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2gbps Wireless Network Rollout this Summer

cpfeifer writes "Washington Post has this article about Verizon rolling out it's ultrawideband wireless service based on EvDO (Evolution Data Only). Reiter breaks 1xEV-DO down for us."

122 comments

  1. Will there be additional charges? by burninginside · · Score: 1, Insightful

    If so how much?

    1. Re:Will there be additional charges? by verloren · · Score: 0, Funny

      You get the once in a lifetime honor of a first post, and you go and ask a meaningful question?!

      pfft

  2. When can _I_ use it? by rearl · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I hate reading about this stuff. It seems to take years from when I read about it until something filters down to where I can use it. And then, it always seems to cost a fortune. Is it just me?

    1. Re:When can _I_ use it? by aggieben · · Score: 1

      I think these big telecoms are really going to take it on the chin in the upcoming years, particularly as it gets easier for smaller companies to offer wireless services, and particularly as VoIP becomes popular.

      --
      Don't become a regular here, you will become retarded. -- Yoda the Retard
    2. Re:When can _I_ use it? by TopShelf · · Score: 4, Funny

      I'm sure by the time that the 2nd generation of wireless after this is rolled out, 2gbps will be accessible to the everyday consumer. So just sit tight, wait until 2007 or so, and quit whining! We'll get there when we get there...

      --
      Stop by my site where I write about ERP systems & more
    3. Re:When can _I_ use it? by DaemonGem · · Score: 0

      I don't think it's just you. I got DSL from Verizon not too long ago, and they just upgraded my DSL access from 40KB/s to about 218KB/s for $5. That makes it about 1.6Mbps for app $45. I don't find this to be wildly expensive. However, I am worried about acessibility. When will we be able to use this? They say "roll out", however this could mean that it's coming out in some remote town in Montana, or it could mean that they'll switch all their stations over to this new speed.
      -Dae

      --
      "Alle reden vom wetter. Wir nicht." - SDS Sozialistischer Deutscher Studentenbund.
      j00 4r3 3n73r1ng l337 w0r1d.
  3. Sounds Pricey by silvakow · · Score: 2, Insightful

    It declined to comment on prices; a spokeswoman said the initial target market will be business customers.

    Looks like I won't be seeing it for a good, long time. By the time we consumers see it, it will probably be fairly bogged down. I love being the kill-joy.

    --
    In the long run, we're all dead.
  4. Am I missing something? by justin_speers · · Score: 5, Informative

    2gbps? The article says 2.4mbps... 2gbps would be really cool :)

    1. Re:Am I missing something? by binaryDigit · · Score: 0

      You obviously missed the fact that it's a small "g" and not a big "G" ;)

    2. Re:Am I missing something? by cpfeifer · · Score: 2, Informative

      I know, I screwed up when I posted it. Mea culpa. What's an order of magnitude among friends?

      --
      it's not going to stop until you wise up, no it's not going to stop. so just give up.
    3. Re:Am I missing something? by LoveMuscle · · Score: 2, Funny

      Yeah an order of magnitude or 3.

  5. Another overblown title by eqteam · · Score: 5, Informative

    This is not 2gbps nor is it "ultrawideband". As we all know, 1xEV-DO is more like 2Mbps, and the story is quoted as saying it "Ultra Fast Wireless", not UWB.

    1. Re:Another overblown title by windowsfree · · Score: 1

      Thanks for messing up the title so much cpfeifer. It got me excited enuf to get an account at /. and post this message! So funny! 2gbps, "ultrawideband", lol...

  6. Why 2gbps.... by DJPenguin · · Score: 0, Redundant

    ... when you can't even get 56kbps right.

    And do the mean 2gbps? What's a little g? 2Gbps would be smoking. Note the big G.

    1. Re:Why 2gbps.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You're an idiot. 2Gbps is the sector bandwidth - get a clue.

    2. Re:Why 2gbps.... by vrt3 · · Score: 3, Funny
      What's a little g?

      9.81 kg.m/s^2
      So 2gbps would be something like 19.62 kg.m.b/s^3.

      --
      This sig under construction. Please check back later.
    3. Re:Why 2gbps.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That'd be a big G like the big K in 56Kbps, right? :-)

    4. Re:Why 2gbps.... by Omega's+Wildfire · · Score: 1

      If only I had mod points... ;) You are correct in your statement though. 2 gigabits per second would be a very fast wireless speed. I doubt it if we will see those kind of speeds any time soon though. I wouldn't mind the big B in there though. Sorry for the pun, but you have to admit gigabytes per second would be even better. I think my 8086 board would probably burn up though. hehe

    5. Re:Why 2gbps.... by nsushkin · · Score: 1

      That would be the rate at which Verizon will be dropping your bits on the floor.

  7. NOT Ultra-Wide Band by univgeek · · Score: 5, Informative

    This is in fact not even CDMA - the voice technology used by Verizon. It is a TDMA technique which uses the fact that data is NOT delay-sensitive to increase the data-rate by waiting out 'bad times'.
    The technology provides a high bandwidth to users who are in 'less noisy' areas, where the signal is powerful, and a lower rate, delayed stream to users who are in 'more noisy' areas.

    The technology is Qualcomm's and they are coming up with a hybrid voice-data called EV-DV where DV = Data Voice).

    --
    All bow to his Noodliness!! His Noodle Appendage has touched me!
    1. Re:NOT Ultra-Wide Band by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually, it is CDMA, using CDMA switches. It may be similiar in technique to TDMA, but it is CDMA.It's one step on the evolution path, but coming a lot sooner than I thought it would.

    2. Re:NOT Ultra-Wide Band by pshuman · · Score: 2, Informative

      This is in fact not even CDMA - the voice technology used by Verizon. It is a TDMA technique which uses the fact that data is NOT delay-sensitive to increase the data-rate by waiting out 'bad times'.

      The second link in the post clearly states that 1xEV-DO is CDMA. Qualcomm also agrees. Traditional CDMA was standardized as IS-95 and 1xEV-DO has been standardized as IS-856 if you want to read more about the technology.

      Also note that it is 2.4Mbps peak per cell sector, per cell carrier. So if you and your ten buddies are sucking down data from the same base station cell, the 2.4Mbps peak data rate is split between all of the users.

    3. Re:NOT Ultra-Wide Band by univgeek · · Score: 0, Troll

      While the standard is part of CDMA2000, and part of the uplink from the cell phone to the base station uses CDMA, the downlink uses TDMA exclusively to increase the total throughput. The downlink is transmitting to only ONE user at a time.

      If you want to make sure go ahead and read one of the published papers that you have linked to on the Qualcomm site.

      --
      All bow to his Noodliness!! His Noodle Appendage has touched me!
    4. Re:NOT Ultra-Wide Band by pshuman · · Score: 1

      While the standard is part of CDMA2000, and part of the uplink from the cell phone to the base station uses CDMA, the downlink uses TDMA exclusively to increase the total throughput. The downlink is transmitting to only ONE user at a time.

      You are correct in that the base station only transmits to one user at a time. This paper by A. Jalali, R. Padovani and R. Pankaj of Qualcomm even stated that this data is sent "in a TDM fassion", but calling the forward link TDMA instead of CDMA is incorrect. The forward link baseband waveform (made up of the various channels) is made up of the normal CDMA I and Q channels. From the RF, modulation, and spectrum usage standpoints, this is still CDMA.

    5. Re:NOT Ultra-Wide Band by Phil+Karn · · Score: 1
      One could argue that the forward (base to mobile) link in regular IS-95 CDMA is not CDMA either. It's spread spectrum, but it's not multiple access since the mobiles only listen to one base station at a time (except during soft handoff, when they receive the same data from two or more base stations). Spreading the forward link simply helps the mobiles reject interference from other base stations on the same channel.

      Only the reverse (mobile to base) links are truly multiple access, with one base station antenna receiving multiple mobile transmitters at the same time on the same RF channel. This is true for both IS-95 and 1xEV-DO.

      So 1xEV-DO is no more (or less) CDMA than IS-95. 1xEV-DO (informally known as HDR) is based on IS-95 and uses some of the same mechanisms, but it was heavily redesigned to carry IP data rather than circuit-switched voice.

      Phil Karn, Qualcomm

    6. Re:NOT Ultra-Wide Band by thogard · · Score: 1

      So how does this differ to something like Motorola's Canopy? The difference appears that the base station radios may be used for other things (like voice). The Canopy stuff supports bit rates of about 4.3mbit per sector and delivers on that. A Canopy base station equipment costs about $8500 and that covers an area of about 2mi diameter in a fully deployed system but a single access point is about $1000.

  8. I can't wait until this "just happens" by Trolling4Dollars · · Score: 4, Interesting

    For years now, we've been getting the wireless internet dick tease and it hasn't really happened on a grand scale. I know that a lot of folks are probably going to say "yeah, but this is the real thing..." However, I am going to argure that it isn't. I think that the "REAL THING" will happen when people realize that all the world needs is just one big 802.11? blanket. Everything and anything connecting to each other for standard ports only and blocking everything else. No need for privacy since that is a thing of the past, just open the floodgates and let it happen. Once that happens, the wired Internet will dissipate into the background...

    Find out why it is that Slashdot's moderation system is broken by clicking here...

    1. Re:I can't wait until this "just happens" by diablobynight · · Score: 1

      fade into the background? I think not, when there is still a significant difference between a wired and a non wired network.

      --
      Anonymous Cowards - Oh God, How I hate you
    2. Re:I can't wait until this "just happens" by Trolling4Dollars · · Score: 1

      That difference will fade... That's when it will happen. That's why I said 802.11? The standard that will make it happen isn't here yet. It will need to be at least 100Mb/s for clients and 1000Mb/s for servers/aps. At that point, I think you will see things like cell phones and radios (both analogue and digital) being replaced by a new more flexible digital communications device. One that can carry the dominant forms of media:

      -text
      -audio
      -video
      -executable

    3. Re:I can't wait until this "just happens" by diablobynight · · Score: 2, Insightful

      It will never be faster though. Don't you see that. even 802.11a in turbo mode, which claims 72mbps can only pull it off if your within like 10 feet of the access point. The fact is, that wires are already laid to our house, so why would I want something wireless that will cut out when theres a heavy storm or if my tree in my front yard is in full bloom and cutiing line of site?

      --
      Anonymous Cowards - Oh God, How I hate you
    4. Re:I can't wait until this "just happens" by Trolling4Dollars · · Score: 1

      That's now... just wait a few years and you'll see wireless in the gigabit range. Of course wired will always be faster and will be used for backbone stuff, but "Joe Average" is NEVER going to need the bandwidth that wired provides. Does Joe Average need it today? No.

    5. Re:I can't wait until this "just happens" by diablobynight · · Score: 1

      how about high quality streaming videos to your home instead of renting movies, I'd like bandwidth for that. Or maybe making VPN more viable for companies. You sound like those people that told me a 1 GB hard drive was more space than I was EVER going to need, when I bought my IBM 6 years ago.

      --
      Anonymous Cowards - Oh God, How I hate you
    6. Re:I can't wait until this "just happens" by Trolling4Dollars · · Score: 1

      Yeah yeah... too much is never enough and all that jazz. But you know what? DSL at 608K is plenty for streaming movies into the home. I regularly watch MPEGs and DiVX files with my 802.11 card at about 2 Mb/s average speed. No skipping and it looks great. If I had a 802.11g card, it would I could watch these at DVD quality. Your argument still holds no
      water. BTW... I never thought 1 Gig was enough back then. I have .75 terabytes worth of drives at home right now. Not sure where you are drawing your conclusions...

    7. Re:I can't wait until this "just happens" by Trolling4Dollars · · Score: 1

      You also seemed to miss the point I was making before. I didn't say that 802.11b at 2-10 Mb/s is what people should always use. I was just saying that "Joe Average" never needs the high-end. You don't sound like "Joe Average" to me.

    8. Re:I can't wait until this "just happens" by diablobynight · · Score: 1

      I garantee you didn't have .75 terabytes, 6 years ago, when the first 1 GB IDE hard drives were coming out, and then the 1.6 GB hard drives. Don't be stupid, and lol, you only have .75 Terabytes. :) I have my home file server loaded with 6 180GB IDE drives. I pushed .75 a long time ago. Ummm... Your forgetting latency. Try streaming an actual DVD quality movie, which is about 900 KBps over your wireless. Goodluck. And I am hoping that quality gets higher and doesn't just stay the same, enough is never enough.

      --
      Anonymous Cowards - Oh God, How I hate you
  9. moron rumours that bullowing up is highly.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    profitabull. it's ALL bull. Godless greed/fear based bs.

    sing it dionne. maybe some psykick intuition is in order?

  10. But how much speed do you need? by vwpau227 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I am currently using GSM/GPRS for my wireless connectivity needs on my handheld (a PalmOS deice) and it's certainly enough for what I need on this sort of platform. Since this device only has 8MB of RAM a 2Gbps connection to the Internet using 1xEvDO won't do me a lot of good. Even on my Notebook computer, I don't need this much connectivity. This is especially the case if I have to pay a premium price of it.

    Part of the problem for Sprint and Verizon is that they have put out a lot of money for data networks that are not being used. Current 1xRTT usage is nowhere near the levels that were once forecast. The truth of the matter is that msot mobile wireless users are using PDAs and other handheld devices don't need these "high speed" data services yet. Until there is such a demand, I see little reason for these carriers to put in the capital required to roll out these services.

    --
    These are the good old days you'll be telling your children about. Make them worthwhile.
    1. Re:But how much speed do you need? by Moloch666 · · Score: 1

      Well it seems to me that that are saving themselves in the long run. 5, maybe 10 years from now there are going to be some powerful devices using the networks and probably lots of 'em.

      --
      Understanding is a three-edged sword. -- Kosh Naranek
    2. Re:But how much speed do you need? by binaryDigit · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Ah, but when you have your gsm phone bluetoothed (or tethered) to your laptop, then you have access in a significantly larger area than any measly WiFi hotpoints. Combine this with vpn, and one can easily extend their corp networks to those in the field. This means that people like real estate agents can get listings away from their offices, your appliance repair person can lookup a part and order it without involving a phone rep (cheaper for the repair company), and myriad other things that my feeble brain can't come up with right now. While private use may be lagging, I think that this type of techology will open up some very interesting possibilities in the business sector.

    3. Re:But how much speed do you need? by Chanc_Gorkon · · Score: 1

      If they are under used, I got something for ya....HOW ABOUT REDUCING THE FRICKIN PRICE! Sorry for yellin. But seriously...you'd have to desparately need it or be real nutty to pay 40 EXTRA on top of your Cell bill for only a measly 10 MB per month! I pay around that for my Cable modem and I download WAY MORE then 10 MB a NIGHT and that would be just browsing. Does not count when I download a distro. I would pay like 10 extra to get the minimum and maybe 40 for unlimited. Then it WOULD get used by me everyday between home and work on the bus. It would be so nice to grab avantgo pages, check my mail and even hit the server at work before I even get there to see how lousy of a day I am going to have. Or even listen to a shoutcast stream or something. The cell companies need to face the music...WAP is a flop and noone wants to use it beyond checking theater times and possibly the weather.

      --

      Gorkman

    4. Re:But how much speed do you need? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Tried to use the 1xRTT for almost 6 months with no
      end to frustration. The biggest problem is the darn
      proxy for everything, that SPRINT runs. This is not just a port 80 proxy. Running NMAP from the linux
      laptop and watching the result on the machine it was run against (hey I'm nice) was very entertaining.
      For some strange reason, after the scan was complete on the laptop, the proxy continued to scan for over 20 minutes! I'll admit I don't know much about proxies but this seemed to be very wierd. Also, for port 80 traffic, the proxy compressed all images and seemed to have trouble with colors. It also continued to compress any image linked, even if the link was abandoned by the client. I was able to cripple the proxy in no time by clicking on a number of hi-res automobile images. Images on ports other than 80 were not compressed and performance was better using my own proxy, at least when the network wasn't saturated.
      Well, that was the biggest problem from the fun POV. As for work, the latency made remote console unbearable, especially during drive time and anytime the 'minutes' were free. Download/upload ran about 10 kbps during drivetime and free minute time. The 19.2k circuit switched service IS much better for work so goodby to CDMA2000 from here.

    5. Re:But how much speed do you need? by MediaBoy77 · · Score: 1

      Even on my Notebook computer, I don't need this much connectivity.

      Is this the same notebook computer that has 640k of RAM? Because that's enough for anybody.

  11. Break Out A Thousand Handsets... by FrankDrebin · · Score: 4, Informative

    ...if you want 2 Gbps. The 1xEV-DO carrier supports up to 2.4 Mbps total bandwidth (ie. you share it with all other users of the channel). Spin it any way you want, it's still better than 14.4k dialup, but a far cry from wireline broadband.

    --
    Anybody want a peanut?
  12. There is an error in the article! by borgdows · · Score: 1

    "wireless service based on EvDO (Evolution Data Only)"

    actually, it should be "wireless service based on P2pDO (Peer2Peer Data Only)"

  13. 2Mps by IAR80 · · Score: 0, Redundant

    It is 2Mps NOT 2gps. And the 2.4Mps are teoretical if the network is free.

    --
    http://ebgp.net/ccc/
  14. mad bandwidth by mrtroy · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Really, what "good" use does joe blow have for having anything faster than about 100kb/sec, especially if you are including on their cellphone/pda/etc. The main things an overload of bandwidth brings with it is
    1. More porn downloading. And higher res!
    2. More games/movies/mp3 downloading...now I can download the 4.3 gig version (one dvd) of the movie still in theaters instead of the measely 1.2 gig version (2cds)
    3. Abuse. Hey...now I can packet you.

    To be completely serious now, bandwidth does have its advantages. I also notice a large difference between surfing the internet @ work *cough*, and surfing the internet at home.

    But, all I would like to bring across is that if you give someone a truckload of bandwidth, they are going to abuse it. Just like if you give someone a billion dollars, they wont be as economically sound with it as they would with a thousand dollars. After all, more bandwidth is nice, but it costs more somewhere, it doesnt magically appear.

    (I also do not condone/perform any of those 3 items on my list, excluding 1-3 which I may be known to sometimes do sometimes)

    And happy Saint Paddy's Day! Green beer for all, and possibly a presidential announcement that iraq is going to get blown up. At least the pres will be drunk during it.

    --
    [I can picture a world without war, without hate. I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it]
    1. Re:mad bandwidth by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The available bandwidth also determines the delay for transmitting a request and receiving a response. This is especially true when the bandwidth is the major bottleneck of the interactive service (like online gaming).

    2. Re:mad bandwidth by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I need lots of bandwidth to start the craze of the future -- slashdotting parties. Hook an old Pentium up, put a barbeque grill over it, slap some dead cow on to cook and get a front page story posted... 56k ain't gonna cut it folks, I need pure, cheap unadultered bandwidth!

    3. Re:mad bandwidth by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm involved in the development of 1xEV-DO at the vendor side. After 2 years of software development work the director in charge of development came down to my center to give a pep talk. Interestingly the question that all of us (all the software developers) had was - what was the killer application for 1xEV-DO. The director said that its Corporate Email and VPN.

      Throughout the development cycle we were told (and still being told) about enterprise class end customers who will be the drivers for the technology and not Joe Average.

      So, your concerns about bandwidth are true but they aren't quite looking at you as a customer. The people they are looking at are - Corporate Execs, Insurance Salesmen and Road Warriors. Gamers, latest-kernel-must-have'rs, and slashdot first-posters are not in the radar as of now.

      Guess why I'm posting anonymous :-)

  15. Re:I hate when they define a rollout by hal-j · · Score: 2, Informative
    Hmm? 1XRTT (what Sprint is using for their "3g") is the same technology and speed as what Verizon is using for their "Express Network". IIRC, 1XRTT tops off at 144Kbps. They're talking about a different beast here.

    Furthermore, it's common to roll out a new technology in a few test markets. It's quite a bit cheaper to work the kinks out on a limited scale, rather than do a national deployment and hope for the best.

    BTW, the DC area isn't only home to politicos, it's also a high-tech hotspot.

    --

    -Hal
  16. Re:I hate when they define a rollout by merlyn · · Score: 1
    Not 3G. "2.5G". 144Kbps. I know, I've got the Verizon equivalent. "3G" is for the stuff that's in the range of the parent of this thread.

    Not to say that it's not cool. I've been using 144Kbps to stay connected from my favorite brewpub while writing my latest book (the sequel to Llama book). Nice.

    Of course, if I could just convince them to install an 802.11 link... that'd be so much nicer. {grin}

  17. Faster Connection & Security? by VGMSupreme · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I am all for faster connection speeds. I would like to be able to download software apps at something faster than 30-100 kbps (depending on that site I am at). I am sure this will benefit tons of people, but I do have a few questions. Yes, I read the article, but I am still unsure about a few things.

    1) As always, service tends to go down, no matter what ISP you are using. So I was wondering how reliable this service will be when it gets up and running. I know Verizon is already known for it good service on cell phones, but I just want to make sure that it won't go down as often as RR, or any other Cable/DSL ISP.

    2) For the wireless people, how are they going to provide security for using this faster connection (if any would be provided. I am not sure if it is the company's or the customer's responsibility for the security of data transmitted over a wireless connection)

    3) Would this service require more digging/repairing/installing new component and ripping out the old on, or are they going to build on top of existing hardware/software already in the works?

    I know that some of these questions sound stupid to the average /.er, but I am just trying to understand a few things, and just like my mom taught me, there is no harm in asking.

    --
    The Galatic Freedom Force marches on! Defend!
  18. Excellent... by archetypeone · · Score: 5, Funny

    Checklist for Summer -

    Shorts
    Sunblock
    Cold Beer
    Tinfoil Hat

    1. Re:Excellent... by SkjeggApe · · Score: 1

      For a practical alternative to mind-control, that would also satify the need for the last item in your list, check out (be sure to download the PDF, print it out and hang it on your cube wall, just to let everyone know that you don't take kindly to mind-control):
      Aluminum Foil Deflector Beanie

  19. Linux support. by termos · · Score: 1

    I just wonder when there will be support for Gigabit wireless devices in Linux.
    IIRC the support for Gigabit ethernet adapters came in the 2.4.x release.

    --
    Note to self: get smarter troll to guard door.
  20. Why Joe Shmo wants it... by MoeMoe · · Score: 1

    Average Internet User: My hard drive used to take a week to fill up with pr0n but thanks to Verizon, it crashed from overloading in only 5 minutes... Thank you Verizon!

    --
    Business \Busi"ness\, n.;
    A scam in which all people involved perceive as beneficial...
  21. Charges by simpl3x · · Score: 1

    i would expect the charges to be similar to express network--$99.00 for unlimited usage. i am online 3-4 hours a day and haven't been booted. i could not get dsl in my area, but for double the cost i use wireless and get 88k. it is suprisingly useful and supposedly can go up to 144k. bandwidth can be overrated. being able to connect anywhere is very cool--almost anywhere...

  22. Better use by gr8_phk · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Wouldn't it be cool if they allocated a little more bandwidth to the voice channel instead of allowing users to "download a spreadsheet" to their phone? When I can't tell you're calling from a cell phone, I'll be willing to listen to claims of high bandwidth.

    1. Re:Better use by Phil+Karn · · Score: 1
      Oh I dunno, I already have a hard time telling a CDMA phone call from a regular wired call. If anything is noticeable, it's the extra delay, especially when both ends are cell phones. But the voice quality at 13kb/s is fine by me.

      Disclaimer: I work for Qualcomm.

      Phil

  23. EvDO, a new Wireless High-Speed Technology by rpiquepa · · Score: 2, Informative

    For more information about this wireless technology, please read this column. And for more comments abot today''s Washington Post article, check this one.

  24. connection by simpl3x · · Score: 1

    my experience has been good in chicago. oddly enough evanston--northwestern u--has a crappy cell network, so my connection there blows. but, at home i measured 88k. connections are stable and i have not dropped any in 3 months of service. since i am essentially an ip address i block my tablet from access--security!... but likwise, if you are using a "secure" servic as opposed to telnet or something, you are secure--correct me if i'm wrong, i'm a lowly designer... the article states that new cards, drivers, etc have been added, so i imagine that most of the equipment is modular. it is essentially tdma afterall.

  25. Too bad by dfn5 · · Score: 1

    it will be run by the phone company.

    --
    -- Thou hast strayed far from the path of the Avatar.
    1. Re:Too bad by iamsure · · Score: 1

      You are thinking of Verizon Communications. Verizon Wireless is fairly independent of VZC although they are a business unit of VZC.

  26. DEVO by frankmu · · Score: 1

    i think there's a licensing issue here. lets see who gets sued first

    --
    Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.
    1. Re:DEVO by zoid.com · · Score: 1

      Q: Are we not men?

  27. Great..... by s.a.m · · Score: 1

    It's freaking INSIDE the beltway. I wish I could move in there but it's to damn expensive.

    1. Re:Great..... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They mention Rockville, which is outside the beltway. (Still pretty expensive though)

  28. this isn't uwb! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hemos, do you actually bother reading these articles before you post them? For starters, this isn't UWB technology -- UWB doesn't have the reach to do cell service. (UWB is a short-span technology a la bluetooth -- you can find out more at http://www.ultrawidebandplanet.com.)

  29. It's already secure by Bruha · · Score: 1

    The wireless network itself is CDMA based which takes more than the average person to pull your signal out of the myriad of others within the cell's coverage.

    Secondly this is going to be mainly a business venture so most customers will be connected to a VPN client and those are encrypted also.

    Verizon also uses Lucent cell towers in seattle and SF which do not require anything but a few minor components to be replaced at the cell tower and a new software load at the cell processor.

    The only other thing in need for the high bandwidth is bandwidth which most cell towers today in urban areas are connected via fiber which is easy to upgrade bandwidth.

  30. Speed isn't the problem! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Speeds are the problem in most cases...

    Availability and usefulness of applications are. For example why don't we have mobile ordering for repair guys, because noone built the application.

    We have to face it, mobile devices will never use the full size internet applications our laptops and desktops will. And those that need Mobile apps USUALLY won't drag a latop to be bluetooth tethered or IR or whatever to the handset with the connectivity.

    All wireless technologies produce great possibilites but, noone is taking them up. Developers unite; take on the carriers and deliver that killer 3G app.

  31. Haha by sulli · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Usually when the "initial target market is business customers" this means cost is $100/month or more. Meanwhile, wardriving is free. Which do you choose?

    --

    sulli
    RTFJ.
  32. Let the War Driving begin!!! by ispcay · · Score: 1

    Need I say more.

  33. Who can lose? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    More speed, more brain cancer, more fun for everyone.

    Compulsory voluenteerism is slavery.

  34. Verizons coverage by The_Final_Word · · Score: 1

    If this new service is as good as Verizons cell phone coverage in Northern VA, I wouldn't bother with it. You won't get a reasonable signal when you are stationary never mind if you are on the move.

    Of course, the same can be said for almost all of the cell phone providers for N.VA. I know, I have tried them all.

    --
    The Final Word
  35. Paper on Wireless Voice & Data technologies by DJStealth · · Score: 1

    Here's a paper I wrote a few months ago entitled

    The Evolution towards 3G and Beyond

    http://www.cs.yorku.ca/~jgryn/research/evolution 3g .pdf

    1. Re:Paper on Wireless Voice & Data technologies by DJStealth · · Score: 1

      For those who prefer a link Anyway, the paper discusses 1xEV-DO and future 1xEV-DV technologies capable of much higher transfer rates.

  36. Today just isn't your day... by JohnDenver · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    What's an order of magnitude among friends?

    Sigh... You mean 3 orders of magnitude?

    You're obviously not with us today. (sniff) You must have forgetten to shower with your caffienated soap again.

    Who was the brain that assumed if a geek doesn't have time to get his caffiene from soda, he's going to make time for a shower?

    --
    "Communism is like having one [local] phone company " - Lenny Bruce
    1. Re:Today just isn't your day... by cpfeifer · · Score: 1

      sigh. It is monday isn't it?

      --
      it's not going to stop until you wise up, no it's not going to stop. so just give up.
  37. Re:NOT Ultra-Wide Band-Not Exactly by zehn · · Score: 1

    It is more of a hybrid as it is CDMA but uses time divided slots. UMTS will likely adopt a similar technique too.

  38. Latency by BruceClark555 · · Score: 1

    It seems like everyone is always talking about downstream speed like that is all that matters.. Actually, latency and packet loss are often times more important. I remember when everyone was saying that broadband by sat would take out terristerial networks.. These people didn't understand how far the radio wavs had to go. Latency on Sat connections sucks - bad.. Unless your just doing bonehead http surfing, it really slows things down.

    I use Verizon Wireless data connection on my CDMA cell phone and have for a few years now. Yea, it's a measly 14.4 connection. That is not really the bad part.. The latency runs around 500-800ms just to their gateway, and, if your moving packet loss can get really bad if your not right under the cell tower. That can make an ssh session painfully slow. Even if your sitting still, and got tons of signal, the RT latency makes doing a lot of work slow. Most of the latency here has to do with the CDMA system. Have you ever called another digital CDMA phone from another one in the same room.. Notice the delay? It's double there because it has to be encoded/decoded for each phone. It can get annoying on cell to cell calls.

    But still, I really appreciate being able to pull over, and log into my servers to check e-mail or fix/change something from the road. So for me, this announcement is nice that they are rolling out faster wireless data networks.. but I'd sure like to know more about the connections made on that network.. TDMA typically has less encoding delay.. so perhaps that is why this is TDMA based??

    1. Re:Latency by jkleint · · Score: 1

      Actually, the latency of 1xEV is pretty good. You can get less than 80 ms to the gateway, and 150 ms to "close" sites. Check out http://www.arstechnica.com/reviews/02q2/qualcomm/1 xEV-1.html

  39. If WiFI really takes off..Cellular be in danger? by Makito · · Score: 1

    Even with the event of this new high-speed data transmission; one would think that if WiFi ever reached even 70% coverage in a populus that maybe a "WiFi enabled" or even a "WiFi Only" mobile phone wouldn't be that far-fetched? I mean, for the casual user, imagine no charge calling...ever? (negating that WiFi networks you're on are free) 'course business users will still require real cells being WiFi is typically a hotspot paradigm.

  40. Re:PNEMONICS ? by lcsjk · · Score: 1

    EVDO and 1xEV-DO and "evolution data". New terms this week. What actually are we talking about that is different from last week's new pnemonics. Anybody ever thought that half the readers have no idea what you're talking about? Pnemonics are great, but remember your audience!

  41. Sprint PCS? Nationwide??? by Andy+Dodd · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Look at their coverage map... Sprint PCS coverage isn't nationwide, it's "Little itty bitty spots scattered across the nation".

    Did you know that Sprint PCS doesn't even have coverage for their headquarters building?

    Sprint also can't even cover more than 50% of the landmass of the most densely populated state in the USA (New Jersey). Verizon America's Choice, on the other hand, covers every single inch of NJ. Yes, VZW is much more expensive than any other wireless provider and has a more limited selection of phones. You get what you pay for. (In terms of service coverage and quality. Verizon's limited handset selection is due to their EXTREMELY high quality standards.)

    Let's not forget that neither Vision nor Express Network are 3G. They are 2.5G interim. 1xEV-DO is true 3G, as is UMTS. (Although so far, EV-DO and EV-DV have had FAR more commercial success than UMTS. Only UMTS rollout so far has been DoCoMo, which was a flop. Meanwhile, KDDI rolled out EV-DO or DV with great success, and Korea also has one of the two.)

    --
    retrorocket.o not found, launch anyway?
  42. Umm at least joe blow might pay for bandwidth by inaneboy · · Score: 1

    Which is more that I can say for most of US here re: slashdot.

  43. a good UWB phone can call another UWB phone by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    but without verizon in the middle, how can your phone be tapped.

    think about the children

  44. The 'g' stands for 'grand' by DJStealth · · Score: 1

    Just like saying I have 2 grand = $2000, 2gbps means 2 grand bits per second

  45. The article blew it - kinda - on one point... by Ungrounded+Lightning · · Score: 2, Insightful

    One barrier to rollout of EvDO has been that the technology requires wireless companies to set aside valuable airwaves just to carry data.

    Not really.

    You can just put the voice on the same packet stream. Use MPLS and a bandwidth-reservation protocol to reserve a slice of the channel, giving the voice connection the necessary bandwidth and latency gurarntees for voice service. Non-phone-call packet servcie get everything left over after the currently-active phone calls reserve their cut.

    This also lets the phone company charge you a telephone-ish rate for the reserved bandwidth. Charge cell-phone minutes for a phonecall-sized reserved slice, flat rate for taking your chances.

    They can also do multi-tier billing:

    - Charge regular rate for a cellphone-quality compressed connection.

    - Charge a premium (1 1/2 cell minutes per minute?) for a landline-quality 64kbps (plus overhead) slot and run G.711 (like a DOCSIS-compliant POTS-over-cable box) or some other DS0-in-packets protocol. Run your fax machine via your cellphone at full rate. (Or your laptop's 56k modem if you're feeling silly, or can't get hold of the right cables and software.)

    (If the base has a LOT of capacity they might just want to charge the same for 64k as for other calls, or just make all calls 64k: They take more bandwidth than compressed but are a straight encoding of a digital phone line, so the don't require a bunch of DSP crunch at the POTS/packet gateway.)

    - Charge a discount (1/2 cell minute per minute?) for highly-compressed voice.

    - Maybe charge a steeply discounted premium rate for, say, participating in an outbound multicast group to hear a broadcast stream. (Think XM radio or webcasts via your cellphone, or at least via its network infrastructure.)

    And so on.

    Maybe let you make premium-priced bandwidth reservations on any suitable stream, rather than just those that represent calls via, or broadcasts from, their own servers.

    This lets you take your own choice:

    - Make an internet "free" phonecall, and take your chances on voice quality. If it's breaking up too badly:

    - Reconnect (or promote) the call to a reserved-bandwidth service if the net weather is stormy.

    - Pay different rates for different quality connections. Sound just like a POTS landline for a bit extra. Sound like a cheap long-distance carrier if you're on a budget.

    Now the carrier might want to limit the percentage of bandwidth that can be reserved, so a heavy phone day will only slow, not stop, internet access. But there's no need to earmark a bunch of channels and install a bunch of hardware JUST for the low-dollar IP packets.

    --
    Bantam Dominique roosters crow a four-note song. Once you've heard it as "Happy BIRTHday" you can't NOT hear it that way
  46. I would kill for something like this in my home by Vorlonesque · · Score: 1

    I would love something like this in my home, even if it was at 144k/s. I'd love DSL or Cable or anything with decent downloads and good pings. Sadly I doubt I'll see this come to little Camden WV, where basically putting broadband out here would justify the cost of doing it because all of 4 people (and maybe a couple cows and sheep) would subscribe. I hope for the day that maybe they either put a remote DSLAM out here or replace the current SLC-96 with a Litespan. Anybody know if that Verizon Virtual Office ISDN is any good?

  47. Re:PNEMONICS ? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "pnemonics are great"

    It's related to memory. It starts with M.

    -Johnny Mnemonic

  48. Re:Sprint PCS? Nationwide??? by mcrbids · · Score: 1

    Yes, VZW is much more expensive than any other wireless provider and has a more limited selection of phones.

    Where are you at?

    I'm in central northern California and Vzw is available here for very reasonable rates! I'm paying $45/mo for 700 anytime, unlimited night/weekends. In the bigger cities like Sacramento and the Bay Area, there are cheaper services but I've never heard of anybody actually liking them.

    Also, walking into the local cell shops, I find plenty of different models of phones.

    Heh?

    --
    I have no problem with your religion until you decide it's reason to deprive others of the truth.
  49. Re:Sprint PCS? Nationwide??? by demigod · · Score: 1
    Did you know that Sprint PCS doesn't even have coverage for their headquarters building?

    Strange, I was at the world hedquarters the other day and there sure were lots of people talking on PCS phones. I guess they were all just faking it.

    --
    "The last thing I want to do is deal with a bunch of people who want something."
    Major Major
  50. New Jersey by Andy+Dodd · · Score: 1

    America's Choice 300 minute plan is $35/mo, $45/mo only gets you 400 minutes. (Although there's something about 100 bonus minutes...)

    Still only 500 and not 700. Those plans are REALLY expensive per minute compared to Sprint, T-Mobile, etc., but those minutes are worth every penny due to Verizon's superior service and coverage.

    --
    retrorocket.o not found, launch anyway?
  51. EV-DO networks available NOW....and affordable by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Monet Mobile Networks launched EV-DO services in Duluth, Sioux Falls and Fargo (possibly more).

    The price is something like $40 a month with unlimited usage.

    The downside is 2.4 megabits is theoretical, and only achievable in lab conditions.

    Real-world performance is between 300k and 600k. In certain conditions, we have seen consistent performance of 1.4 megabits (connection to server on local loop)

    For those of you who are considering a mobile webserver, be warned that your best upload is 153k, and that's in the lab. Look for 32k - 64k uploads.

    Remember folks, this is cellular technology. The same technology that makes your voice sound 'digitized' in bad signal area can cause major errors in data.