Clearwire Rover: Pay As You Go WiMax By the Day, Week, or Month

Clearwire just launched Rover, a no-contract service that offers unlimited WiMax goodness for $5 a day, $20 a week, or $50 a month, along with two new WiMax modems. Yep, get ready to start topping up your 4G.
The service is launching in all of Clearwire's WiMax markets with two modems: a $99 USB stick called, um, the Rover Stick, and a $150 puck called, uh, the Rover Puck. The latter of the two can service as a WiMax hotspot for up to eight devices—it has Wi-Fi b/g/n and can simultaneously run 2 SSIDs—though neither have any 3G connectivity.

Here, for your reference, is a map of Clearwire's coverage.
Users will be able to buy new service in some retail stores, like Best Buy, or online, in $20 and $50 increments. Rover, they explain, is "designed for digitally addicted youth who refuse to settle for long-term contracts." Don't you call me an addict, Clearwire. [Rover via Slashgear]

Clearwire Introduces Rover: Instant Gratification to the Internet Addicted
Nation's First Pay-As-You-Go 4G Mobile Broadband Service
Unlimited Usage for Just $5/day, $20/week, $50/month
Redefines "Friends with Benefits" with Rover Puck(TM)
Rover Stick(TM) Available for Those With Commitment Issues
KIRKLAND, Wash., Aug 30, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ:CLWR) today unveiled Rover(TM): the nation's first pay-as-you-go 4G mobile broadband service for tech-savvy Gen Y customers. The Rover brand is designed for digitally addicted youth who refuse to settle for long-term contracts, overpriced internet service, or speeds slower than what they've become accustomed to at home.
Rover is available in all of Clearwire's 49 4G markets across the U.S. at rover.com. Rover is also available at CLEAR stores, Best Buy stores and select independent wireless dealers in Houston and St. Louis.
"Simple, commitment-free wireless services are wildly popular with the Gen Y crowd, and Rover provides them with the first pay-as-you-go unlimited mobile internet offering at 4G speeds," said Mike Sievert, chief commercial officer for Clearwire. "We've built Rover from the ground up with products, pricing and features designed specifically to serve a younger market who knows how you get connected is just as important as where. Expanding our offers to meet this underserved segment is an important new business opportunity for Clearwire as we continue to extend our leadership in mobile broadband."
"The opportunity for pay-as-you-go mobile broadband should not be underestimated," said Carrie MacGillvray, program manager and wireless analyst at IDC. "Prepaid – or pay-as-you-go – data provides an option for consumers to experiment with the power of mobile broadband without being saddled with a two-year commitment. A prepaid mobile broadband service can offer consumers the ability to access and share Internet service, at home or on the go, in an affordable way."
PUCKS AND STICKS
Friends with Benefits
Rover's flagship device is the Rover Puck: an ergonomically designed portable Wi-Fi hotspot that lets you share broadband access, or "Puck", with up to eight devices at home, out on the town or nearly anywhere the feeling strikes you. The Rover Puck can easily slip into a purse or backpack and serve as an on-the-go broadband access point for devices such as laptops, netbooks, the iPad(TM), the iPod touch(R), smartphones, PSP(R) systems, game consoles, and Wi-Fi enabled digital cameras, among others. Users have the option to connect up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously.
The Rover Puck features mobile download speeds of three to six mbps, with bursts over 10 mbps (up to 4x faster than conventional 3G), using Clearwire's 4G network. The Rover Puck is available today for $149.99 (plus tax).
Going Solo
The Rover Stick(TM) is a personal 4G USB modem that connects any notebook, laptop or desktop to the Rover 4G Service. The Rover Stick is compatible with MacBook(R) and MacBook(R) Pro laptops using Mac OS X, as well as netbooks and notebooks running Windows(R) XP, Windows Vista(R) and Windows(R) 7. Offering the same super-fast internet speed as the Rover Puck, the Rover Stick is available today for $99.99 (plus tax).
No Commitment Issues
New users receive two free days of service to ensure Rover's metro-focused 4G coverage fits their mobile lifestyle. Rover has a 14-day no-hassle return policy for any device purchases made on rover.com or in CLEAR stores.
Rover is priced at $5/day, $20/week, or $50/month for unlimited 4G internet usage. Depending on the retail channel, customers will be able to purchase a Rover Re-Up PIN code or physical Rover Re-Up card in $20 or $50 denominations. Rover Re-Up is available online at rover.com, at all retail outlets carrying the Rover Puck or Rover Stick, as well as at Rover Re-Up specific retail locations. Rover does not require a credit card to activate service and is designed to bring broadband internet to a new audience.
GENERATION Y
The Rover brand is designed for a demographic that has grown up in a wireless world. They manage their life through the internet, and their devices signify status. Rover provides products and service to meet their need for all things internet.
"Rover's target audience has never known life without internet. They love their devices and they want as much speed and capacity as possible, without the limits and commitments of most mobile options," said Seth Cummings, GM, Rover. "Rover offers iconic devices along with straight-forward pricing, and plans where unlimited truly means unlimited. It is not in Rover's DNA to be constraining, confusing or complex."
MARKETING CAMPAIGN
Launch campaign
Rover's initial communications will showcase the dramatic ways in which 4G mobile broadband can change human behavior in previously unimagined ways. More information is available at www.evology.com.
Life @ 4G
Rover.com invites users to experience "Life @ 4G." Rover-sponsored athletes and music artists will be profiled, showing how Rover influences their careers and lives as they live Life @ 4G. Sporting a Rover wingsuit, base jumper JT Holmes, who travels up to 150 mph during freefall proximity flying, lives life with the Rover Puck and no strings attached.
Rover Activity Badges
Rover believes in loyalty, and will introduce a badging system that rewards users for participating in Rover activities. For example, the "Trendsetter" badge recognizes early adopters of Rover in each market, and the "Friends with Benefits" badge acknowledges users who refer friends to the Rover service. Badges have become wildly popular on location-based apps and are expected to resonate with the youth consumer and motivate usage.
THE BIG PICTURE
4G Network of Networks
Rover is the newest brand connected to the Clearwire 4G network, joining brands which include CLEAR(R), Sprint 4G, Comcast High-Speed 2Go, Time Warner Cable Roadrunner 4G, Best Buy Connect and Cbeyond. Today, the Clearwire 4G "network of networks" is available in select cities throughout the United States, where approximately 56 million people live.
Detailed coverage maps of service availability can be found at www.rover.com/coverage.
For press, broadcast and bloggers: Video footage can be linked from www.youtube.com/rover4g. Product and brand images and company logos can be downloaded from the Clearwire Newsroom at www.clearwire.com/newsroom. To subscribe to Rover RSS news feed, click here.
For more information about Rover, visit www.rover.com. Clearwire company information is available at http://www.clearwire.com.

DSL MODEM HACK

How To Choose a Wireless Modem

connects various computers that have wireless accessibility or connectivity into one single network.  This device then connects all the computers

within its network to another entirely different network like the Internet.  When choosing the wireless modem to get you connected, there are a multitude of things that you will definitely have to consider prior to hunkering down on one.  Here are some these things.

• Determine your needs.  Evaluate your internet connection.  Are you using DSL or Cable?  Are you using cellular technology like CDMA, GPRS, or 3G?  Knowing what you will be using to connect to the Internet will determine what type of wireless modem you need.  If you have a DSL or Cable connection, then you will simply need a wireless router.  If you are going to be connected using cellular technology, then you will need a specialized wireless modem for it.  This type of modem will be a small device that will be integrated with a SIM card for the connection.  Some laptops already have this type of modem integrated already.  Since wireless routers are pretty common, let’s assume that you will be using cellular technology.
• Know the network service.  CDMA, GPRS, CDPD, and 3G are just some of the wireless networks that most wireless services will be offering.  3G is probably the fastest.  Now, you will need to know the type of network service or technology used in order to know what kind of wireless modem you will be getting.  Most modems are specific to one technology.  For instance, CDMA modems will not be able to connect to 3G services and vice versa.  So, before purchasing the modem, make sure to check with your carrier to figure out what type of modem you will use.  If in doubt, there are multi-tech modem models available that basically allow you to use any type of technology or wireless service with one single device.  The only drawback is that this tends to be substantially more expensive.
• Go with security.  Wireless networks are considered flawed when it comes to security.  When choosing a modem, make sure that it comes with the much needed security features like WEP and WPA.  These are basically encryptions that will prevent hacking over the air.
• Go with a modem with Wi-Fi access.  Regardless of the technology used to connect the modem to the carrier, make sure that the back end supports traditional Wi-Fi accessibility.  Remember, laptops and portable devices will want to connect to this modem and if the modem does not allow that on the back end, then the modem will more likely be useless.  If you do decide on one without Wi-Fi, then consider connecting the modem to a Wi-Fi router for the back end connectivity.
• Brand is key.  It is critical to always be brand conscious when choosing these kinds of devices.  Never ever go with the cheaper brands made in China, India, or Malaysia.  They may be more appealing due to its price but it will expose you to all types of risks and may not even work as desired.  Going with the safer brands such as Linksys, D-Link, Cisco, Nokia, and the like is advisable. 

Again, like all purchases, never purchase a modem before scouting out all the other stores in the area first.  Make sure to get the best deal possible.  Also, never discount the importance of research.  If you see a model that catches your fancy, make sure to look for user-reviews online prior to making the move.

help on huawei e160 gsm modem

Hey folks am happy with the help you have accorded me this far but then you told me to post my configuration file as well as the error from the log file and i have done exactly that and i hope you will help me remedy the problem of error of CMS:321 as shown in the log file below and if possible post me the necessary fix to my problem.
Finally i have read the user guide time and again on the part of the mysql database in that i want to link kannel which i have installed on my fedora 13 with the MYSQL server within fedora.But considering that i installed kannel from an rpm package,how possible is it that i will easily link it with the database. If am way wide provide me with the neccessary remedy that will enable me to send the messages i receive directly into the database tables of the mysql server.If anything you can post the neccesssary sites that i can visit inorder to succesfully configure kannel with mysql support considering that i have already installed kannel from an rpm package.

#CAMCOM MOBILE CONFIGURATION FILE
group = core
admin-port = 13000
admin-password = mac
status-password = henry
admin-deny-ip = "*.*.*.*"
admin-allow-ip = "127.0.0.1"
smsbox-port = 13001
box-deny-ip = "*.*.*.*"
box-allow-ip = "127.0.0.1"
wdp-interface-name = "*"
log-file = "/home/mac/bearerbox.log"
log-level = 1
access-log = "/home/mac/kannel.access"
dlr-storage = internal

group = smsc
smsc = at
port = 10000
modemtype = auto
device = /dev/ttyUSB0
my-number = 0888959802
log-level = 0
connect-allow-ip = "127.0.0.1"
sim-buffering = true

group = modems
id = huawei-e160
name = "huawei-e160"
detect-string = "huawei"
init-string = "ATZ"
init-string = "ATQ0 V1 E1 S0=0 &C1 &D2 +FCLASS=0"
init-string = "AT+CNMI= 2,0,0,2,0 "
#init-string = "AT+CPMS=ME"
#init-string = "AT+CMGL=ALL"
message-storage = sm
speed = 9600

group = smsbox
bearerbox-host = localhost
sendsms-port = 13013
sendsms-chars = "0123456789"
global-sender = "0888959802"
access-log = "/home/mac/kannel.access"
log-file = "/home/mac/smsbox.log"
log-level = 0
group = sendsms-user
username = 123
password = 123
max-messages = 1
concatenation = true
group = sms-service
keyword = hi
text = "singly configured for the world of poly!"

#default service
group = sms-service
keyword = default
text = "INSTANT REPLY FROM KANNEL WITH COURTESY OF MAC!!!THE KANNEL IS A BEAUTIFUL TECHNOLOGY..WE WILL SOON GET THERE"
#group = smsc
#smsc = fake
#smsc-id = FAKE
#host = localhost
#port = 10000
[root@localhost ~]# /usr/sbin/bearerbox -v 1 /etc/kannel.conf &
[1] 5335
[root@localhost ~]# 2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: Debug-lvl = 1, log-file = , log-lvl = 0
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: DLR using storage type: internal
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: Added logfile `/home/mac/bearerbox.log' with level `1'.
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: Started access logfile `/home/mac/kannel.access'.
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: HTTP: Opening server at port 13000.
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: BOXC: 'smsbox-max-pending' not set, using default (100).
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: Set SMS resend frequency to 60 seconds.
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: SMS resend retry set to unlimited.
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: DLR rerouting for smsc id disabled.
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: configuration doesn't show modemtype. will autodetect
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: Adding interface *
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] ERROR: Missing wapbox-port variable, cannot start WAP
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO:

Hey folks am happy with the help you have accorded me this far but then you told me to post my configuration file as well as the error from the log file and i have done exactly that and i hope you will help me remedy the problem of error of CMS:321 as shown in the log file below and if possible post me the necessary fix to my problem.

Finally i have read the user guide time and again on the part of the mysql database in that i want to link kannel which i have installed on my fedora 13 with the MYSQL server within fedora.But considering that i installed kannel from an rpm package,how possible is it that i will easily link it with the database. If am way wide provide me with the neccessary remedy that will enable me to send the messages i receive directly into the database tables of the mysql server.If anything you can post the neccesssary sites that i can visit inorder to succesfully configure kannel with mysql support considering that i have already installed kannel from an rpm package.

   
#CAMCOM MOBILE CONFIGURATION FILE
group = core
admin-port = 13000
admin-password = mac
status-password = henry
admin-deny-ip = "*.*.*.*"
admin-allow-ip = "127.0.0.1"
smsbox-port = 13001
box-deny-ip = "*.*.*.*"
box-allow-ip = "127.0.0.1"
wdp-interface-name = "*"
log-file = "/home/mac/bearerbox.log"
log-level = 1
access-log = "/home/mac/kannel.access"
dlr-storage = internal

group = smsc
smsc = at
port = 10000
modemtype = auto
device = /dev/ttyUSB0
my-number = 0888959802
log-level = 0
connect-allow-ip = "127.0.0.1"
sim-buffering = true

group = modems
id = huawei-e160
name = "huawei-e160"
detect-string = "huawei"
init-string = "ATZ"
init-string = "ATQ0 V1 E1 S0=0 &C1 &D2 +FCLASS=0"
init-string = "AT+CNMI= 2,0,0,2,0 "
#init-string = "AT+CPMS=ME"
#init-string = "AT+CMGL=ALL"
message-storage = sm
speed = 9600


group = smsbox
bearerbox-host = localhost
sendsms-port = 13013
sendsms-chars = "0123456789"
global-sender = "0888959802"
access-log = "/home/mac/kannel.access"
log-file = "/home/mac/smsbox.log"
log-level = 0

group = sendsms-user
username = 123
password = 123
max-messages = 1
concatenation = true
group = sms-service
keyword = hi
text = "singly configured for the world of poly!"

#default service
group = sms-service
keyword = default
text = "INSTANT REPLY FROM KANNEL WITH COURTESY OF MAC!!!THE KANNEL IS A BEAUTIFUL TECHNOLOGY..WE WILL SOON GET THERE"

#group = smsc
#smsc = fake
#smsc-id = FAKE
#host = localhost
#port = 10000


[root@localhost ~]# /usr/sbin/bearerbox -v 1 /etc/kannel.conf &
[1] 5335
[root@localhost ~]# 2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: Debug-lvl = 1, log-file = , log-lvl = 0
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: DLR using storage type: internal
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: Added logfile `/home/mac/bearerbox.log' with level `1'.
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: Started access logfile `/home/mac/kannel.access'.
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: HTTP: Opening server at port 13000.
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: BOXC: 'smsbox-max-pending' not set, using default (100).
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: Set SMS resend frequency to 60 seconds.
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: SMS resend retry set to unlimited.
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: DLR rerouting for smsc id <(null)> disabled.
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: configuration doesn't show modemtype. will autodetect
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: Adding interface *
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] ERROR: Missing wapbox-port variable, cannot start WAP
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: 2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: Kannel bearerbox II version 1.4.3 starting
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [0] INFO: MAIN: Start-up done, entering mainloop
2010-08-30 11:06:04 [5335] [6] INFO: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: opening device
2010-08-30 11:06:05 [5335] [6] INFO: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: speed set to 115200
2010-08-30 11:06:07 [5335] [6] INFO: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: Closing device
2010-08-30 11:06:07 [5335] [6] INFO: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: detect speed is 115200
2010-08-30 11:06:07 [5335] [6] INFO: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: opening device
2010-08-30 11:06:08 [5335] [6] INFO: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: speed set to 115200
2010-08-30 11:06:10 [5335] [6] INFO: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: Closing device
2010-08-30 11:06:10 [5335] [6] INFO: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: opening device
2010-08-30 11:06:10 [5335] [6] INFO: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: Logging in
2010-08-30 11:06:11 [5335] [6] INFO: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: init device
2010-08-30 11:06:11 [5335] [6] INFO: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: speed set to 115200
2010-08-30 11:06:12 [5335] [6] INFO: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: AT SMSC successfully opened.
2010-08-30 11:06:17 [5335] [6] ERROR: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: CMS ERROR: +CMS ERROR: 321
2010-08-30 11:06:17 [5335] [6] ERROR: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: CMS ERROR: Invalid memory index -> don't worry, just memory fragmentation. (321)
/usr/sbin/smsbox -v 1 /etc/kannel.conf &
[2] 5356
[root@localhost ~]# 2010-08-30 11:06:25 [5356] [0] INFO: Debug-lvl = 1, log-file = , log-lvl = 0
2010-08-30 11:06:25 [5356] [0] INFO: Starting to log to file /home/mac/smsbox.log level 0
2010-08-30 11:06:25 [5356] [0] INFO: Added logfile `/home/mac/smsbox.log' with level `0'.
2010-08-30 11:06:25 [5356] [0] INFO: Service global sender set as '0888959802'
2010-08-30 11:06:25 [5356] [0] INFO: Logging accesses to '/home/mac/kannel.access'.
2010-08-30 11:06:25 [5356] [0] INFO: Started access logfile `/home/mac/kannel.access'.
2010-08-30 11:06:25 [5356] [0] INFO: HTTP: Opening server at port 13013.
2010-08-30 11:06:25 [5356] [0] INFO: Set up send sms service at port 13013
2010-08-30 11:06:25 [5335] [5] INFO: Client connected from <127.0.0.1>
2010-08-30 11:06:25 [5356] [0] INFO: Connected to bearerbox at localhost port 13001.
2010-08-30 11:07:19 [5356] [4] INFO: Starting to service
You can now send please call back request by dialling *701*099xxxxxxx#.Zain.A wonderful world> from <+265995508464> to <0888959802>
2010-08-30 11:07:22 [5335] [6] ERROR: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: CMS ERROR: +CMS ERROR: 321
2010-08-30 11:07:22 [5335] [6] ERROR: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: CMS ERROR: Invalid memory index -> don't worry, just memory fragmentation. (321)
service kannel stop
Shutting down kannel sms box: 2010-08-30 11:07:53 [5335] [13] INFO: Connection closed by the box <127.0.0.1>
[ OK ]
Shutting down kannel bearer box: 2010-08-30 11:07:53 [5335] [0] WARNING: Killing signal or HTTP admin command received, shutting down...
2010-08-30 11:07:55 [5335] [6] INFO: AT2[/dev/ttyUSB0]: Closing device
2010-08-30 11:07:55 [5335] [0] INFO: All flow threads have died, killing core
2010-08-30 11:07:55 [5335] [0] INFO: Total WDP messages: received 0, sent 0
2010-08-30 11:07:55 [5335] [0] INFO: Total SMS messages: received 1, sent 1
[ OK ]
[1]- Done /usr/sbin/bearerbox -v 1 /etc/kannel.conf
[2]+ Terminated /usr/sbin/smsbox -v 1 /etc/kannel.conf
[root@localhost ~]#

FrontlineSMS / GSM modem stability issues (huawei)

Hi there

We're using FSMS 1.6.14 with a Huawei GSM modem (E1552), and are having stability issues. I would have thought they were driver issues but they seem to be related to the way FSMS deals with the modem as they do not occur when FSMS isn't running. 

- When first connecting the modem, it got into some loop with the network sending "Error: Unknown Message Type" and receiving some message error message FROM the network. This burned through all its credit, at which point we restarted things and the error didn't re-occur. Not sure what happened there. This still happens whenever the network sends some sort of notification or spam, but hasn't looped since.

- More problematically, we can't keep the server running for more than 24hrs without the modem becoming unrecognizable to the system. A complete system restart fixes the problem.

It should be noted that this is after a long and expensive list of other phone and modem options which had worse or no compatibility (becoming unresponsive after a few messages, dropping an unacceptable number of messages, causing system errors etc).

I'm really struggling at this point to use FrontlineSMS; we want to run an SMS service from it but if we can't keep it online, obviously we can't use it.

Does anyone have any tips for system stability, and importantly, does anyone know how I can automatically monitor FSMS's status so that I can automatically deal with FSMS or modem errors if they occur?

Huawei EC325 Mobile 3G USB Modem Windows Drivers

Key Features

• CDMA2000 1X RTT, IS-95 A/B compatible
• Support 153.6kbps downlink / uplink high speed service
• Support SMS and Voice (Optional) services
• Rx diversity (800/1900MHz)
• Plug & Play, Mini USB
• Data statistics
• Support Windows 2000/XP/Vista Systems

Huawei EC325 3G USB Modem Windows Drivers, Huawei Mobile Connect Utility:
Support O/S: Win2000, WinXP, Vista 32/64bit.  Download
Device Name: HUAWEI Mobile Connect – 3G Modem
Device Hardware IDs:
USB\VID_12d1&PID_1001&MI_00,
USB\VID_12d1&PID_1003&MI_00,
USB\VID_12d1&PID_1004&MI_00

cheaps mobile broadband deals

Over current years mounted line broadband has turn out to be enormously common both in homes and places of work, and an growing variety of households and places of work now rely on broadband know-how to entry the Internet. However, more just lately a brand new technology has began to trigger a stir in the communications market, and this generally known as mobile broadband, which is designed to meet the needs of people who want or must access the Internet whilst out and about moderately than solely when they are within the house or office.
Already this modern technology is proving extremely popular, and the take up of mobile broadband has already increased quite quickly. This know-how enables consumers to take pleasure in complete mobility, as well as comfort, ease, and suppleness, which is one thing that you don’t get with fastened line broadband. With mobile broadband broadband your office could be wherever you need it to be.
Whereas mounted line broadband uses fibre optic cable or copper telephone wires to attach people to the Internet, mobile broadband makes use of mobile phone networks to do this, which successfully means that you need to use mobile broadband anywhere that you could get a mobile phone signal. This is performed by using a modem, which you will receive when you sign up to mobile broadband.
The mobile broadband  modem connects you to the Internet through your USB connection, which implies that you don’t want electrical energy and might due to this fact take pleasure in this mobile access. These small compact modems can be simply transported around. The kind of mobile broadband modem that you will receive will rely on your needs and the provider that you go through, but the choices include:
http://www.bestmobilephonedealz.co.uk/mobile-broadband-deals.asp
http://www.best-mobile-phone-contracts.co.uk/show.asp?adv=d&showdeals=50
Have a look above and find the best mobile phone offers for this handset. This web site features mobile phone contracts from all the UK’s leading mobile retailers to bring you the most affordable presents you on the web.

Lead Times for Docsis Modem Silicon Double

Chip fabs may be running on all cylinders now, but demand for cable modem silicon is still outstripping demand, causing vendors to fine-tune their component-ordering forecasts and possibly putting MSO inventory levels at risk later this year.
Individual Docsis modem makers declined to comment on the record, but multiple sources confirmed to Light Reading Cable that lead times for cable modem chips from Broadcom Corp. (Nasdaq: BRCM) and Texas Instruments Inc. (NYSE: TXN) are currently in the range of 24 to 30 weeks, more than double what's typical.
"You have to be extremely good about forecasting within [that longer] lead time," says an exec with one modem supplier. "There's no way of cutting those lead times down."
Another major Docsis gear supplier notes the lead time for cable modem silicon and other "critical parts" are now in the 26-week range, noting that chipmakers slowed production to match up with fluctuating economic conditions, but the current demand caught some of them by surprise. "It is creating some challenges for us," the modem maker adds.
So far, it appears that the longer lead times have yet to translate into a scarcity of Docsis devices among cable operators. Most MSOs declined to comment on the situation, but a Cox Communications Inc. spokesman replied via email that the cable operator, the country's third-largest, isn't experiencing any modem or EMTA inventory shortages.
However, a slowdown in the growth rate of cable high-speed data subscriptions may be helping to keep that situation under control. Leichtman Research Group Inc. (LRG) reported that the 19 largest cable and telco operators in the US signed on just 336,000 net high-speed Internet subs in the second quarter of 2010, the fewest of any quarter in the nine years the firm has been tracking such stats.
Jeff Heynen, directing analyst for broadband and video at Infonetics Research Inc. , says DSL consumer premises equipment (CPE) was down 14 percent in the first quarter, and down 13 percent for cable CPE.
But the inventory risk may manifest if silicon lead times don't begin to improve soon. Two cable modem vendors say this has been a problem for much of the year, but they've so far been able to predict what they've needed despite the lengthier lead times.
"If lead times continue to be that long, there will be some inventory concerns later in the year," Heynan says, noting that CPE vendors tend to get shipment "bounce" late in the year. Even if the longer lead times don't result in inventory shortages, they may cause vendors to defer revenues to future quarters if they can't complete their orders.
But broadband CPE isn't the only area being hit with the longer lead times. The same is happening with set-tops and infrastructure equipment. Among examples, scarceness of parts caused Ceton Corp. to delay shipments of its CableCARD-based InfiniTV 4 quad-tuner card multiple times. After targeting a launch in the first quarter of 2010, Ceton began shipping that product earlier this month. (See Ceton Delays CableCARD PC-TV Tuner, Ceton Plays the Waiting Game , Ceton Pitches Cable Set-Top Alternative , and Ceton Completes the Crossing .)
Broadcom declined to comment. TI, which is in the process of selling its cable modem business to Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC), wouldn’t talk about specific lead times since they vary depending on the product line. (See Intel Snares TI's Cable Modem Business and What's Intel's Next Move?.)
But TI company spokeswoman Kimberly Morgan says TI has been taking steps to ratchet up its chipmaking capacity so it can respond to the ebbs and flows of the market. In fact, it's been investing in capacity while others closed fabs.
Among some recent moves, TI added capacity in July by purchasing two wafer fabs and manufacturing equipment located in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan, and has hired more than 400 additional testers between the second quarter of 2009 and the second quarter of 2010. In early 2009, it opened a 800,000-square-foot assembly-and-test facility in the Philippines, and installed nearly 200 additional manufacturing tools in its 200-mm wafer fabs in Dallas; Friesing, Germany; and Miho, Japan.
Morgan says those moves have helped to improve lead times, but acknowledges that more work needs to be done to close the gap. "They're still longer than we like, but customers are seeing improvements. We're not seeing any signs of abatement in terms of customer demand."
But to demonstrate how schizophrenic the market is these days, Intel just slashed its revenue forecast late last week, citing a weaker-than-expected PC market.
Although chip demand has translated to longer lead times for Broadcom and TI, Microtune Inc. (Nasdaq: TUNE), which makes silicon tuners for Docsis modems, says it's been business as usual.
"We haven’t seen any supply problems at all yet," says Carey Ritchey, VP and GM of Microtune's cable business, which works with three primary suppliers -- IBM Corp. (NYSE: IBM), Jazz Semiconductor , and X-Fab -- and tends to forecast its needs four to five quarters out.
He says Microtune has been able to maintain a generally acceptable 13-week lead time for its customers, with larger customers typically getting even shorter lead times.

Clearwire reveals Rover Stick 4G WiMAX USB modem

Today Clearwire announced its new unlimited pay-as-you-go 4G WiMAX plans, dubbed Rover. Two devices are available for those plans, the Rover Puck and the Rover Stick.
The Rover Stick is a 4G USB modem for notebooks and desktop computers, and it works with Mac OS X, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. It offers the same download speeds as the Rover Puck, but can't support multiple devices at once. It will only run on Clearwire's 4G WiMAX network and will not fall back onto Sprint's 3G network. Clearwire's 4G WiMAX network currently covers 49 markets in the United States. The Rover Stick is available for $99.99 plus tax.

Robotics -USRobotics Introduces New 56K PCI Express Modem

The new USRobotics 56K PCI (News - Alert) Express Modem, a single lane express fax modem with both full height and low profile brackets, has been launched by USRobotics, a Platinum Equity company and premier provider of Internet access and networking products.


Designed to fit into any available PCI Express 1.1 slot, the new modem, features 1-2-3 installation and an estimated retail price point under $30. It is also approved for applications with computers in multiple regions/countries around the globe.
According to Bruce Swail, CEO at USRobotics, the USR PCIe fax modem is ideal for businesses in multiple locations with point-of-sale and machine-to-machine systems that need a compact dial-up fax modem incorporated into the network. “Simply put, the PCIe fax modem allows companies to have more functionality and more reliability with their computer systems.” He continued, “Many of our customers have upgraded from PCI to PCIe because new systems no longer have PCI, so it’s critical for us to be able to offer them a fax modem that can be easily incorporated into large-scale solutions throughout North America and Europe.”
The USR PCIe fax modem can not only send and receive faxes through the computer but also can simultaneously run other applications. Preferred modem default settings are allowed to be permanently stored by the modem.  It also includes wake-on-ring which allows the connected computer to be in a sleep or idle state until a call is received through the modem.
The time the USR PCIe takes to establish a standard dial-up Internet connection is reduced substantially with the help of Quick Connect, which further makes the POS connection times faster.
With just one installation file for multiple operating systems, the USR PCIe modem is designed for mass installations. This makes it especially ideal for businesses with a high volume of varied computer systems.
Being broadly compatible with Windows systems including POSready, 64 bit, and server systems, the USR PCIe modem has received regulatory approval in both North America and Europe and has qualified for additional worldwide regulatory approvals.
In related news, USRobotics has launched its new telephone line sharing device, the USR Call Director, which will help businesses reduce capital expenditures concerning telephone lines.

Telstra tests ‘Ultimate’ Next G modem

In this video, Telstra wireless engineer, Jared King, speed tests the telco’s Ultimate USB modem around Melbourne. The modem isn’t on sale yet, but when it is released it should provide a significant speed boost through its use of dual-carrier technology.
The device will allow Telstra customers to send and receive wireless data using two channels simultaneously, with the telco claiming it allows peak network downlink speeds of 42Mbps, although actual customer speeds will be lower.

NexperiaTM TD-SCDMA Modem I (II) Win2000/XP Drivers, Software

It is the driver for “NexperiaTM system solution” unknown device in your computer.
Device Name: NexperiaTM TD-SCDMA Modem I
Device ID:
USB\VID_04CC&PID_226E&MI_01&OS_NT, USB\VID_04CC&PID_226F&MI_01&OS_NT
Device Name: NexperiaTM TD-SCDMA Modem II
Device ID:
USB\VID_04CC&PID_226E&MI_03&OS_NT, USB\VID_04CC&PID_226F&MI_03&OS_NT
NexperiaTM TD-SCDMA Modem Win2000/XP Drivers: Download, The driver is also valid for WYLESS TD688 TD-SCDMA mini-PCIe card.
NexperiaTM TD-SCDMA Software(Utility): Download (10.7MB)

Clear's iSpot Is a WiMax Hotspot For iPhones and iPads

With more cities being blanketed in the warm glow of WiMax every month, 3G speeds are going to start seeming primitive, fast. Clear's iSpot hotspot lets iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches get a taste of the delicious 4G future.
Clear's iSpot can serve as a hotspot for up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices at a time—its site says it was optimized for Apple's mobile devices, whatever that means—while running on its rechargeable battery or juicing up over USB. 
The device, which looks a lot like a Mighty Mouse, or a bar of soap, will be available August 10 for $99, with a no-contract, $25 monthly plan for unlimited data. Not too bad, if your city has already been given the WiMax treatment. Because there's no buzzkill worse than waiting for a snappy new iPhone or iPad to suck down a page over 3G. [iSpot via SlashGear]
Update: Today and today only, you can net the iSpot itself for $29—70% off.
Update 2: Ars discovers why this is so cheap, when the standard CLEAR plan is $40. It's dedicated to just Apple devices—in that, it detects what devices are connected and can only let them connect if it's an Apple device. If you want to unlock it to all devices, they'll bump you up to the $40 a month plan.
Of course, if you're on a laptop, it's probably rather easy to mimic an Apple device by changing some settings, but harder if you're on, say, a BlackBerry. [Ars]

DC-Unlocker – unlock your 3G data modem quickly and easily

DC-Unlocker is a software and service combo which lets you unlock your 3G modem/dongle instantly so you can use it with any service provider SIM card. It supports all the major modems and also gives you the ability to upgrade the firmware and dashboard software of your dongle too.
 
The process is really easy to go through, just download the software, pay for some credits, detect or select the type of dongle, press unlock and bingo, you’re done. Quick, clean and effective. Priced at around €4.00 per unlock depending on the product.

  DC unlocker is a program specialized for data card unlocking . # It is the first universal data card unlocking product worldwide. # It is fast ( takes 5 -- 60 seconds to unlock), handily to use and functional program with clear interface. # It doesn`t need any cables or adapters for unlocking. The data card can be simply unlocked in a same notebook where a PCMCIA or Express socket exist`s.

Use Bluetooth Phone as a Modem

You will need :

• A smartphone featured with Bluetooth
• A laptop featured with Bluetooth

Connect phone and Bluetooth

1. Make sure your phone plan (or credit balance if you use prepaid)  can cover the internet charges and both devices are fully charged.

2. Turn on both your laptop and your phone and pair your device.

3. Bluetooth icon will appear on Windows taskbar, right click on this icon. Click Add a Bluetooth device. Meanwhile, turn on your “Discoverable” mode on yourphone and search for your laptop.

4. Application will ask for pass kode, make sure you enter the same pass code for both devices.

5. Select Device Manager, and search for the item that corresponds to your modem. Set up the APN (Access point name) that usually provided by your service provider. Choose  Advanced tab, type AT+CGDCONT=1,”IP”,”XXXXXX” under the Extra initialization commands text box.

Replace XXXXX with your network’s access point.

5. Click Windows, go to Control Panel and click the Dial-up Networking window. Create a new connection, choose the freshly installed Bluetooth modem as the modem.

8. Username and password usually provided by your service provider, but you can left it blank. Turn on GPRS, 3G or HSDPA on the phone. But automatically your phone will select the connection type with the best signal.

10. Use *99#. as your dial-up number that signifies  you will be connecting via packet radio, instead of a regular call.

You can contact your costumer hotline service provider and read manual book of your phone, if you encounter any problem during the set up.

Cheap Actiontec GT701D Ethernet DSL Modem with Routing Capabilities Low price

After reading the reviews this sounded like the unit for me. I needed a new modem to replace my Speedstream 5100 which was overheating and losing sync. My network consists of 10 pc’s, and a couple of game machines, so the modem works hard.br /br /Just to prove how easy this is to set up, I took it out of the box, connected it to the power, dsl, and to my Linksys router. I powered up the modem first, it went into search mode right away, when the power light stopped blinking I powered on my router and away it went. Not only did it connect right away, it was so much faster than my old Speedstream. I am using ATT DSL and there sure wasn’t an issue with that.br /br /It looks as though the unit configures itself for a “bridge mode” of some sort automatically since there weren’t any problems what so ever with this setup. My subnet in my router is 10.1.10.xxx so it doesn’t come close to the Actiontec’s 192.168.0.xxx subnet.br /br /After the initial test I did connect the Actiontec to my laptop directly and configured it to RFC 1483 Transparent Bridging mode just so I knew the Actiontec’s routing capabilities were disabled, but I don’t think I really needed to do that. Like I said, it seemed the Actiontec detected my router and configured itself accordingly.br /br /The router portion is really a complete router, even with QOS control for VOIP phones. If I didn’t already have the Linksys connected, that little Actiontec router would have been more than enough. Nice unit for the price.br /br /It’s been running for a day and I will add to this review if I have any problems down the road.br /br /By the way, when you put the Actiontec in bridge mode, the INTERNET led, does not light up at all. I thought I had a bad unit. I emailed Actiontec and got an answer in about 15 minutes. Wow. Great support to boot.br /br /I’m a happy camper! Buy this modem!br /br /Wayne

ARRIS Touchstone® Telephony Modem TM902 Voice and Data Modem Awarded EuroDOCSIS® 3.0 Certification

ARRIS (Nasdaq: ARRS) today announced that its Touchstone TM902 Embedded Multimedia Terminal Adapter (E-MTA) platform has been awarded EuroDOCSIS 3.0 and EuroPacketCable® 1.5 certification by Cable Europe Labs.  
The Touchstone TM902 is a wideband voice and data modem customer premises device with two ports for primary line voice and a high speed data port, capable of delivering data throughput speeds of up to 400 Mbp/s to the end user, through DOCSIS 3.0 channel bonding technology.  The TM902 comes in three models: the TM902A for North America and the TM902B and TM902S for Europe. All have internal power supplies, 8 Downstream by 4 Upstream silicon technology and offer operators the lowest power consumption among comparable CPE devices.  The TM902S comes with an On/Off switch, to further comply with European power consumption requirements.
"We're very pleased to introduce the Touchstone TM902 family of E-MTAs to our customers," said ARRIS SVP Product Management Derek Elder.  "We build the same Touchstone reliability into each of our CPE devices, and now can offer 8D x 4U support that will enable cable operators to further improve their competitiveness by offering ever increasing data rates."
"We are extremely pleased that ARRIS has chosen the BCM3382 cable modem E-MTA System-on-a Chip (SOC) to expand its 8D X 4U E-MTA product portfolio and that ARRIS is the first to receive Cable Europe Labs EuroDOCSIS 3.0 certification," said Jay Kirchoff, Broadcom's Senior Director of Marketing for its Broadband Communications Group.  "As the highest performing and most cost effective DOCSIS 3.0 8D X 4U solution available, the BCM3382 is a strong choice to enable ARRIS' TM902 platform to meet the rapidly growing market for higher bandwidth products."
About ARRIS
ARRIS is a global communications technology company specializing in the design, engineering and supply of technology that supports broadband services for residential and business customers around the world. The company supplies broadband operators with the tools and platforms they need to deliver carrier-grade telephony, network video processing, whole home video, demand driven video, next-generation advertising, network and workforce management solutions, access and transport architectures and ultra high-speed data services. Headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia, USA, ARRIS has R&D centers in Suwanee; Beaverton, OR; Chicago, IL; Kirkland, WA; State College, PA; Wallingford, CT; Waltham, MA; Cork, Ireland; and Shenzhen, China, and operates support and sales offices throughout the world. Information about ARRIS products and services can be found at www.arrisi.com.
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Modem Router Configuration - ZyXEL

Can North Koreans Use the Internet?

This week, the Internet was buzzing with reports that the typically secretive North Korean government had set up its own Facebook and Twitter accounts. While it turns out that the accounts were set up by foreign supporters of Kim Jong Il's regime rather than the North Korean government itself, the story has raised interest in how the Hermit Kingdom interacts with the online world. So can anyone in North Korea actually get on the Internet?
Very few of them can. A small number of people -- almost all of them government officials -- are permitted to access the Internet in North Korea. Because the country has no commercial Internet service providers, they typically get on the net through dial-up modems connected to special phone lines or with mobile phones via satellite. Around 20,000 North Koreans have access to cell phones, but most are forbidden from accessing the Internet.
Since 2000, North Koreans have had access, via dial-up modem, to an intranet known as the Kwangmyong, which includes an email server, search engine, a number of user-created websites that are closely monitored by the government, and some filtered content from the outside Web. The Kwangmyong is theoretically free to all citizens but because almost no North Koreans have home computers, it is largely used by university students and professors to share academic information. Think of it as a kind of Stalinist Wikipedia.
Attempting to access to the Internet illegally can be extremely risky and punishable by long sentences in a labor camp, but along the Chinese border region, cell phones are fast proliferating, allowing the transmission of news and even video to the other side. It's because of this that events like the recent currency devaluation, which led to widespread panic and rioting, were known to the outside world almost immediately. (Once, it might have taken almost five years for the information to get out.) Cell-phone videos have also provided the outside world with rare and previously unknown glimpses of life inside the country, as well as documentation of human rights abuses.
There have been some reports in recent years of North Korea training hackers to wage cyberwar against the West, but these appear to have been somewhat overblown.
The state does maintain a few websites for external consumption, including the Korean Central News Agency, a news and propaganda site overseen by Pyongyang but hosted in Japan. There's also the regime's official website, a monument to early '90s web design hosted on a server in Spain. North Korea finally received the rights to the URL suffix .kp in 2007 after years of lobbying, but so far, has only registered a handful of sites. Strangely, the .kp domain is overseen by an organization headquartered in Germany.
Fiber-optic cables have reportedly been laid into North Korea from China, so someone in the country is getting broadband. This access is most likely limited to the Foreign Ministry, which is charged with monitoring the outside world, and Kim Jong Il's inner circle. The Dear Leader himself is reportedly an avid web surfer -- he once asked U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright for her email address -- and describes himself as an "Internet expert."
Thanks to Adrian Hong, director of the Pegasus Project, which promotes Internet freedom in closed societies.

Toshiba AC100 Tegra 2 MID/smartbookTegra 2 MID/smartbook

Toshiba’s AC100 MID has apparently gone on sale, with at least one German retailer claiming to have (limited) stocks of the 10.1-inch Tegra 2 based Android smartbook.  The unit itself – packing an 8GB SSD, 512MB of RAM and running the Android 2.1 OS – lacks the 3G modem some Ac100s will have, meaning you’re stuck using WiFi b/g/n or Bluetooth.


Of course, you could also use an external modem like a MiFi or some sort of tethered Bluetooth connection, Android permitting, so getting online needn’t be too great a headache.  Several other European retailers are claiming they’re expecting the AC100 in on September 2nd, a week from today.
According to the Amazon Marketplace listing, there’s only one Ac100 unit left and it’s priced at €350 ($445).  For more on the Ac100, check out our hands-on report from the MID’s launch.

B+B Introduces Zlinx Xtreme Wireless Radio Modems and I-O Modules

These devices include license-free RF and are readily accessible over long and short ranges. To acquire sensor or serial data in remote and harsh environments, product configurations are available in 2.4 GHz for short range and 900 MHz for long range wireless communication.
Consumers can with easily connect wireless systems to either Modbus or serial settings, and observe and record attributes such as pressure, temperature, flow, level or any digital or analog I/O, without extensive wiring (up to 40 miles). Zlinx is directly fixed on poles, panels, or machines leading to huge savings by eliminating the need for infrastructure such as enclosed spaces and cupboards.
Wireless sensor transceiver technology, initiated by Bill Conley, is the bedplate of Zlinx products. Bill Conley, currently the lead designer engineer in B&B, created the technology to interlink SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) tools, or data loggers, to most sensors available in the market. He also utilized wireless radio to act like wired systems.
The I/O modules consist of a pair of analog outputs, analog inputs, and relay outputs each leading to two configurations P2P and Modbus. The P2P includes two I/O modules with inputs on one side connected to the outputs at the other side, replacing cables or wires, and releasing I/O data to the controller. Users can speedily map two units using the auto-configure option, thereby eliminating the need for a PC. The Modbus interlinks the I/O modules to the Zlinx radio modem to send the data into the serial port of controllers such as HMI, SCADA, or PLC. This design has a plug-and-play option and permits users to operate two similar I/O modules by depressing a button, without needing converters or reconfiguration of equipment. Trouble alarms or signals can also be sent to the users through these devices.
Zlinx Serial radio modems are extremely safe systems with 256 bit AES-encrypted radios providing low latency reaction rates, easy wireless tracking, and adaptability. The radio modem also acts as a modbus gateway or access, for P2P or P2MP connections, to the Xtreme I/O modules. Two radio modems can replace RS-232, 485 and 422 serial-serial systems.
These devices are developed to EN61000-6-2 industrial standards, to be able to manage electromagnetic interferences and surges, normally found in big pumps, welding applications, varied frequency drives and sites with severe electrical utility, operating between -40°C and 74°C. These devices have undergone extreme testing environments, as a 1meter depth water chamber, shock, drop tests and vibrations.

USRobotics Launches Compact, Affordable PCI Express Fax Modem Launches Compact, Affordable PCI Express Fax Modem

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--USRobotics, a Platinum Equity company and leading provider of Internet access and networking products, today introduced the new USRobotics 56K PCI Express Modem (USR5638), a single lane express fax modem with both full height and low profile brackets. Featuring 1-2-3 installation and an estimated retail price point under $30, the new modem is designed to fit into any available PCI Express 1.1 slot and is approved for applications with computers in multiple regions/countries around the globe.

“Simply put, the PCIe fax modem allows companies to have more functionality and more reliability with their computer systems.”

According to Bruce Swail, CEO at USRobotics, the USR PCIe fax modem is ideal for businesses in multiple locations with point-of-sale and machine-to-machine systems that need a compact dial-up fax modem incorporated into the network. “Simply put, the PCIe fax modem allows companies to have more functionality and more reliability with their computer systems.” He continued, “Many of our customers have upgraded from PCI to PCIe because new systems no longer have PCI, so it’s critical for us to be able to offer them a fax modem that can be easily incorporated into large-scale solutions throughout North America and Europe.”
The USR PCIe fax modem can send and receive faxes through the computer while simultaneously running other applications. It allows preferred modem default settings to be permanently stored and includes wake-on-ring which allows the connected computer to be in a sleep or idle state until a call is received through the modem. With Quick Connect (V.92), the USR PCIe reduces the time it takes to establish a standard dial-up Internet connection making POS connection times faster.
With just one installation file for multiple operating systems, the USR PCIe modem is designed for mass installations making it especially ideal for businesses with a high volume of varied computer systems. It is broadly compatible with Windows systems including POSready, 64 bit, and server systems. It has received regulatory approval in both North America and Europe and has qualified for additional worldwide regulatory approvals.
Because USRobotics is committed to keeping its technology products safe for the environment, the new PCIe modem has also fully achieved RoHS compliance.
Availability The new USRobotics 56k PCI Express modem is currently available and can be purchased through USRobotics’s authorized distributors and reseller partners. It can also be ordered directly at http://www.usr.com/pcie/. The new product comes standard with a two-year limited manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase. For additional information, please call (847) 874-2000 or go to www.usr.com.
USRobotics can also be followed on Linked In (www.linkedin.com/companies/us-robotics) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/USRoboticsCo).

Virgin Mobile MiFi 2200 and $40 unlimited 3G Broadband2Go plan

This morning, Virgin Mobile flipped the switch on their new $10 and $40 Broadband2Go plans. We mentioned them earlier this week, but as a quick reminder - for $10, you get 100MB of data, or unlimited data for just $40. These new stand-alone plans make Virgin Mobile the cheapest nationwide 3G operator. Best of all, these new plans are contract free, do not require activation fees or a credit check.

The Broadand2Go service is available on the Novatel MiFi 2200 WiFi 3G hotspot or Ovation MC760 USB modem. The USB modem is like every other on the market - you plug it into an open USB slot, install the software, and get online.

The MiFi 2200 is what deserves some attention. Even though this device is not brand new (we reviewed the Verizon Wireless version last year), the Virgin Mobile MiFi is the only prepaid version available in retail stores.

Using the MiFi 2200 involves a one-time activation. The process guides you through a couple of steps, including a few fields for personal information, and picking a Virgin Mobile account password. You then pick a payment method, and activate the modem. The Virgin Mobile network uses Sprint - who actually own Virgin Mobile. The advantage of this is that you'll have access to a reliable nationwide 3G network.

Connecting to the modem is simple - it broadcasts a WiFi network name called "VirginMobile MiFi 2200" making it easy to locate. Its password is printed on the bottom on a label, but you are free to change that using its configuration pages.

Up to five devices can connect to the MiFi at the same time, which makes it ideal for conference rooms, or sharing a single connection in a hotel room.

I performed several speed tests with the MiFi, and usually saw no more than 700 Kb/s - which is on the low end of what I'd like to see on a 3G connection. As a reminder, the Verizon Wireless version we tested last year easily hit 2.5Mb/s, or over three times faster than on Virgin Mobile.

Of course, all kinds of factors can impact 3G speeds, and Virgin advertises the speeds as "between 600Kb/s and 1400Kb/s" putting my speed tests within their promise. One plus for them is that there does not appear to be any kind of limit on the amount of data you can transfer, nor do they limit your speeds once you exceed a limit. To them, unlimited really does appear to mean unlimited.

Still, the speeds are quite usable for web and email, but they may be a little on the slow side for data intensive apps like video streaming. Bottom line is simple - you are saving $240 when compared to most other mobile broadband solutions.



At $149.99, the Virgin Mobile MiFi 2200 is a decent deal (Walmart has it on sale this week for $119.99.) At this price, it becomes a handy tool to carry if you regularly run into $20 WiFi at a hotel and need to get online. The $10 plan offers 100MB for 10 days, which should be enough for a couple of web and email sessions.

The MiFi 2200 charges off MicroUSB, and an AC charger and USB cord are included, as is a protective pouch. If you'd rather not use WiFi to connect to the unit, you can plug it into your laptop and install it as a regular USB broadband modem.

The Virgin Mobile Broadband2Go MiFi 2200 is available at Virginmobileusa.com and in select retail stores.

T-Mobile relaunches its half-price mobile broadband dongle offer

great offer from UK mobile internet provider, T-Mobile will enable new customers to get a dongle (USB modem stick) for just £8.99.

The ISP has reduced the cost of dongle from £19.99 to just £8.99 for its Pay Per Day deal customers who will need to pay just a one-off fee of £8.99 (for the USB modem) and £10 top-up.
This Pay As You Go package comes with a download speed of ‘upto’ 7.2Mbps, unlimited access (fair usage applies) and one month FREE mobile internet with the purchase of  first £2 top-up for a day’s use.
T-Mobile provides its PAYG customers with a flexible range of top-up options – £2 for a day, £7 for one week or £15 for 30 days.
The customers who do not want to go for longer contracts can also consider the ISP’s 3 month mobile broadband offer which includes £39.99 upfront fee, free dongle and unlimited access.
Recently, the mobile broadband provider, Orange (T-Mobile’s sister company) has announced that its pay monthly packages will be capped with a set download limit. Orange’s move came just after its competitors O2 and 3 Mobile have made similar changes in response to the new marketing standards to be proposed by Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Ofcom.

Modem used in an alarm system

This alarm system senses motion and then alerts you by phone. [Oscar] had an old external modem sitting around and, with some wise hardware choices, he came up with a simple circuit to use it. First up is the PIC 16F628A chosen because it doesn’t require an external crystal. This connects with the modem via a DS275 RS232 transceiver because it requires no external parts for connection. The final portion of the puzzle is a PIR sensor that triggers a pin interrupt in the sleeping PIC, which then dials your number to alert you. It doesn’t look like anything happens other than your phone ringing, but that’s enough for a simple system. We’re just happy to see how easy it was to use that modem… time to go hunting for one in dreaded junk trunk. Don’t miss the clip after the break.

Docsis 3.0 Enters the Gateway Era

As cable continues to light up networks for Docsis 3.0, MSOs from around the globe are getting ready to spur consumer adoption of wideband services and take on the telcos by rapidly shifting from standalone D3 modems to tricked-out home networking hubs that can spawn a new set of revenue-driving applications and help operators troubleshoot problems remotely.
In some ways what was old is now new again. Cable dabbled with Docsis 2.0 gateways about a decade ago, but the lack of a strong business modem helped keep it a low-volume game. But that's all about to change starting this year as operators begin to deploy a range of D3 gateways en masse.
"Gateway volume next year could easily be bigger than non-gateway volume," predicts Derek Elder, SVP of product management and technical marketing at Arris Group Inc. (Nasdaq: ARRS), a key cable supplier that counts Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) and Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE: TWC) as its largest customers.
"Almost every operator is looking for that integrated gateway solution as part of [a] premium tier," says Barry Hardek, VP of product management at Ubee Interactive , which has shipped more than 1 million D3 devices. It's been mum on customer names, but Charter Communications Inc. , Comcast, and TWC are believed to be among its larger ones. (See Ubee Touts Docsis 3.0 Shipment Milestone.)

Waxing Wireless

Ubee's DDW3611 Wireless Cable Modem Gateway is Docsis 3.0-certified, features 802.11n,
and is capable of bonding eight downstream channels and four upstream channels.

And MSO interest isn't limited to the US. Several European operators also have D3 gateway strategies, but aren't necessarily expected to cut over to a 100 percent deployment model. But some are already moving forward. UPC Broadband , for example, recently put in an order for D3 gateways from Technicolor S.A. (NYSE: TMS; Euronext Paris: 18453). Portuguese MSO ZON TVCabo is going with a similar strategy, starting off with gear from Hitron Technologies Inc. and middleware from Jungo Ltd. (See UPC Picks Technicolor For D3 EMTAs and TVCabo Seeks Docsis Independence.)
As the gateways themselves go, several vendors are pursuing four-product lineups: data-only, data-plus-voice, data/voice with features such as Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) and Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), and, further out, gateways that are optimized for video.
Out of the chute, wireless gateways are being outfitted with the ability to bond eight downstream channels and four upstream channels -- enough for bursts of 320 Mbit/s downstream using North American Docsis and 400 Mbit/s with EuroDocsis. Other base-level, required components include 802.11 access points, four Gigabit Ethernet ports, and integrated firewalls. Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is still considered a "nice-to-have" element, at least until video gateways start to kick in.
Rising to the competition, managing the home
So, why is the cable industry suddenly on the cusp of a D3 gateway explosion?
The reasons are many, but certainly led by the competition and the need for what's quickly becoming table stakes. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), for example, installs a gateway in every FiOS home, so cable will need to match up. MSO's are responding similarly overseas where MSOs grapple with DSL providers that couple speeds with advanced gateways.
"In order for the cable operator to compete with a me-too, they also have to provide the gateway," says John Sweeney, director of product strategy and management for Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO)'s Cable Home Networking business unit, noting that interest in Docsis gateways has intensified with the launch of Docsis 3.0. [Ed. note: Cable's drive toward gateways is one of the reasons leading to Pace plc 's acquisition of 2Wire Inc. ]
Plus, consumers may need more help as new services such as multi-room DVRs start to take hold, so the MSO will need to step up with new hardware and associated services.
"The home networking [requirements] are getting more and more sophisticated," says Jennifer Hayes, senior product manager for Docsis modems, EMTAs, and gateways at Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT). "Before, it was just about getting the PC to the Internet. There's more demand on the network and operators see that as an opportunity."

Gateway Surfing

Motorola’s SBG6580 SURFboard Wireless Cable Modem Gateway also supports 802.11n and an 8x4 channel configuration
that can produce downstream bursts of 400 Mbit/s in EuroDOCSIS mode.

As home networks get more complex, so will the consumer support headaches. Most cable modem customers use retail-bought routers but still tend to call the MSO when home networking issues crop up. Cable's looking to get out ahead of that by outfitting gateways with TR-069 or another management system that gives them visibility into those devices and doing some troubleshooting without an expensive truck roll. (See Cable Winks, Giggles at TR-069 .)
And there's a bandwidth bottleneck to consider. Many of the older routers and access points in use today can't support the 50-Mbit/s-or-greater burst speeds provided by Docsis 3.0. Offering modems with built-in 802.11n and Gigabit Ethernet ports should alleviate those potential choke points.
Pre-3.0 gear used Fast Ethernet ports, which theoretically enabled speeds up to 100 Mbit/s, but in practice, they are closer to 18 Mbit/s to 19 Mbit/s, says Pascal Portelli, SVP of gateways and connected devices at the Connect Division of Technicolor. He notes that Gigabit Ethernet ports will all but eliminate potential bottlenecks based on the D3 speeds currently envisioned by cable operators. 802.11n, meanwhile, is designed to offer a fairly consistent 100-Mbit/s wireless link.
Dollar signs flashing
The gateway opportunity will likely lead to a new type of premium home networking service that can help operators maintain their high-speed data margins and offer some bells and whistles to go along with faster (and more expensive) Docsis 3.0 tiers.
Most expect US MSOs to be among the most aggressive with D3 gateways, perhaps deploying them proactively to Docsis 2.0 customers and serve as a Trojan Horse of sorts when customers opt to go with a single-channel Docsis tier supporting speeds of at least 20 Mbit/s, upgrade to a wideband service, or tap into an MSO's premium home network management service.
Once those gateways are installed, it could pave the way for a wide range of new apps and services consumers would pay beyond the baseline data service, including home surveillance and security, home automation, and remote access to certain home functions. "Someday, that'll be the low-hanging fruit that cable operators will jump on and start to deploy," says Cisco's Sweeney.
How much consumers would pay for such services is debatable, but a survey of 414 consumers by ClearAccess Inc. , which is advocating for cable's adoption of TR-069, found that up to 23 percent of consumers would be willing to pay $1.99 for several types of operator-managed home networking apps. Examples of those include remote access to the home network, or whole-home bandwidth controls that, for example, would allow a user to give bandwidth priority to a specific device hanging on the home network, such as a Blu-ray player that's downloading a movie.
And, to be sure, those gateways will be more expensive than their standalone modem and EMTA counterparts, so MSOs will be looking to squeeze out more incremental revenue out of them.
Suppliers weren't willing to give specific pricing, but some allowed that the costs for gateways would be roughly 50 percent higher than a D3 voice modem. Adding a backup battery would add another 20 percent. Others note that if a baseline D3 modem costs $100, a gateway could cost 150 percent to 200 percent more, depending on the configuration and features.
Video gateways: Cable's 'headless' monsters
The initial crop of gateways will focus on data and voice, but versions optimized for video are already on the horizon as MSOs mull IP video strategies. (See Liberty Global Reveals IP Gateway Partners and Liberty Global Canvassing Europe With Docsis 3.0 .)
Operators and vendors are still deciding how many channels the next-generation of Docsis CPE will be able to bond. Nothing's written in stone yet, but discussions are leaning toward a 32-channel bonded downstream -- more than enough for speedier Docsis tiers and capacity for an IPTV simulcast of an operator's entire linear TV lineup, or a subset of it.
But the regulatory landscape could slow the momentum. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is inquiring about "AllVid" gateways and adapters that would apply to cable, telco, and satellite TV operators. Operators and vendors may be hesitant to move too far ahead with video gateways until they get more clarity as to whether the FCC will move ahead with a formal rulemaking. (See All About the FCC's AllVid.)
Regardless of how that shakes out, video gateway activity in the US should still start to surface next year. At this point, there's talk of "headless" and "headed" video gateways.
A headed gateway would bake in home-networking and video-rendering capabilities found in a set-top, so it could be connected directly to a video display using HDMI interfaces.
Its headless cousin, which could be installed away from a TV and serve as the data distribution hub, would not have the video-rendering component on-board. Instead, it would perform IP encapsulation on the incoming MPEG video stream, allowing the resulting stream to be displayed by a separate set-top or some other IP-capable video device.
— Jeff Baumgartner, Site Editor, Light Reading Cable