Wireless, Wi-Fi, WiMax & Mobile Broadband

Wireless internet company 'Unwired' plans of deploying a national WiMax network in all metropolitan areas have taken a nose dive as parent company, the 'Seven Group', stated that commercial services might be still up to one year away.

After two delays already, Unwired is now aiming on expanding their WiMax infrastructure beyond Melbourne and Sydney into other capitals but maintain they wish to roll out the new wireless network 'right' opposed to 'rushed'. It's believed the WiMax network improvements have been now set back to late 2008 or early 2009.

The wireless internet company's media parent, Seven Group, said it had begun testing the new network but commercial services might still be up to a year away.  A Seven Group spokesman said trials currently under way would enable the company to build a financial structure for the project that was expected to proceed "in the current financial year".

"We're very pleased with the technology and the opportunities with Unwired. We'll do it right, not rushed," the spokesman said.

source: australianit.com.au

We often receive enquiries from those who are new to broadband or don't fully understand how wireless broadband technology operates. In this short article, I'll endeavour to explain the fundamentals of wireless broadband in an attempt to help out novice users and in effect, assist them toward making an informed choice.

Let's start with a rundown on wireless broadband and the benefits and disadvantages of using this type of technology.

Benefits
If there's one word that best describes wireless broadband, it's 'convenience'. The mobility and flexibility that wireless broadband offers is perhaps the main reason behind most decisions for acquiring this type of service. What's more, wireless broadband access has the additional bonus of just that, a 'wire-less' environment. Assuming you have a laptop (notebook) which has a built in battery and are in your wireless broadband providers' coverage area, you will have the ability to use the internet almost anywhere. E.g. Cafés, Car, Bush, Park, Backyard.

Disadvantages
At this point in time fixed (cable) broadband internet technology types such as 'ADSL2+' and 'Cable' are still considered much faster than wireless here in Australia. For example, current accessible broadband speeds for fixed internet connections are up to 30Mbps which is near 20 times the speed of common wireless connectivity (1.5Mbps). Installation difficulties and especially unsecured network protection can act as a deterrent for some prospective broadband buyers. Maintaining a stable connection is also another area of concern, as drop outs or black spots (areas with with no coverage) can become extremely furstrating.

Pros
Wireless environment (absence of network leads)
Ability to roam around without limitations
Convenience of use anywhere and everywhere

Cons
Limited Speeds (considerable slower than fixed line broadband)
Stability/Black Spots (drop outs and areas with no coverage)
Value-for-money (can be considered expensive for a quality service)
Installation/Network Protection (difficulties to install and security/intrusion threat)

Understanding Wireless Broadband Options
There are many people who just want a 'wireless environment' at home so they can roam from room-to-room or relax by the pool whilst surfing the net on their laptop (sound like you?). From various enquiries that I receive here at Broadband Guide, it appears that a significant amount of people also think they need to acquire a 'wireless' broadband plan to have a wire-free environment. Well have I got news for you! A wireless home (house/backyard/back shed), or a small area such as this, can be made wireless by simply using a wireless modem. Yes, most of you know this, but some of you don't!

For example, users have the ability to join up on a Cable or ADSL2+ broadband plan and purchase a wireless modem and thus create a wireless home environment. Whereas true mobile wireless plans gives you the same ability, however, with the correct hardware such as a wireless PCI card or USB adapter/modem, this type of plan additionally gives you the ability to roam anywhere within your providers' coverage area with internet access.

Final Word
Wireless Broadband isn't for everyone. Sure it's can be very convenient, however do you really need it? When taking into consideration the disadvantages like slower speeds, expense or drop outs, and not making full use out of it's mobile nature, the novelty may soon wear off.  On the other hand, if it's the freedom of internet access anywhere, for work or leisure, then wireless broadband could be the internet technology type for you.

Compare wireless broadband plans and bundles right here at Broadband Guide. http://broadbandguide.com.au/wireless

If the U.S. is a yardstick for things to come in the Telecommunication sector, than XOHM WiMAX Wireless Broadband could be 'it' for Australian Mobile Networks down the track.

Comcast, Intel and Google recently contributed around $3 billion to deploy a WiMAX mobile Internet Network in Chicago among other regions, and for these 'big boys' to show this much commitment, theres obviously some kind of potential behind the technology.

WiMAX (or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is still currently a questionable standard of telecommunications technology that supposedly offers uninterrupted broadband wireless Internet access to subscribers anywhere in that respective area. Mobile Phones, Personal Computers and other forms of communication devices are all compatible with WiMAX and unlike the WiFi standard, it apparently offers greater coverage and quality of service.

For the time being though, all eyes will be on Chicago as it embraces WiMAX as a Broadband alternative, and although it mightn't be the preferred option for all Broadband users out there, it will certainly be closely monitored by many for it's potential as a mainstream Wireless alternative of the future.

Source: Suntime.com

Recent world wide breaking news suggests that Google could be gearing up to provide free Broadband 'android' services in the not so distant future. Early indications have stated that Google is currently lobbying the United States FCC (Federal Communications Commission) in a bid to allow more personal devices to use the Internet and access so called 'TV white space' to transmit Broadband services.

Google's Telecommunications counsel 'Richard Whitt' has coined the expression 'Wi-Fi on Steroids' or Wi-Fi 2.0, when referring to the respective technology that can potentially offer gigabits-per-second speeds. If successful with the bid, the U.S. could be using the proposed service as early as 2009 with Australians possibly being able to access a similar service by 2013 when our analogue TV broadcasts cease transmissions.

Read more at News.com.au

If following trends in other countries is anything to go by, then many Australians are likely to be using Mobile Broadband more extensively in the future.

Mobile Broadband Internet consumption in the U.S. has risen by 154% in just one year. In 2006, there were 850,000 people roaming around wirelessly with Mobile Broadband whilst at the same time the following year this figure increased to 2,168,000! 

This ascent in Mobile Internet usage suggests there's been a significant rise in mobile & wireless technology development along with mobile Providers offering respective services, and in fact it's the latter of which that's apparently the driving force behind the sudden increase in Mobile Broadband popularity.

Mobile Wireless Providers in the U.S. have been offering higher download limits, lower costs and faster speeds which is currently being witnessed by Wireless Broadband Providers here in Australia. If this trend is anything to go by, expect cheaper mobile Broadband services to come our way in 2008.

The finding is quite remarkable in the context of the relatively mature US internet market, and suggests much faster speeds, higher download limits and lower costs introduced by mobile broadband providers in countries like the US and Australia over the past year are having an impact.

Keep an eye out for cheap mobile broadband deals right here at Broadband Guide. http://broadbandguide.com.au/mobile-broadband/plans


Source: SmartCompany.com.au

Internode's Broadband Internet Carrier 'Agile Communications' has just recently acquired Airspan's WiMAX Wireless 3.4 GHz base station equipment to provide high speed wireless broadband access across regions of Australia.

Over a 6 month period last year, Agile conducted wireless testing over 15,000 square kilometers using the 3.4 & 5.8 GHz Wireless WiMAX technology in South Australia's Yorke Peninsula and Coorong regions. It's understood that Internode, using the Government's "Australian Broadband Guarantee" initiative, will commence selling WiMAX Broadband Internet Plans & Products soon.

"Airspan's broad coverage MicroMAX system is well suited for Internode's needs. In the wide-ranging testing carried out, we have confirmed the reliability of the MicroMAX system to cover the terrain necessary to reach our end users. With speeds exceeding 6 mbp/s at distances of 30km and greater, this proven performance is paramount to providing service under the Australian Broadband Guarantee program," said Internode managing director Simon Hackett.

"The Australian WiMAX market continues to gain momentum and we are pleased that Airspan has been there from the beginning with a regional presence through our fully owned incorporated subsidiary, Airspan Networks Pty Ltd, based in Sydney," said Grant Stepa, Airspan's Managing Director & Vice President Australasia.

Read the entire article at Broadband Wireless Exchange Magazine

Cheap Wireless Broadband is not always the best, so when searching around and comparing Wireless Broadband Providers and Plans, try not to lash onto the first cheap deal you find without scrutinizing the important factors. Sure Telstra have a great Wireless Broadband Network in Next G through their BigPond Products and Optus, Vodafone, 3 Mobile and Virgin Broadband are not so far behind in coverage and availability, but which plan is right for you?

Wireless Broadband Coverage V's Pricing
Assuming you're after Mobile Wireless Broadband Access that gives you the flexibility, you have to ask yourself where am I going to utilize my Wireless Connection? If you're after Wireless just for the Home, forget about a more expensive Wireless Plan and go for a Wireless Modem for a fixed line Internet Connection. It's most likely going to be cheaper and give you better reception around the house. So back to where and how much you intend on using your wireless connection. Generally speaking, if you're not going to use your wireless broadband connection for anything more than merely the occasional surf and email, a 1GB Plan will be plenty. But where do you Intend to jack into the Internet? Most of the Providers mentioned will cover most major metropolitan areas sufficiently, although you'll need to refer to their wireless coverage maps or ask their customer service operators.

Ok, now if you plan on traveling or live outside these major metropolitan areas, then you're limited to the bigger Telco's, namely BigPond and Optus. BigPond has currently the best coverage in Australia but are usually more expensive than the rest, in saying this though, if you're keen to get onto their Next G Coverage Network, I'd be hanging off for a short time as recent news says they might be dropping their prices.

Unlike the Country Bumpkins, the City Folk have more to choose from so they can shop around. Oops, I left out Speed. Well I don't think Wireless Broadband Speed is an issue at the moment as most of the Providers can realistically give you ADSL type speeds that are satisfactory for your general run of the mill Emailing, Surfing, small Downloads (MP3's) etc..., but not much more at this stage.

So where can you get a Wireless Broadband deal from? Take you pick from our list below.

Popular Wireless Broadband Plans 
Cheap Wireless Broadband Plans

Wireless Broadband Internet Access is becoming increasingly popular with many consumers preferring to ditch the home phone landline and fixed Internet Connection in favour for Wireless free Broadband. Not only can you save money on your monthly Phone Bill, you can also enjoy the freedom of an unwired environment.

You see nowdays many people are opting top use their Mobile Phones more frequently opposed to the home phone and if needed, acquire a VoIP Internet Service (wired or wireless) to use for local and national calls. Now there's two basic methods of receiving a wireless Internet Broadband. The first is via a wireless modem or should I say Wi-Fi Modem or Router using a typical fixed line Broadband Internet service. This gives you the freedom to roam around your house (naked if you like) using a laptop or moving your PC wirelessly from room to room. For example, Virgin Broadband's latest wireless deal 'Broadband at Home' gives you this very option and includes free national and local phone calls.  

On the other hand you may want to enjoy the freedom and convenience of being  totally flexible on a Mobile Wireless Broadband Plan that you can use on the road, at home, or down at the local cafe having a coffee with your next door neighbor's wife? This is where the likes of Telstra BigPond's extensive wireless coverage network comes into play. BigPond and their Next G wireless Broadband Plans give you the ability to move outside the home into rural, remote and more provincial type regions with wireless Internet cards. For example, you can sign up to a BigPond Next G Wireless Broadband Plan, use a Mobile Broadband Card in your laptop, and away you go. It's that easy!

Broadband Guide has a number of Wireless Broadband Providers and Plans including Virgin Broadband, BigPond and 3 Mobile. All of their customer service operators are usually quite efficient with assisting you with all your Wi-Fi, WiMax or Broadband Wireless enquiries. They can cross all the t's and dot all the i's and make joining up to a wireless Internet plan a breeze. The big question for you is: Do you want an unwired home environment, in which you only need a fixed line internet connection and wireless modem or router? Or do you want the freedom of being totally mobile to roam where you want in completely Mobile Wireless environment? Broadband Guide has the Wireless Broadband Plans, but the choice is up to you.

We're not talking about cheap wireless broadband, a special offer or a wireless broadband deal here, we're talking about FREE Wireless Broadband! Log in and share wireless broadband internet for free. Get a free Wi-Fi connection and while you're there, build you're own public wi-fi hotspot too! This appears to be the case with grassroots free wireless networks in major Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne & Canberra already up and running according to this latest SMH 'Innovator' blog and SMH wireless & broadband article.

Others could log in and share the wireless connection for free, effectively creating free community internet access.

Known as Sydney Free Wireless, the group is using cheap mesh network technology from a Google-backed US start-up called Meraki to start a network of free neighbourhood wi-fi hot spots and promote such services through a grassroots campaign. Jean-Jacques Halans, a web developer who created and maintains the group's website, says the network "grew from a Facebook group, which grew from a presentation by Mark Pesce".  

This is how it works: link at least two Meraki Mini devices together, which retail for $US49 each, and they will eventually find an internet connection. Connectivity is passed between the two nodes, effectively creating a wireless network. Others can log into and use that wireless connection for free.

Meraki's mission is "to bring affordable internet access to the next billion people".

A basic wireless repeater cost $US49, $99 gets an outdoor version with optional power-over-ethernet support, and there's even a solar-powered version in the works.
 
Source:
Facebookers net wi-fi - Article

As Optus and partner Elders (OPEL) finalize plans for a new wireless based network for rural and regional Australia, manufacturing for the technology appears to be slow with only limited amounts of WiMax devices now being available on the market.

As yet, no announcements have been made by OPEL on the type of devices and hardware that will be used for the new Australian WiMax services. And with WiMax device manufacturers still planning launch dates throughout 2008, along with the intended completion date of the Wireless network set as 2009, concerns of network commencement delays could possibly become a reality later this year.

There's been no announcements of the types of devices that will be offered to OPEL customers, and calls by APCmag.com to Optus elicited no word on when such details would be made public.

One is Taiwanese computer company ASUSTeK which is planning to launch a range of devices with embedded WiMax chips later this year. Another US firm, hardware maker OQO, has plans to launch an ultra-mobile PC with WiMax capabilities sometime during 2008

Read the entire article at APCMag.com

Small 'wireless' Broadband Internet Service Providers may be left with the task of plugging up 'black spots' left by the OPEL consortium in their $2 Billion dolloar bid to patch up Australia's regional wireless Broadband coverage areas.  It's believed that up to 40% of people in these regions may not be able to obtain a service.

SMALL wireless broadband providers may save the Federal Government from political embarrassment by plugging gaps left by the OPEL consortium's $2 billion regional broadband network. The Government claims the OPEL network will deliver metro-comparable broadband to 99 per cent of Australians by June 2009, allocating $165 million for satellite and wireless companies to service the "black spots" that remain.......

Read the whole article at news.com.au