LAS VEGAS, BASKING RIDGE, & VIERA, USA: From the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), SkyCross, a global designer and manufacturer of antenna solutions, announced that its versatile, high-performance antenna technologies are enabling wireless connectivity for multiple devices operating on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network.
SkyCross antennas are incorporated in the following devices being demonstrated in the Verizon Wireless booth at 2011 International CES: tablet computers from Acer and Cisco, a home automation control point from Ionics EMS, Inc., and additional products fostered through the Verizon Wireless LTE Innovation Center.
Antennas are a significant part of LTE devices since multifunction, multiband devices require multiple antennas for full broadband connectivity. Over the past 10 years, SkyCross has built a commercial knowledge base and an extensive portfolio of patented antenna designs and techniques for the mobile device, notebook, access point, and consumer device markets.
SkyCross Isolated Mode Antenna Technology (iMAT) is a unique, patented technology for ultra-fast broadband networks that enables a single device antenna to deliver the performance benefits of multiple antennas without creating interference issues. This technology can enable device throughputs of up to the theoretical maximum of the LTE standard.
iMAT also supports up to 10 operating frequencies, including those for 3G, 2G, and Wi-Fi broadband connectivity—all within one device. This approach enables manufacturers to develop the sleek, thin, compact devices that consumers demand.
SkyCross designed an LTE MIMO antenna for the Acer tablet computer, an iMAT LTE antenna for the Cisco Cius tablet computer, an iMAT antenna for the Ionics EMS Inc.
LTE home automation control point, and is developing additional antennas for products manufactured by companies participating in the Verizon Wireless LTE Innovation Center.
“We are delighted and honored that Verizon Wireless recognized SkyCross leadership in LTE antenna design and invited us to help enable devices on its LTE network,” said Ben Naskar, chief executive officer and chairman of SkyCross. “We know of no other radio-frequency solutions provider with the commercial technologies available to provide this service.”
The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network, launched in December 2010, is the fastest, most advanced 4G network in the United States, providing speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon Wireless’ 3G network. Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network currently reaches one-third of all Americans, with plans to expand the network to the company’s entire 3G coverage area over the next three years.
The SkyCross-Verizon Wireless collaboration was fostered at the Verizon Wireless LTE Innovation Center. The LTE Innovation Center, established in 2008, provides an environment for diverse companies to work together to develop innovative products that leverage 4G LTE technology.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Networks of up to 2 million cells now supported by GeoLENs location platform
BANGALORE, INDIA: Touting one of the wireless industry’s most comprehensive location platforms, Andrew Solutions, the CommScope Inc. division that is a global leader in wireless communication systems and products, has upgraded its GeoLENs Mobile Location Center (MLC) to Version 10.1 with additional and expanded functionalities.
“GeoLENs MLC 10.1 will continue to enable commercial, emergency, and security location-based applications in wireless networks on what we believe is the widest range of positioning capabilities available from a single vendor on a common platform,” said John Baker, vice president and general manager, Network Solutions, Andrew. “The Version 10.1 upgrade makes it possible for operators to deploy such services on larger networks with additional positioning technologies, enhanced performance, and the potential to share infrastructure.”
GeoLENs MLC 10.1 can support networks of up to two million cells, intended for operators whose network footprints continue to grow with macro base stations and micro sites such as femtocells. The MLC 10.1 adds a new positioning technology—enhanced cell ID for GSM EDGE and UMTS 3G networks— to its host of supported location technologies.
This new locating function can act as a secondary option to assisted GPS (A-GPS), a locating technology for which MLC 10.1 has also enhanced its performance. The GeoLENs MLC 10.1 can also be leveraged by multiple operators for sharing network infrastructure, reducing capital and operating expenses without sacrificing performance or functionality.
“We already are seeing top tier customers intent on deploying the MLC 10.1 based on the increased number of sites it can support, the addition of enhanced cell ID, and its sharing potential,” said Baker.
GeoLENs MLC 10.1 is a complete location system that supports both gateway and serving functions for emergency, commercial, and security location-based applications. GeoLENs MLC 10.1 supports handset-based, network-based, and hybrid locating technologies for 2G and 3G access—specifically, cell identity (CID), enhanced-CID, A-GPS, uplink time difference of arrival (U-TDOA) and multiple range estimation location (MREL) on the traffic channel, and angle of arrival (AOA). GeoLENs MLC 10.1 gives operators the flexibility to add or refocus their location system as their needs change and as market directions clarify.
GeoLENs MLC 10.1 is generally available now.
“GeoLENs MLC 10.1 will continue to enable commercial, emergency, and security location-based applications in wireless networks on what we believe is the widest range of positioning capabilities available from a single vendor on a common platform,” said John Baker, vice president and general manager, Network Solutions, Andrew. “The Version 10.1 upgrade makes it possible for operators to deploy such services on larger networks with additional positioning technologies, enhanced performance, and the potential to share infrastructure.”
GeoLENs MLC 10.1 can support networks of up to two million cells, intended for operators whose network footprints continue to grow with macro base stations and micro sites such as femtocells. The MLC 10.1 adds a new positioning technology—enhanced cell ID for GSM EDGE and UMTS 3G networks— to its host of supported location technologies.
This new locating function can act as a secondary option to assisted GPS (A-GPS), a locating technology for which MLC 10.1 has also enhanced its performance. The GeoLENs MLC 10.1 can also be leveraged by multiple operators for sharing network infrastructure, reducing capital and operating expenses without sacrificing performance or functionality.
“We already are seeing top tier customers intent on deploying the MLC 10.1 based on the increased number of sites it can support, the addition of enhanced cell ID, and its sharing potential,” said Baker.
GeoLENs MLC 10.1 is a complete location system that supports both gateway and serving functions for emergency, commercial, and security location-based applications. GeoLENs MLC 10.1 supports handset-based, network-based, and hybrid locating technologies for 2G and 3G access—specifically, cell identity (CID), enhanced-CID, A-GPS, uplink time difference of arrival (U-TDOA) and multiple range estimation location (MREL) on the traffic channel, and angle of arrival (AOA). GeoLENs MLC 10.1 gives operators the flexibility to add or refocus their location system as their needs change and as market directions clarify.
GeoLENs MLC 10.1 is generally available now.
Starhome predicts rise in roaming data usage and revenue-based steering of roaming for 2011-2012
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND: Starhome, the leading provider and acknowledged driving force behind roaming profitability for mobile network operators, is predicting a further rise in roaming data usage together with an increase in revenue-based steering of roaming solutions throughout 2011 and 2012.
There are several reasons for the continued rise in roaming data usage. The first being that 3G smart phones allow for higher efficiency and network capabilities while roaming, the second is fuelled by the subscriber’s constant need to Tweet, Share, surf the net and check emails while roaming. However, even with this new lifestyle, bill shock remains a primary concern for subscribers.
Operators, in a bid to maintain the momentum of increased data usage, but also reduce bill shock, are offering expanded roaming data services bundled into packages based on the subscriber’s usage patterns or even their mobile handset model. Price elasticity can also reveal how responsive customers are to price changes - Europe has shown that if prices are set to match elasticity, data roaming revenues can increase without an overall increase in price.
The use of Steering of Roaming (SoR) solutions, in particular, revenue-based, is also set to increase in the coming years. Revenue-based solutions focus specifically on revenue goals in terms of voice, data and SMS. Starhome’s Next Generation Intelligent Preferred Network(R) (NG IPN) solution identifies data-oriented user patterns and dynamically steers inbound roamers to the operator’s preferred network.
Amit Daniel, VP of Marketing at Starhome, commented: “Operators can cultivate the growing data roaming market and encourage data roaming usage by offering their roamers out-of-the-box data roaming bundles to alleviate the fear of bill shock. Steering data roamers to a preferred network has increased and is expected to continue, with the release of the revenue-based steering of roaming solution. The NG IPN ensures execution of set goals for data and voice during a set time and is also an excellent tool for better negotiating roaming and IOT (inter-operator tariff) agreements.”
There are several reasons for the continued rise in roaming data usage. The first being that 3G smart phones allow for higher efficiency and network capabilities while roaming, the second is fuelled by the subscriber’s constant need to Tweet, Share, surf the net and check emails while roaming. However, even with this new lifestyle, bill shock remains a primary concern for subscribers.
Operators, in a bid to maintain the momentum of increased data usage, but also reduce bill shock, are offering expanded roaming data services bundled into packages based on the subscriber’s usage patterns or even their mobile handset model. Price elasticity can also reveal how responsive customers are to price changes - Europe has shown that if prices are set to match elasticity, data roaming revenues can increase without an overall increase in price.
The use of Steering of Roaming (SoR) solutions, in particular, revenue-based, is also set to increase in the coming years. Revenue-based solutions focus specifically on revenue goals in terms of voice, data and SMS. Starhome’s Next Generation Intelligent Preferred Network(R) (NG IPN) solution identifies data-oriented user patterns and dynamically steers inbound roamers to the operator’s preferred network.
Amit Daniel, VP of Marketing at Starhome, commented: “Operators can cultivate the growing data roaming market and encourage data roaming usage by offering their roamers out-of-the-box data roaming bundles to alleviate the fear of bill shock. Steering data roamers to a preferred network has increased and is expected to continue, with the release of the revenue-based steering of roaming solution. The NG IPN ensures execution of set goals for data and voice during a set time and is also an excellent tool for better negotiating roaming and IOT (inter-operator tariff) agreements.”
Independent VoIP in China is illegal
Charice Wang, Analyst and Jane Wang, Senior Analyst, Ovum
AUSTRALIA: One of concerns is that VOIP service is hurting telcos voice revenue. More than 70 percemt of the current Chinese telcos’ revenue is still coming from voice service.
To regulate VoIP is the way to protect telcos’ benefit. With a significant growth of VoIP services during recent years in Mainland China with many service providers, such as Skype and UUCall, MIIT quickly released a notice on 10 December 2010 on illegal VoIP services. The ministry has not given timetable on when measures will take effect.
The fast growth of VoIP traffic on the networks of three major operators is proven to be the main source of voice revenue of the state-owned operators (particularly international calls) and eats up a lot of bandwidth of the networks. If the measures are really enforced, the VoIP service providers, including Skype (via Tom Online) and others will be blocked out for a short time. Therefore, there will be negative impacts on Skype business as China is a huge market for VoIP services, even risking its plan for IPO.
Another concern is the three networks convergence is on trial in several cities and the State Council has targeted to implement complete convergence around 2013. This means that VoIP services will be difficult to be blocked out to other service providers under convergence environment. In the long term, we expect it will be difficult for the MIIT allow only three state-own operators to provide VoIP (PC-to-phone) services and protect benefits for telecom operators.
National security is also a major issue. Since all Chinese operations are state-owned companies, they have the responsibility of national telecommunication security to some extent. Phone call number through PC to Phone or PC to PC VoIP services is always difficult to track.
AUSTRALIA: One of concerns is that VOIP service is hurting telcos voice revenue. More than 70 percemt of the current Chinese telcos’ revenue is still coming from voice service.
To regulate VoIP is the way to protect telcos’ benefit. With a significant growth of VoIP services during recent years in Mainland China with many service providers, such as Skype and UUCall, MIIT quickly released a notice on 10 December 2010 on illegal VoIP services. The ministry has not given timetable on when measures will take effect.
The fast growth of VoIP traffic on the networks of three major operators is proven to be the main source of voice revenue of the state-owned operators (particularly international calls) and eats up a lot of bandwidth of the networks. If the measures are really enforced, the VoIP service providers, including Skype (via Tom Online) and others will be blocked out for a short time. Therefore, there will be negative impacts on Skype business as China is a huge market for VoIP services, even risking its plan for IPO.
Another concern is the three networks convergence is on trial in several cities and the State Council has targeted to implement complete convergence around 2013. This means that VoIP services will be difficult to be blocked out to other service providers under convergence environment. In the long term, we expect it will be difficult for the MIIT allow only three state-own operators to provide VoIP (PC-to-phone) services and protect benefits for telecom operators.
National security is also a major issue. Since all Chinese operations are state-owned companies, they have the responsibility of national telecommunication security to some extent. Phone call number through PC to Phone or PC to PC VoIP services is always difficult to track.
Stoke nanes telecom industry veteran as VP of worldwide sales
SANTA CLARA, USA: Mobile broadband gateway developer Stoke, Inc. today announced the appointment of Magnus Almquist as VP, Worldwide Sales.
In this new role, Magnus will be responsible for worldwide sales at Stoke and the expansion of the company’s field sales organization, building on the company’s accelerating momentum as a provider of innovative data service delivery solutions for mobile broadband operators.
During 2010, Stoke achieved triple digit revenue growth through customer engagements in North Asia, Europe and North America and passed its 200th shipment milestone ahead of target during the fourth quarter of the year. With demand growing for its solutions addressing the pressing needs of telecoms operators for services optimization, revenue creation and capacity expansion, the company is on track to double in size during 2011.
Magnus joins Stoke from Ericsson, where he was Head of Sales Development and Business Support for Product Area IP & Broadband. From early 2008 to end of 2009, Magnus was Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales at Redback Networks, which was acquired by Ericsson in 2007, and held the role of Vice President, EMEA Sales, from 2005 to 2008.
“We look forward to accelerating our current momentum even further with Magnus on board. With more than 20 years’ leadership in worldwide telecom industry sales, he will be a tremendous asset to the company as we continue to expand,” said Vikash Varma, CEO at Stoke. “Magnus has an impressive track record both in new business development and in growing successful field sales organizations. We are very pleased to welcome him to Stoke.”
In this new role, Magnus will be responsible for worldwide sales at Stoke and the expansion of the company’s field sales organization, building on the company’s accelerating momentum as a provider of innovative data service delivery solutions for mobile broadband operators.
During 2010, Stoke achieved triple digit revenue growth through customer engagements in North Asia, Europe and North America and passed its 200th shipment milestone ahead of target during the fourth quarter of the year. With demand growing for its solutions addressing the pressing needs of telecoms operators for services optimization, revenue creation and capacity expansion, the company is on track to double in size during 2011.
Magnus joins Stoke from Ericsson, where he was Head of Sales Development and Business Support for Product Area IP & Broadband. From early 2008 to end of 2009, Magnus was Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales at Redback Networks, which was acquired by Ericsson in 2007, and held the role of Vice President, EMEA Sales, from 2005 to 2008.
“We look forward to accelerating our current momentum even further with Magnus on board. With more than 20 years’ leadership in worldwide telecom industry sales, he will be a tremendous asset to the company as we continue to expand,” said Vikash Varma, CEO at Stoke. “Magnus has an impressive track record both in new business development and in growing successful field sales organizations. We are very pleased to welcome him to Stoke.”
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Alereon and Spectec announce SD CameraJet wireless ultrawideband solution
CES 2011, LAS VEGAS, USA: Alereon Inc., a technology leader for Ultrawideband (UWB) ECMA solutions, and Spectec Computer Co. Ltd. a leading provider of SDIO solutions for mobile devices, announced the availability of the Spectec CameraJet Wireless Solution that brings new levels of speed and connectivity to the transfer of media from mobile devices.
The Spectec solution consists of the SDU-7200 Wi-Jet SD card and the SDU-7500 Wi-Jet USB dongle. Both are powered by the Alereon ECMA and ISO standard AL6000 Ultrawideband chipset.
The Spectec Wireless CameraJet solution is designed to allow digital still camera (DSC) and digital video camcorders (DVC) to quickly and easily wirelessly connect to HDTVs, PCs, digital media adapters and mass storage devices to transfer and view pictures or stream videos without removing the media.
Spectec’s innovative design includes a dual-port FLASH memory controller and SD host/device controller which allow the UWB system to access and wirelessly transmit media directly from FLASH memory without using the camera’s processor. Set up is easy; simply insert the SD card into the DSC or DVC SD card slot, plug a small USB dongle in the PC or hard drive and it’s ready to go.
The Spectec CameraJet solution is sampling now with production in February 2011.
The Spectec solution consists of the SDU-7200 Wi-Jet SD card and the SDU-7500 Wi-Jet USB dongle. Both are powered by the Alereon ECMA and ISO standard AL6000 Ultrawideband chipset.
The Spectec Wireless CameraJet solution is designed to allow digital still camera (DSC) and digital video camcorders (DVC) to quickly and easily wirelessly connect to HDTVs, PCs, digital media adapters and mass storage devices to transfer and view pictures or stream videos without removing the media.
Spectec’s innovative design includes a dual-port FLASH memory controller and SD host/device controller which allow the UWB system to access and wirelessly transmit media directly from FLASH memory without using the camera’s processor. Set up is easy; simply insert the SD card into the DSC or DVC SD card slot, plug a small USB dongle in the PC or hard drive and it’s ready to go.
The Spectec CameraJet solution is sampling now with production in February 2011.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2011 predictions by Maravedis
Before we offer predictions for the this year, it is worthwhile to take a look at how our forecasts for the current year have worked out.
Trend #1: Device innovations will increase.
2010 was indeed a year of accelerated device innovation:
* Sprint introduced the HTC EVO 4G, which upped the competition between Android and Apple’s iPhone.
* Motorola increased their success in Droid-branded Android WebPhones, winning back some of the market share lost to Apple during the previous three years.
* Apple came out with the improved ‘4G’ iPhone, iPad, and iPods including more efficient batteries, higher resolution screens and camera/video.
* Samsung upped the ante in display-driven features with Vibrant, Captivate, Epic phone models.
* Dell, Samsung, Apple, and a flurry or other competitors increased offerings in pad devices.
* Google announced their foray into pad and laptop OS markets with the official introduction of Chrome. While slated for market impact in 2011, Chrome rides on the coattails of success for Android based pad devices.
Trend #2: Applications stores proliferate to the point of market confusion.
Verizon, China Mobile, and Google Chrome were among the many examples of operators and market makers who made enhanced efforts to establish online mobile applications stores. Several European operators announced efforts to push back against the dominance of Apple and Google in terms of applications and mobile services.
Trend #3: US government broadband spending will lift small boats.
While temporary, US government spending helped keep smaller BWA equipment suppliers afloat during a year of increased competition with mainstream operators and suppliers.
Trend #4: Cloud 4G (cloud computing/ICT) will take center stage as a major theme for wireless operators.
“Cloud 4G” has increased in visibility but cannot yet be said to be a stand-alone market driver. The market remains focused on devices and building out networks needed to position Cloud 4G as an increasingly pivotal aspect of operators’ revenue models.
Trend #5: Clearwire-Sprint will meet their goals of coverage of over 100 million POPs by year end.
Done.
Trend #6: Clearwire-Sprint and their cable partners will move into a more competitive position vis-a-vis mobile operators in ‘hot’ device availability.
Only partially the case: while Sprint and Clearwire benefitted from new devices, particularly the EVO 4G, raising the stature of the WiMAX ‘4G’ network, revenue growth was not up to the level required to stave off the need for an additional capital infusion, nor was raising such funds an easy matter.
Trend #7: Legal battles between mobile device, PC and consumer electronics suppliers will continue.
And so they did: Apple and Nokia expanded their legal and trade battles to include a broader scope of patents and jurisdictions. Wi-LAN, Interdigital, Intel, Qualcomm, Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, Huawei, Microsoft, and ZTE were among companies pursuing increased visibility for patent positions in 3.5G and 4G wireless, devices and IP networking. In addition, consortia have formed to commercialize IPR and bring forward products in Asia and India, and to continue the shift toward patent pooling.
Trend #8: Verizon will not officially open its LTE network until late 2010.
Verizon chose to launch its LTE network with data only, slating the launch of mobile devices for the 1st half of 2011. We have learned that VZW will show off several devices in Janurary at CES – some due for launch as early as January.
Trend #9: Verizon and AT&T will continue to do battle over coverage and devices.
Indeed, the marketing tempo has picked up speed as Verizon prepares to launch LTE. Expectations for iPhone and iPad availability from VZW have increased, with a Verizon Apple iPad anticipated in the first quarter of 2011. Meanwhile, AT&T has increased the number of Android and new Windows mobile 7 based devices. Complimenting this trend, AT&T will acquire Qualcomm’s 700 MHz spectrum for US$1.9 billion, giving the company a broader coverage map to contend with coverage leader Verizon.
Trend #1: Device innovations will increase.
2010 was indeed a year of accelerated device innovation:
* Sprint introduced the HTC EVO 4G, which upped the competition between Android and Apple’s iPhone.
* Motorola increased their success in Droid-branded Android WebPhones, winning back some of the market share lost to Apple during the previous three years.
* Apple came out with the improved ‘4G’ iPhone, iPad, and iPods including more efficient batteries, higher resolution screens and camera/video.
* Samsung upped the ante in display-driven features with Vibrant, Captivate, Epic phone models.
* Dell, Samsung, Apple, and a flurry or other competitors increased offerings in pad devices.
* Google announced their foray into pad and laptop OS markets with the official introduction of Chrome. While slated for market impact in 2011, Chrome rides on the coattails of success for Android based pad devices.
Trend #2: Applications stores proliferate to the point of market confusion.
Verizon, China Mobile, and Google Chrome were among the many examples of operators and market makers who made enhanced efforts to establish online mobile applications stores. Several European operators announced efforts to push back against the dominance of Apple and Google in terms of applications and mobile services.
Trend #3: US government broadband spending will lift small boats.
While temporary, US government spending helped keep smaller BWA equipment suppliers afloat during a year of increased competition with mainstream operators and suppliers.
Trend #4: Cloud 4G (cloud computing/ICT) will take center stage as a major theme for wireless operators.
“Cloud 4G” has increased in visibility but cannot yet be said to be a stand-alone market driver. The market remains focused on devices and building out networks needed to position Cloud 4G as an increasingly pivotal aspect of operators’ revenue models.
Trend #5: Clearwire-Sprint will meet their goals of coverage of over 100 million POPs by year end.
Done.
Trend #6: Clearwire-Sprint and their cable partners will move into a more competitive position vis-a-vis mobile operators in ‘hot’ device availability.
Only partially the case: while Sprint and Clearwire benefitted from new devices, particularly the EVO 4G, raising the stature of the WiMAX ‘4G’ network, revenue growth was not up to the level required to stave off the need for an additional capital infusion, nor was raising such funds an easy matter.
Trend #7: Legal battles between mobile device, PC and consumer electronics suppliers will continue.
And so they did: Apple and Nokia expanded their legal and trade battles to include a broader scope of patents and jurisdictions. Wi-LAN, Interdigital, Intel, Qualcomm, Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, Huawei, Microsoft, and ZTE were among companies pursuing increased visibility for patent positions in 3.5G and 4G wireless, devices and IP networking. In addition, consortia have formed to commercialize IPR and bring forward products in Asia and India, and to continue the shift toward patent pooling.
Trend #8: Verizon will not officially open its LTE network until late 2010.
Verizon chose to launch its LTE network with data only, slating the launch of mobile devices for the 1st half of 2011. We have learned that VZW will show off several devices in Janurary at CES – some due for launch as early as January.
Trend #9: Verizon and AT&T will continue to do battle over coverage and devices.
Indeed, the marketing tempo has picked up speed as Verizon prepares to launch LTE. Expectations for iPhone and iPad availability from VZW have increased, with a Verizon Apple iPad anticipated in the first quarter of 2011. Meanwhile, AT&T has increased the number of Android and new Windows mobile 7 based devices. Complimenting this trend, AT&T will acquire Qualcomm’s 700 MHz spectrum for US$1.9 billion, giving the company a broader coverage map to contend with coverage leader Verizon.
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