ROW Update

SuperNet brings opportunities for Alberta wireless ISPsThe near completion of the Alberta SuperNet initiative is opening up more opportunities for smaller independent wireless Internet service providers as they look to the province-wide network for key backhaul facilities. An upcoming issue of Report on Wireless will present the perspective of the WISP and the significance of SuperNet in allowing them to compete more effectively for customers. Nearly 400 rural and remote Albertan communities are now connected to the pan-provincial network. It is slated for completion this fall. Wireless Connections presents future of wirelessThe Wireless Connections 2005 conference, held May 17 and 18 in Calgary, featured a number of key Canadian and international speakers who gave their view of the wireless future. There was a fair bit of conversation about TV to the handset and other types of wireless data services that are going to drive the average revenue per user of the carriers. However, many still assert that voice is going to “pay the bills” for the foreseeable future. Report on Wireless will have more what transpired at the Wireless Connections 2005 conference in an upcoming issue. Industry Canada allocates nearly $7 million for broadband in QuebecIndustry Canada is providing $6.9 million for broadband access deployment in rural and northern parts of Quebec. An estimated 51 communities in Abitibi, Abitibi-Quest, Rouyn-Noranda, Temiscamingue and the Vallee-de-l’Or will receive high-speed services as a result of the government investment. There are approximately seven First Nations communities in these regions. Simstar Mobile under trademark applicationBillion Harvest Enterprise Co. Ltd. has applied for trademark protection to the term “SIMSTAR MOBILE”. The application was filed on May 12 and formalized on May 13, 2005. The trademark application covers flat panel monitors, TVs, digital cameras, digital camcorders, cell phones, SIM cards and MP3 players. Nokia unveils wireless LAN connectivityNokia has introduced its local business connectivity solution that connects the company’s mobile devices to the enterprise applications and IT services. This solution, according to the company, complements existing cellular connectivity by adding wireless local area network and Bluetooth connectivity. “With the Nokia Local Business Connectivity Solution, access to critical enterprise applications can be managed in a highly cost efficient way, yet offering premium usability,” Jouni Malinen, venture manager at Nokia Ventures Organization, said in a news release. PalmOne buys Palm brand namePalmOne, the handheld device maker, will pay US$30 million for the Palm brand name from PalmSource, the operating system licensing business that was spun off as a separate business in 2003. PalmOne will subsequently change its name to Palm Inc. later this year. Under terms of the agreement, palmOne will acquire PalmSource’s 55% share in Palm Trademark Holding Co. As well, palmOne will pay PalmSource royalty payments for the Palm operating system of US$65 million for 2007 to 2009. Operators who use IMS in the future will succeed: ABINew research from ABI Research says that operators both fixed and wireless that don’t use IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) in the future will be “like airlines that missed out on the jet engine.” That is according to Ian Cox, an analyst with ABI, who says, “Every Tier 1 service provider in foxed and wireless networks will announce SDIP-based services running over IMS in the next six to twelve months.” WLAN access point market shiftingIn-Stat’s May 18 information alert notes that the wireless local area network (WLAN) access point and residential gateway equipment market is shifting as 802.11g has taken over from 802.11b as the dominant gear in the residential and SOHO market. From 2003 to 2004, shipments reversed as now the 802.11g-based equipment takes 69% of shipments whereas in 2003 802.11b-based gear had 63% of shipments. The research firm also highlights the growing importance of 802.11n gear, which has yet to be standardized. It is expected to finalized in 2006.

ROW Update

News | 05/24/2005 4:00 am EDT

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