Broadband Wireless Internet Access (BWIA) / WiMAX Press Releases

Sierra Wireless Modules Connect New FlipStart Super Compact PC To Mobile Broadband Networks

(Another highly compact PC with wireless connectivity. - SKS)

New FlipStart super compact PC allows mobile professionals to make the most of available time, with unique small clamshell design and full access to email and online applications

ORLANDO, March 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ:SWIR)(NASDAQ:- TSX:)(NASDAQ:SW) today announced that FlipStart Labs has selected Sierra Wireless 3G embedded modules to provide mobile broadband connectivity to the FlipStart(R) super compact PC. FlipStart, the first product from FlipStart Labs, a Paul G. Allen company, is accepting reservations at www.flipstart.com and will ship to customers starting next week.

FlipStart is a fully functional compact PC targeted toward mobile professionals looking for the ability to stay connected and use the applications they need from anywhere, whether sitting in an office, standing in line, or traveling between appointments. Its size and convenient clamshell form factor make it quick and easy to carry and use, and the integrated Sierra Wireless 3G mobile broadband connection provides high-speed network access for email and online information.

New Study Finds FCC Spectrum Auctions Prone to Anti-Competitive Behavior

Study Endorses Innovative Leasing Proposal Offered in Application of M2Z Networks to Build Nationwide Free Broadband Service

MENLO PARK, Calif., March 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new study filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) finds that the FCC's use of auctions for assigning spectrum licenses could be subject to anti-competitive behavior by incumbent carriers.

The study performed by Dr. Simon Wilkie, former chief economist at the FCC and current head of the University of Southern California Center for Communications Law and Policy, reviews past auction results and finds that auctions do not work in all circumstances to secure for the public the benefits of the efficient use of spectrum as the law requires the FCC to do. For example, in the recent AWS auctions, the study found that 98% of the spectrum in major metropolitan areas went to incumbents, effectively shutting out any new entrants.

OQO Commences Customer Shipments of the Widely Anticipated Model 02

(It sounds nice... but $1500 for a pocket device? - SKS)

Vision of Anytime/Anywhere Productivity Realized With Numerous Industry Accolades

SAN FRANCISCO, March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- OQO Inc., creator of the world's smallest fully-functional Windows Vista(TM) PC, is now shipping the new model 02 computer.  The model 02 is available at http://www.oqo.com/store as well as through select enterprise and retail channels with the option of embedded Verizon Wireless or Sprint high speed mobile broadband. In recognition of the technical innovation and breakthrough design of the model 02, OQO has been awarded Microsoft's prestigious 2007 Windows Vista PC Innovation Award. The highly-acclaimed model 02 has received additional industry awards and accolades from publications including BusinessWeek, Business 2.0, Laptop Magazine, PC Magazine, Popular Science, and Wired.

"With all the design improvements, performance enhancements and new features packed into the model 02 computer, we've built a substantial pre-order backlog exceeding even our best forecasts," said Jory Bell, OQO CEO. "It is thus a pleasure to announce that the model 02 is now shipping in volume. Our manufacturing facility is working full tilt to deliver existing orders and keep up with the burgeoning demand for this hot new wireless handheld Windows PC."

Motorola Participating in 25 WiMAX Trials, Nine WiMAX Network Deployments Worldwide

(It's going to be very interesting hearing actual field reports from operational Mobile WiMAX / 802.16e networks. - SKS)

Latest trial with TVA in Brazil to test mobile WiMAX technology in Rio de Janeiro

ORLANDO, Fla., March 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CTIA Wireless 2007 -- Motorola (NYSE:MOT) announced today it has nine contracts for the installation of 802.16e WiMAX networks and is taking part in 25 trials with the technology worldwide, confirming the growth of WiMAX especially in emerging markets.  Motorola now has WiMAX trials and deployments underway in six continents.

The newest Motorola WiMAX trial agreement is with TVA, a multi-services operator in Brazil, which will conduct a trial for the use of mobile WiMAX technology (802.16e) in Rio de Janeiro.  The solution will cover central Rio and part of the south of the city, providing wireless broadband services with voice, data and multimedia capacity for a select group of users.

Frontline Fills in Proposed Details Of 700 MHz Service Rules

(The feeding frenzy over the 700 MHz auctions later this year is going to enormous. - SKS)

WASHINGTON and GREENSBORO, N.C., March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- To implement its Public Safety Broadband Deployment Plan, Frontline Wireless today filed at the Federal Communications Commission a "working draft" of proposed service rules for the 700 MHz spectrum auction.  Frontline, whose plan would provide a privately-funded, national 4G public safety network for interoperability, is urging the FCC to promptly seek public comment on its suggestions.

Frontline's market-based approach would meet FCC and Congressional goals for providing adequate spectrum resources to meet first responders' mission- critical communications requirements.  Under the proposal, the FCC would license a 10 MHz block of 700 MHz commercial spectrum -- the E Block -- under the license condition that the auction winner would build a nationwide infrastructure to support the public safety broadband network.  Frontline's proposal would require that the licensee operate on a wholesale basis to support public safety network obligations that would be a license condition and provide priority access to public safety to its commercial spectrum during emergencies.

Motorola Brings the Office to The Mobile Worker with New Sleek Handheld Computer

(Ruggedized, Voice, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, Push-To-Talk, EDGE, reasonable price; pity they don't offer it in a version that could do Linux and really let the OEM's make it sit up and do tricks. - SKS)

Durable MC35 Enterprise Digital Assistant combines phone, computer, GPS, camera, and bar code reader in one compact device

ORLANDO, Fla., March 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CTIA WIRELESS 2007 -- The new enterprise mobility business from Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) today introduced the MC35 Enterprise Digital Assistant (EDA), an all-in-one communication device that harnesses the voice and data applications people expect from an office setting and delivers them in the form of a durable and compact handheld mobile computer.  The MC35 joins the durable MC50 and rugged MC70 as the third device in Motorola's family of EDAs and is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use in the office or in the field while providing enterprise-class wireless connectivity, functionality, and manageability to mobile professionals.

The MC35 combines advanced cellular technology, including built-in Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) capabilities, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with laptop functionality, camera, and bar code reader.  Users can talk, e-mail, connect to the Internet, use mission-critical business applications, and capture data (including signatures) with one, easy-to-use device for lower total-cost-of- ownership.

Wi-Fi / Mobile Convergence Benefits Would Entice Many Subscribers to Switch Wireless Carriers and Abandon Landlines

(If nothing else, this is an amusing "shot across the bow" of the mobile telephony industry during the frenzy of the annual CTIA conference. - SKS)

New study from ABI Research and Wi-Fi Alliance(R) indicates strong desire for coverage, throughput and affordability offered by dual-mode mobile phone services

AUSTIN, Texas, March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- One in four U.S. wireless subscribers would switch cellular carriers for access to the benefits of Wi-Fi / Mobile Convergence, according to a new independent study conducted by ABI Research and released by the Wi-Fi Alliance.  Nearly one in three subscribers would discontinue their traditional home phone service in order to access two of the key benefits of convergence: strong in-home signal coverage and reduced pricing for calls made from home.

Wi-Fi connectivity in a converged mobile phone can offer as much as five times the throughput versus 3G networks, as well as improved indoor coverage. When using a converged phone, the subscriber is handed off from a cellular to a Wi-Fi network when one becomes available. Carriers can leverage Wi-Fi to efficiently manage scarce licensed spectrum resources by allowing subscribers to connect through a combination of licensed and unlicensed spectrum. Carriers worldwide are launching Wi-Fi / Mobile Convergence service plans which include a combination of benefits including reduced voice and data pricing, delivered over Wi-Fi networks at home and in hotspots.

WisperTel Acquires KLNT Enterprises LLC (d/b/a BroadSpoke)

(The trend of WISPs being acquired by Big WISPs seems to be gaining momentum in 2007. - SKS)

Leading Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) in Colorado Acquires Southwest Denver WISP

EVERGREEN, Colo., March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Wisper Telecommunications, Inc. (d/b/a WisperTel), one of Colorado's leading providers of wireless broadband solutions headquartered in Evergreen, today announced it has acquired KLNT Enterprises LLC (d/b/a BroadSpoke).  BroadSpoke provides wireless Internet service in and around southwest Littleton and Morrison.

"We are delighted to introduce our residential and business, higher speed Internet and Digital Phone / VoIP services, together with our excellent in-house customer care to BroadSpoke's subscribers," said Barry Pier, President and CEO of WisperTel.  Pier further noted, "BroadSpoke's pre-WiMAX technology is compatible with WisperTel's existing network and their service area is contiguous with our coverage along the Highway 285 corridor."

Samsung Introduces CDMA Base Station for Home Coverage At CTIA Wireless 2007

(Another femtocell - this trend seems to be gaining momentum! - SKS)

Booth #3103 - ORLANDO, Fla., March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Electronics, a leading provider of telecommunications network systems and handsets, will introduce at CTIA Wireless 2007 a small plug-and-play base station that works with users' existing mobile phones to provide guaranteed, in-home cellular service over existing public broadband networks. Samsung's UbiCell(TM) Solution is a CDMA Femtocell base station that benefits users by improving coverage in a cost-effective, easy to install and dependable solution for use at home. This will allow carrier's to address customer complaints for coverage which can help retain customers and allow for new services and incentives through bundled pricing.

UTStarcom Introduces GSM Capability to Its Field-Proven MovingMedia(R) 2000 All-IP Wireless Network Platform

(While this system certainly does make sense... I wonder if it simply won't be eclipsed by the wider deployment of Wi-Fi? - SKS)

New Solution Builds on the Success of All-IP CDMA Network Solution to Target Fastest-Growing Wireless Market in the World

ALAMEDA, Calif., March 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- UTStarcom, Inc. (NASDAQ:UTSI), a global leader in IP-based, end-to-end networking solutions and services, today announced the introduction of GSM capability on its field- proven MovingMedia(R) 2000 end-to-end all-IP wireless network platform.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051013/SFTH063LOGO )

In November 2004, UTStarcom launched MovingMedia 2000, an end-to-end, IP- based CDMA/CDMA2000 wireless infrastructure solution that enables mobile operators to offer CDMA-based voice and data services over IP to end users. Based on 3GPP2 standards specifications, MovingMedia 2000 is an ideal solution for both incumbent and green-field CDMA operators offering coverage in 450Mhz, 800MHz and 1900MHz frequencies.