Tuesday, 22 December 2009 00:00
 Earlier this week, Verizon announced that they have made some updates to the specifications for their 4G LTE 700-MHz devices. The new specs are intended to help manufacturers develop products that will operate on Verizon's upcoming LTE network, likely aircards/modems at first but eventually handsets as well. Verizon is currently testing their LTE network in Boston and Seattle (although it is not available to consumers) and plan to launch the network in 25 to 30 markets by the end of next year.
In a statement on Monday Verizon said that "these documents will help guide developers into the next phase of bringing their LTE devices to the Verizon Wireless network." They noted that the specs will be outlined in a Webcast on Jan. 20, so stand by for further updates!
Saturday, 19 December 2009 20:43
Sprint has finally released SmartView 2.28 for both Windows and Mac OS X. This version adds better stability and support for the new U301 3G/4G Modem. This upgrade will also improve toggling between 3G and 4G networks, as this was an issue with the previous version of SmartView when using the U300. If you wish to upgrade to version 2.28, you will have to manually download it from the Sprint Downloads page, as it is not being offered via SmartView's auto-update feature. Beggining on December 21st, 3GStore.com will be shipping this latest version of Sprint's SmartView software for both Windows & Mac OS X with all of their Sprint devices . 
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Saturday, 19 December 2009 18:17
Read our full review of the U301 on our sister site, EVDOinfo.com
Today Sprint added the new U301 hybrid 3G/4G modem for use with their new WiMax network and existing 3G networks. As the successor of the U300, the U301 comes in a smaller black shell, and has a swiveling USB port that will allow it to be adjusted into several different positions. Unlike the U300, the U301 supports Mac OS X Leopard (10.5) and Snow Leopard (10.6) operating systems, in addition to Windows 7, Vista, and XP operating systems. The fastest speeds in 4G markets, 3G speeds everywhere else. Sprint 3G/4G USB U301 is the second dual-mode 3G/4G USB device available from Sprint. This small, easy-to-use device is compatible with both PC and Mac computers, connecting laptops or netbooks to the fastest wireless connection available. The dual-mode U301 provides access to Sprint 4G wireless speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G1 and access to the most dependable 3G mobile broadband network2 virtually everywhere else. U301 is ideally suited for business customers looking to improve productivity, increase customer satisfaction and reduce costs or for consumers who want to browse the Web, send and receive email, access information and explore social networking and multimedia entertainment. With 4G speeds, users can stream HD videos, upload and download massive files in just seconds or download a song in several seconds or a movie in less than an hour. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ADVANCED FEATURES: - GPS enabled supporting Sprint Navigation, BlackBerry Maps and other GPS applications when using the Sprint 3G Mobile Broadband Network
- Employs 3G/4G wireless technology authentication and identification system for top-notch security
- Sprint SmartViewSM software for connectivity to Sprint’s 3G and 4G network, as well as quick links for Sprint supported services and tools with an applications drop-down for ease of access to tools like Sprint Speed Test, the Digital Lounge and other pre-defined applications
- 4G data speeds (WiMAX) – Peak download speed of more than 10 Mbps; peak upload speed of 4 Mbps; average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps
- 3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A.) – Peak download speed of 3.1 Mbps; peak upload speed of 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds of 600Kbps–1.4 Mbps)
- Backwards compatible to the EVDO Rev. 0 and 1xRTT Networks
SPECIFICATIONS: - Dimensions: 3.5 inches (h) x 1.27 inches (w) x 0.92 inch (d) (88.9 mm x 32.26 mm x 23.37 mm)
- Weight: 1.25 ounces (35.44 grams)
- Interface: Rotating USB 2.0 connector
- Chipset: QSC6085 and BCSM250
- Compatibility: Windows® Vista, Windows® XP, Windows® 7 (compatible mode with SSV 2.28) MAC OS® 10.5 and 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
Friday, 18 December 2009 17:14
 WALTHAM, Mass., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Red Bend Software, the market leader in Mobile Software Management (MSM), today announced that C-motech Co., Ltd., the world's number one supplier of wireless data cards and modules, has adopted Red Bend's vRapid Mobile® for firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updating and vDirect Mobile™ for device management (DM) in the CMU-300 USB data modem, the world's first WiMAX/EVDO dual-mode USB modem. Red Bend's MSM solutions will enable important firmware updates to be delivered over the air and will enable standards-based configuration and management of the CMU-300, which is available in the United States through Sprint as the U300.
The C-motech CMU-300 is currently the first device in the world that supports both EVDO, a 3G standard for high-speed wireless broadband, and WiMAX, a 4G technology for more advanced data transfer speeds that is compatible with HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access). C-motech's customers are able to roam between 3G and 4G coverage areas in the United States because of the CMU-300's dual-mode capability while also receiving new functionality and software improvements over the air with Red Bend's MSM solutions. "C-motech is deploying mobile software management from Red Bend because we understand the importance of MSM to a quality user experience," said Lee Jae Man, CEO of C-motech Co. Ltd. "As consumers around the world continue to adopt 3G and 4G technologies and expect greater connectivity wherever they live and work, Red Bend's MSM solutions will enable our users to get the latest software updates and feature improvements to keep their dual-mode CMU-300 operating at top performance." With vRapid Mobile FOTA, which has been deployed in more than 620 million mobile devices, manufacturers and operators benefit from reduced support costs and increased consumer satisfaction by remotely updating firmware with new functionality and software improvements. vDirect Mobile is the industry's leading independent device management client offering built-in support for WiMAX and interoperability with any Open Mobile Alliance DM server (OMA DM). It enables operators to provision, configure, support and update mobile devices over the air. In addition to USB modems, Red Bend's MSM solutions are continually being adopted for use in mobile broadband PC cards, machine-to-machine (M2M) wireless modules, mobile handsets and other wirelessly connected devices. To date Red Bend's software products have been deployed in 455 device models by the world's leading manufacturers. About C-motech Co., Ltd. C-motech Co., Ltd. designs and markets wireless broadband high speed data communication products such as 3rd generation ("3G") wireless broadband modules and modems to wireless companies in the world. C-motech focuses on wireless broadband USB modems, which provides a flexible way for wireless subscribers to connect to the wireless broadband network with any laptop, table PC or desktop USB port without a PC card slot. It markets its products through original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors, as well as directly to operators in the world. The company was listed on the KOSDAQ in 2007 and is headquartered in Seoul, Korea. For more information about C-motech, please visit www.cmotech.com. About Red Bend Software Red Bend Software, the leader in Mobile Software Management (MSM), provides software solutions for managing firmware, applications and devices over the air. The company's award-winning MSM products enable device manufacturers, mobile operators and software developers to increase revenues, reduce support costs and achieve faster time to market by remotely managing their software assets on mobile devices. Red Bend's software has been deployed in more than 620 million mobile devices by eight of the top 10 handset manufacturers, including Kyocera, LG Electronics, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp, Sony Ericsson and ZTE, as well as dozens of other leading companies in the mobile, M2M and WiMAX markets. Unlike device management vendors with proprietary end-to-end systems and manufacturers' internally developed solutions that are platform specific, Red Bend is the only company offering independent client software that is interoperable with any standards-based server and that works with any platform on any type of mobile device. Founded in 1999, Red Bend is a privately held, venture capital-financed company with offices in China, Israel, Japan, Korea, the U.K. and the U.S. Visit: www.redbend.com. Discuss over-the-air updating device management for the U300 on the 4G Forums
Tuesday, 15 December 2009 00:14
Starting today, Sprint will be shipping their 4G Desktop Modem from Motorola. The CPEi25150 from Motorola is used to connect to Sprint's wireless 4G internet. It can be connected directly to your desktop computer or to a wireless router to allow you to access the internet via Sprint's 4G network, which provides speeds up to 10 times faster than their 3G network. While Sprint's 4G coverage is currently only available in 27 markets, they are working to expand their coverage to new markets in 2010. If you are looking for an alternative to Cable/DSL or satellite, then you should check to see if Sprint's service is available in your area.
KEY FEATURES:
• WiMAX Forum certified
• Easy plug-and-play functionality
• Will work with all Operating Systems (e.g. Windows®, Macintosh, etc.)
• Dual integrated antennas in a compact design
• Best in Class Radio Performance
• Reliable indoor coverage
• High throughput
• Easy detection and authentication
• Advanced security and control features
SPECIFICATIONS:
• Dimensions: 9.3 inches (h) x 6.3 inches (w) x 1.1 inch (d)
• Weight: 1 lb.
• Frequency: 2.5
• Ethernet ports: 1; Speed Support 10/100M; NWay Protocol
• Firewall Protection and Port Forwarding
INSIDE THE BOX:
• Desktop Modem
• Ethernet Cable (RJ45)
• Power supply
• Get Started Guide
Friday, 11 December 2009 23:23
Last month, we discussed an interview that Information Week had done with Motorola's VP Bruce Brda, in which Brda confirmed that Motorola is very much committed to both LTE and WiMAX - the two 4G technologies that will eventually compete with each other. Yesterday, Motorola further reiterated their commitment to participating in the development and buildout of WiMAX and LTE networks in a press release that discusses their latest WiMAX and LTE involvement: ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Dec. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Home & Networks Mobility business of Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today reiterated its commitment to both WiMAX and Long Term Evolution (LTE) as the leading technologies that enable the media experiences that people want, while delivering the lowest cost per bit for operators. Motorola believes there are distinct markets for WiMAX and LTE, and both will co-exist as operators work to meet the ever-increasing demand for fixed, nomadic and mobile data. "Wireless broadband is the utility of the 21st century, and Motorola has the solutions in both WiMAX and LTE that will meet consumer demand and operator requirements for network efficiency," said Bruce Brda, senior vice president and general manager, Wireless Networks, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility. "Motorola's legacy of expertise in wireless broadband, IP networking, video and services, coupled with our portfolio of proven solutions, can help operators go to market quickly to maximize their competitive advantage as they deploy new networks or evolve their existing networks to 4G." Motorola's 4G progress in 2009 was marked with accomplishments in both LTE and WiMAX that have positioned it well for further momentum in 2010. In addition, Motorola has stated its commitment to WiMAX 802.16m as it expands its product portfolio and customer base to maintain its leadership position in WiMAX. The company also continues its active participation in numerous standards bodies as they refine specifications for various technologies that will enable faster broadband access. According to Motorola's 2009 Media Engagement Barometer, a study recently commissioned by the Home & Networks Mobility business to gain insights from American consumers, the need to stay connected and to have access to personal content transcends generations. The overwhelming desire to be constantly connected was expressed by 80 percent of the Millennials and 78 percent of both the GenXers and Boomers who participated in the survey. The barometer findings clearly show how networking technologies have had a powerful impact in integrating the different facets of people's lives, and why delivering on the promise of 4G is so important to Motorola's Wireless Networks business. Motorola's LTE Solutions Motorola's early commitment to WiMAX has given it vast experience and expertise in designing, planning, optimizing and managing Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) mobile broadband networks. It also has yielded tremendous insight into perfecting the 4G network scheduler, the master controller of the radio access network that prioritizes voice and data traffic. Motorola is leveraging this extensive OFDM, multiple-in/multiple out (MIMO), all-IP wireless broadband experience, and expertise in the 4G scheduler to deliver a complete award-winning LTE solution that will support both FDD and TD-LTE. Its first commercial LTE deployments will be based on third-generation WiMAX products that have been proven and field-hardened and for which algorithms have been optimized to deliver best performance in a real-world environment. "With our experience from WiMAX we can get our LTE customers to market faster and with less risk," Brda said. "Our deployment, management and optimization of many large-scale commercial WiMAX networks around the world gives us operations-level experience which our research and development teams use to make better and more stable LTE solutions." Motorola's 2009 LTE Highlights - Selected by KDDI as a key development vendor for its nationwide LTE network
- Selected by China Mobile Communications Corporation (CMCC) as the primary TD-LTE solution partner to provide indoor coverage for all major pavilions at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China, a significant event that runs from May 1 - Oct. 31 and is expected to attract 70 million visitors
- The only vendor able to complete all radio access network (RAN) test cases in CMCC's TD-LTE trial including reaching the TD-LTE theoretical maximum data rate in 20MHz and successfully running multiple user equipment devices
- Conducted LTE live drives in 2.6GHz demonstrating handoffs and video streaming at Mobile World Congress and in Sweden
- Launched its state-of-the-art LTE trial network in Swindon in the United Kingdom
- Announced enhancements to its LTE product portfolio including its eNodeB that is both FDD and TD-LTE compatible, evolved packet core (EPC) and advanced self-organizing network (SON). Motorola's complete LTE solution is now commercially available
- Added to its list of industry firsts including:
- First company to successfully complete and pass the TD-LTE key functionalities test initiated by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)
- First TD-LTE dongle that will be unveiled at World Expo 2010 Shanghai China
- First live drive demo of TD-LTE at ITU World Telecom in Geneva in October and demonstrating 82Mbps in a real-world environment (maximum theoretical data rate in that TD-LTE configuration)
- First real-world LTE network with SON capability at its LTE trial network in the United Kingdom
- First demonstration of LTE in 700MHz during a live drive demo at CTIA in Las Vegas in April
In addition to the KDDI and CMCC announcements, Motorola is actively involved in many Tier 1 and Tier 2 operators advanced field trials around the world in both FDD/TDD and in different LTE spectrum bands. Motorola's WiMAX Commitment: Delivering Today and Investing for the Future with 802.16m According to the WiMAX Forum®, there are 519 WiMAX networks deployed in 146 countries worldwide with more than 10 million subscribers. WiMAX is supporting a range of diverse business models including retail and wholesale access, smart grid applications, and retail-only broadband connectivity for users at home or on the go. "WiMAX is a robust solution for providing broadband today in emerging markets as well as in more competitive developed markets. For example, WiMAX has the ability as a platform to meet the unique needs of operators like Clearwire in the United States and Imagine in Ireland," Brda said. "We believe WiMAX will continue to grow and its future path to 802.16m provides a way of delivering more bandwidth even more efficiently. In addition, we are planning new products in 2010 that will be geared for regional operators." Motorola continues to be the leading WiMAX vendor since it entered the market in 2005. It now has contracts with more than 35 operators in more than 20 countries, the majority of whom have launched commercial service. In a report issued by Infonetics Research they stated that "Motorola takes the lead in the fast-rebounding WiMAX equipment and device market." Recently, Clearwire deployed its CLEAR(TM) 4G WiMAX service in Chicago, the latest of a number of markets across the U.S. using Motorola's network infrastructure, deployment, services and devices. Another Motorola customer, Time Warner Cable, launched its Road Runner Mobile 4G network service in several markets this month including: Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro, North Carolina, and Dallas, Texas. In the UAE, integrated telecom service provider 'du' launched its mobile WiMAX network for the Dubai Metro. Motorola's WiMAX equipment provides mobile connectivity and effective backhaul for Wi-Fi traffic on the Dubai Metro transport system train carriages as well as in the Metro stations. Motorola's 2009 WiMAX Highlights - Stated its commitment to 802.16m including membership on the IEEE 802.16m leadership team and its contribution to the standard proposal submitted to ITU for inclusion into the IMT Advanced definition
- Hit milestone shipments of 1 millionth CPE and 10,000th WiMAX access point
- Motorola's public key infrastructure (PKI) Center of Excellence in San Diego was selected by the WiMAX Forum to be a root certificate authority for WiMAX devices worldwide
- Launched WiMAX Device Partnership Program, a service that helps device providers qualify their WiMAX products through Motorola's comprehensive interoperability testing (IOT) laboratories. This program supports a healthy WiMAX ecosystem by providing operators with greater access to WiMAX devices
- Introduced four new CPEs and one WiMAX Access Point (WAP):
- CPEi 775 that combines WiMAX and Wi-Fi, for the 3.5GHz band with support for the 5MHz, 7MHz, and 10MHz bandwidths
- CPEo 450, an outdoor unit that has integrated Voice over IP (VoIP), for 3.5GHz band with support for 5MHz, 7MHz, and 10MHz channel bandwidths.
- CPEi 725 for the 2.5GHz band
- USBw 200 for the 2.3GHz, 2.5GHz and 3.5GHz bands
- WAP 650 with 4x4 antenna coverage
- Received WiMAX Forum certification on the following products:
"Motorola's Home & Networks business has had a very productive and profitable year in 2009. With our proven experience deploying WiMAX systems, combined with an increasing portfolio of LTE products, we look to continue our leadership in both WiMAX and LTE as the promise of wireless broadband access becomes a reality for people around the world," Brda said. For more information about Motorola's 4G solutions please visit our 4G Digital Press Kit. For more information about Motorola's WiMAX solutions please visit www.motorola.com/wimax. For more information about Motorola's LTE solutions please visit www.motorola.com/lte Follow us @www.twitter.com/MotoMedia2Go Follow us on our blog: www.mediaexperiences2go.com
Thursday, 10 December 2009 16:35
With the launch of ten new markets in the last couple months alone (Seattle, Chicago, Honululu and Maui, Austin, and more), CLEAR has upped the number of markets where they have a WiMAX presence to 27 - and that number should be expanding to 80 by the end of next year, according to Clearwire. While launching an additional 53 cities in 2010 may seem like a lofty goal, it is worth noting that Clearwire did indeed succeed in launching each of the markets they promised in 2009, so would-be WiMAX users across the country should be optimistic about CLEAR's potential. In addition to the building of their network this year, Clearwire has also added more devices for customers to choose from - users can access the CLEAR network via a USB modem, a "home" modem, a 3G/4G modem that also provides access to Sprint's 3G network in non-4G markets, netbooks, and a unique "mobile internet device", the Samsung Mondi. To go along with their promise of 50+ more markets in 2010, Clearwire has also promised to offer a WiMAX-enabled smartphone by the end of next year, too! CLEAR currently has around a half million subscribers, but with their major expansions and additional equipment options planned for next year, they are poised to make a big splash next year. Discuss CLEAR's coverage on the 4G Forums
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