Sprint Might be Winner If ATT Occupation of T-Mobile

If you didn't already know by now, ATT made a surprised bid to gobble up T-Mobile for $39 billion. And after a couple for bloggers, tech pundits, and myself to digest all the information, here is where many stand.

Regulators will have to look at this very carefully. Competitors will make demands. Politicians will chime in with their usual buffoon-ish manners. Consumer advocates will have their day that is like going to be ignored.

Right now, the meat is fresh and bloody and everyone will wait a piece of this in the morning. Dozens of blog posts and online newspaper articles have already been written about this.

And Sprint had already had its say. But let me offer this opinion about the deal with respect to Sprint.

Earlier, as I sat thinking about this, I said to myself that if ATT takes away from me the better deals and options that T-Mobile now has, regardless of whether I am taking advantage of it or not, I'll head on over to Sprint.

So there. If ATT does bungle this deal by alienating current T-Mobile customers like myself who have been happy with things the way they are, we will head on over to the no. 3 mobile provider who offers WiMax and competitive plans/options.

In the end, Sprint may benefit to some extent. Sprint has to continue to be aggressive and now may be a great time for it to launch an offensive campaign for the hearts and minds of confused (betrayed) T-Mobile subscribers.

However, keep in mind that no one knows just how this deal, when and not if it will go through, is going to look like when it is finally wrapped up. Though I am not hopeful, one such as myself hopes that T-Mobile will have a better influence on ATT and not all the bad things and worst case scenarios will come to pass.

More important than regulators, it will be the bloggers with legions of readers who can shape how this deal takes place. And we will work hard to make sure that if politicians allow themselves to be bought and a bigger badder ATT is looking out to screw more users, we will point to other options as best as we can.

Public WiFi - Looking Over My Shoulder

I went to get an oil change for my car this afternoon. I had a book that I want to, a real book so I figure I'll be able to find diversion for the hour or so that I would be sitting there. But if I needed to connect to the internet, there was a public WiFi should I choose to use it.

I didn't. There was a few of us waiting and we started talking about the All-Star Weekend. Still, had I chose to use it, it could be a bit scary.

If I did end up access it, I find it prudent to look around and see if anyone else is around because, as you may or may not now, an unsecured access point is just a recipe for disaster.

Now, I admit that from time to time, I even go as far as to access sensitive personal information through a Borders or Starbucks WiFi. It is definitely something I don't recommend and at the time, I told myself that it looks like only a few people are on the network and they look like nice people.

Still, who knows right? No identity theft criminals is going to go around identifying themselves. And there are more ways than one for someone to steal information zipping around within the public WiFi bubble. Even without a laptop, someone on a mobile device that could have been trying to steal information from me and I would have no idea that was happening.

There are a couple of things I do once I get home. First, I clear all the cache, cookies, and anything I can think off to rid any data collected from surfing the Web during the public session. Then I changed the passwords of the sites that I might have used.

As a matter of fact, I created a Google account just for this purpose. I am a religious user of Reader on Google. And I use this public account just for this. If by some chance, it is compromised, not a whole lot is lost and nothing of value was put in jeopardy. Even then, I still change the password once I return home or at the very next opportunity I get.

I think I've got an advantage in that I've also got my iSpot from Clearwire with me. It can provide me with up to 4 hours of Internet access. There is always that.

But that is not an option that I imagine many readers have. So if you do have to log into a public network, make sure you do it knowing that your data up for for the grab and that you protect yourself by changing passwords when you get home.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

Preliminary Impression of iSpot

After some hairy moments with Fedex on the delivery of my iSpot, I finally got in after days of back and forth with more customer service agents than I hope to deal with.

And yeah, I am very happy with this mobile investment. In fact, I was able to get it up and running in less than 5 minutes of opening up the box the iSpot came in.

Fees, LTE, And Billions For Good Apps, And One More Thing

There's something big that's happen today in the mobile world but I don't seem to remember what it can be. We've got the Nexus One already. Something about Facebook being the most visited mobile social site? No, that's not it. Zune phone? No, that's in March or something.

Oh, I remember now. It's the SOTU address tonight and you can watch it on your iPhone or iPod Touch if you download the White House app (onxo:  government mobile). For the rest of you mobile warriors, you can listen to the President's address tonight on radio, your mobile devices via NPR, or do it old-school: watch it on your Flash-enabled browser.

By the way, a few mobile news everyone's gonna want to be interested in. By 2013, mobile apps will account for $15 billion dollars of mobile revenue. So, for anyone who has a fart app or, rather, something slightly more useful, there's a market for that.

However, I'm not sure that number is accurate. $15 billion based on 16.2 billion downloads. The research outfit that came up with this also assumes that 15% of the download will be paid. That's 2.43 billion apps that are actually paid for. That comes out to $6.17 per app. Obviously, they don't know about the major of the $.99 app in the iTunes app store. (Mobile-Ent)

Personally, I think a $3 average is more likely. That's put my estimate somewhere south of $7.5 billion. Still, not bad at all.

Also, the FCC is gunning for ATT, Google, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon on the exorbitant termination fees these guys are charging. Google and VW seems to think they ought to profit a bit more than what they would otherwise charge for selling the device outright.

Finally, CNet has a very good post on what's the state of the wireless network upgrade with various providers.  Lately, believe WiMax shows more promise than LTE given that 3G networks still have a lot of room to grow in terms of speed and stability.  Also, Clearwire has indicated that it isn't necessarily married to one particular technology.  I see a hybrid WiMax-LTE chip in the future, don't you?  (More at CNet)

Yeah, that's it for mobile news.  Still I think I'm forgetting something huge that's going to change the mobile world as we know it.  If I can only remember...see, I was so excited about it that I couldn't sleep last night.  And now, lacking sleep, I don't remember what it is.  Oh well, if I only had a tablet or a slate or a pad handy, I could have written it down in a form of a digital diary.

Maybe someone should develop just such a device.  Hey, Steve Jobs, boy, have I got a great idea for your next "...one more thing...".

WiMax $10 Cheaper (If You Can Get It)

For many of us, 4G is still a pipe dream.  Okay, no need for pipes but you understand what I mean.  LTE is still a year or two away while WiMax is coming, just not really to places near you or me.  However, Sprint is already dropping prices.

According to Fierce Wireless, Sprint is offer its 2nd $10 drop in the last 5 months.  So, now, it's $60 while it was $80 last summer.  So I ask you this.  Are you ready to go wireless for your exclusive wireless needs?

Let's take a look at this for a sec.  I've been going G1-tethering for my mobile wireless needs at a fast clip in the last couple of weeks.  With the Holidays and all and a trip last weekend, I was on the move quite a bit.  The G1 is great and all but it's no iPhone or not all that useful when I was trying to help a friend wrestle away his Facebook account from a hacker.

Well, I'm getting there as far as trying to go all wireless.  My needs are simple.  I use Hulu a couple of hours a day if that much.  Mostly, I'm writing or researching on the Web.  Occasionally, I download videos, music, and podcasts from iTunes.  I find myself more and more on the the i-devices.  So there really is no need for any 20mbps connections.

Now, I'm not saying I don't want that kind of speed.  I'm just saying I don't need that kind of speed most of the time.

Back to Sprint.  For $59.99 (plus the various hidden taxes/fees), you get "unlimited" 3G or 4G mobile use.  Not bad considering, right?  Way a sec.  There is some ambiguity with what "unlimited" is just like with all the other carriers.  There is a regular 3G plan that goes up to 5GB.

But it's really the 3G/4G plan we're talking about here.  4G offer unlimited usage, giving you 10Mbps and an wide average of 3-6Mbps.  But if you venture out of the WiMax coverage area, you're covered by up to 5GB of 3G use (which still gives you 7 700mb movies, 1,667 songs, 1.7 million emails).  All that information is on the broadband page.

What you will need is a modem.  Sprint offers the USB Modem U300 for free after instant savings and a $50 rebate (retail cost is $350).  Excellent deal if you ask me.  Sprint, in my book, has always been out there when it comes to offering good deals and experimenting with pricing schemes.  It also offers GPS navigation as well but I don't know if you have to pay extra.  I wager that you do.

Oh, and if you want to connect multiple devices, you'll have to get a Sprint-sanctioned routers that Sprint provides you the option of buying as you move along the check-out process.

So, how is Sprint doing this?  Because it loves us.  Or because Clearwire, its WiMax partner, has recently raised hundreds of millions for added expansion and it is moving into more lucrative cities.  Furthermore, Sprint is looking to lock up as many enterprise customers as possible.

Plus, there are two reasons why I'm excited about this.  When the Palm V came out, Palm offered  GPRS modem with a slow wireless Internet connection that had no reason to excite other than for mobile fanatics like myself.  It was also $59.99 a month as I recall.  And this is freakin' 4G, baby!  So, I'm thinking there's gonna be a lot of folks who will jump on this.  Also, Sprint is looking to ship out phones with WiMax support in 2010.  Oh, it's already 2010.  So soon.

Plus, there are rumblings about a certain deal that Sprint might strike with a certain large retail...alright, I'll come out and say it.  It's Walmart.  There's talk that Sprint and Walmart might set up WiMax towers to facilitate the 4G expansion.  That means more cities covered.  That means I might eventually get 4G in my area.

So, if you're fortunate enough to be living in an area with WiMax service, definitely give this deal a look.  I'm also betting that once LTE competition from Verizon and ATT becomes available in 2011, Sprint will likely grace us with additional price drops.

More at Sprint 4G, Fierce Wireless, Evdo Info

Rooting For WiMax

I'm rooting for WiMax. That means rooting for Sprint, Google-Intel-backed Clearwire, and anyone else involved in making equipment and gears to support the 4G network. And that's fine with me. I use Intel chips in my Macbook, I'm recently inducted into the exclusive club of Google Wave, and my first mobile service was with Sprint.

A lot has been said about LTE but WiMax for the moment seems to be taking the lead in global deployment while LTE networks are just beginning to come online. Where WiMax seems to be doing well is in Asia. Why is that significant?

While Western economies try to find their way out of the dark, even with signs of stabilization in the financial market, will still take years before the job market recovers and the masses feel good about their future. As an American, I like to think we're a scrappy bunch and we'll be alright. Still, it'll take time.

Meanwhile, Asian tigers continue to go gangbusters as they rely increasingly on the Chinese economy and less so on an US recovery. And as recovery takes place half way around the world from where I'm sitting, and WiMax is being deployed and demanded, I don't see how WiMax will go easily into the night once LTE networks come online.

Here are some statistics that point to the strength of WiMax and why investments by Sprint and Clearwire could pay off in the US:

• Motorola shipped its 10,000th WiMax access point (Wireless Weekly). That includes 35 contracts all over the world.
• WiMax equipment accounts for 40% of growth form the previous year (Daily Wireless).
• 4 Million customers worldwide with 45 new devices to support them.
• Android. Yes, not the iPhone. Android's flexibility could be WiMax's salvation and the Google backed OS could allow it to become the number one mobile OS in 5 years. Certainly, early support for WiMax could be a marriage made in heaven for the 4G network and the mobile platform.
• WiMax now available in Philly and Chicago. Previously, I had complained but understood why Sprint hasn't brought the network to bigger markets. Will, they have and will continue to surge forward, just ahead of Verizon Wireless' own 4G network.
• WiMax investment now pays off later in more ways than one. Aside from revenue, a software upgrade can turn the whole WiMax network to support LTE protocol.
• Tech island, Taiwan, will show off WiMax-enabled Taxi.
• Smartphones are beginning to appear on the market support the WiMax network. For instance, The Samsung Moment sports a 3.2 AMOLED touchscreen, full keyboard, 800Mhz CPU (that means fast!), and all for $179 (IntoMobile). Oh, and it's Android-based.

For folks reading Onxo for a while now, you might notice that I am high on T-Mobile and the iPhone (though I own just about every other mobile devices as well). One, T-Mobile isn't ATT, and iPhone, you have to admit (for those of you who can get pass the Apple biases), is second to none on the market right now. Still, I am not married to the network or platform. As a true mobile user, I'll gravitate towards the gears and tools that can best help me do my work.

And this is why I'm pulling for WiMax. It's likely to have a greater impact than pundits out there are willing to admit (because then they'll have to say they're wrong). Plus, having a competitive network in the world is good for the hundreds of millions of mobile warriors worldwide. And just maybe, we'll also see it in other major US markets even before LTE testing is completed.

And for all that I've said above about WiMax living off Asian nations, the US broadband is still one of the largest in the world and what happens here will matter as it is one large pie for developers, device makers, and platforms to support.

So, root for WiMax even if you're not Sprint customer. And who knows, if WiMax comes to your street, seriously, take a 2nd and 3rd look at it. VW is pushing hard for LTE but that's like a year away. And ATT? Right, 3G is still where they're sitting on right now. As for T-Mobile, well, we all know about the rumors of a Sprint buyout (which would be good because that means more cash for WiMax deployment) or cooperation with Sprint on 4G (which is also just as good because it also means more cash for WiMax depolyment).

T-Mobile Seeks Spectrum For Next Gen Network; Clearwire Software Upgrade Allows WiMax to LTE Switch

Last week, the telecom and wireless industry collectively lifted their eye brows and took notice of a piece of rumor that T-Mobile USA is interested in Sprint.  Immediately, folks started dismissing the notion and began to

However, more reports surfaced that T-Mobile USA was interested in spectrum for 4G deployment and the gov and Clearwire had the goods.  Perhaps a strategic partnership is what T-Mobile may be seeking but a complete buyout isn't necessarily out of the picture

In fact, as dedicated to WiMax Clearwire seems to be to the 4th generation wireless standard, the curious statement is that Clearwire isn't married to the standard.  It's stance has always been provide network neutral solution as its CEO Bill Morrow made clear.  And this is the interest part:   it is possible for wireless provider to switch from WiMax to LTE with a switch.

Alright.  Not as simple as a switch.  All they need to do is to update the software in the towers.  That's it.  Well, I'm guess that's not "it" since it will also take time for that to happen should Clearwire decide to go down that path.  I am guess that's because by the time they decide to do that, they would have thousands if not tens of thousands of subscribers.  I doubt those WiMax mobile warriors will be happy to suddenly have their services cut off.  I'm sure that won't happen.

However Clearwire makes that wireless standard switch if at all, such a partnership between T-Mobile and Clearwire could have immediate impact on mobile warriors.  Clearwire will have the resources of a big partner in T-Mobile USA's German parent company and T-Mobile users will be able to sleep better knowing T-Mobile has a roadmap to 4G.

More in Clearwire's option to switch from WiMax to LTE via software upgrade at PreCentral.  This fact came as a surprise to us but a welcoming one.

Just as there are issues with a T-Mobile-Sprint marriage, there will also be issues to deal with should Clearwire decide to make the switch from WiMax to LTE.  There are current subscribers they have to deal with.  My guess is any upgrade to LTE will allow for current WiMax users to made the lateral switch (I hesitate to use the word "upgrade) to LTE access.  That would mean upgrading handsets, access cards, and other devices.

One other complication is Sprint, which owns 51% of Clearwire.

But the benefits of this is clear for all mobile users.  And T-Mobile potentially leapfrogs over its other competitors, Verizon Wireless and ATT.

Clearwire CEO Speaks About WiMax

I'm sure he's evil just like the rest of the wireless providers but somehow, he didn't come off that way in RCR Wireless' interview.  Go figure.

Here's what he said that mobile warriors should pay attention to and possibly like.  Remember, his words and propaganda.

• Lower prices.  
• Deployment of WiMax for customers won't be like jumping into a pool of cold water.  No shock.  More gradual.  Networks will work side-by-side.
• WiMax will launch first in Portland and Las Vegas.
• WiMax here now.  LTE.  Who?  When?  WiMax offers a whole ecosystem.  

Here are stuff that'll interest Android fans like me (and all gadget lovers):

• Google is very involved (Google is an investor by the way)
• Google developing systems and apps for 4G services
• Provide services in advertising and search
• Android devices will be coming.  Did not way if it'll be phones only.  Yes, Androids are taking over.

Clearly, there is no rebuttal and Onxo likes to provide a balanced post.  Having said all that, let's wait until folks have gone through the fine print of what Clearwire will allow customers to do.  Sprint clearly has issues with productivity and has no issues stifling P2P and VOIP usage .

It heartens me to see Google involved but we all know the crap that T-Mobile pulled with the 1GB 3G cap.

Via RCR Wireless

XOHM No Longer Exciting

I'm not sure I like WiMax any more with Sprint having yet to fold on their restrictions.  T-Mobile sort of folded under public outcry with their 1GB 3G limitation.

The Inquirer has now chimed in on this issue.  And more to follow.  As with any issue that affect mobile warriors in general, Onxo is following up.

Essentially, Sprint believes it is allowed to do what Comcast was chastised by the FCC for doing for limiting access earlier this year.  I don't know what made Sprint think no one will notice or have an issue with this.

Just to recap, Sprint will monitor usage and limit certain applications like file-sharing (even legitimate ones - yes, there are legitimate reasons for file sharing) and VOIP.

Related Onxo post:

• Sprint Welcomes WiMax Subscribers By Being Evil
  
• Quick Musing - WiMax is Live and Moto's Android team

via The Inquirer

Sprint Welcomes WiMax Subscribers By Being Evil

I understand the need for moderation in all things.  Diet.  Can't have too much one thing over another.  We want balance.  Like sleep.  Spending too, right?  I even think web hogs suck.  Most mobile warriors do.

But when wireless providers, all of them as far as I know, advertise "unlimited" wireless Internet, I expect wireless access.  Apparently, Sprint wants to be the newest victim of my ire by placing limitations on subscribers even before XOHM, the belated WiMax network, is even available to more than one city (Baltimore).

Apparently, T-Mobile's ill-advised decision to redefine "unlimited" 3G access to 1GB per month was changed due to, really, the collective power of geekdom was missed by Sprint.

So, how does Sprint plan on going beyond What T-Mobile did:

• Limit P2P applications.  Rather, it would not let P2P applications run on its network.
• No VOIP
• It will slow down your network speed as it sees fit.

In their contract, file sharing was specifically mentioned as a "no-no".  

Now, with Comcast being slapped by the FCC, Sprint somehow figures it can get away with it.  We shall see.  

Related links:

• Electronista
• Silicon Alley Insider 
• On Android - T-Mobile Less Evil

CTIA FALL 2008 - Wireless News Galore

Between September 10-12, the CTIA Fall 2008 exhibition will take place where new technologies, gadgets, and wireless services are introduced to a hungry community of online blogs, traditional news organizations, and mobile warriors in general.  

Dubbing itself as "the largest wireless data event in the industry, truly embodies the ever-changing, dynamic and innovative world of wireless data in Enterprise and in Entertainment", we will be treated to a staple of exhibits, speakers, and just general wireless goodness.  

Between 9:30-11:00 am tomorrow, a number of keynote speakers will introduce new services and products. Of special interest to gadget lovers will be what T-Mobile's CEO is going to announcement regarding T-Mobile's 3G offerings and Android phones.

Who else will be anchoring the keynote? Executives from Sprint and Clearwire. For mobile warriors interested in wireless broadband that may reach into your offices and homes, we may be treated to some details about WiMax deployment and availability. Onxo has discussed WiMax and its impact on wireless users.

Also on tap are executives from Verizon Wireless and Yahoo. Folks from RIM and Adobe will bring up the rear on Thursday. I'm curious about what Blackberry announcements may be coming. CTIA has been kind enough to make available last year's feature speakers discussing the future of wireless access and their companies' products and services as webcasts.

The following topics are also being discussed with presentations from these companies:

• Mobile Enterprise
• Verizon Wireless, Sierra Wireless, SAMSUNG Mobile, Motorola, Accenture, Research In Motion, and Symantec
  
• Mobile Entertainment
• MediaFLO, Fox Interactive Media, CBS Digital Media, ABC, Disney & ESPN, MTV Networks, Nokia, RealNetworks, NBC Universal, Virgin Mobile USA, MySpace, Sony Pictures Television, Sony Ericsson, Obopay, MindShare, Vibes Media, HipCricket, and Sega Mobile
  
• Mobile Web 2.0
• Alltel, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Warner Music Group, Google, MasterCard Worldwide, Amazon, Cisco, and TeleNav, Inc
  
• Marketing The Mobile Channel
• Compete, Nielsen Mobile, M:Metrics/ComScore, Magic Johnson Enterprises, Starbucks, Loopt, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC, Market Platform Dynamics, Alltel, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon Wireless
  
• Policy Outlook

And to no one's surprise, Apple, whose introduction of the iPhone and the iPod Touch platform left its marks on the wireless domain, is a no show.  Apple traditionally shun such events in favor of going at it alone.  But trust us when we say Apple's presence will be felt regardless.

WiMax - Deserves Your Consideration

I think 2009 may be year of WiMax.  Here is a map from Daily Wireless.  Oh, what is WiMax you ask?

According to Intel and Wiki, WiMax stands for Worldwide Interoperability For Microwave Access. 

Here are some facts and selling points about WiMax:

• Wiki claims Pakistan has the biggest WiMax network deployed.
• It's known as 802.16e.
• It is advertised as the best replacement to land-based broadband like DSL.
• WiMax was used to help with communications and relief efforts in the aftermaths of Katrina and the 2004 tsunami.
• Sprint and Clearwire are the biggest companies that have set up a WiMax network in the US.  Google, Intel, Comcast, and Time Warner later joined the partnership.
• From time to time, rumors about a Google takeover of Sprint for the WiMax network will surface.
• Intel is pushing Wimax very hard by adding a WiMax capable chip on some of their CPUs.
• WiMax allows users to be freed from WiFi access points because of its longer range access.
• Competing technologies include 3G, Wi-Fi, UMTS, and assortments of CDMA flavors.
• Additional devices over the next year will have WiMax enabled access like Nokia's 800 tablet series and varying netbooks.  Of course, Intel will try to sell WiMax-CPU combinations to consumers and notebook makers.  Intel will push a wide variety of products:  mobile Internet devices, smartphones, Android phones (from Google), PDA, Camera, UMPCs, and laptops.
• Consumer embedded access points.

IN the US, Sprint's WiMax service is called the xohm. Sprint is call the new service the "bigger hotspot".  Indeed, the service can't come fast enough.  It remains to see how customer experiences will be like once they start going mobile.  However, this is great news for mobile warriors as it is faster than 3G.  

As a mobile gadget fan, I can't wait to be rid of DSL or the need be next to a Wi-Fi access point.  I'm sure all mobile warriors out there agrees with me.  Now, just make this possible on Macbooks and I'll be a step closer to wireless heaven.