iPhone

2008 Year in Review: WiFi gains significance again

Lynnette Luna — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:57:46 -0500

WiFi took a hit at the beginning of the year as EarthLink and MetroFi pulled the plug on their muni-WiFi initiatives, but as 2008 comes to a close, WiFi has permeated several parts of the industry. The muni-WiFi business is bouncing back in cities where network operators are working with more sensible business models that include local government anchor tenants and/or a few other high-user tenants such as colleges and medical campuses. 802.11n networks are gaining significant inroads in the enterprise, while WiFi/cellular devices are making significant inroads into the market thanks to Apple's iPhone.

Another sign of WiFi's significance comes from AT&T's recent acquisition of Wayport. Not only does the acquisition give AT&T a greater footprint but offers some cost-savings for AT&T too since Wayport had a roaming deal with AT&T to allow its subscriber base to access its hotspots. AT&T offers free WiFi to to its fixed broadband, 3G, iPhone and certain BlackBerry customers.

The bottom line: Look for operators like AT&T and T-Mobile to examine options for offering new types of consumer devices embedded with WiFi as WiFi is still faster and available in more locations than 3G. Eye-Fi, which runs on Wayport hotspots, embeds WiFi within cameras for picture downloading, and a whole host of devices, such as gaming and PC tablets embedded with WiFi can offer operators new revenue opportunities.

Truphone comes up with poor man's verison of iPhone

Lynnette Luna — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 19:12:26 -0500

VoIP company Truphone has come up with a poor man's version of the iPhone: buy an iPod Touch MP3 player and add Truphone software to turn it into a phone. Truphone's free VoIP software can utilize the WiFi connection on the iPod Touch to route calls. Once the application is installed, a virtual keypad appears to dial the desired number. The other addition that is needed is a microphone. Article

UK advertising regulator bans another iPhone 3G ad

Lynnette Luna — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:22:56 -0500

For the second time, the UK's Advertising Standard Authority banned an Apple iPhone advertisement for what is says misleads consumers. This time the agency is banning an ad that touts how fast the iPhone 3G can browse the Internet. The ad shows a person using the iPhone to browse the web, downloading a file and viewing Google Maps at very fast speeds. And the dialogue says the touch-screen device "helps you get the news, really fast," and "download pretty much anything, really fast."

The regulator said the commercial would likely mislead viewers into believing they could get those types of connectivity speeds on their iPhone 3G devices. Before the regulator banned the ad, Apple argued that the commercial was designed to show that the iPhone 3G was significantly faster than the first-generation iPhone devices. Apple also said it had a note in the ad that read, "Network performance will vary by location." The agency didn't buy that explanation.

In August, the regulator banned another iPhone 3G ad that promised users access to "all parts of the Internet" on their Apple devices.

For more:
- check out InformationWeek

Related article:
U.K. advertising authority bans iPhone ad

InterDigital, Samsung settle 3G patent dispute

Lynnette Luna — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:07:09 -0500

InterDigital and Samsung settled two long-standing patent-infringement lawsuits just as the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) was about to make a decision on whether to recommend banning imports of Samsung phones containing 3G phones.

The patents pertained to 3G technology used in Samsung's Balckjack II and Instinct smartphones. According to the Wall Street Journal, InterDigital has garnered some $1.5 billion from wireless patents. Apple and Research in Motion license its technology but Samsung was a hold out until the settlement along with Nokia. InterDigital has a lawsuit pending against Nokia. A judge is set to hear the case in May 2009 and rule in August, with an ITC ruling due by the middle of December.

For more:
- read the WSJ (sub. req.)

Related articles:
InterDigital signs iPhone patent deal with Apple
InterDigital wins patent dispute against Samsung

AT&T to offer official iPhone 3G tethering app

Lynnette Luna — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:44:37 -0500

iPhone 3G customers will be able to use their devices as a wireless modem for computers soon, according to an AT&T Mobility executive. CEO Ralph de la Vega, during an interview with InformationWeek, confirmed that the operator is working on an official tethering application, but declined to give a time frame for the release.

A third-party developer, Nullriver, introduced in July a tethering application called NetShare that was pulled by Apple, returned then finally pulled again from Apple's App Store because it violated AT&T's terms of service. The application enabled Apple's iPhone to share EDGE or 3G connections with other devices to create a portable WiFi hotspot of sorts.

AT&T offers tethering plans for many of its smartphones, including BlackBerrys, but not for the iPhone 3G. Unlike the NetShare application, AT&T will likely charge a monthly fee. Naturally, mobile operators aren't very happy about the prospect of these roving WiFi hotspots created by one connection as they don't want users getting a free ride on their data networks. Outside tethering services violate AT&T's terms of service.

For more:
- check out InformationWeek

Related article:
iPhone tethering app pulled minutes after debut, restored again

iPhone users finally get free WiFi on AT&T hotspots

Lynnette Luna — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:22:08 -0500

After a couple of false starts, AT&T is finally offering iPhone users along with users of select smart phones free access to its 17,000 WiFi hotspots. As you'll recall back in July, AT&T dangled the free WiFi carrot by posting a Web page promoting free WiFi access for iPhone users at its hotspots. Later that week the Web page was pulled, and AT&T media relations folks said it was a mistake. A similar mistake happened in May. Just hours after posting information that told iPhone users they would receive free access to AT&T's public WiFi hotspots, the company pulled all references to the service from its website.

However, Glenn Fleishman at Wi-Fi Networking News points out that the method for obtaining the free WiFi access is a bit complicated. Users have to joint the network, visit a gateway Web page, enter their cell phone number and wait for a free text message that contains a link to a secure site that activates 24 hours of access. The access is only available at that particular location but users can apparently activate service at as many locations as they want during a single day.

For more:
- see AT&T's web site
- check out Wi-Fi Network News

Related articles:
AT&T dangles free WiFi carrot in front of iPhone users (again)
What's up with free WiFi for iPhone users at AT&T hotspots?

Intel issues apology over iPhone remarks

Lynnette Luna — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:01:41 -0400

Intel issued an apology for comments its executives made about the Web-browsing shortcomings of the Apple iPhone. The executives, speaking at the Intel Developer Forum in Taipei, Taiwan, claimed the iPhone suffers from slow browsing because it uses an ARM processor instead of an Intel chip. Apple laptops and desktops use Intel processors so it pays to apologize.

Shane Wall, vice president of Intel's mobility group, said the iPhone was slow in browsing the Web. "Any sort of application that requires any horsepower at all and the iPhone struggles," Shane Wall, vice president of Intel's mobility group was quoted as saying in ZDNet. Pankaj Kedia, a director with the mobility group, blamed the iPhone's slow browsing on the ARM. "The shortcomings of the iPhone are not because of Apple," he said. "The shortcomings of the iPhone have come from ARM."

Anand Chandrasekher, general manager of Intel's ultramobility products group, issued an apology and admitted that Intel's own low-power processor, the Atom, was inferior to the ARM chip in that it draws more battery power. He said Intel is working to improve the Atom's power usage. "The statements made in Taiwan were inappropriate, and Intel representatives should not have been commenting on specific customer designs," Chandrasekher said last week in a company blog.

For more:
- read InformationWeek

Related articles:
AT&T: 95% of iPhone owners surf the mobile web
Study claims iPhone usability could be improved

Apple iPhone gaining traction with corporations

Sue Marek — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:51:58 -0400

In its latest IT purchasing survey, ChangeWave reports the Apple iPhone is gaining traction with corporations. ChangeWave's survey, conducted Aug. 11-21, indicated a slightly weaker visibility for RIM. At 79 percent of the market, RIM was three-points lower than its record high in May. ChangeWave attributes some of this to the delay of RIM's Bold device, which is still not available in the U.S. market.

Meanwhile, with 17 percent share Apple continues to show momentum in terms of corporate-planned purchases. Apple was up 4 points compared to the previous survey. And 19 percent of those surveyed said that the release of the iPhone 3G has made their company more likely to purchase an Apple iPhone.

For more:
- See this article

Related article:
Study says businesses aren't convinced of iPhone yet

iPhone tethering app pulled minutes after debut, restored again

Lynnette Luna — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:23:55 -0400

A new application from Nullriver called NetShare that enables Apple's iPhone to share EDGE or 3G connections with other devices to create a portable WiFi hotspot of sorts briefly appeared on Apple's App store but was pulled minutes later and then restored again the next day.

The app, which costs $10, shares the iPhone's EDGE or 3G, connection with a PC, providing a ubiquitous Internet connection. Naturally, mobile operators aren't very happy about the prospect of these roving WiFi hotspots created by one connection as they don't want users getting a free ride on their data networks. Tethering services violate AT&T's terms of service.

Nullriver says it is trying to find out from Apple why the app was pulled, but has yet to receive an answer from the company.

For more:
- check out Mobile Tech Today

Related stories:
Ten million iPhone App Store downloads in first weekend. iPhone story
App Store frustrations bedevil iPhone developers. App store story

AT&T offers and then rescinds free WiFi for iPhone users (again)

Lynnette Luna — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 01:23:02 -0400

What is up with AT&T and its intentions to offer iPhone users free WiFi access at its 17,000 hotspots? The operator keeps dangling the carrot in front of iPhone users only to yank it back again. Last week, the company posted a web page promoting free WiFi access for iPhone users at its hotspots only to have AT&T media relations folks to say it was a false alarm.

Back in May, just hours after posting information that told iPhone users they would receive free access to AT&T's public WiFi hotspots, the company pulled all references to the service from its Web site. The AT&T site previously noted "access to AT&T WiFi hot spots" was included in all iPhone subscriber plans. Why are plans continually released only to be pulled back again?

For more:
- check out Wi-Fi Net News

Rogers alters iPhone 3G pricing amid consumer gripes

Lynnette Luna — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:09:07 -0400

Rogers Communications in Canada, the only operator selling the iPhone 3G in that country, has succumbed to Canadian consumer backlash over the data fees it is planned to charge. Rogers now says the customers who purchase an iPhone, which goes on sale tomorrow, by Aug. 31 and sign a three-year contract with the operator will receive 6 GB of data for $29.44 (30 Canadian dollars) per month. Rogers originally charged $75 per month, the same as AT&T in the U.S., but the price offered Canadians a third less calling time, half as many text messages, and put a cap on 3G data usage--with steep fees for users who go over their monthly limit.

Rogers claimed that it initially didn't have a lot of information about how customers wanted to use the new 3G iPhone. As that information became available, the operator said it became clear that customers were eager to use the device's data capabilities to the fullest potential, so it responded with a new price.

For more:
- check out the WSJ (sub. req.)

Related stories:
Chronicling the humiliation and anger induced by the iPhone 3G. iPhone 3G editorial
iPhone: rumors and consumer rebellion. iPhone story

Informa: Mobile data services fuel base station turnaround

Lynnette Luna — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:35:32 -0400

The growing success of mobile data services is fueling a turnaround in the lagging base station market, according to Informa Telecoms & Media. The firm predicts that jumps in data traffic related to YouTube and other mobile video streaming applications will increase 5,514 percent by 2012. It said the rise of browser-friendly devices such as the iPhone 3G can lead to a 30-fold increase in traffic per subscriber. Article

Canadian iPhone 3G plans require three-year contract, limited data

Lynnette Luna — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:38:11 -0400

Canadian wireless customers found it they will have to sign a three-year service contract and sign up for a wireless plan that doesn't include unlimited data if they want to get the new iPhone 3G from Rogers.

The operator announced it is offering plans that range from $60 to $115 per month but didn't say how much the handset would cost when it goes on sale July 11.

The cheapest monthly plan costs $60 and includes 150 minutes of voice calling, with unlimited evenings and weekends, 400 MB of data, 75 sent text messages, and unlimited incoming texts and visual voicemail messages. The most expensive plan runs $115, and subscribers get 800 minutes of daytime calling, 2 GB of data, and 300 sent text messages.

Rogers calculated that the plan with 400 MB of data represents up to 200,000 text e-mails or 3,100 Web pages. The 2-GB plan is the equivalent of 1,048,000 text e-mails or 16,000 Web pages. With statistics showing that iPhone users are the biggest users of the mobile Internet, Canadian customers will likely hit their data limit rather quickly. At least each of the service plans comes with unlimited access to all Rogers and Fido WiFi hotspots.

For more:
- check out InformationWeek

Related stories:
iPhone 3G revises AT&T data pricing. AT&T story
AT&T will subsidize 3G iPhone. iPhone story

AT&T looks to roll out HSPA in time for 3G iPhone

Thu, 22 May 2008 06:59:56 -0400

AT&T says it is nearly finished with its HSUPA network deployment with six more markets to go. The operator expects to have its HSUPA deployment finished by next month. AT&T says that the technology will give subscribers uplink speeds between 500 Kbps and 800 Kbps. Download speeds are in the 1.4 Mbps range.

The timing of AT&T's HSUPA network completion is key because June is when the 3G iPhone is expected to make its debut. In fact, GizModo is reporting 3G iPhone will launch June 9 or shortly thereafter. Originally it was thought the 3G version would be introduced in June but not available until year-end. HSUPA will give iPhone users access to much faster network speeds than the current iPhone, which uses AT&T's EDGE data network. AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega recently indicated that AT&T will have a time-to-market advantage over WiMAX with its HSUPA technology because HSUPA Release 7 will give the company 7 Mbps to 20 Mbps data speeds within the next two years.

For more:
- see this press release

Related stories:
AT&T: HSPA will provide 20 Mbps data speeds. See this story on AT&T's HSPA plans
AT&T CTO HSDPA progressing, HSUPA in test phase. See this story on AT&T's HSPA deployment

ALSO NOTED: AT&T launches free WiFi for LaptopConnect users ; Atheros WiFi technology powers Netflix Player; and much more...

Thu, 22 May 2008 06:59:51 -0400

> German iPhone customers use mobile Internet services 30 times more than other cell phone subscribers, while one third of all T-Mobile iPhone customers have chosen the most expensive plan. Article

> AT&T launched free WiFi for it LaptopConnect customers. Release

> U.K. WiMAX player snaps up WiFi aggregator. Article

> Sequans Communications announced availability of its newest chip, the SQN1170, which integrates baseband, RF, and memory in a single chip. Release

> Netflix Player by Roku is using Atheros WiFi technology. Release

And Finally... Sharp extends methanol fuel cell power. Release

What's up with free WiFi for iPhone users at AT&T hotspots?

Mon, 12 May 2008 06:59:56 -0400

AT&T hotspots are no longer enabling free WiFi access to iPhone users as reported in early May. According to an article in Computerworld, just hours after posting information that told iPhone users they would receive free access to AT&T's public WiFi hotspots, the company pulled all references to the service from its Web site. The AT&T site previously noted "access to AT&T WiFi hot spots" was included in all iPhone subscriber plans.

For more about AT&T's on-again, off-again WiFi for iPhone users:
- check out this article from Computerworld

ALSO NOTED: 3G iPhone watch: AT&T discourages vacations; Google vs. Verizon, round 2; and much more...

Thu, 08 May 2008 06:59:51 -0400

> 3G iPhone watch: AT&T discourages vacations Article

> On the Hot Seat with T-Mobile USA's Neville Ray on its 3G rollout Article

> The market for wireless USB could reach $1 billion by 2013 with chip prices down to $2, said IMS Research. Article

And Finally... Google versus Verizon, round 2. Article

AT&T grants iPhone users free hotspot use ... finally

Mon, 05 May 2008 06:59:56 -0400

Though not confirmed by AT&T, it appears that AT&T hotspots are now enabling free WiFi access to iPhone users. Several WiFi hotspots that folks tried offered iPhone users a custom portal to access free WiFi. A special formatted page asks the user for the iPhone mobile-phone number in order to access WiFi for free.

It's about time. Since last July, subscribers to AT&T's highest-speed DSL services have received free access to its WiFi hotspots throughout the country. In January, it began offering free WiFi to all DSL subscribers. But iPhone users have been left out of the fray.

For more about iPhone users being able to access free WiFi at AT&T hotspots:
- check out this report from MacRumors.com

Will AT&T subsidize the 3G iPhone?

Thu, 01 May 2008 06:59:54 -0400

Fortune is reporting that AT&T is planning to this time subsidize the 3G version of the Apple iPhone, knocking off the price by $200. By offering the phone at a cheaper price, AT&T reportedly plans to put the squeeze on rivals Verizon and Sprint by putting the popular device within reach of more subscribers who have spending limits.

Apple is expected to announce two versions of the 3G iPhone, according to the report: an 8GB iPhone for $399 and a 16GB iPhone for $499. Since iPhone users have proven to be heavy data users, it follows that recouping the subsidy wouldn't take too long for AT&T.

For more on the 3G iPhone report:
- read this article from Fortune

ALSO NOTED: Rogers Wireless plans to roll out iPhone this year; PCWorld reveals its top choices for 802.11n routers; and much m

Thu, 01 May 2008 06:59:51 -0400

> Rogers Wireless is planning to roll out the iPhone this year. Article

> Sierra Wireless posted a profit of $9.1 million, up from $5.3 million a year ago. Revenue jumped 66 percent from a year ago to $141.9 million. Article

> Motorola is working with Thailand's Advanced Info Service (AIS), the largest mobile operator in Thailand to conduct trials of mobile WiMAX solutions. Article

> Towerstream lights up the General Motors building in Manhattan. Article

And Finally... PCWorld's lab tests reveal the top choices for 802.11n routers. Article