Amazon said to have tested technology for its own wireless network

Amazon may not be happy with just piggybacking on other wireless carrier’s signals for Whispernet-style offerings, as Bloomberg has heard it’s trying out technology that would let it create its own wireless network. The technology used in the tests is from Globalstar, which is seeking to convert its spectrum — intended for use by satellite-connected devices like the Global Phone pictured above — for strictly ground-based use. The report points out a letter from Globalstar technical adviser Jarvinian to the FCC indicating it was helping a “major technology company” assess the performance benefits available earlier this year. The usual people with knowledge of the situation have filled in the blanks, however whether the tests are continuing or if Amazon will ever make real use of it is unknown. If things do move forward Amazon would hardly be alone in its efforts with Dish Network’s similar push to use spectrum it owns for LTE. If Globalstar really can do LTE / public WiFi better we’re ready to hear about it, although hopefully it will connect to more hardware than just some future Kindle Fire 4.

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Source: Bloomberg

Google applies for license to build experimental wireless network at Mountain View

Google applies for license to build experimental wireless network at Mountain View

Google’s learned quite a lot about internet provision through its wired Fiber service, and now it appears to be preparing a localized wireless network. El Goog has solicited the FCC for a license to build an “experimental radio service” at its Mountain View lair, which uses bands that current consumer devices don’t. As the WSJ notes, Google’s old buddy Clearwire holds the keys to the 2524-2625MHz range it’ll occupy, and wireless networks using these frequencies are currently under construction in China, Brazil and Japan. The initial hub for the service is planned to be within the building that houses the Google Fiber team — perfect fuel for speculation that big G wants to create its own network (possibly in cahoots with Dish), and one that’s not confined to its HQ. Right now, it’s just a document, so we’ll have to wait and see how this develops. Even if it ends up going nowhere, it’s not like the search behemoth doesn’t have the money to flirt with whatever it wants.

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Source: FCC, Wall Street Journal

EarthLink inks deal with Clearwire to use its 4G WiMAX network

EarthLink inks deal with Clearwire to use its 4G WiMAX networkEarthLink has been laying low since its Philly-wide WiFi project failed all those years ago, but now it’s back in the limelight with Clearwire’s 4G network under-arm. The companies have struck a deal for EarthLink to access Clearwire’s WiMAX infrastructure, initially to offer wireless, in-home broadband. This is expected to launch in early 2013, with mobile and small business markets being future goals. An LTE network is also in the pipeline, don’t forget, and when it goes live, EarthLink is likely to expand the agreement to cover it. The ISP is obviously putting its eggs in the 4G basket, because no one wants wires anymore, do they?

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EarthLink inks deal with Clearwire to use its 4G WiMAX network originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 08:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FCC to vote September 28th on proposal auctioning UHF spectrum, Weird Al might still approve

FCC to vote on September 28th on proposal auctioning off UHF spectrum, Weird Al might still approve

The FCC has been more than a little eager to repurpose spectrum as wireless internet access takes off: white spaces and iDEN frequencies have already switched roles, and that’s not including the myriad of spectrum swaps. Add one more wireless variety to the list, as FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has confirmed his agency will vote on a proposal for incentive-based auctions of UHF spectrum. When the Commission meets next on September 28th, it will decide on whether or not to lure broadcasters into giving up the usually TV-focused space for the sake of data lovers everywhere. The freed-up airwaves in the proposal would mostly be unlicensed spectrum with “WiFi-like uses,” but at a much lower frequency than the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands that WiFi needs today: as the first consistent, unlicensed spectrum at that range in the US, it could create opportunities for longer-ranged, free wireless that aren’t even on the table in 2012. Not that we have much of a choice in taking action today. Any accepted rules won’t be completely finalized until mid-2013, and the auction itself won’t take place until 2014. Still, the UHF plans foster dreams of more wireless for everyone — and we suspect that even one Mr. Yankovic wouldn’t mind giving up Channel 62 for a long-distance home network.

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FCC to vote September 28th on proposal auctioning UHF spectrum, Weird Al might still approve originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Sep 2012 17:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple patent application could make you Master and Commander of the iHome

Apple patent application could make you Master and Commander of the iHome

Apple wants to be master of the house — yours, in particular. At least that’s the vision put forth by this latest patent application, filed back in March of this year, that would give iOS-wielding homeowners control of virtually all Cupertino-sanctioned gadgetry within the confines of domesticity. It’s really as basic as that, given that the doc clearly outlines a method for discovering, selecting and operating a multitude of tech from a handheld device (insert your iGadget of choice here) over WiFi. Could this connected (and likely, Siri-voiced) home network in the making streamline remote manipulation of everyday household items, like setting refrigerators to make ice from the comfort of your couch, DVRs to record while you work in the garage or thermostats to lower as you laze about under the bedsheets? As always, only time and the combined ingenuity of designers and engineers hiding out in R&D bunkers somewhere beneath One Infinite Loop will tell.

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Apple patent application could make you Master and Commander of the iHome originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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