December 2008
60 posts
WiMAX, 4G, and the Enterprise (Part 1) →
Hallelujah. A new day is dawning in mobile communications. With the September launch in Baltimore of Xohm (now called “Clear”), the WiMAX-powered mobile broadband wireless service from Sprint and Clearwire, the 4G era has, unofficially at least, begun. What will it mean for enterprise IT and telecom managers—beyond higher mobile wireless data speeds? It depends who you ask, and...
3GPP freezes LTE 4G standard in preparation for... →
The 3GPP(INFO) is reporting that it has frozen the spec for LTE(INFO), the technology expected to dominate the next wave of wireless growth. LTE is the upgrade path of choice for most all of the world’s GSM and UMTS based carriers, but has also been chosen by some CDMA powers, including Verizon Wireless and Alltel Wireless in the USA.
Sprint Launches First Dual Modem For 3G and 4G... →
Sprint has launched a new wireless modem for mobile connecting which supports both 3G and WiMAX 4G networks. The dual-mode device delivers faster speeds and provides enhanced multimedia quality. Sprint Nextel Corp has launched a new modem for mobile broadband modem which can operate on both 3G and 4G WiMAX networks. The wireless device is available for a price of $149 with a 2-year contract and a...
HTC MAX 4G gets a proper unboxing in Russia →
Oh, HTC. Why do you tease us? For the legions of phone fanatics not located in Russia, the images hosted up in the read link are about as close as you all will ever get to Yota’s HTC MAX 4G. The world’s first GSM + WiMAX handset has been acquired by an evidently affluent individual who reportedly threw down around $1,300 in greenbacks in exchange for this gem. Those familiar with the...
SWKS Skyworks Introduces Multi-band, Multi-mode... →
Skyworks Solutions, Inc., a provider of high performance analog and mixed signal semiconductors enabling mobile connectivity, has introduced what it said is the industry’s first multi-mode and multi-band frequency division duplex (FDD)/time division duplex (TDD) power amplifier module (PAM) for fourth generation (4G) long term evolution (LTE) applications.
TMKT TMC and Crossfire Media Offer Conference... →
The groups said that 4GWE is the first major event dedicated exclusively to addressing the issues, challenges and emerging opportunities associated with the evolution of the 4G - all IP - wireless network. The conference content is designed to educate Mobile Network Operators, fixed carriers, handset manufacturers, mobile internet device manufacturers, application providers, and venture...
Economic Impact on 4G Deployment →
Techworld has referenced a report that the global recession and competitive pressure from LTE will have a great impact on WiMax, and not in a good way. But I also wonder what kind of impact this will have on 4G deployment in general.
Satellite based Mobile Internet of the future →
The current US military satellite communications network represents decades-old technology. To meet the heightened demands of national security in the coming years, newer and more powerful systems are being developed. Advances in information technology are fundamentally changing the way military conflicts are resolved. The ability to transmit detailed information quickly and reliably to and from...
DoCoMo Develops LSI Chip for LTE →
NTT DOCOMO announced today that it has successfully developed a trial large-scale-integration (LSI) chip that consumes less than 0.04 W of power yet supports multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) signal detection and decoding for downlink transmissions at 100 Mbps, the speed required for the forthcoming mobile system known as Super 3G, or Long Term Evolution (LTE), approved by the 3rd...
Sprint Launches First 3G / 4G WiMAX Device: Coming... →
You’ve heard it before: Wireless broadband will blanket Portland like the City’s recent snow. While nobody expects a new network set to roll into Portland “early 2009” to bring arctic temperatures, if early indications in Baltimore are any indication, what is to come is wireless Internet access that rivals most home broadband connections.
MC-CDMA and the moves towards 4G networks and... →
Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology is a continuing driving force behind wireless networks around the globe and according to the CDMA Development Group (CDG), there were 431 million CDMA subscribers and 91million CDMA 2000 1x subscribers worldwide by the end of the year 2007. According to 3GPP2, there are 280 operators globally that use the CDMA 2000 family of standards.
Skyworks claims first multi-band, multi-mode... →
Skyworks Solutions Inc of Woburn, MA, USA, which manufactures linear products, power amplifiers, front-end modules and radio solutions for handset and infrastructure equipment, has made available samples of what it claims is the industry’s first multi-mode and multi-band frequency division duplex (FDD)/time division duplex (TDD) power amplifier module (PAM) for fourth-generation (4G) long-term...
Russia’s HTC Max 4G gets reviewed in-depth →
Perhaps it’s a little bit insensitive to post this; We already know the US isn’t getting the Touch HD, so chances are we’ll also be missing out on its WiMax enabled big brother, the Max 4G. It’s like rubbing salt on a fresh wound - but when said salt sports a 3.8″ WVGA screen and WiMax, we just can’t help ourselves. You’ll have to tough it through Google’s often creative translations, but...
4G’s Risin’ on Verizon’s Horizon →
Just days after the merger of Sprint’s XOHM unit and Clearwire was finalized, Verizon has come out with a major 4G statement of its own. A senior executive for the company said this week that Verizon has accelerated its LTE plans, now claiming its first networks using the technology will be rolled out by the end of 2009 rather than in 2010. Though we’re probably only talking about a few months...
Microsemi Delivers 4G Wireless Power Amplifier... →
Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of high performance analog/mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, today announced production of its LX5537 power amplifier (PA) for IEEE 802.16e WiMAX and WiBro 4G wireless applications using the 2.3GHz to 2.9GHz frequency range. Among the world’s most efficient WiMAX PAs, Microsemi’s LX5537...
Sprint 4G Takes Place Of XOHM →
Hang on. Before you start to freak out, it’s not like Sprint is going to get rid of its freshly launched XOHM high-speed cellular network just yet, but it is going to undergo a couple of changes. We were teased with the possibility of Sprint’s XOHM service for so long and endured so many delays, so it will be sad to see it go. The WiMAX service will continue to be offered, but it seems that Sprint...
LTE deadline extended to March, vendors rework 4G... →
Although the deadline for parts of the LTE standards family has been extended to March 2009, the specifications for the air interface are now complete, in time to be included in the 3GPP’s Release 8 set of standards. With operators and vendors already talking up their plans for LTE, this will increase the excitement about the technology, even though the long process of defining and processing...
HTC Max 4G spotted in the wild →
Forget the HTC Touch HD, because the next gen and the baddest kickin ass WinMob phone is ready to get out from the door: the HTC Max 4G. There’s no actual working device released to the market by HTC yet, but the leaked specs and photoshots are bleeding everywhere on the net. And now we’ve got a live shot of the device, showing the Russian wireless carrier Yota’s splash screen....
4G Now: Mobile WiMAX Penetrates 49 Nations in the... →
As of December 2008, 85 operators in 49 nations worldwide have chosen Mobile WiMAX for commercial or test service. According to Samsung Electronics, there are over 300 fixedline WiMAX service providers in about 100 nations and they are considering the switch to Mobile WiMAX, which signals further expansion of Mobile WiMAX. Samsung is preparing for commercial or test service of Mobile WiMAX with 23...
LG Telecom sets 4G target date of 2013 →
According to South Korean news source Maeil Business Newspaper, citing comments from LG Telecom CEO Jung Il-jae, the telco plans to launch 4G mobile services in 2013. Jung said, ‘Further upgraded 4G mobile communications service will be provided beginning 2013 upon establishing a nationwide network…once low-band frequency is secured next year.’ The operator will focus on securing spectrum in...
Embrace 3G, Lament 4G →
3G’s pompous launch by MTNL in Delhi has at last given Indian mobile phone operators and users something to rejoice about. However, there is a sense of lament that we have lost the 4G bus. Have we forgotten the roadblocks faced by Dayanidhi Maran while he tried his level best to put Indian telecom market on the global map. In fact, during his tenure landline and mobile phone tariffs had gone...
The long road to 4G wireless →
Don’t hold your breath waiting for the next wireless broadband technology. It will be a few more years before we have access to broadband Internet services that are truly wire-free. However, the development of Long Term Evolution (LTE), the evolving 4G technology for high-speed data access over cellular networks, will be under the gun in 2009. Despite a host of uncertainties about the pace...
WireIE to Build 4G WiMAX Network in Barbados →
Ontario-based WireIE Holdings International has announced that it has been selected to build the first domestically-owned and operated 4G broadband network on the Island of Barbados. As part of a Build Operate Transfer project, the network will be powered by alternative energy. Its CarbonVIX solution will harness solar, wind, and battery power. Based on WiMAX (News - Alert), the latest in 4G...
Sandbridge Partners With 4G Mobile Software... →
Sandbridge Technologies, a cutting edge fabless semiconductor company developing multimode baseband/multimedia processors for low-cost advanced mobile devices, announced today that it has signed agreements with independent 4G software developers, mimoOn and 4M Wireless for LTE solutions, and Seasolve for its mobile WiMAX solution. Under the agreements the software solutions will be available for...
4G is Coming Closer →
The world of 4G mobile services stepped a little closer with LG successfully testing the world’s first Long Term Evolution (LTE) cell phone chip. The integrated circuit achieved data speeds of 60Mbps. LTE networks plan to compete head-to-head with wired broadband, offering a efficiency, lowering costs, and providing for better integration with open standards. This bandwidth offers much but needs...
Pictures: HTC MAX 4G →
Here are some new pictures of the HTC MAX 4G taken by the Russian site mobile@mail.ru. You can also find some photos taken with the phones camera in the end of this post. Enjoy! The HTC MAX 4G is the first GSM/WiMAX phone to come to the market. WiMAX is a 4G network, for high-speed internet access. The MAX 4G is similar to the Touch HD in its specs, with 3.8″ WVGA display and 3.2-megapixel camera....
Verizon's 4G, femtocells due by late 2009 →
Verizon provided surprise news late Tuesday when company chief technical officer Dick Lynch revealed at Cisco’s C-Scape Conference that the company’s 4G-level Long Term Evolution cellular service should be available in some form before the end of 2009. The carrier until now has only publicly promised active 4G service by 2010 but should have at least some form of deployed service...
Verizon Rolling Out 4G LTE Mobile Broadband In... →
Verizon Wireless is taking a stand - in the race to deploy 4G LTE mobile broadband service, they don’t want to come in second to AT&T or Japan’s NTT DoCoMo, the latter of which said it would offer such a network commercially in 2010. According to executive vice president and chief technology officer of Verizon Communications, Dick Lynch, they plan to begin rolling the enhanced network...
How to power 4G handsets →
The battery life for Wimax and other 4G handsets could end up being a third of that of 3G, according to ABI Research. The major villain here is the RF power amplifier. Creating an efficient broadband cellular network air interface for 3G long term evolution (LTE) is difficult, especially if it is to work globally. LTE standards are not only inherently less power efficient from an RF transmission...
The 4G user experience « →
Back in 2007, I conducted research on trends involving emerging technologies and next generation networks as part of my job at Alcatel-Lucent’s wireless team. That summer, I joined a cross-functional team to develop a vision portraying how mobile broadband and, most specifically, the rollout of 4G wireless networks will help improve productivity, booster education and enable new ways to...
"Sprint 4G" to launch with Clearwire MVNO,... →
One of the many dilemmas facing Sprint Nextel is how to balance its CDMA-based wireless business with its interest in Clear, its 51%-owned WiMAX joint venture with Clearwire and three cablecos. In the key growth area for US wireless services, mobile broadband, Clear has strong medium term potential but will also need full commitment, and a couple of years at least, to get its brand established. So...
Sprint 4G and MVDO Are Not A Pretty Couple →
By the announcing a new couple of CDMA / WiMAX devices on the market, Sprint decided to join Clearwire’s Clear network as an MVNO providing 4G services. This decision was highly influenced by the current problems with the balance sheet but we can only hope that they will reconsider it. After all, even if you have no money for developing a 4G infrastructure, leasing access for voice and data...
LG ups the (4G) ante with successful LTE trial →
LG has upped the ante in the hyper-competitive 4G arms race after successfully testing the world’s first (functioning) Long Term Evolution (LTE) cell phone chip. The 13×13mm integrated circuit exhibited impressive data speeds in its initial trial, topping out at 60Mbps downstream and 20Mbps up.
HTC MAX 4G review says better than Touch Diamond →
The HTC MAX 4G has been given a review by a blogger who imported one for the Russian smartphones, well actually a full review only as far as the blogger could go considering it is still only available in Russian. One would presume with a smartphone such as the HTC MAX 4G would offer an English mode, but apparently the language is integrated into its ROM, so don’t say you haven’t been warned...
4G: Here It Comes, Ready or Not -- Part I →
Hallelujah. A new day is dawning in mobile communications. With the September launch in Baltimore of Xohm, the WiMAX-powered mobile broadband wireless service from Sprint and Clearwire, the 4G era has, unofficially at least, begun. What will it mean for enterprise IT and telecom managers - beyond higher mobile wireless data speeds? It depends who you ask, and who you believe. Not much, according...
We need a mobile broadband space race →
An event happened this week that I consider the “Sputnik” of our own age. More than 50 years after the Russians launched the world’s first orbiting satellite, HTC on Wednesday launched the HTC MAX 4G — the world’s first WiMax cell phone — in Russia! The phone is in fact an integrated GSM and WiMax handset that will take advantage of Scartel’s Yota WiMax...
Microsemi Delivers 4G Wireless Power Amplifier →
Microsemi Corporation (MSCC: Microsemi Corporation News, chart, profile, more Last: 12.64+0.14+1.20% 10:03am 12/08/2008 Delayed quote data Add to portfolio Analyst Create alert Insider Discuss Financials Sponsored by: MSCC 12.64, +0.14, +1.2%) , a leading manufacturer of high performance analog/mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, today announced production of its...
Two vie for WiMax build →
Unwired chief executive officer David Spence said the wireless internet provider was deciding whether to carve up the construction contract between the two network equipment suppliers or award to it one of them. “We have two suppliers currently operating demonstration networks - Motorola and Hawuei - and we’ll decide which gets which part, or which one we choose at a later date,”...
Swift FCC Transisition Needed To Ensure Timely 4G... →
Less than one month after Barack Obama moves into the White House, the FCC will be overseeing a major airwaves transition that will require TV broadcasters to hand over analog spectrum to wireless carriers who are eager to start building out 4G networks. Wireless carriers recently bought rights to the soon-to-be-cleared spectrum in the FCC’s highest grossing auction yet. The transition will have...
Hybrid LTE, WiMAX 4G chips due in 2009 →
Next year will bring devices that have two competing 4G data formats at once, a note from ABI Research. Company principal analyst Philip Solis explains that multiple carriers have expressed interest in supporting both Long Term Evolution (LTE) and WiMAX on the same chipset, letting them support either standard depending on the provider and region. The move would let carriers such as KDDI and...
RIM prepping LTE-based 4G BlackBerry? →
Research in Motion hopes to avoid its earlier mistakes in wireless technology by leaping on 4G when it becomes available, according to a tip given to BGR. The Canadian BlackBerry designer is said to have created a team specifically to build a smartphone with much faster cellular Internet access using the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard, which tops 100Mbps and should be used by most major North...
Japan’s KDDI Adds LTE to the 4G Mix →
Japan’s second largest wireless carrier, KDDI, has taken the plunge into the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard, by building an LTE overlay on top of its existing CDMA network. KDDI is using equipment from Nortel and Hitachi for the fourth-generation wireless network, which will be operating by 2010. For those of you in the U.S. eager to see what the 4G future holds, Verizon is expected to start...
Motive Announces Industry First to Simplify... →
Motive, the leading provider of digital life management software for broadband and mobile data services, now part of Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU), today announced the industry’s first solution that manages fixed, nomadic, mobile and embedded WiMAX devices. The management solution will enable service providers to rapidly get new WiMAX customers up and running while reducing...
4G's implications for Google are Clear →
It’s official: MarketWatch reports that Clearwire and Sprint have combined their next-generation wireless Internet businesses and are set to build the first nationwide high-speed 4G broadband network. And it’s no surprise that Google is in on the ground floor as one of the major investors who together have contributed $3.2 billion to the effort. The new joint venture, first announced...
4G Mobile Broadband On The Way? →
Mobile broadband has been taking off in a big way over the last few years. In fact YouGov reports that a third of all broadband users will be connecting via mobile broadband by 2012. Despite not always receiving a the speed advertised most mobile broadband users seem to be happy connecting via 3G. The benefits of not having to use a fixed phone line will be familiar to many. Those of us who rent...
Experts say UAE will be one of the first nations... →
The UAE and other GCC states will roll out the fourth generation, or 4G, mobile telecommunications technology more quickly than they adopted its predecessor, 3G, say experts. The 3G mobile phone standard was supposed to be ready by late 2000 but was adopted worldwide only in 2007. However, 4G, which will provide faster voice, data and streamed multimedia services, is due to be launched in 2010 -...
3G vs LTE: No Contest - Telecom →
As operator CTO teams around the world evaluate the performance of LTE technology and attempt to estimate the billions of dollars it will cost to deploy, the inescapable question is: To what extent does LTE compete with the 3G networks already in the market? This was the recurring theme at the LTE World Summit I attended in London last week. At first glance, it’s simple: LTE is better,...
Clearwire: We Could Use LTE →
Clearwire LLCsaid today that it could use Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology in the future if — or when — the proto-4G wireless specification becomes a “global standard.” Ben Wolff, CEO of the Kirkland, Wash.-based operator, has consistently maintained that the service provider is not interested in a “war” over different wireless standards, saying that...
Sandbridge Rolls out 65nm dynamically... →
Sandbridge Technologies announced today the release of their SB3500 flexible baseband processor which facilitates the implementation of 4G mobile handsets entirely in software. Capable of operating any radio protocol required for a common (universal) multimode, multi-function mobile platform, the SB3500 meets critical power consumption specifications of wireless carriers and significantly reduces...
LTE chips get ready to roll →
The specification for 4G wireless, or long-term-evolution (LTE), is expected to be finished this month, and product rollouts are anticipated for 2010 or 2011. If you are wondering what the status of the chips that will enable LTE is, well, the pipelines seem planned and chip designers have their heads down to deal with the unique challenges of LTE systems. Despite these challenges, there seems to...