The Continuing Struggle to Please Customers

Compared to retailers and credit-card companies, wireless carriers provide a less useful and enjoyable customer experience. This was the information gathered from a study done by Forrester research. Perhaps this information also moved some carriers to promise better programs to increase consumer satisfaction next year.

It certainly seem logical for wireless service providers to pay attention to giving better service because the study ranked them fifth among nine industries. Retailers, investment firms, insurance companies and credit-card providers were all rated as giving better service than wireless networks.

Of course, wireless providers have also scored some points with their customers because they consider Internet service providers, TV service providers and medical insurance providers inferior to wireless carriers in terms of customer satisfaction. However, considering that the wireless phone industry is probably the fastest growing and most lucrative industry in this age, increasing the level of customer satisfaction should be made a priority. After all, a
happy and satisfied customer will be willing to spend more.

Sprint and Nextel brands, Alltel Corp., Virgin Mobile USA and prepaid provider Tracfone Wireless Inc. were included in the Forrester survey. The results showed that Virgin Mobile USA Inc. received the top ranking while the Sprint and Nextel brands received the lowest marks. Alltel ranked second followed by T-Mobile USA Inc. Verizon Wireless came in at No. 4, followed by Tracfone, and AT&T Mobility.

Virgin Mobile USA received “excellent” rating for ease of use. it also garnered the highest rank for its usefulness and whether or not their experience with the company was enjoyable. This is interesting since Mobile USA’s service runs on Sprint Nextel Corp.’s CDMA network.

It seems that Sprint Nextel is consistently earning thumbs-down from various consumer surveys. For instance, Consumer Reports’ said that it would not recommend service from Sprint unless a customer specifically wanted push-to-talk service. The company has also ranked near the bottom of customer satisfaction surveys by J.D. Power and Associates.

Fortunately, Sprint has responded to this ratings by hiring several thousand more customer care representatives to improve the customer experience. The company is also planning to increase its focus on retaining subscribers rather than trying to bring in new ones and launch loyalty-based incentive programs. Hopefully, the company will be able to increase it's stature in terms of providing customer care.

Sprint Names New President and CEO

Daniel R. Hesse a veteran of the wireless industry an the former chairman, president and CEO of Embarq Corporation has been named as president and chief executive officer of Sprint. The Sprint Nextel Board of Directors has voted to place him in charge of the company effective immediately.

Let's become more familiar with Mr. Hesse and his stellar career. Daniel served as CEO of Sprint's Local Telecommunications Division for one year before he headed Embarq. He has also served as the president and CEO of AT&T Wireless Services which was then the United States' largest wireless operator. He was also a member of Sprint Nextel's board of directors.

Board member Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr., who chaired the board's CEO search committee said, "Dan Hesse is the right person to lead our company. He is a proven leader with deep wireless experience as a chief executive and an established track record of generating strong operating performance. He has the board's full support to take decisive actions necessary to improve our performance."

You can read more about Hockaday's comments on this important announcement at Sprint's Newsroom .

Another major announcement made by by Sprint Nextel's board concerns the election of JamesH. Hance to continue in his role as non-executive chairman. He is a senior adviser to the Carlyle Group and retired vice chairman and board member of Bank of America. He has been a Sprint board member since February 2005. When Gary Forsee, who had been chairman, president and CEO, stepped down in October, Hance was named non-executive chairman.

I guess it's safe to assume that Hesse will bring a lot of experience as the new head of Sprint. He will be able to provide direction to Sprint and will hopefully bring the company to greater heights.

WiMAX Soft-launch Announced by Sprint

Let me give you one of the top wireless network news for this week.

Sprint, one of the top wireless service providers has announced that the iMAX networks in Chicago and Baltimore-Washington, D.C. will be turned live sometime this week. However, this soft-launched will only extend to Sprint workers. This move was meant as a preparation for a broader customer trial in the near future. The company will be just under deadline for its promised trial deployment by the end of the year if the WiMAX launch will be done this week.

Everyone in the wireless industry has been waiting for Sprint’s Xohm launch due to its scale and scope. Mobile WiMAX networks using pre-certified IEEE 802.16e equipment have been previously launched by other smaller and international operators.

The announcement also explained that the soft launches will cover the downtown cores of Chicago, Baltimore and Washington. Rapid outward expansion following existing cellular data traffic patterns throughout their respective cities will begin after the initial launches. The upcoming customer trials are intended to be short because they will used to optimize the network for a full commercial launch.

The company has plans to expand its network to 100 million people by the end of the year. It is planning a fully mobile launch from the get-go, starting with laptop wireless cards and eventually moving to mobile devices as they become available unlike other operators deploying the technology for fixed broadband. There are also plans to allow any device or service provider to access the network by offering the service on an open basis.


However, there may also be changes to the grand scope of Sprint's plans change next year. This is due to the re-examination of Xohm plans early next year in the wake of financial difficulties. Financial troubles forced the company and and Clearwire to call off plans to combine their networks.

Sprint's capital investment in the new network only totaled $73 million in the third quarter even though the company declared that it is still committed to seeing WiMAX through. The investment pales in comparison to the $2.5 billion it said it would spend on the project.

Unless Sprint management decides to change up its strategy next quarter, it will proceed with its deployment schedule as planned. About ten thousand 10,000 base station sites, many of them cell sites for its existing CDMA network has been readied for deployment. More news about this development will be released in the nest few days.

Self-Service Phone Activation Deployed by Virgin Mobile USA

A few days ago, Telespree Communications made an announcement concerning Virgin Mobile USA's deployment of their company's solution to automate its mobile handset programming process. Telespree Communications is one of the the leading device based self-service platform provider for wireless carriers and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).

On the other hand, Virgin Mobile USA is a major national provider of wireless communications services. They are known for offering services that have no annual contracts and serving nearly five million customers.

The company has began incorporating the Telespree programming solution on Virgin Mobile USA handsets in the third quarter 2007. The implementation of the OTA solution in all new handsets is part of their plans for the future.

Telespree technology has been deployed for first time programming of new Virgin Mobile USA devices. It is also employed for existing users who want to change or upgrade their mobile phones. Using wireless technology from Telespree, the mobile phone becomes automatically programmed. The process eliminates manual inputs or assistance from customer care agents.

This highly anticipated self-service solution is designed to streamlines wireless device programming and provisioning of voice and data devices. It is expected that the platform will deliver secure authentication and over-the-air device programming to any non-active, wireless device without customer care or inputs.

Wireless carriers may be able to offer 100% automated device programming as well as service enrollment and ongoing account maintenance to customers and retail channels if this process is proven to be successful. They will be able to benefit from customer support costs and the users will have improved experience.

Perhaps other mobile service providers will be drawn towards Telespree's solution. This process does have good advantages and undoubtedly other wireless companies will explore the possibility of using it for their operations.

AT&T Follows Verizon in Opening up Network

Perhaps in responce to Verizon Wireless' announcement last week that it would open up its network, AT&T has also made it known that their subscribers will be able to attach outside devices and run outside applications.

Information about this significant AT&T decision will be publicized through salespeople at AT&T stores. It will also be possible for AT&T's customers to take their handsets to other mobile service providers using GSM.

Customers can purchase a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) through the company if they want to bring a GSM device to the AT&T network. Activation of the device will follow if it operates in U.S. spectrum frequencies.However, there is one very vital exception.

It has been made clear that AT&T will not unlock the iPhone to use on other networks. An AT&T spokesman explanins, "we will unlock the device when customers fulfill their contract; we will also unlock the device if the customer pays full price for the device," he said. "The iPhone, however, is an exception. The iPhone is exclusive to AT&T in the U.S." Needless to say, this decision is highly unpopular.

A spokesman for open-access advocate Public Knowledge said that, "The theme is fine, and we approve, but would like to see more details." I think the details about this issue will come out when all the aspects have been worked out.

However, I do think that this will lead to a more positive changes in terms of oping up of networks. Perhaps the other networks will also decide to open their networks and provide balance in the wireless phones market.

View Live NFL Games on Sprint Mobile Phones

Football Fans who subscribe to Sprint Nextel's wireless phone services will now be able to see their favorite teams duke it out on the turf with the help of their cellphones. The National Football League (NFL) and the wireless company are working together to provide live videos of NFL game coverage on the mobile phones of Sprint.

NFL Network will be responsible for providing the coverage. They will produce a three-hour studio-based show that will be streamed live on NFL.com and via wireless exclusively to Sprint subscribers. If you love football then you should really consider switching to Sprint. If you are already a subscriber then get this mobile video service before the football season ends. This service will give you another option when you want to watch a video of your favorite NFAl games. You can now watch games on HD TV, online videos and your mobile phone.

The coverage highlights involves the critical moments in a game such as when a team enters the red zone, during scheduled time slots at the :15 and :45 marks. Replays, in-game highlights and analysis from that night's action, and the halftime show will also be featured in the coverage.

Sprint subscribers will have round the clock access of the NFL Network live telecast via NFL Mobile and Sprint TV. If they choose to they can have unlimited access to NFL Mobile with any Sprint Power Vision pack at no additional cost. They simply need to text "NFL" to 7777 to gain access to the telecast.

As of this month, NFL Mobile has been downloaded by at least a million Sprint customers and NFL Network continues to be the most popular channel on Sprint TV. Stats,scores, official play-by-play, video highlights and customizable text alerts from NFL Mobile can be delivered faster than any other carrier with information updated every 10 seconds on game days.

This is definitely a sweet deal for football fans. They can now get access to their favorite NFL team's games and see the highlights and updates of the league games. The current season is exciting led by the undefeated New England Patriots and no fan will want to miss an undefeated season or their first loss. With the help of Sprint and the NFL, they can be sure that they won't miss a single moment.

The Wireless Technology Behind US Cellular's Success

US Cellular is considered as one of the top Wireless phone service providers in the United States. It is a Chicago-based U.S. company that provides quality wireless service in 189 markets in 26 states and caters to more than 6 million customers. When it comes to offering a high level of customer satisfaction, this company is rated among the leaders. That can be expected in a company that emphasizes customer support, quality network coverage and comprehensive range of wireless products and services.

To improve its network and provide excellent wireless service, US Cellular has spent millions of dollars in technological enhancements. It is currently using CDMA-1X digital technology to add more voice capacity, high-speed data products and features, and expanded coverage areas to its ever growing network.

Let us examine the technology behind the success of US Cellular more extensively. CDMA or Code-Division Multiple Access is a term that describes any of several protocols used in so-called second-generation (2G) and third-generation (3G) wireless communications. IT is a form of multiplexing wireless technology. Numerous signals will be able to occupy a single transmission channel with the help of this invention thus allowing for optimal use of available bandwidth.

This wireless wonder also uses analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) in combination with spread spectrum technology. This combination digitizes audio input into binary elements. Then, the frequency of the transmitted signal is made to vary according to a defined pattern. This process ensures that the signal can only be intercepted only by a receiver whose frequency response is programmed with the same code. This means that the signal must follow exactly along with the transmitter frequency for a successful transmission. The result is enhanced privacy and less chance of cloning because there is an overwhelming number of of possible frequency-sequencing codes. US Cellular is using the latest CDMA technology which is called 1XRTT.

To break it down, let me give you the advantages that US Cellular's CDMA 1XRTT wireless technology can offer. The foremost benefit with the use of CDMA is the minimal number of blocked calls. The risk of disruption or blocked calls is minimized because of this technologies method of passing calls between cells.

CDMA technology also reduces background noise and interference during phone calls because it combines multiple signals and improves signal strength. Since this innovation has digitally encoded, broad spectrum transmissions that help reduce wireless eavesdropping, a wireless network that uses it will have improved security and privacy.

A network that uses a Code-Division Multiple Access will also benefit from greater capacity because a large number of customers to will be able to share the same radio frequencies. CDMA can provide up to 10 to 20 times the capacity of analog equipment and more than three times the capacity of other digital platforms because it uses a broad spectrum technology.

CDMA technology will also provide expanded coverage at a reduced cost to any wireless network. This is largely due to the broad spectrum signal that provides enhanced coverage. The wireless network can be establish built with fewer cell sites with the help of CDMA than is possible with other wireless technologies.

This technology is largely responsible for US Cellular's ability to provide excellent service and satisfaction to its millions of customers across the nation. As this company continues to pump more money into improving its wireless network, it will continue to do a stellar job of providing a high level of customer satisfaction and quality wireless service.

Verizon Wireless Network Will Open up to Outside Devices

One of the top wireless cellphone service providers made an important decision this week. The top brass at Verizon Wireless has decided to open its network to outside mobile handsets, devices and applications by the end of 2008.

This change is advantageous towards customers who want a choice that doesn't include full service phones and applications. However, the wireless company will continue to provide a full-service offering, including retail stores and optimized software applications next year.

Some experts think that the demand of consumer groups and some U.S. lawmakers for wireless providers to open up their networks to outside devices and applications has influenced Verizon's decision. Apple and AT&T have also been widely criticized for their exclusive agreement that allows the iPhone to be used only on AT&T's wireless network in the U.S.

Another factor might be the U.S. Federal Communications Commission requirement. The FCC has required that a portion of spectrum to be auctioned starting in January to allow outside devices and applications.

On the early part of 2008, Verizon will begin publishing technical standards for the development community. The top wireless network will activate any wireless device that meets the minimum technical standard. A US$20 million testing lab will approve the devices for activation. This is certainly good news for wireless phones customers. They will be able to run any application they choose on approved devices on 2008 because of this development.

Verizon Wireless President and CEO Lowell McAdam explains that,

"This is a transformation point in the 20-year history of mass market wireless devices -- one which we believe will set the table for the next level of innovation and growth," "Verizon Wireless is not changing our successful retail model, but rather adding an additional retail option for customers looking for a different wireless experience."

Hopefully, other wireless phone providers will also make more customer friendly decisions. The wireless phone industry is constantly growing and competition between providers will inevitably result in more programs that are geared towards consumer satisfaction.

Verizon Wireless Network Expansions

The most reliable wireless voice and data network in the US is currently expanding its network to serve more consumers. Verizon Wireless is serving 63.7 million customers, a number that is sure to increase once the new network towers are in place. Based on revenues, it is currently the largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider. This network expansion is part of the company's multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for voice and data services.

Verizon Wireless' high-speed third generation wireless broadband network is the main reason why its services has been in high demand. Their network has been enhanced with EVDO Rev. A technology. Customers who use the company's flagship business data service, BroadbandAccess, will be able to interact with Web-based applications, download music over the air, access to e-mail, everyday corporate data, the Internet, and more at speeds that are eight to nine times faster than before with the help of this revolutionary enhancement.

Broadband Access customers with Rev. A compatible devices can now expect average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps if they get Verison Wireless services. Customers can download a 1 megabyte email attachment in about eight seconds and upload the same sized file in less than 13 seconds with the help of Verizon Wireless' high-speed third generation wireless broadband network.

With the construction of a new cell site, the company recently widened its network in Wilmington, Delaware. The residents living along along Route 13 north to Haines Avenue and west to East 28th Street, and along I-495 south to the Christiana Avenue overpass will now enjoy and benefit from increased coverage and capacity.

The network is also expanding in Essex County and the New York Metro area. Those who reside in Newark, along Summer Avenue, between Delevan Avenue East and 4th Avenue East and between Parker Street and Mt. Pleasant Avenue are included in the expansion. Other with the company's high-speed wireless network.

AT&T's 3G Wireless Network Expansion

Communications and wireless giant AT&T has continued to expand its ever growing network. The recent 3gG expansions are part of the $350 million in investments the company has made in the last two years.

More AT&T customers will receive and enjoy broadband speeds when the expansion will be completed. The city and surrounding communities in the expansion areas will surely benefit from the services of this great company.

With 3G wireless technology, users can download a 1 megabyte file in 15 seconds. Compared to the one minute per megabyte speed of the old network, this is a significant speed increase.

The areas that are covered in this week's expansion includes 75 sites in Western Massachusetts, the city and surrounding communities of Pittsburgh, Richmond and Hampton Roads in Virginia, and the western Massachusetts area.

AT&T Customers that live within the expansion area can also avail of Video Share. This is one of the the network's exciting new services. Users can share live video between wireless phones while conducting a voice call with the help of this feature. This feature is also useful in business scenarios. For instance, car dealers can negotiate with their clients while showing them a vehicle through their wireless phone.

Another exciting to AT&T's arsenal of exciting new features is the cellular video and laptop connect. Users can use this revolutionary feature to access to 3G broadband speeds with a wireless laptop card. However, one of AT&T's 31 3G-appropriate devices must be used to access the network.

It is also useful for users to remember that they will automatically switch back to AT&T's 2G network upon leaving the 3G service area. As of today, the 3G network is available in more than 220 U.S. cities.

If 3G technology is unable in your area, then you don't have to worry about it. You see, AT&T plans to expand to more markets by the end of the year. It's only a matter of time before you can use 3G technology in your area.

U.S. Cellular Expands in Missouri

U.S. Cellular, the sixth-largest wireless service carrier in the US has announced a major network expansion. The carrier will invest $3 million to build 10 new cell sites in rural Missouri. Interestingly, the company will get help from the federal Universal Service Fund (USF) to build the first towers.

Currently, U.S. Cellular is providing six million customers in 26 states with quality wireless service. The wireless company is based on Chicago and relies on more than 8,000 associates to provide top notch service to its customers. U.S. Cellular operates on a customer satisfaction strategy. They strive to meet customer needs by providing a comprehensive range of wireless products and services. The company also utilizes superior customer support and a high-quality national network to satisfy the demands of wireless consumers.

The plan is that 10 new cell sites will be added to enhance coverage in and around Cole Camp, Dell Junction, Ellsinore, Fayette, Lincoln, Mansfield, Spring Fork, Stover and Warsaw. The extensive network of more than 500 U.S. Cellular towers across the state will be bolstered by the new towers.

However, there are concerns over the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) intent to cap the USF in the upcoming weeks. Missouri will be affected by this development because the USF provides critical support for wireless companies to build new cell towers in high-cost areas across the country.

The USF was created by Congress as a measure to make sure that rural communities like the ones in Missouri will not be left behind by telecommunications technology. Wireless carriers will be able to build hundreds of towers in rural communities nationwide and bring new service to areas that would not have otherwise had access through the aid of the USF.

About $11 million in new federal funds that would have come into Missouri annually will be put on hold indefinitely if the proposed federal cap will be implemented. U.S. Cellular's planned investment of 39 new sites during the next two years will be compromised by the proposal. Many people are also concerned that without adequate wireless coverage, area first responders will not be able to quickly and reliably deal with critical safety issues.

More and more people are now relying on cell phones to make emergency calls but E-911 technology is useless in areas without wireless coverage. Another imp[ortant factor to consider is that wireless companies rely on federal support to make these resources available to smaller communities in high-cost rural areas.

Wireless Network Expansion News

Verizon Wireless Expansion

It seems that Verizon Wireless has continued to expand on a daily basis. The wireless company has announced that Columbus, Edinburgh, Greensburg, Nashville, North Vernon and Seymour are now part of the national rollout of its high-speed wireless network.

The installation of high-tech wireless hardware and software in wireless transmission sites throughout the area is a central part of the multi-million dollar expansion.The wireless company has invested over $40 billion to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services.

Verizon customers from the Columbus, Edinburgh, Greensburg, Nashville, North Vernon and Seymour area can enjoy two prime services with the establishment of the wireless broadband network. If you reside in this are you can now avail of Broadband Access and V CAST.

With Verizon Wireless' Broadband Access, you will a truly untethered mobile office experience. You will ne able to wireleesly access your online calendars, the web, email and even the critical business information hidden behind you companies' firewall. You can also avail of V CAST, Vwerizon Wireless' consumer-oriented multimedia service. With V CAST, you will be able to access the most comprehensive selection of downloadable music, high-quality videos and the coolest 3D games.



AT&T 3G Launch in Hawaii

The residents in the Aloha state can now experience a huge difference in how, when and where they can access the Internet, use e-mail or view a variety of entertainment services. This change will be made possible by AT&T's 3G wireless broadband service in Oahu. AT&T has spent nearly 50 million to enhance Hawaii's wireless network for the past few years.

Consumers and businesses in the Aloha state enjoy the benefits of broadband speeds with help from T&T’s third-generation (3G) wireless broadband network. If you reside in Hawaii, then you can now use their 3G handsets to quickly access feature-rich wireless content through MEdia Net.


The company’s mobile Internet portal can grant you access to videos, games, pictures and the latest music, entertainment, news and weather. The viewing of razor-sharp clips through CV, an on-demand streaming video service that offers a comprehensive library of mobile video content from some of the top media brands isd also possible through the 3G network.

AT and T Wins Awards

Wireless giant AT&T has receiving two 2007 Capacity Magazine Global Wholesale Awards which further solidifies its position as a leading provider of wholesale services in the world. The awards were announced on Monday evening at the Capacity Europe 2007 conference in Amsterdam.

It has won the "Best National U.S. Wholesale Provider" award, for the second year in a row, and the "Best U.S. Metropolitan Provider." AT&T has made history because this is the first time that Capacity has given two awards in one year to a single company for provision of services to the market.

The world knows AT&T Inc. as a premier communications holding company. AT&T services in the United States and around the world are provided by its subsidiaries and affiliates. They also provide the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services in the world. The leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services are also courtesy of AT&T.

AT&T is also a world leader in providing end-to-end reliable and highly secure network, voice, data and IP solutions to the six wholesale industry segments that it serves. The company serves carriers, wireless operators, cable providers, systems integrators, Internet service providers and content providers.

On the other hand, Capacity is a respected trade magazine for telecommunications carriers and service providers. The editors of Capacity as well as leading telecom industry analysts and consultants from Arab Advisors Group, ATLANTIC-ACM, Paul Budde Communication and the Yankee Group were the members of the judging panel for the awards.

Mark Kemp, CEO and editor-in-chief of Capacity explains that AT&T "has made great progress in incorporating the best practices of the former BellSouth, such as industry-leading provisioning capabilities, which have proved to be effective in meeting the needs of wholesale customers throughout the U.S."

Verizon Wireless Network News

Verizon Establishes New Wireless Network in Virginia

The most reliable Wireless network in the US, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone has made the announcement on the completion of a wireless high-speed broadband network to the Fredericksburg, Virginia area.

The network coverage area extends locally throughout the Fredericksburg area. Within it's coverage is the Rt. 95 corridor from Massaponax north to DC and the Rt. 17 corridor from Corbin to Warrenton.

Verizon Wireless new broadband network is based on CDMA 1x EV-DO Rev. This wireless network technology mat be able offers data uplink speeds substantially faster than Verizon's national EV-DO network.

Customers may now have access to Verizon's business data service, thanks to the newly built nertwork. Services such which offers average download speeds of 600kb/s to 1.4Mb/s and average upload speeds of 500-800kb/s are now available to those who reside in the area.



FiOS TV Now Available in Two More New York Communities

Verison Wireless has continued to expand its industry-leading
FiOS TV service and has brought it's innovative, reliable and competitive alternative to cable TV is coming to more New York consumers. The FiOS TV service can now be provided on the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network straight to homes in New York.

Currently, orders for FiOS TV in parts of the Long Island village of Mill Neck and the Westchester County village of Buchanan are now being taken. More than 130 New York communities are now enjoying this technology through cable franchises that have been approved in many parts of the state.

Interested consumers can check online to see if
FiOS TV service is already available in their area. They can also try request that Verizon contact them when FiOS TV becomes available. Local Verizon sales office can also provide information on how the product can be availed.

Wireless Network News

Lucrative Wireless Network Deal Scrapped

Gary Forsee, the Chief Executive Officer of Sprint was recently evicted resulting in the scrapping of Sprint Nextel Corp. and Clearwire Corp. plans to build a high-speed wireless network together. Cleawire is a network company founded by mobile-phone pioneer Craig McCaw. The ouster also resulted in a decline of as much as 28 percent to the value of Clearwire shares .

Sprint announced the deal and the plan was supposed to be completed in two months. However, the talks slowed while Forsee faced pressure from investors to curb spending after losing customers. Ultimately, the decrease in customers caused Forsse's dismissal.

It is clear that the deal's collapse will be damaging for Clearwire Corp. For the last three years, the corporation's losses have swelled amid efforts to build a national network. In fact, it sold shares to the public in March to help fund construction. However, it seems to be futile as it's third-quarter sales totaled $41.3 million, less than 100th of Sprint's. Visit this site to learn more about this wireless deals collapse.

Read the rest of Bloomberg's article on this update.

Verizon Expansion to Help Beverly, Massachusetts Residents

Verizon Wireless, considered by many as the nation's most reliable wireless network is in the process of expending its network with the construction of a new cell site. This initiative is designed to provide the best wireless service for local residents in Essex County. Those residing along along Route 127 in eastern Beverly and the surrounding area will enjoy the new coverage and capacity offered by the new site.

For half a year, Verizon Wireless has invested $145 million to enhance wireless capacity and coverage throughout the six states of New England. This brings the cumulative network investment in the region to more than $2 billion. The growing demand for Verizon Wireless voice and data services has urged the company to invest more than $1 billion every 90 days. The company offers picture messaging, text messaging, BroadbandAccess high-speed Internet and the exclusive V CAST service to the public. Over the past seven years, the company's ongoing national network investment now totals more than $40 billion.

You can read more about this wireless news on CNN's money articles.

Huge Wireless Network on Silicon Valley Stalling

A recent column in the San Jose Mercury News revealed that the ambitious plan to blanket 1,500 square miles of California’s Silicon Valley with a wireless network may be on the edge of stalling. Experts observed that for even two one-square-mile test sites the project has still unable to raise funds.

The region which covers most of the peninsula south of San Francisco and is one of the wealthiest regions in the United States. However, The two test sites, has been unwilling to cough up the $500,000 needed to complete the project.

More of this story on Networkworld.com

The Most Reliable US Wireless Network

The profitable wireless phone business has given rise to highly successful wireless carriers and networks. The lucrative business has produced intense competition among this companies and has resulted in a vast collection of quality cell phones, plans and other merchandise. Among these wireless carriers, Verizon Wireless claims to offer the most reliable service on the best wireless voice and data network of the United States.

I have to say that it is a bold claim since there are other excellent wireless companies who are also offering excellent service. Verison Wireless claim of being the most reliable network is actually based on network studies. These studies were performed by real-life test men and test women who inspired the company's national advertising campaign.

Every year, these engineers conduct more than 3 million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' and other national wireless carriers' networks. These specialists travel in specially equipped, company-owned quality test vehicles on nearly 1 million miles of the most frequently traveled roadways nationwide in order to collect data for the test.

The tests are done primarily to ensure that the network meets high call quality standards. To do this, each voice call is tabulated on computers inside the test vehicle as either a successful call, an ineffective attempt or a lost call. The same method applies for file downloads, uploads and web browsing. The tests conducted are classified based upon the ability to establish data session and the ability to complete the task. The engineers download the test results onto computers at Verizon's network test centers for compilation and analysis once all the test vehicles complete their routes.


The results of the tests were favorable for Verizon Wireless. It consistently showed that in major metropolitan centers and some remote areas the rate of ineffective attempts for the Verizon Wireless national network is lower than any other national carrier. Voice calls that connect on the Verizon's network are more likely to stay connected for the duration of the call according to the test results.

The data network reliability test results also establish that Verizon Wireless has the nation's most reliable wireless broadband network. Verizon Wireless' ability to set up data sessions and complete large file downloads and uploads at a greater rate of success than its national competitors is one of the strongest proof to this claim.

Save Money Through a Wireless Network

Do you know how to save money by using a wireless network? If you don't then let me tell you that you can route calls through the PBX phone system to a wireless network instead of expensive phone lines thereby reducing the cost of cell phone-to-office phone calls.

Businesses can now reduce reduce their telephone expenses by using Multi-Tech CallFinder CDMA wireless networks instead of normal PSTN (public switched telephone network) lines to connect cell phone callers to company offices. The cellular gateway makes all of these happen. Remote offices can also use this technology as a complete replacement for PSTN lines. Doing so will allow the office to use a desk telephone connected directly to the gateway.

This process is also possible for larger offices that use a PBX phone system. In this case, the cellular gateway connects to a PBX trunk line or PBX extension and routes incoming and outgoing calls through a CDMA wireless network. Then, the gateway connects a company’s PBX and CDMA networks. This allows calls between the two at no charge. Additionally, in the case of landline failure for normal calls and 911 calls it provides a reliable back up. Estimates project that by using cellular service through a CallFinder instead of PSTN lines, a business could save up to twenty percent on its telephone bills.

There is also very little configuration required to install the gateway except for a few AT-style commands issued through a serial port. A person who has PBX programming knowledge can set up the routing tables in the PBX. In fact, any companies on the IT department are now in charge of PBX. The CallFinder CDMA presently supports major wireless networks like Sprint and Alltel.

Cellular Wireless Networks Types

There are 3 types of cellular wireless networks that cover different cellar areas. These networks are applicable to different wireless communication scenarios. Most of the time a macrocellar network covers the largest area. However, it still has its disadvantages because it requires the highest transmission power and shows the lowest spectrum efficiency. On the other hand, a picocell network achieves the best spectrum efficiency even if it transmits the weakest radio signal to cover a small area.

Cellular Wireless network are divided into cells to reuse the wireless spectrum in the most efficient manner. A single cell is commonly a hexagon in shape. There are three types of cellular networks based on the cell radius.
The3 Types of Cellular Wireless Networks
Picocellar Wireless Network

This type has the smallest radio coverage with a radius that ranges from 10 to 200m. It is commonly called the indoor wireless network because it is usually deployed in a small room. This type also has the best spectrum efficiency among the three types of cellar networks. Picocellar networks transmit the lowest radio power and has the smallest rms delay due to its coverage.

Macrocellar Wireless Network
This type can cover a large area with a radius ranging from 1 to 10 km. A large macrocell which is mainly used for rural areas with little traffic can cover a range with a radius of 5 to 10 km. Small macrocells that are used used if traffic density is high, covers a range with a radius between 1 and 5 km. Macrocellars transmit a very high radio power allowing it to cover a large cellar area. However, the large cell coverage results in low spectrum efficiency.
Microcellar Wireless Network
These networks cover a radius ranging from 200m to 1km and are deployed in suburbs or other areas with high traffic density. They are often deployed as a chain or in two dimensions. The two-dimension set up is commonly made in the city streets. On the other hand, chain-like deployments are built along a highway with high traffic densities. This type has better spectrum efficiency than that of macrocellar networks.

The WiFi Antenna Technology

A lot of users are saying that WiFi wireless network technology has proved to be of great use and has satisfied the expectations. It is also obvious that the most important aspect in the area of development of this technology is the power of the wifi antenna. Installing and configuring an external antenna can extend the given range of the wi-fi system (currently running 802.11 IEEE standard) giving the user more mobility.

Are you interested in getting an antenna? If you do, then you first have to analyze all your requirements because there are plenty of various types and kind of antennas available in the market. The antenna that you should get should satisfy your needs. For example, you will need a directional antenna if you want to have a better mobility of the system then the directional antennas. This type of antennas are commonly used used in point to point transmissions.

You might also be looking for omni directional power antennas. This type of antenna transmits waves that are propagated in all directions so they are ideal as base antennas. This type can also transmit data to various nodes in the network like wireless printers, laptops, PDA, etc. However, these antennas also have negative attributes. For instance, people who need in point to point transmission cannot use these bi-directional antennas.

Perhaps you need multi-point WiFi antenna power options. This type of antenna can be used in multi cast communication because it can handle data transmission between a point and multi points. IF you want to establish and share wireless local area network or try to establish a high speed Internet connection, then you will love this antenna. Those who want to use an antenna to set up wireless access points can also turn to this tool.

There are also other factors that you should consider before you choose an antenna. You also need to think about the power output of the wireless network interface card, and also the strength of the receiving wireless card. You cannot disregard these factors because they play an important role in determining the effective range of the antennas. Remember that you need to know and understand the qualities that are needed for an efficient and properly working network and requirements of a system if you want to choose the right kind of antennas. If you feel that you are incapable of understanding the technical aspect of the wireless network, and its requirement, then you should seek the aid of skilled technicians.

The World's Most Ubiquitous Wireless Data Service

One online source described GPRS or General Packet Radio Service as the most ubiquitous wireless data service in the world. To those who have a limited English vocabulary like myself, ubiquitous is an adjective that describes something existing or being everywhere, especially at the same time. I think that description is accurate because GPRS is presently available with almost every GSM network.

This type of wireless network is actually a method devised to enhance 2G phones. It was designed to make these phones send and receive data faster. A General Packet Radio Service connection enables a phone to be "always on" and gives it the ability to transfer data immediately. It also provides the additional benefit of allowing data to be transferred while the phone is making a voice call. This technology allows the mobile phone to deliver much than just voice calls. It transforms a cell phone into a multi-media communications device that is capable of sending and receiving graphic images and video.

The GPRS Classes

There are several different classes of GPRS phone which determines the speed of the data transfer rates. In general, the higher the GPRS class, the faster the data can be transferred.The class refers to the number of timeslots available for upload or download. Also, the time slots used for data are in addition to the slot that is reserved for voice calls. These means that the greater the number of slots, the faster the data transfer speed because these time slots are available simultaneously.

These are some of the GRPS classes being used today:

Class 2: -3 slots -Max. Data Transfer Speed: 8 - 12 kbps upload / 16 - 24 kbps download


Class 4: -4 slots -Max. Data Transfer Speed: 8 - 12 kbps upload / 24 - 32 kbps download


Class 6: -4 slots -Max. Data Transfer Speed: 24 - 26 kbps upload / 24 - 36 kbps download


Class 8: -5 slots -Max. Data Transfer Speed: 8 - 12 kbps upload / 32 - 40 kbps download


Class 10: -5 slots -Max. Data Transfer Speed: 16 - 24 kbps upload / 32 - 48 kbps download


Class 8: -5 slots -Max. Data Transfer Speed: 32 - 48 kbps upload / 32 - 48 kbps download

The Cellular Digital Packet Data Wireless Network

The Cellular Digital Packet Data or CDCP is one of the best kind wireless network that operates today. This type of network utilizes unused bandwidth normally used by AMPS mobile phones that are between 800 and 900 MHz to transfer data. This means that the CDCP can achieve speeds of up to 19.2 kbit/s.



A Brief History

The Cellular Digital Packet Data wireless network was considered a great leap in technology when it was developed in the early part of the 1990s. Unfortunately, the existing wireless networks during that period proved to be a daunting hindrance. These established systems were slower but they were less expensive and CDPD was unable to gain widespread acceptance before newer, faster standards became the norm. Another thing going against CDPD was that it had very limited consumer offerings.

This revolutionary technology was in fact first offered by AT&T Wireless under the PocketNet brand in the United States. It was one of the first consumer offerings of wireless web service. However, PocketNet was generally considered a dismal failure. Competition from 2G services such as Sprint's Wireless Web proved to be too much. AT&T Wireless eventually refused to activate the devices after the company offered four phones to the public.

Things continued to become worst for Cellular Digital Packet Data when major carriers in the United States threatened to shut down CDPD service in 2004. In July 2005, the AT&T Wireless and Cingular Wireless CDPD networks were shut down.


Comparison with other Technologies:

Compared with other Wireless networks Cellular Digital Packet Data is superior to Specialized Mobile Radio, and Proprietary Wireless Data Networks in terms of speed. Only Circuit Switched Cellular can equal CDCP technology when it comes to speed.

When it comes to security, Specialized Mobile Radio, Proprietary Wireless Data Networks and Circuit Switched Cellular cannot match the security provided by CDCP technology. Cellular Digital Packet Data is also the leader when it comes to ubiquity.

In the area of cost of service and cost of deployment, Specialized Mobile Radio, Proprietary Wireless Data Networks and Circuit Switched Cellular are also inferior to the more affordable Cellular Digital Packet Data wireless network.

The innovative CDCP wireless type of network is also superior in the mobility and interoperability than Specialized Mobile Radio, Proprietary Wireless Data Networks and Circuit Switched Cellular. All these information has lead me to wonder why this technology failed when it has superior attributes than the competition.

Key Players

These are some of the key players that have been involved in the Cellular Digital Packet Data market:

Ameritech Cellular

AT&T Wireless Services

Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile

GTE Mobilnet (PCSI)

Hughes Network Systems

Motorola, Inc.

Pacific Communications Sciences, Inc.

Sierra Wireless, Inc

The Realm of Wireless Networks

This new blog is all about wireless networks. The term wireless network is widely used to describe a telecommunications network whose interconnections between nodes is implemented without the use of wires. These networks are commonly implemented with some type of remote information transmission system that uses electromagnetic waves.

It is be difficult to categorize and compare wireless data networks exist because they exist in huge numbers and varieties. For instance, there are mobile telephone networks that run over wireless voice networks and others that on their own physical layer networks. There are also less common types of wireless networks that are intended only to connect small devices over short distances.

Major Wireless Networks Types

Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service- is a broadband wireless point-to-multipoint specification utilizing UHF (Ultra High Frequency)
communications.

Cellular Digital Packet Data- is an overlay to the existing D-AMPS cellular network, which enables users to transmit packets of data over the cellular network using a portable computing device and a CDPD modem.

Packet Data Cellular- a wireless standard providing two-way, 19.2 kbps packet data transmission over existing cellular telephone channels.

General Packet Radio Service- a method of enhancing 2G phones to enable them to send and receive data more rapidly

High Speed Circuit Switched Data- a circuit-switched wireless data transmission for mobile users at data rates up to 38.4 Kbps, four times faster than the standard data rates of the
Global System for Mobile

Local Multipoint Distribution Service- is a system for broadband microwave wireless transmission direct from a local antenna to homes and businesses within a line-of-sight radius

Wi-Fi -refers to any type of 802.11 network, whether 802.11b, 802.11a, dual-band, etc

1x Radio Transmission Technology- The first version of (CDMA2000) wireless cellphone technology that allow data to be transmitted at rates of 307 Kbps downstream and 153 Kbps upstream as well as twice the voice capacity on a single 1.25MHz Code Division Multiple Access CMDA) channel in new or existing spectrum.

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access- a telecommunications technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances in a variety of ways, from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular type access