In recent years, the race to connect the world wirelessly has intensified with innovations like SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet and the evolution of 5G cellular technology. Both promise high-speed, reliable internet access, but they operate differently and come with distinct advantages and disadvantages. While Starlink has garnered attention for its potential to serve remote areas, it also faces some significant drawbacks compared to traditional 5G or cellular networks.
Showing posts with label Spectrum Allocation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spectrum Allocation. Show all posts
Free Google Ad-Supported WiFi Hotspots: Connecting on the Go
In today's digital world, staying connected is more important than ever. For those constantly on the move, finding reliable and free WiFi can be a game-changer. Google has stepped up by offering ad-supported WiFi hotspots in various locations, allowing users to connect to the internet without any cost, simply by viewing ads. Here’s everything you need to know about Google’s ad-supported WiFi hotspots, where to find them, and how they work.
What is a Google Ad-Supported WiFi Hotspot?
A Google ad-supported WiFi hotspot is a free internet service available at specific locations where users can connect to WiFi, sponsored by Google. These WiFi hotspots are designed to provide quick and easy internet access, allowing users to check emails, browse social media, and even stream videos while on the go. Instead of paying for internet, users view a brief ad as a form of “payment,” which subsidizes the cost of internet access.
Why Choose Google’s Free WiFi?
- Cost-Effective: Free WiFi access is ideal for travelers, students, and anyone who wants to save on data costs.
- Easy Access: Unlike some WiFi providers that require detailed logins, Google’s ad-supported hotspots are generally quick and simple to connect to.
- Widely Available: Google has expanded its ad-supported WiFi hotspots in cities, public transport stations, airports, and popular public spaces.
- Secure Browsing: Google’s WiFi networks are designed with security in mind, ensuring users have a safe browsing experience.
How Google’s Ad-Supported WiFi Hotspots Work
Google’s WiFi hotspots are straightforward to use:
- Find a Google WiFi Hotspot: Look for hotspots in places like malls, airports, public parks, cafes, and other high-traffic areas.
- Connect to WiFi: Open your WiFi settings, select the network (usually labeled as “Google WiFi” or similar), and connect.
- View an Ad: Before gaining internet access, users view a short ad that typically lasts around 15-30 seconds.
- Browse Freely: After the ad, you’re connected and free to browse, stream, or work online without any charge.
Where to Find Google Ad-Supported WiFi Hotspots
Google’s ad-supported WiFi hotspots are expanding across major cities and countries. Here are some key locations where you can likely find one:
- Public Transit Stations: Many cities have partnered with Google to provide free WiFi in subway and train stations.
- Airports: Major airports often feature Google-sponsored WiFi to keep travelers connected while they wait.
- Cafes and Restaurants: Many cafes, coffee shops, and fast-food restaurants partner with Google to offer free internet to patrons.
- Shopping Centers and Malls: Google WiFi is often available in popular shopping centers and malls, where people spend time.
- Parks and Public Spaces: Some parks and large outdoor areas offer ad-supported WiFi, making it easy for visitors to stay connected.
Pros and Cons of Using Google’s Ad-Supported WiFi
Pros:
- Free Internet Access: Save on data costs by connecting to the internet for free.
- Simple to Use: Connect and browse after a quick ad view.
- Broad Coverage: Increasing availability in popular spots and urban centers.
Cons:
- Ad Viewing Requirement: Some users may find ad-viewing before connecting a slight inconvenience.
- Time Limits: Some locations may have usage time limits, after which users may need to view another ad.
- Network Congestion: High demand can occasionally lead to slower speeds, especially in crowded areas.
Security Tips for Using Public WiFi Hotspots
While Google WiFi hotspots prioritize security, it’s wise to follow a few simple tips when connecting to any public WiFi:
- Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Try not to access banking or sensitive personal accounts while on public WiFi.
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your data, adding an extra layer of security.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): For accounts that support it, 2FA is a good safeguard if a public network is compromised.
- Disconnect When Not in Use: Always disconnect from the network when you’re done browsing to reduce security risks.
The Future of Google Ad-Supported WiFi Hotspots
Google’s WiFi hotspots are part of a broader trend of ad-supported services, offering essential internet access in exchange for ad engagement. This approach not only makes internet access more affordable but also widens the accessibility of the internet for communities worldwide. Future partnerships with public transport systems, government bodies, and major retailers could help Google continue to expand these hotspots.
How to Make the Most of Google’s Free WiFi Hotspots
For frequent travelers, students, and anyone who frequently uses free WiFi, here are some tips to maximize your experience:
- Plan Ahead: Identify hotspot locations along your route to stay connected.
- Manage Data: If you have a limited mobile data plan, these hotspots are a great way to save data for essential tasks.
- Stay Aware: Google’s hotspots are available in many high-traffic areas, but always check the security and be mindful of data usage to ensure you’re connecting safely.
Conclusion
Google’s free ad-supported WiFi hotspots are a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay connected without relying on data plans. Available in popular locations, these hotspots offer convenient, free internet access in exchange for brief ad views. As Google continues to expand this network, more people around the world will gain access to essential internet services, bridging connectivity gaps and fostering a more connected world.
For those always on the move, Google’s ad-supported WiFi hotspots provide an easy, affordable solution to stay connected. Be sure to look out for these hotspots on your next trip to keep your data costs low and your connectivity high.4o
Trump: Do We Need 1,700 FCC Employees?
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Employees | 1,720 |
| Annual budget | US $388 million (FY 2016, requested) |
| Agency executive | Thomas Wheeler, Chairman |
| Website | www.fcc.gov |
It is very important to keep radio spectrum allocation independent of day-to-day political pressures. Traditionally even deregulatory Republicans conceded there needs to be some spectrum cop on the beat. But who is actually doing the policing? Shouldn't we have a free market for spectrum licensing in smaller markets where customers are getting screwed with no coverage?
FCC regulation is about disappointing people at a rate that they can endure.
T-Mobile + MetroPCS Is Good For Consumers
A MetroPCS (NYSE: PCS) and T-Mobile USA owned by Deutsche Telekom (NYSE: DTEGY) merger makes a lot of sense for the following reasons. Here are 10 reasons this would be good for consumers.
- Keep the integrity of a discount carrier intact.
- MetroPCS has LTE spectrum that T-Mobile USA could use.
- More purchasing scale 43M customers (MetroPCS 9M + T-Mobile 34M)
- T-Mobile & MetroPCS have dead zone coverage gaps both can fill.
- Consumer friendly unlimited data plans would likely continue at both companies.
- Fewer competing customers on a network = less data congestion.
- Consumers might have the option of using a GSM or CDMA 3G phones.
- T-Mobile HSPA+ 4G is very fast and the network is not congested.
- MetroPCS 4G LTE is very fast and the network is not congested.
- MetroPCS has been very aggressive using femtocell and DAS to improve coverage.
Deutsche Telekom is considering a stock swap transaction. However, I would support raising more capital in a T-Mobile USA IPO after the acquisition. MetroPCS shares jumped almost 30% instantly on the deal and currently has a market capitalization of around $3 billion. MetroPCS seems to have plenty of cash in the bank of $2B and has annual revenue of approximately $5B. So the combination would appear to be a strategy combining entities to have more scale for handset purchasing and spectrum allocation. Considering the closest competitor is AT&T and Verizon who each have 90 to 100M+ subscribers.
MetroPCS has began deploying their LTE network before Verizon. MetroPCS is currently built around a CDMA 3G voice network and would be incompatible with T-Mobile’s GSM/HSPA network. However, in the future T-Mobile could use MetroPCS's LTE channels. Reuters reported in an article "MetroPCS and T-Mobile are not a good technological or customer fit, one analyst said". MetroPCS is a CDMA carrier in 3G and T-Mobile is a GSM carrier. However, LTE is LTE and new handsets should be cross carrier compatible if the industry does the consumers right.
A combination of Leap Wireless 7M subscribers also makes sense in the future but right now LTE spectrum is more important to T-Mobile I would bet.
Related Articles:
Where is MetroPCS Expanding Coverage?
A combination of Leap Wireless 7M subscribers also makes sense in the future but right now LTE spectrum is more important to T-Mobile I would bet.
Related Articles:
Where is MetroPCS Expanding Coverage?
American Roamer Changes Name to Mosaik
American Roamer Unveils New Corporate Name and Branding Strategy at Mobile World Congress - Branding strategy better represents the company as the global leader in geospatial network intelligence
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - BARCELONA, Feb. 27, 2012 – American Roamer, the global source for geospatial network intelligence, today unveils its new company name, Mosaik Solutions, at Mobile World Congress (Hall 2.0, Booth #2D26). The new name and brand launch is a culmination of efforts over the past several years as the company expanded its talent, scale, capabilities and clientele globally. The new name will help better reflect the company’s position as the leading source for coverage solutions for the global network ecosystem.
Mosaik Solutions maintains the largest mobile network coverage catalog in the world, including all common mobile technologies. In order to provide its clients with the most current intelligence available, the global coverage catalog is evaluated and updated each quarter.
Mosaik Solutions also provides telecommunications coverage patterns, wireless spectrum depth, network configurations, and licensing data. The company’s geospatial, analytical, creative and web solutions are tailored to meet each client’s needs. As the most comprehensive and accurate source for geospatial network intelligence, Mosaik Solutions helps clients acquire and retain customers, make sound business decisions and execute with a solid information base.
With more than 20 years of experience in the geospatial network intelligence industry, Mosaik Solutions has a team of graphic designers, computer scientists, GIS specialists and telecommunications industry experts. The company works with large clients such as Verizon, Time Warner, On-Star and Comcast while supporting the needs of smaller companies as well. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recognized Mosaik Solutions as the best available choice for wireless coverage intelligence in the United States.
“Mosaik Solutions has grown well beyond America – it is global. Our capabilities are beyond mobile and roaming – we have intelligence solutions for the entire network ecosystem,” said Bryan Darr, CEO, Mosaik Solutions. “As a company that provides the most robust, creative and technical solutions on the market, we wanted a name that clearly conveyed who we are and what we provide. We take disparate pieces of intelligence and create elegant solutions to help clients manage customer expectations and empower them to make better strategic and tactical business decisions.”
For more details, please visit www.mosaik.com.
About Mosaik Solutions Mosaik Solutions is the global source for geospatial network intelligence. The company maintains the largest mobile network coverage catalog in the world, including all common mobile technologies. To provide its clients with the most current intelligence available, the global coverage catalog is evaluated and updated quarterly.
With more than 20 years of experience, Mosaik Solutions also provides telecommunications coverage patterns, wireless spectrum depth, network configurations, and licensing data delivered through geospatial, analytical, creative and web solutions tailored to meet client needs. This comprehensive and accurate geospatial network intelligence helps clients acquire and retain customers, make so und business decisions and execute with a solid information base.
What is the Most Uncompetitive U.S. Industry?
One of the best ways to determine the amount of competition in an industry is to look at the dividend yield of the industry. The dividend yield is usually determined by the amount of excess cash a company has left over at the end of the year less expenses. Dividends are typically only paid by companies in industries where there is little room for growth and that have huge profit margins. The S&P 500 average dividend yield is 1.9% and the telecom industry has a 5.3% yield. This yield is surprisingly even higher than our highly subsidized utility industry at 4.3%.
The telecom industry is notorious for under-investing in its infrastructure because shareholders always come before customers. The US is way behind the rest of the World in wireless service availability and speeds. This is the primary business reason why I think there is not enough competition in the wireless business and too much telecom corruption in the FCC. See our wireless telecom competition chart. The FCC measures competition incorrectly at a local level and does not look at macroeconomic financial issues with respect to the ability to compete.
Both Verizon & AT&T are two of the highest dividend-paying companies on Wall Street and are threatening to consolidate an industry even more at the expense of their customers. AT&T paid $10 billion dollars in dividends to shareholders in 2010 while competitor Verizon paid $5.4 in dividends in 2010. Consumers who are interested in seeing more innovation should make sure that our politicians block the merger. AT&T has plenty of spectrum and will do just fine without acquiring T-Mobile.
Why Does AT&T Wireless Hate Me?
 |
| Randall Stephenson AT&T CEO & Tim McKone AT&T Lobbyist |
Do they ignore us because they have been given a green light from the FCC to lie to consumers about their theoretical coverage maps? Does AT&T ignore us because we don't have a telecom management pedigree or have raised millions of dollars in venture capital? What validation do we need to get acknowledged by your employees? Is this because AT&T would rather see our consumer-generated "dead zone" coverage maps disappear, rather than admit they are under-investing in their infrastructure where they hold spectrum licenses? It makes good business sense to me to buy a spectrum license in areas that you have no intention of building out cell towers and coverage because if it won't be profitable. However, is this ethical and shouldn't the FCC be auditing these gaps to give back this spectrum to regional carriers who might actually use it and provide coverage?
Deadcellzones.com has received hundreds of thousands of cell phone coverage complaints over the last decade and we publish them on our AT&T map. We continue to receive hundreds every day from frustrated customers who want coverage help and ways to improve their over-promised AT&T signal strength. Why do we do this asked one prominent member of the FCC? Because AT&T does not publish the information themselves because they fear if their competitors get this information they will exploit their weak coverage areas. Sounds like a win for consumers if cell phone reception was more transparent?
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Photo From @jbtaylor
10 Reasons Why The FCC is a Joke
1) FCC evaluates competition locally and not Nationally. Are they stuck in the '90's?
2) FCC is funded by Verizon, AT&T & Comcast, and not taxpayers.
3) No transparency & FCC complaints go into a mysterious black hole
5) FCC violated our trademark and tried to replicate our dead zones service.
6) FCC trusts AT&T lies and propaganda.
7) It takes 10 years for FCC to force Verizon & AT&T to roam for regional carriers
8) FCC tried to ban cell phone signal boosters at the request of carriers
9) FCC refuses to acknowledge consumers getting screwed and our data.
10) FCC Staffers leaving to become a lobbyist for telecom companies.
Does AT&T Have Enough Wireless Spectrum?
How Does the FCC Evaluate Competition?
The FCC will identify specific markets that require additional review using a test known as the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), which measures the concentration of wireless providers in the area. The commission will also look at the spectrum for mobile services in a given area and see what percentage of that spectrum is held by the parties in question.
AT&T executives have argued that in a local market analysis it will show that at least four carriers and sometimes five are available in most major cities. However, consumer groups like Deadzones.com take issue with this notion and know that Verizon & AT&T are cozy cartels. It is obvious by analyzing the financials of the two biggest wireless players AT&T and Verizon have a significant advantage with annual revenues almost 5X larger than the nearest competitor. AT&T & Verizon generated $100B+ in annual revenue and are getting bigger while smaller competitors aren’t able to keep up especially in light of specialized deals with companies like Apple iPhone and their huge marketing budgets.
Wireless Spectrum Shortage Exaggeration
Why the spectrum shortage exaggeration? AT&T is simply trying to block competition and thus making your service worse in the long run. The "spectrum crisis" has been hugely exaggerated for political purposes. Spending billions of dollars to have the right to use airwaves or licensing wireless spectrum, is essential to phone companies and its a huge government revenue generator despite very few people understanding it. Most spectrum today is unlicensed such as WiFi but the licensed spectrum is often hoarded to fend off competition. For example, AT&T has gone to great lengths to add capacity to its congestion 3G network in such cities as New York and San Francisco not by tapping its unused spectrum, but by upgrading its cell tower and networking equipment and backhaul. If AT&T's data network is overloaded in an area, the traffic doesn't move over to T-Mobile's network if there is spare capacity at the tower. But that would happen after the two companies combine, resulting in better utilization but likely even more network congestion for both AT&T and T-Mobile customers.
More spectrum available means more simultaneous phone calls and more data can be carried in the same area. According to the experts AT&T already has an ample supply of unused wireless spectrum that it plans to use to expand its network over the next several years. And much of T-Mobile's 3G spectrum is already in use, so the acquisition won't result in fresh airwaves becoming available for AT&T customers.
AT&T has reasons besides spectrum hoarding to pay $39 billion for T-Mobile. It lost the iPhone exclusivity and wants to persuade T-Mobile's customers to switch to smartphones, which carry higher monthly fees and data plan. That's an argument that appeals to Wall Street investors, but not to regulators at the FCC or the Department of Justice who are reviewing the merger. All the more reasons why we think the Obama Administration will block the merger in order to persuade the industry to have 3 large competitors and encourage vertical integration not horizontal.
T-Mobile Gets $3B Breakup Fee if AT&T Merger Approval Fails
If the AT&T and T-Mobile merger fails to gain approval from the FCC, FTC and DOJ then AT&T will pay T-Mobile a $3 billion breakup fee and transfer over some AWS spectrum it doesn’t need for its LTE deployment and grant T-Mobile a roaming agreement at an unknown value. The reverse breakup fee is about 7.5% of the total purchase price and the typical fee in takeovers is often closer to 3 percent. Is T-Mobile just playing poker knowing the deal won't ultimately get approved? Agreeing to this merger could simply be a smart way for T-Mobile to gain more LTE spectrum and become more competitive in their conversion to LTE. Did Deutsche simply sucker AT&T in to getting more money and coverage because they get paid regardless. Very smart if you ask me and hope the real winner here is T-Mobile and their customers.
“The breakup fee was very important to us in the negotiations,” Deutsche Telekom Chief Financial Officer Timotheus Hoettges said on a conference call today. “In the intensive discussions, with lawyers, economists, we concluded that we could be optimistic that we could get regulatory approval.” See Bloomberg Deutsche Telekom negotiated with AT&T to pay the $3 billion and give it rights to some wireless spectrum if the merger deal could not be completed.
Wireless Network Armageddon in 2012
The analysis compiled three notable studies on mobile data traffic growth from Cisco Systems, Coda Research, and the Yankee Group. The average of these three studies estimates mobile data traffic to grow 5x between 2009-2011, 20x between 2009-2013, and 35x between 2009-2014. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski indicated that these studies were done before the iPad/tablet boom and therefore the growth may actually be understated. Our study shows that cell site growth is 7% while decelerating and Wi-Fi growth is accelerating to around 40%. in the U.S.
There is obviously going to be a spectrum deficit and the pain that consumers are feeling is going to get even worse. Some solutions trying to tackle the problem include hardware at each cell site to optimize the radio networks, offloading data to Wi-Fi and femtocells. Media optimization and compression will likely be used as well and might be more cost-effective. However, ultimately there will be 10-20 times more Wi-Fi networks and soon there will be more organic Wi-Fi management companies like Boingo, Fon & Google Wifi (TBD) to help users access the almost free networks.
Steve Jobs Cronies Hype: AT&T Getting Better
Steve Jobs Cronies Say Better Cell Towers Are the Answer to AT&T
The problem is actually going to get worse Steve as more and more people are competing for cell phone tower access. Cell phone towers can only handle 10% of the data traffic compared to voice traffic. The only way to solve this today is to distribute the load onto smaller and smaller mini cell phone towers that are called femtocells. AT&T thinks the problem can be improved for customers selling a 3G Microcell. AT&T also thinks the iPhone has deficiencies in the batter life and phone switching capabilities. This requires Apple customers to purchase another device if they want to improve cell phone reception in their phone or the office. I am surprised that AT&T is not selling these devices in the Apple stores as they would be flying off the shelves.
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Free Mobile TV Available Worldwide Except US
Mobile TV is Common Everywhere Except the United States and Europe
When South Korea the World Cup in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, life will not necessarily grind to a halt back in Seoul. Many fans will instead follow a live broadcast of the match on their mobile phones. In South Korea, free-to-air mobile TV is a five-year-old fact of life. According to the country’s broadcasters, 27 million people — 56 percent of the population — watch regularly.
While South Koreans are the world leaders in mobile TV viewing, the technology is also catching on in China, southeast Asia, India, Africa and Latin America, where 80 million people now have cellphones that can receive free, live TV broadcasts. At least 40 million people are watching live TV this year on mobile phones, and most live in emerging markets where operators, which prefer to sell TV programming for a fee through their wireless networks, do not control the sale of handsets.
In the complex world of wireless communication, free-to-air mobile TV technology is relatively simple. With a tiny receiver chip and telescoping antenna, a mobile phone can receive free digital or analog programming like any other television.
In South Korea, 25 million people watch free digital terrestrial broadcasts on mobile handsets and two million pay to subscribe to satellite programming, according to Korean broadcasters. The typical screen made by Samsung is a three-inch, or 7.6-centimeter, diagonal. Batteries support three to six hours of viewing. In Korea, free mobile TV broadcasts are interspersed with ads.
Where are you Google TV?
Telegent is shipping about 750,000 chips each month to handset makers, most designed for viewing analog broadcasts in markets like Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Russia, Nigeria, Thailand, Egypt and China. Brazil is one of Telegent’s biggest markets.
But with the level of data traffic surging on wireless networks around the world, some operators are beginning to look to free-to-air mobile TV — which operates independently and adds no additional traffic burden on an operator’s network — as a way to retain customers.
In April, 12 broadcasters and television content owners in the United States, including Fox, NBC, Gannett Broadcasting, Hearst and Cox Media, formed a joint venture to pool their broadcasting spectrum and eventually deliver mobile TV to 150 million people. The U.S. effort is in its initial stages, and no deadlines have been set for adoption.
Samsung, which includes mobile TV chips as standard technology in its high-end smartphones in South Korea, is making a handset for Sprint that works on the U.S. mobile broadcast standard, ATSC-M/H. Samsung also makes a DVB-H phone for Europe, two that work on Latin America’s ISDB-T standard and an analog handset for Southeast Asia.
On May 24, Sprint and nine broadcasters in the Washington-Baltimore area began a four-month trial that will broadcast programming to mobile phones, netbook computers and portable DVD players made by Samsung, LG Electronics and Dell.
Dave Lougee, the president of Gannett Broadcasting, said the organizers of the trial, a group of 900 U.S. television stations called the Open Mobile Video Coalition, were hopeful consumers would take to the technology.
The trial is being supported by every facet of the U.S. television industry, including content owners, broadcasters, broadcast equipment makers and advertisers, represented by the Television Bureau of Advertisers and The Ad Council. Read more
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Comcast Dismisses Google TV As Competitor
Customer Churn: Coverage vs.Contracts
Contracts Reduce Customer Churn . . . Not Service
It has become fairly obvious that if AT&T's lost its' current iPhone or iPad exclusivity contract that they would suffer tremendous customer carnage. Every person I speak with tells me that if AT&T didn't have them locked into a Blackberry or iPhone contract they would switch to another smaller carrier. Unlike, Europe where you can purchase a phone 1st and pick a wireless carrier 2nd. US customers are only offered subsidized phones that lock them into exclusive carrier contracts. It's bogus in my opinion and should get more government regulation by the FCC who continues to be a pussy on this topic.
Satellite Coverage Maps for Cell Phones
Satellite Coverage Maps You Can Believe
Harbinger issued a statement saying it's building a new network that will cover most of the country by 2015, with tests rolling out in Denver and Phoenix next year. Falcone aims to use spectrum owned by his satellite investments -- including SkyTerra and TerraStar -- to build a wholesale data network "that could be resold by anyone wanting to offer 4G services to their customers, such as retailers or laptop/device manufacturers."
SkyTerra's satellite network system operates over North America and within 200 nautical miles of the waterways surrounding North America. Certain technical considerations and limitations, as well as the nature of customer terminals, can affect the availability of service in certain areas, including Alaska and Canada. In addition, the availability of service at the edge of coverage fluctuates depending on various conditions.
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Underutilized Spectrum
Where Is Spectrum Underutilized and Who Owns The Local License?
Underutilized wireless spectrum refers to portions of the radio frequency spectrum that are allocated for specific uses but are not fully utilized or efficiently utilized. The radio frequency spectrum is a limited and valuable resource that is used for various wireless communications, including cellular networks, Wi-Fi, broadcasting, satellite communications, and more.
There are a few reasons why certain portions of the spectrum may be underutilized:
Regulatory Constraints: Some portions of the spectrum are allocated for specific uses or licensed to specific entities. If those entities are not fully utilizing the spectrum, it can result in underutilization. Regulatory barriers or restrictions can sometimes prevent efficient allocation and utilization of the spectrum.
Fragmentation: The spectrum is divided into different frequency bands, and different technologies and services may operate in different bands. Fragmentation can occur when certain bands have limited adoption or deployment, leading to the underutilization of those specific frequencies.
Technological Advancements: The deployment of newer technologies and more efficient communication protocols can sometimes render older spectrum allocations less efficient or underutilized. For example, advancements in compression algorithms and spectrum-sharing techniques can make better use of available spectrum.
Regional or Geographic Variations: Spectrum usage and demand can vary across different regions or geographies. Some areas may have a higher demand for wireless services, leading to more efficient utilization of the spectrum, while others may have lower demand, resulting in underutilization.
Efforts are being made to address underutilized spectrum and improve spectrum efficiency. These include spectrum auctions, spectrum sharing policies, dynamic spectrum allocation, and the development of new technologies that can make better use of the available spectrum. These initiatives aim to maximize the use of the spectrum resource, improve wireless connectivity, and support the growing demand for wireless services.
Vodafone Will Start Advertising Femtocells
Vodafone and others soon start advertising these devices
We really thought there would be a lot more femtocells on the market here in the US by 2010 considering all of the dead zones in the US and black spots or bad patches in the UK.. There are some femtocells on the market today, but for the most part, carriers are still in "trials" and have not educated the consumer about the product. We are pleased to see the Vodafone UK has started marketing femtocells and educating consumers and maybe even acknowledging a UK blackspots map for UK.
Femtocells are expected to rise substantially over the coming years as a growing number of operators start deploying the devices to increase capacity and coverage in their networks, industry organization Femto Forum said Tuesday. At a briefing at the ongoing World Mobile Congress in Barcelona, the non-profit organization's chairman Simon Saunders said increased mobile spectrum and new efficient network standards like Long Term Evolution will not in themselves be enough to meet the explosion in mobile data generated by smartphones and laptops. Femtocells, essentially minimal base stations about the size of a small shoebox that cover an area of some 10,000 square feet, will increasingly be deployed in homes, offices and busy city environments to help offload the networks, Saunders said.
According to projections from analysis firm Informa, some 49 million femtocells will be deployed by 2014, he added. A few big operators including Vodafone Group Plc (VOD) and AT&T Inc (T) have recently started deploying femtocells, according to Sanjeev Verma, founder of U.S.-based femtocell maker Airvana Inc. (AIRV). There are a few hundred thousand femtocells in use worldwide, he said in an interview Tuesday but added that the number should rise sharply as Vodafone and others soon start advertising the devices.
Operators are interested in femtocells because they improve coverage in indoor environments and boost network capacity, said Verma. He said they also allow some applications for home environments, like synchronizing electronic devices over the network. A typical femtocell costs around $100-$200, Verma said, but added that operators will probably offer them to consumers at a subsidized price, much like they currently do with mobile phones.
In a separate keynote speech Tuesday, Guo Ping, Chief Science Officer at Chinese network equipment vendor Huawei Technologies Co, said limited bandwidth is an important challenge for the telecom industry. Telecom firms can meet capacity demands by rolling out faster technology standards like Long Term Evolution, gaining access to more spectrum, and building solutions for increased coverage in hot spots, he said.
WiMAX Operators Fined For Poor Coverage
WiMAX operators fined for failure to reach the coverage target of 25% the population by March of 2009 stipulated by their concessions.
Three of Malaysia's WiMAX operators have been hit with fines relating to failures in rolling out their networks on time, the Star Online reports.
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