Motorola Creates WiMax Chipset for Mobile Phones. Says it is more power efficient than current 3G chipsets, and will work with Sprints forthcoming XOHM WiMax network which will start to roll out in test markets by the end of 2007, with much more coverage slated for spring 2008. In short, WiMax means fast data on your mobile phone/computer.
This seems like a much faster time frame than I was expecting for WiMax (I was thinking 2009-2010.) You have any opinions on this Mark?
M0t0 rulz!!!111!!!! 54m5ung suxxorz!!!!11111!!!
But seriously, interesting development. I'll read up and give a more considered reply.
Moto and Sprint demo WiMax in Chicago. From the Ars Technica article: Xohm was originally scheduled to launch in Chicago, Washington, DC, and Baltimore by the end of 2007, but availability has now been pushed back to March or April 2008. A nationwide rollout will follow, with the service available in major US markets by the end of 2008. Unlike 3G wireless services, which are targeted at mobile users needing a quick broadband fix, Sprint plans to take on the DSL/cable duopoly with Xohm. Sprint spokesperson John Polivka told me that pricing would be competitive with DSL and cable, although the exact numbers have not yet been determined.
There's also a strong open access component to Xohm. Although consumers will be getting the service from Sprint or Clearwire, they'll be able to use the hardware and applications of their choice on the network. Polivka said that there wouldn't be fixed-length, cellular-style contracts either. Instead, consumers will be able to subscribe to the service for as long as they want, using hardware that they purchase themselves.
The first devices to hit the market will likely be for laptops. Last May, the FCC gave its first thumbs-up to a laptop WiMAX card, and Intel has big plans for the technology, which will be included in its Montevina platform due to be launched in the first half of 2008. With Menlow and Moorestown also due out next year, WiMAX is likely to begin showing up in smartphones, handhelds, and other pocket-sized devices over the next 12 to 18 months. (WiMAX-enabled N800, anyone?) I thought I remembered NYC being added as one of the early cities, but I guess that's not the case. Bummer. Anyway, go Sprint. This all *sounds* good. Let's see if they can deliver.
A key part of the Moto/Sprint demo was the seamless hand-off between WiMax base stations. This is a key to making the technology truly useful for mobile apps.
I like the "hardware and applications of their choice" aspect.
I'm finding Verizon, at least, to be getting more and more intrusive over the years. For example, they stick their own crappy UI on the various phones they support. Why would I want to buy software from Verizon? Makes. No. Sense.
Anyway, this bodes well. I use EV-DO on a regular basis, but too often it falls into the category of "better than nothing".
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This seems like a much faster time frame than I was expecting for WiMax (I was thinking 2009-2010.) You have any opinions on this Mark?
- jim 9-25-2007 7:20 pm
M0t0 rulz!!!111!!!! 54m5ung suxxorz!!!!11111!!!
But seriously, interesting development. I'll read up and give a more considered reply.
- mark 9-25-2007 9:46 pm
Moto and Sprint demo WiMax in Chicago. From the Ars Technica article:
I thought I remembered NYC being added as one of the early cities, but I guess that's not the case. Bummer. Anyway, go Sprint. This all *sounds* good. Let's see if they can deliver.- jim 9-27-2007 7:24 pm
A key part of the Moto/Sprint demo was the seamless hand-off between WiMax base stations. This is a key to making the technology truly useful for mobile apps.
I like the "hardware and applications of their choice" aspect. I'm finding Verizon, at least, to be getting more and more intrusive over the years. For example, they stick their own crappy UI on the various phones they support. Why would I want to buy software from Verizon? Makes. No. Sense.
Anyway, this bodes well. I use EV-DO on a regular basis, but too often it falls into the category of "better than nothing".
- mark 9-27-2007 7:45 pm