WifiRSS

Operators must not blindly deploy wifi

NSN and Qualcomm have teamed up to demonstrate the HSPA+ Multiflow feature

I need to open this blog with a brief confession. Ever since immersing myself in the topic of wifi and, more specifically, in understanding and analysing operator strategies and business models for wifi, I have argued that all operators will need to integrate wifi into a holistic traffic management strategy focused on sustainable and profitable mobile data growth. Whilst I believe we have clearly explained how wifi can and should play a complementary role for operators, I don’t believe we have sufficiently outlined the risks and threats to future operator business models. I would add though that this is very much not about scare-mongering, but much more about presenting a balanced perspective on future carrier wifi strategy.

GSMA and WBA collaborate on SIM-authentication for wifi

The collaboration is intended to ease mobile authentication on wifi networks

The GSMA has announced a collaboration with the Wireless Broadband Alliance aimed at simplifying the process by which mobile devices connect to wifi networks. The joint initiative will see the SIM adopted as the principal means by which managed wifi networks identify mobile devices, paving the way for cross-network roaming agreements.

Fon: Making wifi easy

fon

Spanish wifi hotspot provider Fon talks to Telecoms.com about its growing footprint – the firm is now the largest wifi community in the world, with five million hotspots worldwide – and its prospects for further growth in the coming twelve months. Fon’s head of sales, Carlos Gomez, also explains how the firm’s new EAB-enabled router promises to make wifi “as easy to use as cellular networks”.

Accuris: Expanding your footprint with Wi-Fi

accuris

Aidan Dillon, CTO and founder of Accuris Networks, talks to telecoms.com about the opportunities and challenges facing operators when using Wi-Fi to expand their network footprint.

Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) says many operator have trialled NGH

The R201 is similar in concept to the Novotel Mifi, 3’s MiFi offering, and Sprint’s Overdrive

The WBA expects the first NGH deployments to take place over the next 12 months and will be organising trials of more advanced technology features in second half of 2012.

Wifi hotspots set to more than triple by 2015

Wifi hotspot numbers are set to grow from 1.3 to 5.8 million globally in the next four years

Global public wifi hotspot numbers are set to grow from 1.3 million in 2011, to 5.8 million by 2015, marking a 350 per cent increase, according to research published by the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), and compiled by Informa. The findings from the WBA, which is the industry association focused on driving next generation wifi, also revealed that more than half – 58 per cent – of operators believe wifi hotspots are either “very important” or “crucial” to their customers’ experience, in order to offload busy mobile broadband networks and to provide a value-added services.

Free wifi on the streets of London

The free wifi offering will target short term users

Finnish handset vendor Nokia has teamed up with wifi network operator Spectrum Interactive and location based media firm Selective Media, to trial a free wifi offering on the streets of London, UK.

Preparing for the video over wifi revolution

Google has open sourced its WebRTC framework for real time voice and video chat

When Netflix decided to separate DVD delivery from its video streaming service, consumers rebelled. Many dropped both services and the company lost half its value on Wall Street. Trouble like this is commonplace for cable TV and satellite providers, which, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), both consistently rank low in customer satisfaction surveys.

O2 launches VoIP over wifi trial in UK

O2 is trialling O2 Connect in the UK

UK mobile operator O2 is trialling a VoIP technology offering to a to select group of customers/ O2 Connect will allow smartphone users to use voice and text services over wifi networks from their normal mobile number to any UK mobile or landline number.

UQC’s WiMAX 2 upgrade opens up new possibilities

Screamer Telecoms offices in South Africa were reportedly raided by the communications authorities this weekend

Having lived the first half of my adult life in the UK and the second half in Australia, it is little wonder that I have such a strong affinity with the underdog in a given situation, since both countries have cultures that root for the little guy to succeed over a bigger, stronger opponent.