Technology News: Wireless Networking

AT&T's WiFi Fake-Outs Leave iPhone Users Nonplussed

Friday - May 9, 2008

Late last month and early this month, Starbucks customers who were packing iPhones reportedly discovered free AT&T WiFi Internet access at some of the coffee shops. All iPhone users had to do was enter in their valid AT&T iPhone phone number, and boom, free WiFi access to the world. Then AT&T mysteriously cut off the access. Of course, it wasn't as if the free access had been promoted -- it was more like a pleasant surprise. But then, if only briefly, AT&T did promote free WiFi access. [More...]

'GTA' Sells, Yahoo Doesn't

Friday - May 9, 2008

Gas prices are setting record highs, homeowners are facing foreclosure, the dollar's slipping further down a black hole, and the credit industry is collapsing. These are frustrating times -- and perhaps that's partly why "Grand Theft Auto IV" just set some new records for video game sales. [More...]

Sprint, Clearwire Forge Ahead With Ambitious WiMax Venture

Wednesday - May 7, 2008

Sprint will merge its broadband wireless operations with WiMax firm Clearwire in a multifaceted deal that will create a US$14.5 billion venture to expand high-speed wireless connectivity across the U.S. The joint venture will seek to bring WiMax-based high-speed Internet access to 140 million people across the United States by the end of 2010. [More...]

Loopt's Brian Knapp: Mapping Out a Proactive Privacy Strategy

Tuesday - May 6, 2008

Loopt has taken friend connections to a new level. The startup's mobile social mapping application not only allows users to see where their friends are on a map, but also lets them text each other within the app and share photos. Since Loopt's beginnings, the company has been proactive in setting high standards for user privacy. [More...]

T-Mobile's 3G Network Touches Down in NYC

Monday - May 5, 2008

T-Mobile customers in New York City are the first to be able to enjoy its long-awaited third-generation wireless service, the company announced Monday. T-Mobile officially launched its 3G network in New York on Monday, with plans to continue the 3G rollout across major metropolitan markets over the course of the year. [More...]

Gizmo Backlash: Debate Simmers Over Phones on Public Transit

Friday - April 18, 2008

The world has never been more connected, but in some corners, it's developing a real hang-up over the ubiquitous cell phone. Taking a cue from France's national railway, which offers phone-free "zen zones" on high-speed trains, Austria's second-largest city this week began ordering public transit commuters to keep their phones on silent mode. [More...]

Using Your Cell in Europe Without Breaking the Bank

Wednesday - April 16, 2008

Question: I'm heading to Europe this summer, and I want to bring my cell phone, but international roaming looks expensive. How do I keep costs down? Answer: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Switch out your SIM card -- the little chip in the phone that carries your account information -- for a prepaid local one, and pay local rates. [More...]

Magnificent Seven Band Together for 4G Showdown

Tuesday - April 15, 2008

In a bid to avoid the bitter battles that have raged around third-generation wireless technology, owners of the patents on which the fourth-generation LTE wireless technology is built have agreed to charge each other "reasonable" license fees. The Magnificent Seven are Nokia, the world's largest handset maker by volume sold; Sony Ericsson; NEC; Alcatel-Lucent; NextWave Wireless; Nokia Siemens Networks; and Ericsson. [More...]

Microsoft's End to End Trust Request: Is the Messenger Killing the Message?

Monday - April 14, 2008

This cuts close to the heart because I truly believe this Web anonymity thing actually helps criminals more than it protects honest citizens. Microsoft has released a white paper that lays out the problem and asks for feedback on a solution -- asking our opinion first at the very least should be applauded. [More...]

Into the Wild With WiFi

Sunday - April 13, 2008

Outdoor enthusiasts may dislike the idea of a laptop in every tent, but the number of state parks with wireless Internet service is growing rapidly. State officials say park users want WiFi, so parks are installing it in campgrounds, lodges and visitors centers. Some states, including Tennessee and Kansas, plan to equip every park with it. [More...]

National Mobile Alert System Gets Legs, Head Still Missing

Thursday - April 10, 2008

The United States emergency response system may be coming to a mobile phone near you. The Federal Communications Commission took a big leap Wednesday in setting up the framework necessary to use the nation's wireless carriers to transmit text message alerts, warnings and critical information to citizens via cell phones and other mobile devices during disasters or other emergencies, the FCC said. [More...]

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