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Verizon's HomeFusion LTE to the home now available nationwide

Terrence O'Brien — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:44:00 EST

Verizon is trying to put the final nail in the coffin of its DSL service. Of course, that's still a long way off but, for those outside of reach of its FiOS tentacles, Big Red is pushing HomeFusion. The LTE to the home solution, which started rolling out in early March, is now available nationwide... provided your definition of "nationwide" jibes with Verizon's. Still, with a claimed two-thirds of the US population covered by 230 distinct 4G markets, VZW is hoping to expand its residential broadband footprint without running those costly and ugly wires. The five to 12 Mbps down, and two to five Mbps up speeds aren't going to beat a fiber to the home connection, but it should run circles around your average DSL line. One thing it wont do, though, is save you money. With plans starting at $60 a month for 10GB of data and climbing to $120 for 30GB (not to mention the $10 per GB overage fees) HomeFusion isn't exactly a bargain. For more info check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading Verizon's HomeFusion LTE to the home now available nationwide

Verizon's HomeFusion LTE to the home now available nationwide originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New iPad has 'world ready' 3G, LTE for Verizon, Rogers, Bell, Telus and AT&T

Richard Lawler — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:41:00 EST

At Apple's ongoing press conference, the company has just revealed its new retina display-equipped iPad will feature high speed LTE connections on Verizon, Rogers, Bell, Telus and AT&T networks, as well as 3G that works around the world. It brings "the most bands ever", but it looks like we'll still be looking at separate devices that work with either Verizon and AT&T, but not both. Besides the 3.1Mbps EV-DO and 7.2Mbps HSPA that were on the iPad 2, the new slates add 21Mbps HSPA+, 42Mbps DC-HSDPA and 73Mbps LTE connections. Not sure you need that speed on your tablet? Maybe your other devices will appreciate it, since these also have personal hotspot functionality built-in.

For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!

New iPad has 'world ready' 3G, LTE for Verizon, Rogers, Bell, Telus and AT&T originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC puts Dish Network's LTE plans on hold, opts for a longer review

Richard Lawler — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 12:18:00 EST

In a bit of bad news for Dish Network, the FCC has decided against issuing a waiver for it to start using the spectrum it's acquired from DBSD and Terrestar over the last year or so right away. Company chairman Charlie Ergen that waiting might make it too risky for the company to try and roll out wireless services at all. We'll see if that is truly the case, as the FCC's decision is to opt for a longer "rule-making" process that could take until the end of the year to wrap up before Dish can get started on delivering LTE services. While it seems unlikely Dish is going to get the LightSquared treatment, what exactly this means for its wireless broadband plans, or even the potential of a rumored purchase by AT&T, is unclear at this point.

FCC puts Dish Network's LTE plans on hold, opts for a longer review originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Mar 2012 12:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Congress passes bill opening up TV spectrum to next-gen WiFi networks

Donald Melanson — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:19:00 EST

It may seem a bit odd to see tech industry groups like the CTIA and CEA praising the passage of the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 by Congress, but that rather mundane-sounding bill has provisions attached to it that both groups and others have been pushing for years to happen. In an effort to cover the cost of the payroll tax extension, the bill also sets aside a large block of so-called unlicensed spectrum for auction, which is expected to bring in upwards of $25 billion. That spectrum had previously been used for TV broadcast use, but is now being eyed by various parties for next-generation WiFi networks, which could cover greater distances and potentially be used to bolster existing wireless networks. As part of the bill, Congress has also set aside a slice of spectrum that will be used as part of a nationwide network for public safety agencies. As The New York Times notes, however, it will see be quite a while before anything trickles down to consumers, with the auctions themselves at least a year or two away. The CEA and CTIA's statements can be found after the break.

[Tower photo via Shutterstock]

Continue reading Congress passes bill opening up TV spectrum to next-gen WiFi networks

Congress passes bill opening up TV spectrum to next-gen WiFi networks originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European Parliament approves January 2013 deadline for 4G spectrum free up

James Trew — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:29:00 EST

Back in November, the European Commission, European Parliament and its member states agreed on plans to repurpose their 800MHz frequency bands for 4G mobile networks. Today, that decision has been officially approved. The Radio Spectrum Policy Programme (RSPP) has been set up to coordinate the use of this spectrum for fourth-generation services across the continent. Currently, 800MHz is used for analog television, but the new ruling gives member nations until the 1st of January 2013 to switch over to digital and authorize the band for its new role. Those nations dragging their heels can obtain an exemption, but mobile operators will be eager to see the spectrum freed up before then if possible. Swedish politician Gunnar Hökmark, who pushed for the legislation, hopes that it could lead to the EU having the fastest mobile broadband worldwide. Just don't tell AT&T.

European Parliament approves January 2013 deadline for 4G spectrum free up originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skype co-founder's latest company signs deal with LightSquared, promises free broadband and voice services

Donald Melanson — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 07:41:00 EST

A mysterious startup promising free wireless broadband and voice services to all Americans should rightly prompt a fair bit of skepticism, but FreedomPop isn't quite your average fly-by-night organization (despite appearances). It's backed by Skype co-founder Niklas Zennstrom, and it's just signed an agreement with LTE wholesaler LightSquared to provide the backbone for the service. Unfortunately, details remain decidedly light otherwise. The company says that the service will launch sometime in 2012 (LightSquared's network itself is slated to go live in the second half of the year, though it still faces some hurdles), and it will apparently be focused on serving markets most in need of wireless broadband initially, before rolling out across the country. As FierceCable notes, the service brings to mind the many free internet dial-up services of the 1990s, which relied largely on advertising, although it remains to be seen if that's the route FreedomPop has in mind.

Continue reading Skype co-founder's latest company signs deal with LightSquared, promises free broadband and voice services

Skype co-founder's latest company signs deal with LightSquared, promises free broadband and voice services originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 07:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Zach Honig — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:27:00 EST

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.

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Multi-gigabit wireless broadband within our grasp, capped data plans laugh in our face

Brad Molen — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:21:00 EST

Bring it on, LTE-Advanced. In case you've been looking for ways to eat up your capped data plan any faster, a researcher from Samsung proclaims that speeds up to 5.5gbps (yes, with a g) might be reachable within the next five years -- as long as all the stars align, that is. Jerry Pi demonstrated the idea, which involves the use of millimeter wave spectrum that lies between 3GHz and 300GHz. If -- and that's a big if -- the spectrum can be secured, the next hurdle will be the engineering challenge of deploying a wireless broadband network at such high frequencies; even tiny oxygen molecules, let alone walls and trees, would easily break up a signal at that range. Pi mentions that he and his fellow researchers are working on a few ideas to get around these obstacles, and outlines everything in significant detail in his 100+ slide presentation, which can be accessed below. Don't get us wrong: the idea of broadband data speeds hitting 5.5gbps makes us salivate, but it would definitely need to come with an unlimited plan. Just sayin'.

Multi-gigabit wireless broadband within our grasp, capped data plans laugh in our face originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LightSquared donates phones to North American tribes, keeps the rural connectivity flame a burnin'

Dante Cesa — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:12:00 EST

It looks like LightSquared's crush on rural America is still ongoing, folks. The firm announced today it'll donate 2,000 satellite phones to the Indian Health Service and other tribal organizations, allowing them to make calls in areas that terrestrial networks don't cover. Sadly, no details on exactly what gear it's deploying, but according to Computerworld the devices are voice-only, meaning IHS employees better get pretty damn crafty if they want to surf Engadget whilst on the job -- can you say dial-up tether? Either way, with connectivity headed to facilities in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Arizona, can the firm's wholesale debut be that far off? We'll have to see, but in the meantime, indulge in the official PR beyond the break.

Continue reading LightSquared donates phones to North American tribes, keeps the rural connectivity flame a burnin'

LightSquared donates phones to North American tribes, keeps the rural connectivity flame a burnin' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Taco Bell to serve up free WiFi and in-store TV, keep you LOL'ing through Fourthmeal

Christopher Trout — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:38:00 EST

The border runners at Taco Bell have fallen behind the ginger clown and his posse of hamburger-loving friends in terms of connectivity, but the fast food franchise will soon rectify that with the introduction of free WiFi at 5,600 locations over the next four years. In an attempt to keep you connected whilst stuffing your face with Beefy Melt Burritos, Taco Bell has teamed up with Indoor Direct to bring in-store WiFi and a specially branded TV network to the chain. Diners will apparently be encouraged to interact with content running on the network, with enticements to download free music, receive opt-in text messages, and engage in social media campaigns. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to resurrect that pot-stirring little chihuahua.

Continue reading Taco Bell to serve up free WiFi and in-store TV, keep you LOL'ing through Fourthmeal

Taco Bell to serve up free WiFi and in-store TV, keep you LOL'ing through Fourthmeal originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Houston grandmother becomes host of first 'super WiFi' hotspot, proves you're never too old for wireless

Christopher Trout — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:35:00 EST

This ain't your grandma's WiFi -- that is, unless your grandma is 48 year-old Leticia Aguirre. The Houston woman became the host of the very first "super WiFi" hotspot, earlier this week -- the new network takes advantage of unused UHF TV channels to bring internet service to underserved communities. In collaboration with researchers at Rice University, a Houston-based non-profit fittingly referred to as Technology for All (TFA), facilitated the setup and is in the process of deploying more whitespace hotspots across the area. The FCC approved use of whitespace for the new "super WiFi" back in September of last year. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Houston grandmother becomes host of first 'super WiFi' hotspot, proves you're never too old for wireless

Houston grandmother becomes host of first 'super WiFi' hotspot, proves you're never too old for wireless originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Darren Murph — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:46:00 EST

It'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.

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Twenty pilot programs to bring off-campus broadband to low-income school districts

Laura June — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:47:00 EST

The FCC announced on Wednesday the approval of a plan that will ramp up twenty pilot programs in fourteen states. The program -- called Learning On-the-Go -- will bring wireless broadband connections to students off campus. The devices will include mobile phones and laptops, enabling students to have internet connections when they're not at school. Starting in the 2011-2012 school year, 35,000 elementary and secondary school students will be impacted in Colorado, Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, Ohio, Georgia, Texas, Michigan, North Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, California, New Mexico and Iowa. The total cost of the program is estimated to be $9 million, but it'll certainly be paid back in all those Facebook visits during off-school hours, right? Hit up the source link for the full document (warning: it's a PDF).

Twenty pilot programs to bring off-campus broadband to low-income school districts originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung showing off 330Mbps WiMAX 2 mobile broadband over at CEATEC 2010

Vlad Savov — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 02:58:00 EST

WiMAX 2, the sequel to the movie most people haven't watched, is back to tease and tantalize us courtesy of Samsung's new CEATEC demo. Filling four separate HDTVs with streaming Full HD and 3D content, the Korean manufacturer of everything electronic is touting its latest advance in mobile broadband connectivity that takes the top speed up to 330Mbps. That may only be a third of the theoretical max capability of WiMAX 2, but you know, we'll take it for now. The good news is that Samsung's innovation brew extends only to the conduits between WiMAX devices, meaning that your current-gen transceiver will be able to join the accelerated party as and when Samsung's ready to dish out the goods. With the 802.16m standard expected to be ratified by next month, Samsung projects its first commercial solutions will be landing in late 2011. Consider our calendars marked.

Continue reading Samsung showing off 330Mbps WiMAX 2 mobile broadband over at CEATEC 2010

Samsung showing off 330Mbps WiMAX 2 mobile broadband over at CEATEC 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 02:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC votes unanimously in favor of using whitespace for 'super WiFi'

Ross Miller — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:55:00 EST

Just as we suspected earlier this month, the Federal Communications Commission has voted unanimously (that's five yeas and zero nays, if you need a specific tally) in favor of using the unlicensed whitespace airwaves for what it calls a "super WiFi" of sorts. The vote accordingly also mandates a database mapping out TV channels and major wireless mic users (e.g. broadway theaters and sports leagues), with at least two channels set aside for minor users of wireless mics. Google's Public Policy Blog wasted no time in praising the move, and more specifically the apparent rejection of "calls to enact burdensome and unnecessary constraints" that would discourage innovation. The company is accordingly now waiting on Chairman Julius Genachowski and friends to name administrators to the geolocation database and specify rules for its operation -- the last step, it believes, before products can reach consumers. So there you have it, the spare spectrum is all but good to go... ladies and gentleman, please don your thinking caps and get to work pronto.

FCC votes unanimously in favor of using whitespace for 'super WiFi' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European Commission lays out new broadband plan, reserves spectrum for mobile broadband

Donald Melanson — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 07:26:00 EST

It's not quite the law of the land just yet, but the European Commission has just laid out some far-reaching new broadband rules that, if implemented, could have some wide ranging implications. Some of the basic rules were first announced earlier this year in the so-called Digital Agenda, including a mandate for basic broadband access across the EU by 2013, and a 30Mbps minimum by 2020. Perhaps most notably, however, is that the Commission has recommended that spectrum in the 800MHz band between 790-862MHz (being vacated as TV broadcasters make the switch to digital) be set aside for mobile broadband use by 2013. Just how much will it cost to implement the recommendations? Between 180 and 270 billion euros, or between 240 and 360 billion US dollars. That's obviously not going to come easily, but the Commision apparently thinks its doable, and notes that a number of measures have already been put in place to increase funding.

European Commission lays out new broadband plan, reserves spectrum for mobile broadband originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 07:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC set to approve use of unlicensed airwaves for whitespace internet, wants 'innovators and entrepreneurs' to exploit them

Vlad Savov — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 06:17:00 EST

Digg Good old whitespace is finally about to get itself some real action, courtesy of the FCC's upcoming (and long-delayed) ratification of a decision to authorize its unlicensed use. Opening up the spare spectrum that resides between TV channels' broadcasting frequencies -- which in itself has expanded in the wake of the transition from analog to digital television -- is expected to be a massive boon to innovation, with exponentially larger wireless networks being the first prospective benefit. Such wireless nirvanas have already been set up in Claudville, Virginia and Wilmington, North Carolina, while Microsoft, Google, HP, Sprint, and others are said to be mulling and testing out their own ways for exploiting the newfound wireless freedom as well. Another positive note is that former requirements for white space-using devices to be able to tap into a database and identify themselves are likely to be scrapped, making for much simpler rollouts of whatever awesome new tech awaits in our future.

[Thanks, Marc]

FCC set to approve use of unlicensed airwaves for whitespace internet, wants 'innovators and entrepreneurs' to exploit them originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 06:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mushroom announces durable PortaBella wireless bonding device, continues adorable naming scheme

Tim Stevens — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:52:00 EST

It's okay if you've never heard of wireless broadband bonding. The technology hasn't exactly caught on, even if it gets us all excited in our download place. The basic idea is to take a suite of wireless broadband adapters and plug them all into a single router, aggregating their power like shotgun modems did in the dial-up days. Mushroom Networks is the leader in this space and it has announced a new, "heavy duty" version of its PortaBella bonding device, joining its Porcini and Truffle models. The new PortaBella combines the connections of up to four wireless modems, even from different carriers, and works at temperatures ranging from 4 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit -- which sadly doesn't quite meet the extremes experienced on an average day at the Engadget Lunar Outpost. It seems our heavenly bloggers above will have to keep sharing that single modem for now.

Continue reading Mushroom announces durable PortaBella wireless bonding device, continues adorable naming scheme

Mushroom announces durable PortaBella wireless bonding device, continues adorable naming scheme originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T likes Google & Verizon's wired-only net neutrality stance, Time Warner Cable doesn't

Tim Stevens — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:02:00 EST

Network neutrality is the battle to keep companies from filtering your access to whatever you want on those great, united internets. But, as we explored in depth last week, Google and Verizon think they should only have to play nice when it comes to wired broadband -- that wireless should be exempt from neutrality-related FCC regulation. The FCC wasn't too pleased with that sentiment, but we found someone who is: AT&T VP Joan Marsh, who posted a lengthy statement entitled: "Wireless is Different." In it she continues the theme of explaining how meeting demand on a wireless network is much more difficult than on wired, even going so far as to place some of the blame on local communities:

We are constantly striving to increase the efficiency of our spectrum resources, but the amount of available spectrum in any given market is finite. And while we regularly split cell sectors and add additional cell towers, there are very real limits placed on cell site construction by zoning and local approval boards.

This is surely a real problem, but what we haven't heard yet is just how letting companies like Verizon and AT&T create premium tiers for wireless content will do anything other than allow them to make more money while still complaining about the same 'ol problems.

Meanwhile, a company that has virtually no skin in the wireless game, Time Warner Cable, isn't so keen on this stance regarding traditional, wired broadband. CEO Glenn Britt says his company would never throttle content in a way that would violate net neutrality, but still doesn't want more rules put in place that would prevent them from doing so. Funny how everyone likes net neutrality until it threatens to cramp their style, isn't it?

AT&T likes Google & Verizon's wired-only net neutrality stance, Time Warner Cable doesn't originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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White House throws its weight behind wireless broadband, wants 500MHz of spectrum reallocated

Chris Ziegler — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:21:00 EST

Ask, and ye shall receive, FCC: hot off Julius Genachowski's National Broadband Plan asking for 500MHz of additional spectrum to keep up with anticipated demand over the coming years, the White House appears to be totally on board with an Obama-penned memorandum out today demanding that federal agencies under his control get on board, while also "strongly encouraging" independent agencies to do the same. This isn't some open-ended, pie-in-the-sky deal, either; the 500MHz needs to be turned loose in the next ten years, and the president wants a plan on his desk -- penned with the help of the FCC -- by October 1 of this year on exactly how to make that happen. It's looking more and more like at least some privately-held spectrum is going to need to be reallocated involuntarily, but there's a lot of underused and unused airspace out there right now, so it'll be interesting to see if these guys can comply with the order in a drama-free manner. Follow the break for the full text of the memorandum.

Continue reading White House throws its weight behind wireless broadband, wants 500MHz of spectrum reallocated

White House throws its weight behind wireless broadband, wants 500MHz of spectrum reallocated originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC will consider 'free or very low cost wireless broadband' service

Vlad Savov — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:13:00 EST

Did you know there was a Digital Inclusion Summit going on? We already know the FCC isn't best pleased about the fact 93 million Americans are making do without access to home broadband, and this latest event was an opportunity for it to dish some more info on its forthcoming National Broadband Plan. The major obstacles to broadband adoption identified by the FCC were noted as cost, computer illiteracy, and a sheer lack of awareness about the benefits the web offers (outside of cute kitties). The big Plan will be delivered to Congress a week from today, and its suggestions will include the creation of a Digital Literacy Corps, who'll be performing missionary duties among the unenlightened, and the big whopper: a proposal to "consider use of spectrum for a free or very low cost wireless broadband service." Yeah, if you can't jump over the cost hurdle you might as well eviscerate it from existence. Quite naturally, such radical plans have been met with much grumbling opposition, and Business Week reports that it may be years before the full reforms are implemented ... if at all.

FCC will consider 'free or very low cost wireless broadband' service originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spectrum cash-out option might still be on the table for FCC, broadcasters

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:02:00 EST

Silly us for thinking this issue had been drawing to a close! Indeed, rumors are swirling again that the FCC is looking into the concept of getting television broadcasters to trade in some spectrum in support of the nation's universal broadband initiatives -- initiatives for which significant additional airspace is likely needed, and for which the Commission is expected to file its master plan to Congress next month. The latest information from BusinessWeek says that companies might be offered the opportunity to share in the monetary spoils of any auction that would come out of reclaimed spectrum, a privilege usually reserved for the government's coffers alone. It's unclear whether the move would be voluntary, "voluntary," or compulsory, but any strong-arm move on the part of the Fed is likely to get some hellish pushback from the nation's broadcasters -- they cherish their spectrum as much as they ever have and many feel as though they're finally on the cusp of capitalizing on the promise of mobile TV. Even with significant cash incentives, this could easily become a battle royale for years to come.

Spectrum cash-out option might still be on the table for FCC, broadcasters originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Government warns of wireless network congestion again, rides iPad to push its spectrum agenda

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:22:00 EST

The feds simply aren't backing down from their incessant warnings of a wireless broadband spectrum crunch the likes of which the world has never seen, and they've seemingly found a great vehicle -- the iPad -- to help spread the message just a little further (and at a higher volume) than before. This time around, it's the Omnibus Broadband Initiative's director of scenario planning Phil Bellaria who's sounding the alarm, saying that the iPad foretells "even greater demand for mobile broadband on the horizon" and asking that the people with the money and the power (the carriers and the FCC, respectively) do what it takes to make sure that the nation's broadband infrastructure and policy are appropriately managed in light of that. Perhaps most provocative is his statement that "reaching an always-on wireless broadband future means that the spectrum can no longer remain attached solely to uses deemed valuable decades ago," possibly a veiled reference to the FCC's ongoing spat with TV broadcasters over the future of over-the-air broadcasts. Free TV or an iPad with a fast, functional browsing experience -- if it came down to it, which would you prefer?

Government warns of wireless network congestion again, rides iPad to push its spectrum agenda originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clear WiMAX USB modem impressions

Darren Murph — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:23:00 EST

Clearwire (along with Sprint and Comcast, just to name a couple) has been fiercely expanding its WiMAX network across America for months on end now, and while select citizens in select cities have had access to the 4G superhighway for just over a year, we haven't actually had the opportunity to find ourselves in one of those locations for any amount of time. Until recently, that is. The Clear 4G service was lit up in Las Vegas late last year, which gave the Engadget squad just enough time to scrounge up a gaggle of Motorola 4G USB sticks and really test out the network while at CES. Meanwhile, the North Carolinians among us were also able to test the boundaries of the 4G patches that have been setup here, and we're finally ready to dish out a few opinions on the fourth generation of cellular data. Eager to know if it's the best thing since ~~sliced bread~~ the invention of the MP3? Read on to find out.

Gallery: Clear WiMAX USB modem impressions

Continue reading Clear WiMAX USB modem impressions

Clear WiMAX USB modem impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen Ford Sync adding WiFi hotspot capabilities, you provide the 3G modem

Paul Miller — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:05:00 EST

Sure, you could go the easy route and pick up a MiFi, but if you're serious about your on-the-road wireless broadband, you should probably buy an entire car. Ford's next generation of Sync systems will have built-in WiFi and the capability of sharing a 3G connection with the car's driver-defined white list of approved devices. It's a bring-your-own-3G-card affair (you jack into the Sync's USB plug), and sounds like a nice way for Ford to get you to pay for a 3G connection that could theoretically fuel some of those upcoming Sync apps. The second generation of Sync is due to launch next year, and we should be seeing plenty of it at CES in January: Ford's CEO has the opening keynote.

Next-gen Ford Sync adding WiFi hotspot capabilities, you provide the 3G modem originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC keen on commandeering TV spectrum for wireless broadband

Vladislav Savov — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:12:00 EST

We'll come right out and say it, we like Julius Genachowski. Whether you agree with the dude's policies or not, you can't deny he's pursuing them with gusto. Having already noted the insufficient carrying capacity of current mobile broadband airways to deal with incoming 4G connections, the FCC chairman is now reported to be moving ahead with plans to provide greater spectrum allocation for those purposes. Currently in the draft stage, the latest Commission proposals include a plan to reclaim airwaves from digital broadcasters (and pay them appropriately for it), which are to then be sold off to the highest bidder from among the wireless service providers. Executing the most extreme version of this plan could generate around $62 billion in auction revenues, though it would require transitioning digital TV viewers over to cable or subscription services and is therefore unlikely. Jules and his crew are still "looking at everything" and ruling out nothing, but we can probably expect to see a moderate shift of TV spectrum rights over to wireless carriers in the final plans when they're revealed in February.

[Via Phone Scoop]

Filed under: Regulatory

FCC keen on commandeering TV spectrum for wireless broadband originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC keen on commandeering TV spectrum for wireless broadband

Vlad Savov — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:12:00 EST

Filed under: LTE, WiMAX

FCC keen on commandeering TV spectrum for wireless broadband originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC keen on commandeering TV spectrum for wireless broadband

Vlad Savov — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:12:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Wearables

FCC keen on commandeering TV spectrum for wireless broadband originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mushroom Networks announces new wireless "Broadband Bonding" technology

Donald Melanson — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:43:00 EST

Mushroom Networks has been in the "broadband bonding" business for quite a while now, but we're guessing they're going to find a few more fans with their new wireless broadband gear, which promises the fastest cellular-based internet connection to date. Like the company's previous PortaBella device (pictured above, not exactly to scale), its new rig can combine up to four different cellular data cards into a single high-speed connection, but this one is fully portable (just over a pound) and, perhaps most importantly, it has an optional battery pack that'll let you be truly mobile with it. That, Mushroom says, makes the device ideal for a whole range of applications that can be a bit tricky with a single modem, like mobile TV broadcasting or temporary offices set up in a disaster area. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing just yet, but it doesn't exactly take much guesstimating to figure out that it's likely not the most cost-effective solution around.

Filed under: Misc, Accessories

Mushroom Networks announces new wireless "Broadband Bonding" technology originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mushroom Networks announces new wireless "Broadband Bonding" technology

Donald Melanson — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:43:00 EST

Filed under: Wireless

Mushroom Networks announces new wireless "Broadband Bonding" technology originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CSIRO looks to analog TV spectrum for 100Mbit wireless broadband

Donald Melanson — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:34:00 EST

Australia has already rolled out its plans to bring high-speed broadband to 90% of the country's population via fiber optic lines, and it looks like the folks at CSIRO are now pitching in with some ideas of their own to bring speedy wireless broadband to that ever present "last mile," and anyone else looking for an extra wireless option. As with others, they're looking to take advantage of all the analog TV broadcast towers that'll become available once the digital switchover in the country is complete, and it seems that they also have a few tricks up their sleeves that could eventually deliver wireless speeds up to 100Mbit per second (though it'd apparently be between 12 and 50 megabits per second initially). To reach those speeds, the group is apparently experimenting with a combination of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (or OFDM), used in basic wireless standards like 802.11g, and multiple input multiple output technology, or MIMO, which uses a range of antennas to transmit and receive multiple data streams. Of course, there's still quite a bit of work to be done before any of that moves beyond the lab, but CSIRO says that field trials could begin in 12 to 24 months, with a commercial rollout possible in the next three to five years.

[Thanks, Aaron]

Filed under: Wireless

CSIRO looks to analog TV spectrum for 100Mbit wireless broadband originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netgear announces 3G mobile broadband wireless router for 802.11g's on the go

Ross Miller — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:35:00 EST

Netgear didn't go for any fancy-schmancy new form factor with its 3G mobile broadband wireless router, instead opting for the standard shell we know and love. Nine different Sierra and Novatel 3G modems are currently supported, and just plugging one into the USB 2.0 slot will provide you web access via either ethernet LAN or 802.11g. Usual amenities like WEP / WPA encryption are here, and it includes both AC and 12V DC adapters. The router is due out this month for $130. Anyone up for a World of Warcraft campfire LAN party?

Gallery: Netgear 3G mobile broadband wireless router

Read - List of supported 3G USB modems

Filed under: Wireless, Networking

Netgear announces 3G mobile broadband wireless router for 802.11g's on the go originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vodafone UK intros 'TopUP and Go' pay-as-you-go modem

Jacob Schulman — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:37:00 EST

Attention wireless broadband-loving Brits, crack open your wallets because Vodafone's got something in store for all of you that have been more nice than naughty this year. The 'TopUP and Go' USB modem is now available from the UK carrier for a modest £39, which works out to about $60 if you were somehow able to get this magical deal stateside. To sweeten the deal, Voda's throwing in the first 1GB of data and they're taking a departure from the usual 30 day grace period for credit expiration. Speeds are quoted as being 1-2 Mbps, and it even doubles as a 4GB flash drive -- consider us sold. We hope you're listening, all you contract-obsessed US carriers.

Filed under: Peripherals, Vodafone

Vodafone UK intros 'TopUP and Go' pay-as-you-go modem originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cricket offers EV-DO access for $40 per month... with no contract

Darren Murph — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 13:21:00 EST

We'll be honest -- we weren't all that jazzed about Cricket's unlimited video clip service at $5 per month, but this is something we can get into. The animalistic carrier has just launched an unlimited mobile broadband package in several Texas cities, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City and St. Louis (all of its other cities will get gifted by year's end) which users can tap into for just $40 / month. Interestingly, the company is actually encouraging consumers to really take advantage of that "unlimited" bit, noting that it is aiming to put EV-DO (read: broadband) into the hands of lower-income (or budget-minded) citizens that can't afford to be strapped down by a contract. Of note, there are two big limitations: you can't use the service to make VoIP calls, and you can't run a server. Fair enough, Cricket!

[Via phonescoop]

Filed under: EV-DO, MVNOs, CDMA, Misc

Cricket offers EV-DO access for $40 per month... with no contract originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cablevision joins the wireless party, plans to cover NYC with WiFi

Nilay Patel — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:11:00 EST

Comcast, Time Warner, and Bright House all threw down in the new Sprint-led Clearwire venture yesterday, but it looks like Cablevision wants in on the fun as well: the company announced today that it's spending $350M on a new wireless broadband network in New York. Unlike the Clearwire partnership, Cablevision is apparently going to use straight-up WiFi for the service, but it's not revealing any details at the moment, saying only that it'll run at 1.5Mbps and eventually handle voice as well. The plan is to get up and running in NYC within two years, and existing customers will be able to log on for free -- and if this really is straight-up WiFi, we'd bet a lot of other people will be joining the fun as well.

Filed under: Wireless

Cablevision joins the wireless party, plans to cover NYC with WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 May 2008 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clearwire releases first pre-WiMAX PC card for laptops

Paul Miller — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:20:00 EST

The latest saviour of wireless broadband is at hand. Clearwire is finally shedding those clunky external modems, and is launching its very first pre-WiMAX data card to bring what it deems "True Broadband" to laptops. The PC card uses Motorola's pre-WiMAX OFDM tech, and doesn't require any extra power sources beyond your laptop's own precious juice. If you're luckily enough to be living in some random part of Clearwire's primarily-podunk US coverage area, you can be getting some 1.5Mbps wireless internets for $59.99 a month, plus a $6.99 a month fee to lease the PC card. You can buy the card straight up for $230, but that seems a bit excessive given the "pre" nature of the thing at the moment.w

Filed under: Laptops, Wireless

Clearwire releases first pre-WiMAX PC card for laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Digita to build Flash-OFDM wireless broadband across Finland

Paul Miller — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 05:39:00 EST

Remember Flash-OFDM? Yeah, us neither. Well, it looks like the little wireless broadband standard is going to get a big push in Finland from Digita, who has just announced a nationwide network rollout. Digita is teaming up with Siemens for construction, and they've got some 450MHz frequency to work with, and are planning to launch on April 1st of 2007 with the early stages of the network covering most of Finnish Lapland and urban southern Finland. According to Digita: "The goal is to make Finland world's first country with a wireless broadband network covering the whole nation," which is a bit of a dubious claim in light of Japanese and Korean accomplishments in that realm, but 1.5mbps speeds aren't nothing to sneeze at. We're sure the Netgear folks are happy for the news.

Filed under: Wireless

Digita to build Flash-OFDM wireless broadband across Finland originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 05:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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M2Z Networks pitches free national wireless broadband to FCC

Paul Miller — Thu, 18 May 2006 08:00:00 EST

It might be a bit far-fetched, but M2Z Networks is offering an interesting deal to the FCC in exchange for a bit of that high priced spectrum that's about to be auctioned off. The plan is to provide free ad-supported national 512Kbps wireless broadband, along with a premium service, using the spectrum in the 2155-2175MHz band. In exchange for the spectrum use, M2Z would give the FCC five percent of their gross revenues. We wouldn't think the FCC would ditch their normal auction method for just any hair brained scheme, but M2Z was started by former FCC wireless head John Muleta and @Home founder Milo Medin, and claims to have access to $400 million in capital. Free national wireless broadband is also surely in the public's interest, so this just might work after all.

[Via WNN]

M2Z Networks pitches free national wireless broadband to FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 May 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clearwire rolls out VoIP service (in one market)

Evan Blass — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 21:30:00 EST

Probably further annoying the Vonage users that it supposedly cut-off last year, WiMax "class" wireless broadband provider Clearwire has just announced its own Bell Canada-powered VoIP service for that works with regular telephones, or for more sophisticated call control, over a user's PC. The new service, which is currently limited to Clearwire subscribers in the Stockton, California market, and further restricted to those residents who are "e911 capable," requires a $15 Internet adapter if you want to use a regular corded or cordless phone, and costs $30-a-month for unlimited calling within the US and Canada (international calls are supposedly "competitively priced"). That thirty bucks also gets you browser-configurable call forwarding, "Find Me Follow Me" enhanced call forwarding, caller ID, voice mail, voice mail-to-email capabilities, and caller blocking, as well as the semi-useful ability to get your mobile VoIP on anywhere Clearwire has coverage (currently 200 US/international cities that most people don't live in), if you don't mind toting your laptop and modem around.

[Via dailywireless]

Filed under: Wireless

Clearwire rolls out VoIP service (in one market) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Apr 2006 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moto to introduce NC800 EV-DO WiFi router?

Ryan Block — Sun, 02 Apr 2006 12:17:00 EST

Looks like Moto's jumping in the 3G WiFi router arena too soon enough, only their new NC800 isn't kind enough to the user to be carrier-independent and have a PC card slot for your choice of wireless broadband. No, the NC800 is straight up EV-DO Rel. 0, and comes also with your usual 802.11b/g, Ethernet ports, and firewall. Nothing special or out of the ordinary, in other words, but maybe if they get the price down to something reasonable they'll be able to snag a few customers.

Filed under: Peripherals, Motorola, EV-DO, CDMA

Moto to introduce NC800 EV-DO WiFi router? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Apr 2006 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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