Wireless Muse: Reiter's Wireless Internet Weblog

My take on 4G: LTE dominates globally but WiMAX survives

There were lots of debates — and hype — about 4G during the CTIA’s Wireless 2008 conference.  Despite my sometimes contrarian opinions, my view is similar to many analysts:  The future of 4G will primarily belong to the LTE (Long Term Evolution) protocol, but WiMAX also will survive.

Although many analysts think WiMAX is a long shot, it does have a few advantages over LTE.  I also think Sprint has a shot at making its WiMAX network, Xohm, a success, but it has many, many challenges to overcome.

If you’d like to learn more, I discuss the future of 4G in my most recent weekly mobile communications column on CMP’s “Internet Evolution” Web site (see below).

Verizon Wireless discusses "open network" requirements for developers, vendors

Verizon Wireless this morning is holding an “open development” meeting with manufacturers and developers in New York to discuss the requirements for certifying cellular phones for Verizon’s new “open network” service.  Verizon has an “open development” Web site (see below).

The Wall Street Journal reports handset manufacturers may either buy airtime minutes and data usage at wholesale prices and sell them to consumers along with phones or have consumers purchase just the phones and deal with Verizon for the airtime/data plan.  Verizon won’t sell these phones, but manufacturers may sell them any way they want, such as online and in retail stores.

CNET News reports consumers “will be able to choose from Verizon's existing rate plans.”  That’s a bit of a surprise.  I thought the airtime/data prices would be more expensive.

Consumers with these “open network” phones would deal with Verizon online, not in stores, to activate the phone, obtain billing information and receive support.  Verizon will offer a “limited” toll-free 800 number, although the WSJ doesn’t report what “limited” entails.

No Verizon contracts

Subscribers will not have to sign two-year contracts with Verizon, but this means the phones could be considerably more expensive without Verizon’s handset subsidy.  For example, Nokia sells a variety of unlocked GSM phones at its two retail stores (New York and Chicago) as well as online, but they are much more expensive than if offered by a cellular operator.

However, some manufacturers might be able to offer inexpensive phones, based on volume.  Top-brand vendors as well as lesser known vendors are developing a variety of low-cost phones for developing nations.  Perhaps such inexpensive products would appeal to people who want Verizon’s network and don’t care about advanced features.

Verizon continues to say that consumers may download any application onto these “open network” phones.  This approach offers fascinating possibilities.

Update (3/24/08):  I discuss those "fascinating possibilities" in my latest CMP "Internet Evolution" column about Verizon's open network conference.

"Internet 'Addiction' Is Good for You" generates most comments on "Internet Evolution"

Wow — my most recent “Thinkernet” column on CMP’s “Internet Evolution” site (see below) has generated more comments than any other column published on that site.  There were 54 comments (including my replies), compared to the second highest number of comments, 39.

Perhaps it has something to do with the headline I wrote and the subject:  “Internet ‘Addiction’ Is Good for You.”  It seems that lots of people don’t think the ability to access the Internet 24 hours a day is a good thing.

They are wrong.  Read my column to find out why!

Cellular phones for personal medical monitoring on the way

One of the most interesting and useful cellular phone applications — that’s still very esoteric — is medical monitoring.  Imagine using a cellular phone to measure your blood pressure, heart rate, glucose levels, temperature and other medical/wellness parameters.

This is under development right now.  Some medical monitors will be built into handsets while others will be standalone devices that will wirelessly connect to phones.

Some of the biggest names in technology — Microsoft, Google and Qualcomm — are involved in the medical field for wireless, record-keeping and cellular networking.  In my latest weekly mobile communications column for CMP’s “Thinkernet” section on its “Internet Evolution” Web site, I write about the tremendous potential — and potential problems — of medical monitoring via cellular phones (see below).

I also write about a semi-stealth company, Fullpower Technologies, that’s headed by one of the most well known entrepreneurs in computer and mobile technology, Philippe Kahn.  You might remember Philippe as one of the founders of the camera phone platform company, LightSurf Technologies (sold to VeriSign), and the mobile/computer software synchronization company, Starfish Software (sold to Motorola).

And if you’re “of a certain age,” you might remember him as a founder of the computer languages and applications company, Borland International.  I loved Borland’s “Sidekick” personal information manager software.

Mobile medical monitoring will offer numerous benefits, but there also are significant pitfalls.  It’s a very complicated subject.  I suspect we’ll begin to see more of these devices in a year or two.

2008: The year to buy a cellular/WiFi phone

If you’ve never had a cellular phone that also includes WiFi, you are missing something. And, 2008 is likely to be The Year of Cellular/WiFi phones….if handset manufacturers are smart.

Why do you want WiFi in your phone:

1.  It’s faster, probably, than your cellular connection.  Yes, 1xEV-DO and HSDPA are good, but in many cases WiFi is significantly faster, upstream and downstream.  That means surfing the Web and retrieving e-mail, as examples, can be a much better experience.

2.  It’s cheaper.  For many applications, you pay nothing — if you’re at a free WiFi hotspot — or a modest amount for unlimited use.  Compare your monthly cellular airtime bill to, for example, a $20–per-month WiFi bill to use T-Mobile’s hotspots.

3.  VoIP.  This is going to be very, very important.  If you have VoIP peer-to-peer software on your cellular phone via WiFi, there’s a good chance you won’t be paying extra for your calls.  No cellular airtime. 

Moreover, if you can’t get cellular coverage in your house or if the coverage is poor, you might be able to use VoIP on your phone, such as via T-Mobile’s $20–per-month UMA-based Hotspot@Home service.  I know one technology consultant, Jim Opfer, who wanted GPS on his cellular phone more than WiFi, for which he didn’t see much use.  But he couldn’t get cellular coverage — except on his deck — from any cellular operator.

He signed up with Hotspot@Home and now his cellular phone is usable inside his house.  He’s completely changed his tune.  He loves WiFi on his phone.

Update (1/2/08):  Jim writes about his love of WiFi on a cellular phone with Google Maps’ new location feature (see left) in his most recent blog post.

4.  Greater Web functionality.  Sure you can use your handset to access the Web, but in many cases that functionality is crippled.  Let me give you one example:

I listen to lots of technology podcasts, that I typically download to my computer via iTunes and then transfer via a cable to my BlackBerry Curve 8320 (or other cellular phone).  The Curve can download and play mp3 files,  But if I use EDGE, the files are often too large and a message pops up on the handset that indicates the file can’t be downloaded.

This afternoon I was listening to one of my favorite technology podcasts, Mobile Technology RoundUp, while I was eating lunch at Panera (that has free WiFi).  One of the podcasters mentioned another mobile tech podcast. 

I tried downloading that 66 MB podcast via EDGE, but it was too large.  I turned on the Curve’s WiFi and tried streaming it, but I couldn’t do that.

However, when I clicked “save,” I was able to download and save the audio file to the Curve’s 2 GB microSD card.  (I’m deciding whether to purchase a 4 GB card or wait until, perhaps, this January when I can update the Curve to accept 8 GB cards and purchase one of those).

Consider a cellular/WiFi phone!

Mark my words:  WiFi on cellular phones will be a killer app for some users.  I wrote more about this in my “Thinkernet” column on CMP’s “Internet Evolution” Web site.

What are 2008's top ten Internet, telecom trends?

What do you think will be the top ten Internet and telecommunications trends for 2008?

M/C Venture Partners lists its thoughts and I respond in my latest weekly "Thinkernet" column (see below) for CMP's "Internet Evolution" Web site.

The venture capital firm says the wireless trends include mobile broadband helping to bridge the digital divide around the world, the "second coming" of broadband and consumer interest in privacy and security helping the operators' walled prisons gardens.  I agree with the first, think the "second coming" already came and disagree with the third.

I'm hoping to write another "Thinkernet" column solely about wireless trends, based on my own -- not M/C Partners' -- views.  But I have to see whether the editor thinks one 2008 trends article from me is enough.

The big deal of WiFi on cellular phones

I'm a huge fan of cellular phones that incorporate WiFi.  Once you have WiFi in your phone you're unlikely to want to purchase another phone without it.

Firstly, Web based applications are generally much faster than over cellular.  Yes, I know, sometimes WiFi connections aren't particularly good, while sometimes HSDPA and 1xEV-DO provide better data rates than WiFi.  I also am well aware of the local coverage "islands" of WiFi versus cellular's wide area coverage.

These issues notwithstanding, using WiFi for access the Web often trumps cellular for speed.

WiFi rocks with cellular

Secondly, WiFi will be a very big deal for VoIP.  For consumers and businesses, WiFi will make a significant difference for decreasing costs and enhancing coverage compared to cellular.

Thirdly, we are becoming so dependent on wireless communications that having a second wireless network as a back-up is a good idea.  Want a useful example?  T-Mobile's cellular network in my market, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, sometimes crashes for data services.

As a result, I can't get my BlackBerry e-mail via EDGE.  But my BlackBerry has Gmail software, and copies of my e-mail are forwarded to multiple e-mail addresses.  If EDGE goes down, I can access e-mail on my BlackBerry (and other cellular phones) via WiFi.

More on "Thinkernet"

I write much more about this in my latest "Thinkernet" column, "Wi-Fi Calling," (see above) on CMP's "Internet Evolution" Web site.

"Inside Digital Media" interviews me about Verizon's "open network" policy

Research analyst and podcast interviewer Phil Leigh of “Inside Digital Media” recently interviewed me (see below) about the ramifications of Verizon Wireless’ announcement to allow virtually any unlocked CDMA phone to run virtually any applications on its network.

During its press conference, Verizon said early next year it would announce technical specifications for handset manufacturers to provide phones so Verizon can certify them for use on their network.  Once the phones are certified, the manufacturers may sell them directly to consumers and businesses, without restrictions on the type of applications allowed.

There are many interesting aspects to the Verizon announcement and it could be very good for consumers.  But there are many unanswered questions.

I discussed the potential advantages and disadvantages during Phil’s interview.  Also, I wrote a column about the Verizon announcement for “Internet Evolutions” Web site and it’s slated to be published on Tuesday, December 4.

Amazon's Kindle electronic book reader has ramifications for mobile, newsletters

As a lover of reading and also technology (especially wireless), I have been eagerly following the launch of Amazon’s new $399 electronic book reader, Kindle (see below), and its associated services.

I’ve read all the information and watched the videos about the Kindle on Amazon’s site (Amazon has done a very nice job publicizing it) as well as reading many of the reviews online and videos (check out the video by James Kendrick and the videos here and here by Robert Scoble.)

I wrote an article about the Kindle and the future of electronic books that is slated to be published next Monday (November 26) for my “Thinkernet” columns on CMP’s “Internet Evolution” Web site.

The wireless advantage

One major distinguishing feature of the Kindle is its built-in 1xEV-DO modem on Sprint’s cellular network.  Amazon says a book is typically downloaded in less than a minute over EV-DO.

The EV-DO capability is “free” for Amazon services, such as accessing the company’s Web site and downloading publications.  The price is part of the cost of the Kindle.

However, the Kindle also incorporates a basic Web browser, and it’s not clear whether all EV-DO access will be free or whether Amazon will begin charging airtime fees for certain applications, such as browsing non-Amazon sites.

The new economics of journalism

I discuss the tremendous value of wireless in my upcoming “Thinkernet” column, including the ability of publications — newspapers, magazines and even weblogs — to be pushed automatically via cellular.  These pushed updates require monthly subscriptions.

So, to discuss another wireless tie-in:  The entire journalism community — newspapers, magazines, newsletters and radio and television stations — has been desperately trying to develop new business strategies as the result of the economics (or lack thereof) of the Internet.

Increasingly we’re seeing wireless-related newsletters and magazines reducing the number of pages, decreasing the frequency of publication, moving exclusively to the Web, becoming entirely advertiser-supported or ceasing publication.  Many paper-based newsletters that used to charge $500 per year and up are stopping publication or moving to an advertising-only model.

Exploring Kindle’s opportunities

I was thinking, what if the wireless newsletters that are now free, such as those from Fierce Markets, Unstrung and Tech Wire, would approach Amazon about offering their content for the Kindle?  Even if they charged a very minimal amount, say $1.99 a month, it could be a good marketing strategy.

There certainly is a convenience factor in automatically transmitting publications — just like a newspaper is delivered in the early morning — and Kindle users being able to pick up the device and begin reading immediately.

Of course, newsletters that still charged premium prices could charge subscription fees for Kindle.  The newsletter companies would be crazy, though, not to offer significant discounts for Kindle downloads.  Subscribers will expect it.

Gotchas

One possible “gotcha” is whether Amazon will begin charging users to access the links to articles included in these newsletters.  There are lots of links in many of the newsletters. 

Check out the “Wireless Connectivity” section for Kindle’s “License Agreement and Terms of Use.”  Amazon says, “Amazon provides wireless connectivity free of charge to you for certain content shopping and acquisition services on your Device.  You will be charged a fee for wireless connectivity for your use of other wireless services on your Device, such as Web browsing and downloading of personal files, should you elect to use those services.”

The bundled Web browser is accessed under the Kindle’s “Experimental” menu.  Perhaps if it moves from “Experimental” to “Commercial,” you’ll have to pay additional fees.

In addition, I don’t know what costs are involved in converting publications to the Kindle AZW format.

Regardless of the problems, the future (indeed, the present) of publications is digital.

RIM Industry Analyst Summit highlights WiFi, GPS

I recently attended Research in Motion's (RIM) Industry Analyst Summit at its headquarters in Waterloo, Ontario.  It was a valuable and fun time that combined plenary sessions and break-out panel discussions as well as good food, a Toronto harbor river boat cruise, a day of touring in downtown Toronto and a performance of "King Lear" at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.

RIM displayed a variety of new handsets, that I can't discuss because they haven't been officially announced.

However, I can say that GPS and WiFi will be two of the most important new technologies for RIM.  Although RIM certainly is interested in capturing a share of the consumer market, especially with its Pearl (81xx) handsets, the company's focus remains the enterprise.

So, use your imagination about how GPS and WiFi could be incorporated into corporate applications.  Also, if you've been reading "BlackBerry Cool" or the "Boy Genius Report" you have a good idea of upcoming phones from various leaked reports and photos.

Update (9/24/07):  Today RIM and T-Mobile announced the new Curve 8320 that incorporates WiFi in addition to its two megapixel camera that was included on the first, 8300, Curve.  The 8320 was one of the phones on display at the RIM conference and I was fortunate to be able to get one to test.

I haven't written a detailed review of the 8320; I'm sure many others will do that.  But if you're interested in the camera aspects of the new BlackBerry, take a look at the article and photos I've posted on my camera phone weblog.

I also posted photos I took with the 8320 on a moblog (see above).