act. We just hope someone nips this in the bud soon -- we don't need American carriers knowing about our Scottish Fold obsession. Check out the source link for an audio clip of Fisher's confession.

[Thanks, Daan]

Dutch telco KPN using deep packet inspection to monitor mobile customers, throttle services originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 May 2011 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>data protection actdata throttlingDataProtectionActDataThrottlingdeep packet inspectionDeepPacketInspectiondpadpimobile broadbandmobile dataMobileBroadbandMobileDatanet neutralitynetherlandsNetNeutralityprivacysecuritystreaming videoStreamingVideothrottlingVoIPThu, 12 May 2011 17:43:00 EST<![CDATA[WiMAX sleeve brings 4G speeds to the iPhone 4 in South Korea]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/wimax-sleeve-brings-4g-speeds-to-the-iphone-4-in-south-korea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/wimax-sleeve-brings-4g-speeds-to-the-iphone-4-in-south-korea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/wimax-sleeve-brings-4g-speeds-to-the-iphone-4-in-south-korea/#comments
This is exactly how we humans got out of the trees five million years ago. We spot a problem, like the iPhone 4's lack of 4G data, and we solve it. In fact, Korean Telecom's new Egg sleeve not only brings WiMAX to the iPhone 4 but also incorporates an extra battery to allow five hours of 4G surfing. It could make bipedalism slightly uncomfortable however, by bulking your pocket out with 2.4 ounces (68g) in added weight plus a third of an inch (8mm) in extra thickness. Primates outside of South Korea can't buy the ₩129,800 ($120) Egg right now, but problem-solving minds can always use 4G mobile hotspots instead -- like the Sprint Overdrive or Verizon's new LTE-based MiFi. That's why we're the jungle VIP.

WiMAX sleeve brings 4G speeds to the iPhone 4 in South Korea originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 May 2011 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4Gapplecasedataegghigh-speed InternetHigh-speedInternetiphoneiphone 4iphone batteryiphone caseiphone sleeveIphone4IphoneBatteryIphoneCaseIphoneSleevekorean telecomKoreanTelecomktMobile BroadbandMobileBroadbandsleevespeedwibroWiMaxMon, 09 May 2011 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint set to introduce tiered data for mobile broadband, steal candy from children (update: 3G only)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/sprint-set-to-introduce-tiered-data-for-mobile-broadband-steal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/sprint-set-to-introduce-tiered-data-for-mobile-broadband-steal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/sprint-set-to-introduce-tiered-data-for-mobile-broadband-steal/#comments There's a rumor flying about that Sprint is about to drop the unlimited act and give its mobile broadband pricing a shot in the arm. Based on its current plan, $50 per month buys you unlimited data, but after this purported change, the same fee will limit you to 5GB each month -- assuming you're already a Sprint customer using data on your phone, because otherwise it'll cost you an additional $10 per month. Sure, we get that Sprint isn't a charity, but is simply copying and pasting Verizon's mobile broadband pricing really the way to go? Like VZW, it's also been suggested that the Now Network will implement a 3GB plan for $35 and a 10GB option for $80. On the bright side (possibly maybe?), Sprint is throwing in an additional 300 minutes on top of its 450 minute voice plan, though frankly we'd rather have more data. Does anyone have change for 300 unused minutes?

Update: Looks like this tiered pricing only applies to 3G, and that WiMAX data plans remain unlimited (see picture after the break).

Update 2: Sprint has confirmed that WiMAX usage over mobile broadband cards will stay uncapped, and would like to remind everyone that its data plans for phones will remain unchanged (and of course, unlimited).

[Thanks, Korey]

Continue reading Sprint set to introduce tiered data for mobile broadband, steal candy from children (update: 3G only)

Sprint set to introduce tiered data for mobile broadband, steal candy from children (update: 3G only) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 May 2011 03:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Data PlanDataPlanmobileMobile BroadbandMobileBroadbandpriceprice increasePriceIncreasepromotionrumorsprinttiered pricingTieredPricingVerizonTue, 03 May 2011 03:11:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile invites you to surf under the sun with new $40 2GB data plan, sunblock not included]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/t-mobile-invites-you-to-surf-under-the-sun-with-new-40-2gb-data/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/t-mobile-invites-you-to-surf-under-the-sun-with-new-40-2gb-data/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/t-mobile-invites-you-to-surf-under-the-sun-with-new-40-2gb-data/#comments T-Mobile has introduced a less expensive option for those who want internet on the go (and don't like spending all day at the coffee shop). The company's new plan, priced at $39.99 per month, offers customers 2GB of overage-free data access, which is throttled after the limit is reached. The service requires a standard two-year commitment, but existing voice subscribers will receive a 20% discount for the broadband package, effectively reducing the cost to $31.99. Of course, the usual taxes and surcharges still apply. If you're unsure whether mobile internet is right for you, T-Mo also offers month-to-month pricing, allowing you to test its HSPA+ service without the hassle of a long-term relationship. And in case you're looking for a little somethin' to serve up all this data, this little Hotspot might just do the trick -- as for the new plan, you'll find all the sordid details in the source link below.

T-Mobile invites you to surf under the sun with new $40 2GB data plan, sunblock not included originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 May 2011 01:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbundleData PlanDataPlandiscounthspa+mobileMobile BroadbandMobileBroadbandoverage freeOverageFreeT-Mobilet-mobile usaT-mobileUsathrottlingUSAwebconnectMon, 02 May 2011 01:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Xcom Global's international MiFi rentals getting cheaper, Eurotrips making a comeback]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/29/xcom-globals-international-mifi-rentals-getting-cheaper-eurotr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/29/xcom-globals-international-mifi-rentals-getting-cheaper-eurotr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/29/xcom-globals-international-mifi-rentals-getting-cheaper-eurotr/#comments No sense in beating around the proverbial bush -- we're huge fans of Xcom Global's business model, and frankly, we're saddened that every single nation in the world isn't yet included in its list of supported countries. For those hearing the name for the first time, you'll be doing yourself a solid by catching up with our review of the service, which enables jetsetters to rent MiFis or USB WWAN devices for international destinations before taking off. The end result is an always-on data connection for a reasonable fee (read: no roaming), and it looks as if those fees are about to shrink in the coming months.

The company has informed us that it'll be previewing "membership pricing" starting next month, giving consumers the ability to pick up a MiFi for $14.95 per day or a USB WWAN dongle for $12.95 per day. The real story, however, is this: second MiFis for two-country itineraries will no longer incur an additional fee, and if you're setting out on a bona fide Eurotrip, every MiFi beyond that will ring up as a flat $30 fee regardless of trip length. We're told that the pricing scheme will be fully revealed in June, and that it's a permanent endeavor as opposed to a trial run. Membership itself will also be free, and while we're still holding out hope that Xcom can nail down a global MiFi solution, these pricing tweaks will certainly make it easy to nation-hop while across the pond.

Xcom Global's international MiFi rentals getting cheaper, Eurotrips making a comeback originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broadbandexclusiveinternetmifimifi rentalMifiRentalmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetpricepricingroamingwwanXcom GlobalXcomGlobalFri, 29 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[IEEE approves next generation WiMAX standard, invites you to meet 802.16m]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/ieee-approves-next-generation-wimax-standard-invites-you-to-mee/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/ieee-approves-next-generation-wimax-standard-invites-you-to-mee/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/01/ieee-approves-next-generation-wimax-standard-invites-you-to-mee/#commentsIt's a term (and a technology) that has been bandied about for around four years now, but after waiting far too long for the next next best thing, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers has just given its oh-so-coveted stamp of approval to 802.16m. For those unfamiliar with such a term, that's the standard for next generation WiMAX, which may end up being capable of handling downstream rates of over 300Mbps. 'Course, those that were around during CEATEC last year know that Samsung already hit that in testing, but we're starting to feel as if that 1Gbps theoretical maximum that we were teased with in 2007 (and again last year) won't ever breach reality. It's tough to say what this approval means on the consumer front -- over the past four years, a tremendous amount of carriers have switched their allegiance to LTE, and even if WiMAX 2.0 finds itself ready for public consumption in the near future, it'll take a serious operator commitment before you'll ever enjoy the spoils. So Sprint, you feeling froggy?

Continue reading IEEE approves next generation WiMAX standard, invites you to meet 802.16m

IEEE approves next generation WiMAX standard, invites you to meet 802.16m originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g802.16mieeemobile broadbandMobileBroadbandprotocolstandardwimaxWiMax-2wireless broadbandWirelessBroadbandWirelessMAN-Advanced Air InterfaceWirelessman-advancedAirInterfacewwanFri, 01 Apr 2011 11:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy Connect takes the 4G leap, now stocking over 20 WiMAX products]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/best-buy-connect-takes-the-4g-leap-now-stocking-over-20-wimax-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/best-buy-connect-takes-the-4g-leap-now-stocking-over-20-wimax-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/best-buy-connect-takes-the-4g-leap-now-stocking-over-20-wimax-p/#comments Took 'em long enough! Nearly a full year has elapsed between the time that Best Buy announced that its 'Connect' program would support 4G and the time that it actually started stocked 4G gear. In fact, the company actually took the time to sign up for LightSquared's wholesale LTE service a full week prior to making good on its commitment to Clearwire, which may or may not say anything about the future viability of WiMAX. At any rate, those who'd prefer to sift through mounds of peripherals (and be hounded at the exit by employees attempting to hawk product protection plans) in order to buy their 4G service can now do just that. BB Connect stores in the US will offer unlimited 4G service for $45 per month with a month-to-month or two-year contract, and if you choose the latter, the $35 activation fee will be waived and a hardware subsidy ("up to $150") will be yours. So, you digging in, or feeling the tug of Long-Term Evolution?

Continue reading Best Buy Connect takes the 4G leap, now stocking over 20 WiMAX products

Best Buy Connect takes the 4G leap, now stocking over 20 WiMAX products originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gavailablebest buybest buy connectBestBuyBestBuyConnectclearclearwireMobile Broadbandmobile wwanMobileBroadbandMobileWwannow availableNowAvailableon saleOnSaleretailwimaxwwanWed, 30 Mar 2011 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[O2 scraps mobile tethering surcharges, cheers up a whole United Kingdom]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/o2-scraps-mobile-tethering-surcharges-cheers-up-a-whole-united/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/o2-scraps-mobile-tethering-surcharges-cheers-up-a-whole-united/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/o2-scraps-mobile-tethering-surcharges-cheers-up-a-whole-united/#comments This is weird. UK carrier O2 has decided to do exactly what we've been asking mobile operators to do for donkeys' years -- it's going to allow users to chew through their data allowance in whatever fashion they like, without imposing artificial surcharges for tethering secondary devices to your phone. Up till now, you'd have had to swallow a salty £7.65 ($12.24) charge each month to get your tether on with O2, but for whatever reason, that has now been scrapped for subscribers on pay-monthly deals. Hit up the source link for a detailed list of O2's new contract options -- they don't include any unlimited 3G data plans, unfortunately, but we'll take what we can get for now.

[Thanks, Neerav]

O2 scraps mobile tethering surcharges, cheers up a whole United Kingdom originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broadbanddatadata plansDataPlansinternetinternet tetheringInternetTetheringmobile broadbandMobileBroadbando2o2 simplicityo2 ukO2SimplicityO2Ukpricepricingsimplicitytetheringukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomTue, 29 Mar 2011 09:42:00 EST