Posted by
timothy
on from the shhh-someone-might-buy-it dept.
Cesaro writes: "According to this CNN article here it looks
like Verizon has beaten all others to the punch on launching the
first 3g wireless network in the US. I was at a loss to find any
good information on this at Verizon's website. One would think they
would want to publicize these items."
Not for Phones Yet
by
MrEnigma
·
· Score: 1, Informative
Unfortunately it's just for a headset that attaches to your computer, or a card for your laptop. Which both are good, but for an extra 30 bucks, too bad you can't get a phone that you can use and a link to whatever. Now if you could use both devices at one time, that would rock, and be a cheap wireless internet provider.
-- "Ask not what your country can do for you." --John F. Kennedy
Re:This is NOT a 3G network.
by
Anonymous Coward
·
· Score: 1, Informative
You are actually incorrect. Although speeds will usually be around 70kbps (not sure where you pulled 20-30 from), by definition 3G requires 144kbps theoretical TOP SPEED, *not* sustained speed.
So technically, this is a legitimate 3G network if Verizon can show 144kbps burst speed.
-Dogpoop in the dishwasher.
Silently? Try *clicking* on the links
by
bribecka
·
· Score: 5, Informative
There is the link from verizon. It seems that right now service is limited only to those that have wireless service with verizon already. Although unlimited at $30/month is not bad.
--
Where are we going and why am I in this handbasket?
Not quite silently.
by
Jartan
·
· Score: 4, Informative
If you ever watch TechTV Live of the Screensavers regularly they had a whole lot of stuff about this the day they launched it. Supposedly theres no real services for it yet and the cost is going to be based on how much data you download. The only real reason to get it at this point would be a replacement for ricochet to use with your laptop. Also its not the same 3g they're using in Japan it's supposed to be limited to 144kbps whereas its 300+ something over there. One of the tech leads they talked to said Verizon basically released it a little ahead of time to be able to say they did it first. That's why theres no real product other than data to it.
The pricing will be disgusting no doubt and anything but browsing w/ pictures OFF will probably be unwise except for those with to much money. They were saying how some of the current providers using the already existing technology charged as much as 75 bucks per SESSION online average. That was the extreme but I think thats a good indication it's not the pancea of wireless communication we're hoping for yet.
Jartan
Re:This is NOT a 3G network.
by
Zigurd
·
· Score: 5, Informative
It sounds like it is 1xRTT, which roughly corresponds to GPRS on a GSM network. Neither are generally accepted as being "3G." Many people call this kind of service "2.5G."
The main improvement over current cellular data services is that everyone in a cell shares a slice of bandwidth used for data. Since most data is bursty, this is much more efficient. It should feel, most of the time, like sharing an ISDN line. Of course, you don't control who you share with, so it will be intersting to see how good it is in the real world.
There are lots of ways to screw it up by not having enough bandwidth, to using too little bandwidth for data, to not controlling the number of users that can use data in a cell, etc. But if it is done right, the user expereince should be pretty good.
Real 3G uses two systems: An evolution of the CDMA system VZ and Sprint use called CDMA2000 (I bet they wish they didn't commit to that 2000!) and WCDMA/UMTS which vies with G.SHDSL for Worst. Acronym. Ever. These systems will do about the same thing: share data bandwidth among users in a cell. But they will enable up to a couple megabits shared capacity per cell.
The main advantage of data on cellular is that digital cellular is data ready now. You just have to get the phones to share access to the channels used for data, and built a moderate sized data network behind your radio network, and you have pervasive mobile data coverage. This is a huge advantage over systems like Ricochet, which had to build out networks just for data. By borrowing cellular bandwidth and piggybacking on the same digital radios in the cell sites and handsets, the amount of new stuff that has to be bought before we get really widespread coverage is vastly reduced.
Verizon Announcement
by
NetMasta10bt
·
· Score: 1, Informative
Verizon Announces Relationship with Accenture; Introduces Kyocera 2235 and the
Sierra Wireless AirCard® 555
Starting today, Verizon Wireless customers in major East and West Coast
markets will be able to reap the rewards of a significantly faster,
more robust wireless experience with the company's commercial launch of
its 1XRTT network. The 1XRTT network will enhance all levels of
wireless communications - from a simple voice call, to full Internet
browsing, streaming video, and email. This high-speed network also
supports enterprise applications, giving companies with mobile
employees tools for increased productivity and efficiency.
The company is the first U.S. wireless carrier to commercially launch a
sizeable 3G footprint. The 1XRTT network is available now to
customers in areas of the Northeast U.S., from Norfolk, VA Washington,
D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, up to Boston and in Portland,
Maine; in the technology-savvy Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay
Area of Northern California; and in Salt Lake City, site of the 2002
Winter Olympics. 1XRTT network capabilities are already available in
more than 20 percent of the Verizon Wireless footprint, reaching more
than 53 million Americans.
The Express Network is Verizon Wireless' 1XRTT data network, capable of
data transmission speeds up to 144 kilobits per second (kbps.) Business
customers and individual consumers in Express Network markets may take
advantage of high wireless data speeds and robust Internet access by
using the new Verizon Wireless 2235 handset from Kyocera with a
compatible Mobile Office kit as a modem for their laptops, or by using
the AirCard 555 PC card from Sierra Wireless, for their laptops and
select PDAs. Express Network subscribers on the high-speed data
network can now have access to their company network or Internet at
faster speeds.
The Express Network will give users full Internet access, intranet
access and traditional email functionality via a laptop at
unprecedented speeds for wireless access. Users should expect average
speeds between 40 and 60 kbps, significantly higher than speeds being
produced by competing technologies and comparable to what PC users get
when using a dial-up Internet service at home.
The rollout of our Express Network is a major expression of our
differentiation in the wireless marketplace: the high quality of our
wireless network," said Verizon Wireless chief technical officer Dick
Lynch. "Wireless data is only as good as the network it's on, and the
premier Verizon Wireless network, already the most advanced in the
nation, just took another giant step ahead of its competitors." Lynch
added, "We will continue expansion of the Express Network, and by the
close of 2002 the majority of the nearly 222 million covered POPs
should be able to use the Express Network every day."
"Together with the nation's most expansive network, Express Network
gives our customers a strategic advantage as they continue to
increasingly rely on wireless products for their business and personal
communications needs, " said Lowell McAdam, executive vice president
and chief operating officer of Verizon Wireless. "Given the very
positive response from the participants who previewed the 1XRTT network
this fall, we are confident that our high-speed data network will
fulfill and exceed our customers' expectations."
Verizon Wireless and Accenture Join Forces for the Enterprise
In conjunction with the Express Network launch, Verizon Wireless also
announced an alliance with Accenture (NYSE: ACN) to market and sell
mobile enterprise applications offered by the Accenture Mobile Service
Bureau. Through the alliance, Verizon Wireless and Accenture will be
able to offer enterprise customers access to a wide variety of
integrated mobile solutions deployed via Verizon Wireless' Express
Network as well as Verizon Wireless' existing coast-to-coast digital
network.
The Accenture Mobile Services Bureau takes the uncertainty and
complexity out of deploying enterprise mobile applications by
pre-integrating core solutions in a hosted environment. This provides
companies with enterprise-grade security, coordinated logistics and
provisioning for the distribution of wireless devices, high-caliber
customer service and wireless network integration with Verizon
Wireless' premier network. This allows companies to deploy mobile
applications easily, more quickly and at a reduced cost.
"By tapping into Accenture's experience in developing mobile solutions
and platforms, we can provide our business customers with a faster,
simpler way to achieve the benefits of mobility for their employees,
customers and suppliers," McAdam said.
Express Network Pricing
Customers with a monthly digital voice calling plan of $35 or more can
sign up for the Express Network, which lets customers use any of their
airtime allowance minutes for voice or data, for an additional $30 per
month. Verizon Wireless also anticipates introducing plans based on
kilobyte usage in the near future for customers and enterprises that
prefer such pricing.
Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 is 1XRTT Compatible
The Sierra Wireless AirCard 555, which retails for $299.99 will enable
customers to add voice, circuit-switched data and short messaging
service capabilities to their laptops, select PDAs, and other computing
devices.
"Sierra Wireless is pleased to provide Verizon Wireless with the first
PC Card product for its next generation service," said Jason Cohenour,
senior vice president of distribution for Sierra Wireless. "We look
forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with Verizon
Wireless, providing the award winning AirCard 555 as an important
element of the fast and reliable wireless connectivity provided by the
Verizon Wireless Express Network."
The Tethered Solution From Verizon Wireless
Beginning today, the Verizon Wireless 2235 by Kyocera, a 1XRTT
data-compatible wireless handset, will be available through Verizon
Wireless corporate sales and in those Communications Stores where the
Express Network is available. The tri-mode wireless handset, which
retails for $79.99, is a communications system that includes many
attractive features: voice-activated dialing, a WAP browser, electronic
games, two-way text messaging, and predictive text-input software for
rapid text entry. With a subscription to the Express Network and a
compatible Mobile Office kit, sold separately for $79.99, the 2235
offers customers the opportunity for faster Internet access. The
company expects to announce more wireless handset options soon.
"Kyocera Wireless is pleased to support Verizon Wirleless' launch of
their Express Network with our new Kyocera 2235 1XRTT wireless
handset," said Skip Speaks, president and COO of Kyocera Wireless Corp.
"The wireless industry has eagerly anticipated the launch of 1X, and
Kyocera Wireless is proud to offer the first 1X phones commercially
available on Verizon Wireless' Express Network."
Express Network equipment and service are available through Verizon
Wireless corporate sales, select Communications Stores, or by calling
1-800-308-DATA.
Re:This is NOT a 3G network.
by
toby360
·
· Score: 2, Informative
The FCC has this posted on their site describing the 3G bandwidth Standards. Wireless 3G when implemented according to these fcc standards should allow for the following bitrates:
Capability to support circuit and packet data at high bit rates:
144 kilobits/second or higher in high mobility (vehicular) traffic
384 kilobits/second for pedestrian traffic
2 Megabits/second or higher for indoor traffic
I'm not too sure how you pulled out a real world speed of 20-30k. According to the FCC standards this "IS" considered a 3G network for High mobility Vehicular traffic, but is not the full 3G deal, as it does not support the other bitrates or the full functionality of a complete 3G Network. The system when fully implemented will allow for much higher than 20-30k and will vary depending on the location you're in. 3G isn't all marketing hype, it's a very large step ahead of our current network (when fully implemented of course). Unfortunatly we won't see the full benefits of the system for a while, until the products using 3G become more available, and companies such as Verizon implement more aspects of the 3G standard.
Re:Silent REALLY IS Better
by
BrookHarty
·
· Score: 4, Informative
Absolutely correct, You can not deploy a 3G network from one vendor. No vendor has enough hardware to deploy an entire network. You have to use all Vendors, and those vendors equipment has to work seamlessly. And the hardware is brand new, there's daily maintenance, patches and software tweaks just to keep it running. There is no "Building it in the lab" with 3G, its tested and built in production. But the customers on those network are most likely internal employees and content providers who are testing applications. So its not really "Launched"..
Speaking of that, ever Telco is getting their hardware from the same vendors, Eriksson, Nortel, etc... So whatever Verizon is doing, all the vendors are learning and applying to other Telcos. My tech support is your tech support.
Slashdot Mirror
Unfortunately it's just for a headset that attaches to your computer, or a card for your laptop. Which both are good, but for an extra 30 bucks, too bad you can't get a phone that you can use and a link to whatever. Now if you could use both devices at one time, that would rock, and be a cheap wireless internet provider.
GeekWares - Buy and Download Today!
here
Here is a link from verizon showing coverage and pricing
http://www.techtv.com/news/computing/story/0,24195 ,3369727,00.html
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1105-824392.html
"Ask not what your country can do for you." --John F. Kennedy
You are actually incorrect. Although speeds will usually be around 70kbps (not sure where you pulled 20-30 from), by definition 3G requires 144kbps theoretical TOP SPEED, *not* sustained speed.
So technically, this is a legitimate 3G network if Verizon can show 144kbps burst speed.
-Dogpoop in the dishwasher.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/express_network/ind ex.html
There is the link from verizon. It seems that right now service is limited only to those that have wireless service with verizon already. Although unlimited at $30/month is not bad.
Where are we going and why am I in this handbasket?
If you ever watch TechTV Live of the Screensavers regularly they had a whole lot of stuff about this the day they launched it. Supposedly theres no real services for it yet and the cost is going to be based on how much data you download. The only real reason to get it at this point would be a replacement for ricochet to use with your laptop. Also its not the same 3g they're using in Japan it's supposed to be limited to 144kbps whereas its 300+ something over there. One of the tech leads they talked to said Verizon basically released it a little ahead of time to be able to say they did it first. That's why theres no real product other than data to it.
The pricing will be disgusting no doubt and anything but browsing w/ pictures OFF will probably be unwise except for those with to much money. They were saying how some of the current providers using the already existing technology charged as much as 75 bucks per SESSION online average. That was the extreme but I think thats a good indication it's not the pancea of wireless communication we're hoping for yet.
Jartan
It sounds like it is 1xRTT, which roughly corresponds to GPRS on a GSM network. Neither are generally accepted as being "3G." Many people call this kind of service "2.5G."
The main improvement over current cellular data services is that everyone in a cell shares a slice of bandwidth used for data. Since most data is bursty, this is much more efficient. It should feel, most of the time, like sharing an ISDN line. Of course, you don't control who you share with, so it will be intersting to see how good it is in the real world.
There are lots of ways to screw it up by not having enough bandwidth, to using too little bandwidth for data, to not controlling the number of users that can use data in a cell, etc. But if it is done right, the user expereince should be pretty good.
Real 3G uses two systems: An evolution of the CDMA system VZ and Sprint use called CDMA2000 (I bet they wish they didn't commit to that 2000!) and WCDMA/UMTS which vies with G.SHDSL for Worst. Acronym. Ever. These systems will do about the same thing: share data bandwidth among users in a cell. But they will enable up to a couple megabits shared capacity per cell.
The main advantage of data on cellular is that digital cellular is data ready now. You just have to get the phones to share access to the channels used for data, and built a moderate sized data network behind your radio network, and you have pervasive mobile data coverage. This is a huge advantage over systems like Ricochet, which had to build out networks just for data. By borrowing cellular bandwidth and piggybacking on the same digital radios in the cell sites and handsets, the amount of new stuff that has to be bought before we get really widespread coverage is vastly reduced.
I wrote parts of this stuff
Verizon Announces Relationship with Accenture; Introduces Kyocera 2235 and the
Sierra Wireless AirCard® 555
Starting today, Verizon Wireless customers in major East and West Coast
markets will be able to reap the rewards of a significantly faster,
more robust wireless experience with the company's commercial launch of
its 1XRTT network. The 1XRTT network will enhance all levels of
wireless communications - from a simple voice call, to full Internet
browsing, streaming video, and email. This high-speed network also
supports enterprise applications, giving companies with mobile
employees tools for increased productivity and efficiency.
The company is the first U.S. wireless carrier to commercially launch a
sizeable 3G footprint. The 1XRTT network is available now to
customers in areas of the Northeast U.S., from Norfolk, VA Washington,
D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, up to Boston and in Portland,
Maine; in the technology-savvy Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay
Area of Northern California; and in Salt Lake City, site of the 2002
Winter Olympics. 1XRTT network capabilities are already available in
more than 20 percent of the Verizon Wireless footprint, reaching more
than 53 million Americans.
The Express Network is Verizon Wireless' 1XRTT data network, capable of
data transmission speeds up to 144 kilobits per second (kbps.) Business
customers and individual consumers in Express Network markets may take
advantage of high wireless data speeds and robust Internet access by
using the new Verizon Wireless 2235 handset from Kyocera with a
compatible Mobile Office kit as a modem for their laptops, or by using
the AirCard 555 PC card from Sierra Wireless, for their laptops and
select PDAs. Express Network subscribers on the high-speed data
network can now have access to their company network or Internet at
faster speeds.
The Express Network will give users full Internet access, intranet
access and traditional email functionality via a laptop at
unprecedented speeds for wireless access. Users should expect average
speeds between 40 and 60 kbps, significantly higher than speeds being
produced by competing technologies and comparable to what PC users get
when using a dial-up Internet service at home.
The rollout of our Express Network is a major expression of our
differentiation in the wireless marketplace: the high quality of our
wireless network," said Verizon Wireless chief technical officer Dick
Lynch. "Wireless data is only as good as the network it's on, and the
premier Verizon Wireless network, already the most advanced in the
nation, just took another giant step ahead of its competitors." Lynch
added, "We will continue expansion of the Express Network, and by the
close of 2002 the majority of the nearly 222 million covered POPs
should be able to use the Express Network every day."
"Together with the nation's most expansive network, Express Network
gives our customers a strategic advantage as they continue to
increasingly rely on wireless products for their business and personal
communications needs, " said Lowell McAdam, executive vice president
and chief operating officer of Verizon Wireless. "Given the very
positive response from the participants who previewed the 1XRTT network
this fall, we are confident that our high-speed data network will
fulfill and exceed our customers' expectations."
Verizon Wireless and Accenture Join Forces for the Enterprise
In conjunction with the Express Network launch, Verizon Wireless also
announced an alliance with Accenture (NYSE: ACN) to market and sell
mobile enterprise applications offered by the Accenture Mobile Service
Bureau. Through the alliance, Verizon Wireless and Accenture will be
able to offer enterprise customers access to a wide variety of
integrated mobile solutions deployed via Verizon Wireless' Express
Network as well as Verizon Wireless' existing coast-to-coast digital
network.
The Accenture Mobile Services Bureau takes the uncertainty and
complexity out of deploying enterprise mobile applications by
pre-integrating core solutions in a hosted environment. This provides
companies with enterprise-grade security, coordinated logistics and
provisioning for the distribution of wireless devices, high-caliber
customer service and wireless network integration with Verizon
Wireless' premier network. This allows companies to deploy mobile
applications easily, more quickly and at a reduced cost.
"By tapping into Accenture's experience in developing mobile solutions
and platforms, we can provide our business customers with a faster,
simpler way to achieve the benefits of mobility for their employees,
customers and suppliers," McAdam said.
Express Network Pricing
Customers with a monthly digital voice calling plan of $35 or more can
sign up for the Express Network, which lets customers use any of their
airtime allowance minutes for voice or data, for an additional $30 per
month. Verizon Wireless also anticipates introducing plans based on
kilobyte usage in the near future for customers and enterprises that
prefer such pricing.
Sierra Wireless AirCard 555 is 1XRTT Compatible
The Sierra Wireless AirCard 555, which retails for $299.99 will enable
customers to add voice, circuit-switched data and short messaging
service capabilities to their laptops, select PDAs, and other computing
devices.
"Sierra Wireless is pleased to provide Verizon Wireless with the first
PC Card product for its next generation service," said Jason Cohenour,
senior vice president of distribution for Sierra Wireless. "We look
forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with Verizon
Wireless, providing the award winning AirCard 555 as an important
element of the fast and reliable wireless connectivity provided by the
Verizon Wireless Express Network."
The Tethered Solution From Verizon Wireless
Beginning today, the Verizon Wireless 2235 by Kyocera, a 1XRTT
data-compatible wireless handset, will be available through Verizon
Wireless corporate sales and in those Communications Stores where the
Express Network is available. The tri-mode wireless handset, which
retails for $79.99, is a communications system that includes many
attractive features: voice-activated dialing, a WAP browser, electronic
games, two-way text messaging, and predictive text-input software for
rapid text entry. With a subscription to the Express Network and a
compatible Mobile Office kit, sold separately for $79.99, the 2235
offers customers the opportunity for faster Internet access. The
company expects to announce more wireless handset options soon.
"Kyocera Wireless is pleased to support Verizon Wirleless' launch of
their Express Network with our new Kyocera 2235 1XRTT wireless
handset," said Skip Speaks, president and COO of Kyocera Wireless Corp.
"The wireless industry has eagerly anticipated the launch of 1X, and
Kyocera Wireless is proud to offer the first 1X phones commercially
available on Verizon Wireless' Express Network."
Express Network equipment and service are available through Verizon
Wireless corporate sales, select Communications Stores, or by calling
1-800-308-DATA.
The FCC has this posted on their site describing the 3G bandwidth Standards. Wireless 3G when implemented according to these fcc standards should allow for the following bitrates:
Capability to support circuit and packet data at high bit rates:
144 kilobits/second or higher in high mobility (vehicular) traffic
384 kilobits/second for pedestrian traffic
2 Megabits/second or higher for indoor traffic
I'm not too sure how you pulled out a real world speed of 20-30k. According to the FCC standards this "IS" considered a 3G network for High mobility Vehicular traffic, but is not the full 3G deal, as it does not support the other bitrates or the full functionality of a complete 3G Network. The system when fully implemented will allow for much higher than 20-30k and will vary depending on the location you're in. 3G isn't all marketing hype, it's a very large step ahead of our current network (when fully implemented of course). Unfortunatly we won't see the full benefits of the system for a while, until the products using 3G become more available, and companies such as Verizon implement more aspects of the 3G standard.
Absolutely correct, You can not deploy a 3G network from one vendor. No vendor has enough hardware to deploy an entire network. You have to use all Vendors, and those vendors equipment has to work seamlessly. And the hardware is brand new, there's daily maintenance, patches and software tweaks just to keep it running. There is no "Building it in the lab" with 3G, its tested and built in production. But the customers on those network are most likely internal employees and content providers who are testing applications. So its not really "Launched"..
Speaking of that, ever Telco is getting their hardware from the same vendors, Eriksson, Nortel, etc... So whatever Verizon is doing, all the vendors are learning and applying to other Telcos. My tech support is your tech support.