Answer: we might get gigabit LTE wireless networks.  Huawei demonstrated 1.2 gigabits per second (Gbps) at the CTIA wireless show in Las Vegas.  The speed was achieved using a 4×4 Multiple In Multiple Out (MIMO) radio configuration (this is 4 radios and 4 antennas on each side) with 80 MHz of radio bandwidth.  That works [...]

I erred on criticizing Spectrum Bridge and the city of Claudville for wasting White Space mobile spectrum on a backhaul network because it turns out that they were using 200 MHz White Space spectrum for a last-mile broadband network. Spectrum Bridge has a temporary “experimental” license to use this spectrum but once White Spaces becomes unlicensed, it could cause problems for the broadband network.

Per Larsen paints a picture of a cellular industry that is overcharging for what is today a common feature in cell phones — text-messaging.

When government gives away super valuable 700 MHz mobile spectrum, it gets wasted on wireless backhaul which could have used 5 GHz. While 700 MHz might save a little money on backhaul costs, it saves a lot more money on access and mobile networks. Commercial operators that paid billions of dollars for 700 MHz spectrum would never waste valuable spectrum like this.

The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation
Going Mobile: Technology and Policy Issues in the Mobile Internet
Richard Bennett
March 2, 2010

Leo Laporte who started off as a popular radio and TV tech guy is now one of the more popular Internet tech personalities.  Laporte is someone who has always helped the average person with their technology troubles, but Jennifer was one lady he had to give some tough love advice. What started off as a [...]

CTIA – The Wireless Association (Cellular Telephone Industries Association)
Ex Parte Letter; “Preserving the Open Internet” / Updating Assumptions: Reviewing Tim Wu’s Wireless Net Neutrality Working Paper Three Years Later
February 5, 2010

John W. Mayo and Scott Wallsten examine secondary spectrum trading to improve wireless markets. The paper takes a look at the secondary spectrum markets regulation and evolution up to this point, and additionally catalog the secondary markets while examining their operations and resell practices.

CNET’s Marguerite Reardon reports that AT&T will spend $19 billion in 2010 on Wireless network upgrades, which will be $2 billion more than 2009.  The money will add 2000 more cell sites and add more fiber links to its existing cell site back haul infrastructure.  The improved back haul will prepare AT&T for the eventual [...]

I had some interesting back-and-forth discussions by e-mail this week about people donating money to charity using text messages. The inquiries involved various allegations about cellular carriers and what they were doing with donations given via text. Here are the questions we got, and the answers we were given by friends in the cellular industry.