Wireless Wonders

Know your 4G wireless networks and their future

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 by Dawn Tomey

As many of you know the 4G (fourth generation) wireless network evolution is in full swing. What does this mean to Indiana Telecommunications Provider customers/users?

Higher data throughput speeds
Lower latency*
Internet global mobility
Excellent geographic coverage
Improved in-building penetration

*Latency is the amount of time it takes data to travel end to end within a network

Verizon Wireless has estimated that 100 million people will have their 4G wireless network coverage by the end of 2010. USB modems are expected to be the first devices used, followed shortly thereafter by smartphones and mobile hotspots. By 2012, industry analysts estimate 50 million user devices will have embedded wireless capabilities. LTE technology will support videoconferencing, real time gaming apps, home heating/air control, as well as appliance control.

There are currently 3 different types of 4G networks.

LTE – Long Term Evolution

WiMAX – Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access

HSPA+ – High Speed Packet Access (Emerging 3G Technology)

LTE technology has been chosen by the 3 largest wireless carriers. Meaning it will support more than 100 billion customers. Verizon Wireless plans to be the first U.S. carrier to have nationwide 4G coverage. AT&T is currently upgrading their network to HSPA+, but plans to migrate to LTE starting in mid 2011. T-Mobile is beginning to deploy it’s 3G technology and has indicated their choice as LTE when they begin to move forward. Sprint chose WiMAX rather than LTE. They launched their 4G network in late 2009 in partnership with Clearwire and operate their WiMAX network under the Clearwire brand.

Speeds expected with the new 4G networks:

	*LTE*	*WiMAX*	*HSPA+*
*Download*	5 – 12 Mbps	Up to 4 Mbps	1.5 – 7 Mbps
*Upload*	2 – 5 Mbps	500 Kbps	1 – 4 Mbps
*Expected Latency*	Up to 30 ms	Up to 100 ms	Up to 100 ms
*Global Adoptation*	Yes	No	Yes
*Contiguous U.S. Coverage*	Yes (VZW only)	No	No
*Carriers*	VerizonWireless Vodafone China Mobile T-Mobile	Sprint	AT&T (plans to migrate to LTE starting in mid 2011)

Mbps = megabits per second Kbps = kilobits per second ms = milliseconds

This undoubtedly will bring greater options to the world of remote worker solutions and small business telecommunications. The idea of being able to download information at a multiple Mbps via a USB Modem or even a Smartphone opens a world of possibilities.

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2G vs 3G vs 4G . . . What's it all mean?

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 by Dawn Tomey

Being curious about the new 4G network that is being boasted over the airwaves by Sprint, I decided to do a little research about the differences of the G-World and what it means. It's really pretty simple when you know the basic history of the words and the types of networks they refer to.

1st generation (1G) refers to the Analog System which was the first in wireless telecommunications. This network was not capable of handling the overwhelming response to the many users of cell phones today.

2nd-generation (2G) referred to the new world of Digital wireless telecommunications. This type of network allows more users simultaneous access to the network. Along with 2G networks came the age of cell phones that were capable of sending data as well as voice.

3rd generation (3G) generally refers to higher data speeds, always-on data and even greater voice capacity than previous generations. This type of network has helped increase productivity in the work force and allows users to do even more multi-tasking.

4th generation (4G) is somewhat vague and suggests even higher data speeds. These types of networks are more data-centric and based on standard Internet technologies. Often voice services are provided through a special form of VoIP.

If you are using your cell service to meet the demands of remote worker solutions, then most likely you've already experienced the improvements that 3G networks bring with regards to data speeds. The 4G systems through the use of WiMAX boast speeds in the 3 Mbps down and 1 Mbps up range. Once the 4G systems in wide spread usage, we can only hope that it will benefit small business telecommunications as much if not greater than the move to 3G did.

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Cell Phone 101 - Flight Mode

Monday, February 8, 2010 by Dawn Tomey

Most airlines and many governments ban the use of wireless radio devices during flight. These bans are enforced for two major reasons.

The most well-known is to prevent interference with the plane's onboard systems.
The other is to prevent interference with cell phone networks on the ground. Current systems are unable to handle phones at a plane's altitude and speeds.

Flight Mode is also referred to as Standalone or Airplane mode. Turning on any of these modes in your phone allow's you to safely use the non-wireless functions of your phone (such as music, games, picture gallery, pre-recorded videos or organizer functions) during flight. This can be critical for smart phone users who want to catch up on some remote worker solutions tasks while in flight.

The Mode settings can usually be found in your Phone settings and may be accesible through any of the three types of modes referenced above.

However, not all airlines have policies that accommodate devices with airplane mode; some airlines still ban the use of all phones during flight regardless. Something you will want to ask about if you're planning to fly. Be a responsible small business telecommunications user while aboard a flight and follow the flight attendants directions on cell phone usage.

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Nexus One by Google - Too much hype?

Sunday, February 7, 2010 by Dawn Tomey

There has been a lot of hype about the new Nexus One released by Google. Although the news is very exciting, is it to much hype? Currently this phone can only be activated with service through T-Mobile on a 2 year contract for $179.

The Nexus One device may also be purchased unlocked without a contract for $529.

The Interconnect Group Blog - Nexus One by Google - Too Much Hype?

The unlocked version will recognize SIM cards from any mobile service provider using the GSM standard.

The Nexus One's antenna supports four GSM radio frequencies (850/900/1800/1900) and three 3G/UMTS Bands - 1/4/8 (2100/AWS/900). These cover most major GSM mobile providers worldwide, including T-Mobile US, but not the 850 MHz 3G band used by AT&T.

Although this phone is one of few that offer the Android mobile platform, the Motorola Droid and Droid Eris by HTC available from Verizon Wireless, are competitively priced. The Motorola Droid has a QWERTY keyboard to enhance the touch phone experience, especially if you are looking for a phone to meet your small business telecommunications needs. The Droid Eris by HTC is more comparable to the iPhone.

Android, is the first free, open source, and fully customizable mobile platform. Android offers a full stack: an operating system, middleware, and key mobile applications. It also contains a rich set of APIs that allows third-party developers to develop great applications.

Don't worry Verizon Wireless users, it is expected to be available with Verizon Wireless and Vodafone in the Spring of 2010. If you would like help deciding which phone meets your small business telecommunications needs, then please stop in and see me at the Interconnect Group's Mooresville location.

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Unlimited Plans from Verizon Wireless

Friday, January 29, 2010 by Dawn Tomey

With the roll out of newly priced Unlimited Talk plans from Verizon, there also comes other changes that may or may not be so exciting to you. I'll briefly discuss a few points that may impact your small business telecommunications budget.

The new Unlimited Talk plans for $69.99/monthly access are for single line planse only. These plans can include Unlimited Text as well for an extra $20/month.

These plans are also available for Family Share Plans. The Unlimited Talk plans for families are $69.99/month for the primary line and $49.99/month per share line. If you want to add Unlimited Text to your family plan you can expect to pay an additional $30/month on the primary line.

Verizon has also decided to categorize their phones into 3 different categories. These being Simple Feature Phones, 3G Multimedia Phones and 3G Smart Phones. Simple Feature phones will now be the only phones that can be activated without adding and additional data feature to the device at additional charges.

If you have any specific questions regarding this post please leave a comment below via The Interconnect Group blog comment interface. If you would like to find out more on how to minimize/maximize the effects of plan selection on your remote worker solutions or small business telecommunications budget, then contact me by leaving a comment submission below.

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Wet Cell Phone Tips

Thursday, January 28, 2010 by Dawn Tomey

Have you ever gotten your cell phone wet? Many of us have. In my experience, it happens at the most in-opportune times. Perhaps you rely on your cell phone to be a critical component to your remote worker solutions. If so, you need to act fast by taking the following steps.

The first thing you want to do is remove any cases or covers from your phone. Once these are removed, you should then dry the outside of the phone the best you can.
You should then remove the battery from the phone.
After you have taken the phone's battery off, place the phone and the battery (separately) in a Ziploc baggie full of uncooked white rice. This may sound crazy, but I've seen it work.
Leave the phone and battery in their separate baggies with rice for at least 24 hours. The rice will act as an absorbent and dry the phone.

Never ever try to turn your phone on immediately after moisture damage!

I know it's hard not to, and you want to see if your phone works, but this can actually cause more damage. The best thing to do is wipe away the moisture, dis-assemble the phone and battery and place in a Ziploc baggie for at least 24 hours as noted above.

Most batteries have a water indicator which will turn color when exposed to too much moisture. Depending on the severity of moisture exposure, I have seen phones survive even with this indicator turned red.

If you have any specific questions regarding this post please leave a comment below via The Interconnect Group blog comment interface. If you would like to find out how 3G cards can help you with remote worker solutions contact me by leaving a comment submission below.

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Wireless 3G Networks. . . .Which one do you choose?

Thursday, January 28, 2010 by Dawn Tomey

We've all seen the carriers bragging about whose network is the best. This information will hopefully let you make your best informed decision when choosing a Broad Band Access Modem, especially for your small business telecommunications oriented clients.

The Interconnect Group Blog - Wireless 3G Networks...Which one do you choose?

When comparing the carriers, you will find that the price and usage allowed are the same. The top 3 carriers are currently offering 5GB of monthly usages for $60. The network, not the cost should be your major qualifier for determination of the carrier you choose.

Be sure to review the providers "worry free" guarantee before signing on the dotted line. Some providers give a couple of days to return and cancel service, after that they keep your full activation fee. These policies are different based on each carrier and the last thing you want to do is choose a small business telecommunications provider that doesn't meet your coverage needs.

With more options for 3G Networks, there are new alternatives for those who don't have access to DSL, Wireless Networks, T1 connections, and tired of dial up. With more wireless router options and an activated USB modem, a 3G wireless network can be easily set up to meet remote worker solutions needs.

With the freedom of 3G USB modems, many consumers are deciding to disconnect or port their landlines to their wireless carrier. Why pay a monthly bill for dial up ISP and landline service only to be chained to your house, wireless goes just about anywhere you do.

To view the individual coverage maps for each carrier, click on the links below:

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