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When Novatel launched their MiFi 4082 there wasn't a way to physically plug the MiFi in to tether directly. This caused some issues considering the WiFi feature is automatically turned off when you've got the device plugged into a computer, unless you've got our retractable charge only USB cable. This meant you couldn't use the device, unless you had an AC outlet nearby or a charged battery to connect via WiFi. Sprint is now offering USB tethering software for customers that would like to charge their MiFi through the computer and still be able to surf the internet. This software is currently only available for Windows based computers, but we anticipate that a Mac version will be developed soon. This could also be good news for customers that own a non WiFi as WAN 3G/4G router because it may open the door to plug into a router via USB.

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Related Links:    

• Order Sprint Wireless 3G/4G Modems
• Order 3G/4G Routers
• Check Coverage With 3Gstore's 3G/4G Coverage Map

Official Press Release:

"Clearwire Announces Intent to Add LTE to Its Network to Accelerate Wholesale Business"

• Company Will Leverage Deep Spectrum Resources and All-IP Network to Meet Long-Term Mobile Broadband Demands
• Unmatched LTE Network Capable of Serving Current and Future Wholesale and Retail Customers
• Initial LTE Rollout Will Target High-Demand Areas of Current 4G Markets, Leverage Existing 4G Infrastructure for Minimal Capital Expense
• Download Speeds Exceed 120 Mbps in Successful Network Technology Trial
• Support for WiMAX 4G Network Technology to Continue

KIRKLAND, Wash, Aug. 3, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clearwire Corporation (Nasdaq:CLWR), a leading provider of 4G wireless broadband services in the United States, today announced its intent to add "LTE Advanced-ready" technology to its 4G network. The announcement follows the successful completion of 4G technology trials that achieved download speeds exceeding 120 Mbps and demonstrated the potential of Clearwire's unmatched spectrum advantage.

The initial implementation of Clearwire's LTE network would target densely populated, urban areas of Clearwire's existing 4G markets where current 4G usage demands are high. The robust all-IP infrastructure already deployed in these markets can be leveraged to serve the company's LTE needs, delivering significant capital cost savings compared to a similar overlay by other carriers of an existing 3G architecture.

"Clearwire plans to raise the bar again for mobile broadband service in the United States," said John Stanton, Clearwire's Chairman and interim CEO. "Our leadership in launching 4G services forced a major change in the competitive mobile data landscape. Now, we plan to bring our considerable spectrum portfolio to bear to deliver an LTE network capable of meeting the future demands of the market."

"This is the future of mobile broadband," said Dr. John Saw, Clearwire's Chief Technology Officer. "Our extensive trial has clearly shown that our 'LTE Advanced-ready' network design, which leverages our deep spectrum with wide channels, can achieve far greater speeds and capacity than any other network that exists today. Clearwire is the only carrier with the unencumbered spectrum portfolio required to achieve this level of speed and capacity in the United States."

"In addition, the 2.5 GHz spectrum band in which we operate is widely allocated worldwide for 4G deployments, enabling a potentially robust, cost effective and global ecosystem that could serve billions of devices," Saw added. "We anticipate that the economies of scale derived from this global ecosystem will act as a catalyst for the development of thousands of low-cost devices and applications. And, since we currently support millions of customers in the 2.5 GHz band, we know that our LTE network won't present harmful interference issues with GPS or other sensitive spectrum bands."

Clearwire also noted that since launching its first 4G market in 2009, video has become the largest component of the company's overall data traffic and video traffic itself has increased more than tenfold since 2009. The company believes that as more video-intensive smartphones and services rise, so will the needs for Clearwire's high-capacity 4G wholesale network.

LTE Advanced is a 4G technical standard that calls for peak download mobile speeds of at least 100 Mbps, which far exceeds today's commercial networks. Clearwire's LTE network will be "LTE Advanced-ready" meaning that it will use an ultra-high-capacity spectrum configuration that is superior to the typical configuration of the slower, more capacity-constrained commercial LTE network designs in the United States of today.

Clearwire's LTE implementation plan, which is subject to additional funding, contemplates deploying Time Division Duplex (TDD) LTE technology and reusing its flexible all-IP network architecture and upgrading base station radios and some core network elements, which offers significant capital savings. This will include the use of multicarrier, or multichannel, wideband radios that will be carrier aggregation capable. Carrier aggregation is a key feature of LTE Advanced that will enable Clearwire to further leverage its vast spectrum depth to create larger "fat pipes" for deploying mobile broadband service. The network would position Clearwire as the clear leader in 4G mobile broadband technology, capable of serving the current and anticipated future demands of wholesale and retail customers.

Clearwire, together with some of the largest wireless carriers in the world, is a founding member of the Global TDD LTE Initiative (GTI) which aims to bring together leading industry partners to steer the TDD LTE ecosystem as a major standard in mobile broadband technology and drive the development of next generation mobile broadband networks. Member companies that currently support more than a billion subscribers on their networks believe that a global LTE standard has the potential to achieve significant economies of scale and serve hundreds of millions of customers worldwide.

Clearwire also restated its commitment to its existing 4G WiMAX network, which covers approximately 132 million people while serving 7.65 million retail and wholesale customers and an ecosystem of nearly 110 WiMAX enabled devices, including all 4G phones currently offered by Sprint. Clearwire expects to end 2011 with approximately 10 million 4G customers.

Sierra Wireless AirPrime™ MC7700 and AirPrime MC7750 embedded wireless modules granted technical approvals on major U.S. 4G LTE networks, providing OEMs a choice of network services while streamlining development efforts

VANCOUVER, Aug. 2, 2011 /CNW/ - Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) today announced that the company has achieved an important milestone in its 4G LTE product development programs. The Sierra Wireless AirPrime™ MC7700 embedded wireless module has achieved technical approval for the AT&T 4G LTE network, and the Sierra Wireless AirPrime MC7750 module has achieved technical approval for the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, clearing the way for shipments to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) building products with integrated 4G connectivity on either of the major U.S.-based LTE networks.

Embedded modules that have achieved operator technical approval provide OEMs with greater confidence that devices integrating the modules will pass network certification tests, as the majority of the test cases have already been completed. This also accelerates time-to-market and reduces network certification costs for OEMs. OEMs working with Sierra Wireless modules also now have the opportunity to efficiently and cost-effectively provide a choice of network services with their products, as the AirPrime MC7700 and AirPrime MC7750 share a common hardware and software interface.

"We recognize that many of our OEM customers need to be able to provide their customers with options when it comes to network services," said Dan Schieler, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Mobile Computing for Sierra Wireless. "So we put major effort behind streamlining wireless integration for our customers, ensuring they have quick access to new technologies in reliable, pre-certified modules with a common interface. OEMs can design and develop once and apply the work across devices for both networks, allowing them to keep development costs under control while still offering their customers the choices they want."

Sierra Wireless AirPrime MC77XX Series embedded wireless modules allow OEMs to take advantage of the latest generation of high-speed mobile networks, delivering up to 100 Mbps download speeds and 50 Mbps upload speeds, integrated GPS capabilities, and broad compatibility. Compatibility with existing 2G and 3G networks ensures users stay connected whether they're in major cities, traveling across the country, or roaming internationally. Sierra Wireless embedded modules support Windows, Linux, and Android operating systems to enable wireless integration in a wide variety of devices. The AirPrime MC7750 module also supports over-the-air device management (OTA-DM), allowing OEMs to include provisioning, servicing, and customization options to enhance the user experience.

OEMs are already using these new capabilities to incorporate high-speed wireless connectivity into a variety of upcoming devices, including notebook, netbook, and tablet computers; connected consumer electronics products such as personal navigation devices; and home or enterprise-class routers.

For more information about Sierra Wireless AirPrime embedded wireless modules for LTE networks, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/productsandservices/AirPrime/Wireless_Modules/High-speed.aspx. To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

About Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) offers industry-leading mobile computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications products and solutions that connect people, devices, and applications over cellular networks. Wireless service providers, equipment manufacturers, enterprises and government organizations around the world depend on us for reliable wireless technology. We offer 2G, 3G and 4G wireless modems, routers and gateways as well as a comprehensive suite of software, tools, and services that ensure our customers can successfully bring wireless applications to market. For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit http://www.sierrawireless.com.

"AirPrime" is a trademark of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions, channel and end customer demand conditions, revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, profits, and other expectations, intentions, and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. Our expectations regarding future revenues and earnings depend in part upon our ability to successfully develop, manufacture, and supply products that we do not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "expect", "believe", and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in the wireless data communications market. In light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding the wireless data communications market, you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.

Earlier this month there were rumors that on October 1, 2011 AT&T would begin to throttle the accounts of unlimited grandfathered users using to much data. This concept will limit the amount of bandwidth the top 5 percent of their heaviest data users, which will help preserve the experience for the other 95 percent of users. It's said that these "abusers" are using about 12 times more data than the average smartphone customer and won't apply to the 15 million customers on newer tiered data plans. This will only affect AT&T customers that signed up before they released tiered plans and are grandfathered into unlimited accounts. According to Fierce Mobile Content this change will become official on October 1, 2011 and AT&T will be sending out notices informing customers of the change as well as a grace period for customers to make changes.

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

• LightSquared enters into a Spectrum Hosting and Network Services Agreement with Sprint that is expected to result in substantial savings for LightSquared and accelerate completion of LightSquared’s nationwide 4G-LTE network
• Sprint has option to purchase 4G capacity from LightSquared
• LightSquared enters into a nationwide 3G Roaming Agreement with Sprint

RESTON, Va. and OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – July 28, 2011 – LightSquared™, the nation’s first wholesale-only integrated 4G-LTE wireless broadband and satellite network, and Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S) announced today they have entered into a 15-year agreement that includes spectrum hosting and network services, 4G wholesale, and 3G roaming.

This spectrum hosting arrangement leverages Sprint’s investment in its innovative, multi-year Network Vision plan. Under the agreement, LightSquared will pay Sprint to deploy and operate a nationwide LTE network that hosts L-Band spectrum licensed to or available to LightSquared. As a wholesale-only carrier with separate core network operations, LightSquared can sell its 4G broadband capacity produced through this spectrum hosting relationship to Sprint, other wireless carriers, and retail partners.

Under the terms of the agreement, during an 11 year period, LightSquared will make payments to Sprint of approximately $9 billion in cash for spectrum hosting and network services as well as LTE and satellite purchase credits which are currently estimated to be valued at approximately $4.5 billion. The agreement also provides Sprint the opportunity to purchase up to 50 percent of LightSquared’s expected L-Band 4G capacity. The wholesale purchase credits will provide Sprint the option to obtain cost-competitive access to 4G capacity by offsetting Sprint’s purchases of 4G capacity from LightSquared, should Sprint elect to incorporate the L-Band LTE capability as part of its 4G offering.

This agreement is expected to lower network capital and operating expenses for LightSquared by more than $13 billion over the next eight years in comparison with the cost of a stand-alone network build. LightSquared expects the deployment of the nationwide 4G-LTE network to be completed more than one year ahead of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandate to cover 260 million Americans by 2015.

LightSquared has also entered into a 3G nationwide roaming agreement with Sprint. With access to Sprint’s 3G nationwide network, LightSquared’s wholesale customers will be able to offer combined 4G/3G data services as soon as LightSquared launches its first 4G markets in 2012.

“This spectrum hosting agreement with LightSquared allows Sprint to more efficiently use its Network Vision platform,” said Steve Elfman, president of Network Operations and Wholesale for Sprint. “In addition to improving our cash flow, it provides additional options and flexibility in how we meet our customers’ future capacity needs.”

“This agreement gives LightSquared a rapid and cost-effective radio access network build,” said LightSquared Chairman and CEO Sanjiv Ahuja. “With our next generation satellite already operational and our independent core network build underway, LightSquared is now well positioned to meet the fast-growing market demand for wireless broadband services with its wholesale-only integrated 4G-LTE and satellite network.”

The agreement is subject to LightSquared's obtaining resolution and FCC approval of certain interference issues involving terrestrial use of the L-Band spectrum.

“We believe LightSquared, in cooperation with the FCC and adjacent spectrum users, is taking proactive steps to address and resolve these issues in a timely manner,” said Elfman.

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Related Links:

• Check Coverage With 3Gstore's 3G/4G Coverage Map
• Order Sprint 3G/4G Wireless Modems

Last week Verizon Wireless launched 4G LTE in 28 new markets and they're already announcing new launch markets set to go live on August 18th. The list below has been compiled by Droid Life and isn't official yet, but indicated by a variety of sources. Verizon's 4G LTE network is designed to deliver between 5-12Mbps down and 2-5Mbps up. 

New Verizon 4G LTE Markets:

• Council Bluffs, IA
• Ithaca, NY
• Syracuse, NY
• Albany, NY
• Fort Collins, CO
• Provo/Orem, UT
• Salinas and Monterey, CA
• Bakersfield, CA
• Omaha, NE
• Altoona, PA
• Johnstown, PA

Existing Verizon 4G LTE Markets Expanding Coverage:

• Cincinnati, OH
• Columbus, OH
• Rockland County, NY (Nyack, West Nyack, Orangeburg, Pearl River, & Spring Valley)

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Related Links:

• Check Coverage With 3Gstore's 3G/4G Coverage Map
• Order Verizon 3G/4G Wireless Modems
• Verizon VZ4G LTE Markets

Apple's new Mac operating system OS X Lion sold over one million copies on the first day, and wireless users have been running into some problems so far. Sprint users are getting a pop up message (pictured above), which informs them that the application hasn't been tested in 64-bit mode yet. We've had some success with the newer 3G/4G Sprint modems on the 3G network, but have been unsuccessful connecting to their 4G network. However, if you want to enjoy Sprint's 4G WiMAX network on "Lion", there is a simple workaround until they release a version that's 64-bit compatible.

Configure Mac OS X Lion for 32bit Mode:

1. Close all active programs
2. Navigate to the Apple Icon and select "restart" from the drop down menu
3. When your Mac reboots hold "Shift" and the numbers "3" and "2" for 32-bit

If you've done this correctly you'll see a load bar underneath the Apple icon when it begins to load OS X Lion. When you boot back into the desktop you should now be in 32-bit mode, which will allow you to launch Sprint Smartview without receiving any warning notifications. You'll now be able to enjoy Sprint Smartview without any warning or compatibility issues! Discuss your experience with Sprint Smartview and OS X Lion on our EVDOForums - Mac OS X Lion and Sprint SmartView