Posts Tagged ‘Broadband’
AT&T Begs FCC to Phase Out Landlines Completely [At&t]
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News, Technology on December 30th, 2009
In a 32-page filing with the FCC last week, AT&T asked that the requirement that it support a landline network be repealed. It's an aggressive bid to get rid of the cumbersome wall jack and move entirely to VoIP.
An all-IP phone network may be inevitable someday, but AT&T is clearly hoping for that day to be as soon as possible. Landlines are less efficient and more expensive to maintain for the carrier, and don't add much consumer benefit either. Unfortunately, AT&T's filing doesn't account for the 20% of Americans who currently use only landline connections, and there's no way the FCC is going to leave one in five taxpayers twisting in the wind. The migration seems to be happening naturally anyway: according to GigaOM, total interstate and intrastate switched access minutes have fallen 42% from 2000 to 2008.
A National Broadband Plan has been a long time in the works, but we're almost there. It'll be interesting to see how much influence Ma Bell can peddle. [GigaOM]
A Decade of Broadband [Chart]
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News, Technology on December 24th, 2009
In some ways, this chart showing the spread of broadband in the US sums up the decade better than anything else. [GigaOM]
FCC ponders opening set top boxes to broadband connections, greater competition
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News, Technology on December 18th, 2009
The FCC has this week signaled its intent to snoop around set top boxes and how they may be improved. Prompted by “a lack of competition and innovation in this market,” the regulator will look into ways it can encourage the proliferation of broadband internet access provision as well as stimulating further advances. One potential solution may involve compelling cable and broadband providers to supply “bridge” network interface devices that’ll allow users to hook up their set top box to a modem and get groovy online. Whatever the final proposals are, and they’ll take more definite shape in February, we’re pleased to see the FCC take a proactive approach toward an industry it perceives to be stagnating. Our idea? Boxee Boxes for everyone!
FCC ponders opening set top boxes to broadband connections, greater competition originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Verizon’s mobile broadband customers get bundled WiFi access
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News, Technology on December 16th, 2009
Verizon's mobile broadband customers get bundled WiFi access originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Verizon Wireless | Email this | Comments Database Created by FCC for Devices Using White Space Spectrum [Fcc]
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News on December 1st, 2009
After the FCC approved the use of the free spectrum which exists between TV channels, known as white space, little's been done since, thanks to a whole heap of other ongoing issues. The FCC is now starting up a database for cataloging them, so devices can grab some of the spectrum that's going spare.
Microsoft, Google, Motorola and Intel have all shown interest, with devices needing to be GPS compatible—much like your average smartphone. [eWeek via Engadget]
LTE Connected Car redefines the ‘mobile’ in mobile broadband (video)
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News on November 6th, 2009
Read - ng Connect Program Puts Connectivity in the Fast Lane with the LTE Connected Car Concept Vehicle
Read - ng Connect Program Reveals the Long Term Evolution (LTE) Connected Car
Continue reading LTE Connected Car redefines the 'mobile' in mobile broadband (video)
Filed under: Transportation, Wireless
LTE Connected Car redefines the 'mobile' in mobile broadband (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSprint lights up WiMAX in NC, Chicago and Dallas, launches subsidized Mini 10
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News on November 2nd, 2009
Read - Sprint WiMAX in the Triangle
Read - Sprint WiMAX in the Triad
Read - Sprint WiMAX in Charlotte, NC
Read - Sprint WiMAX in Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX
Read - Sprint WiMAX in Chicago, IL
Read - Sprint's first netbook is Dell Mini 10
Filed under: Wireless
Sprint lights up WiMAX in NC, Chicago and Dallas, launches subsidized Mini 10 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsGM to offer $500 Autonet Mobile WiFi option in select vehicles
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News on October 29th, 2009
First came Cadillac (naturally), and now some of General Motors' other remaining brands are finally scratching the WiFi itch. Beginning next month, Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Chevrolet dealers will all begin offering up Autonet Mobile's $499 WiFi router as a dealer-installed option, though it's on you to pony up the $29 (or more) it takes to get said device online month in and month out. As always, you'll also get a docking station to take it from one GM vehicle to another, though (at least initially) it'll only be offered in SUVs, crossovers and trucks, which are whips most likely to be used by internet-addicted families. 'Course, those looking to do a little retrofitting need only head to gmextras.com to snap one up themselves, but don't say you heard it from us.[Via Autoblog]
Filed under: Transportation, Wireless
GM to offer $500 Autonet Mobile WiFi option in select vehicles originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFCC keen on commandeering TV spectrum for wireless broadband
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News on October 28th, 2009
[Via Phone Scoop]
Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Wearables
FCC keen on commandeering TV spectrum for wireless broadband originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsInternet Speeds and Costs Around the World, Shown Visually [Infographics]
Posted by: Gadget Boy in Gadget News on October 26th, 2009
This awesome infographic shows the internet costs and speeds around the world for the top 20 nations in the ITIF Broadband Rankings. Unsurprisingly, we don't compare too well.
Number one is, predictably, Japan, where the average broadband speed is 60mbps and they pay $0.27 per 1mbps. We, in comparison, average 4.8mbps and pay $3.33 per 1mbps, putting us at #15. Be sure to click the above image to see it in its full glory. [Zach Klein]
