Wireless Internet
Wireless Internet

Wireless Internet

MWI Mailing Lists Now Open

The Mobile Web Initiative, part of the W3C and described in this week’s WWJ Newsletter, has set up two public mailing lists: public-bpwg@w3.org (dedicated to discussion associated with the Best Practice Working Group), and public-ddwg@w3.org (dedicated to discussion associated with the Device Description Working Group). If you’re interested in participating in public discussions or if you have something to contribute, the folks running the Initiative would love to have you sign up.

W3C Launches Mobile Web Initiative (MWI)

Today, at the WWW2005 Conference, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) announced the launch of the Mobile Web Initiative (MWI) – an endeavor to make Web access from a mobile device as simple, easy, and convenient as Web access from a desktop device. “Mobile access to the Web has been a second class experience for far too long,” explained Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director. “MWI recognizes the mobile device as a first class participant, and will produce materials to help developers make the mobile Web experience worthwhile. “

Web Surfing from Tokyo to New York

Japan Airlines says it will expand its in-flight Internet connection service to flights between Tokyo and New York (JL006/005) from 10 May 2005; this will be the world’s first service on a transpacific flight according to the company. Provided by Connexion by Boeing Inc. (CBB) — a business unit of Boeing — the “JAL Inflight Internet Service” enables passengers to use their own wireless LAN-compatible personal computers to enjoy real-time Internet access during flight. Initially the service will be available on alternate days but towards the end of June it will be available daily. JAL’s Tokyo-New York route is popular with business travelers, who represent a high percentage of total passengers.

Fujitsu Launches WiMAX Chip

Fujitsu Microelectronics has introduced a highly integrated WiMAX system-on-chip (SoC), the MB87M3400 [ .jpg image ], which complies with the IEEE802.16-2004 standard and that will enable development of a new generation of WiMAX-compliant broadband wireless access (BWA) equipment.

Family Flat Rate Voice Plan

Vodafone K.K announced today the company plans a staggered roll out of three new flat rate services: “Mail Flat-rate,” “Dual Packet Flat-rate” and “Family Call Flat-rate.” According to the company, these plans target all users from hard-core email addicts to fast-dialing families. Starting 1 October, the Family Call Flat-rate will make it possible for family members to call each other as often as they like with an additional flat-rate option that has a total fixed monthly charge of 315 yen. Matthew Nicholson, Vodafone Japan International Media Relations Manager, commented to WWJ: “This is the first time for such a comprehensive family call flat rate to be available in Japan.”

Change of Tack Boosts i-mode Overseas

Directly investing in foreign carriers was a fairly hefty blunder for NTT DoCoMo. It took big financial losses, and failed to establish i-mode as a global force. But a new president and a new plan have seen things change significantly. Former DoCoMo CEO Keiji Tachikawa led a number of huge investments in overseas carriers like AT&T Wireless and Three in the UK, in hopes of turning the operators into users of its i-mode system. The plan failed, to say the least, costing the company $17 billion in writedowns — a far cry from its runaway success in its home market.

Dilithium adds ISUP Triggering to DNA 3G Test Tool

Dilithium Networks, a leading provider of wireless multimedia solutions, today announced a major new release of its industry-leading 3G protocol analysis and test tool family, Dilithium Networks Analyzer (DNA). Release 3.0 of DNA provides support for ISUP terminal and monitoring (including China), ISUP signaling to initiate and receive calls, and ISUP based trigger for traffic monitoring. DNA 3.0 also incorporates powerful triggering capabilities for monitoring multiple simultaneous channels with the option of capturing traffic upon trigger. An Auto-Dialer feature, available as an option to existing customers, provides automated and unattended testing capabilities. Additional features include enhancements for ISDN support, expanded message logging capabilities, and more.

PSP Running Wi-Fi for Korea

KT Corp., South Korea’s biggest fixed-line telephone and Internet operator, announced Monday an alliance with Sony Corp. to equip the Japanese electronics giant’s popular PSP console with Wi-Fi Internet access. KT said PSP customers will be able to surf the Web via the company’s 14,000 hotspots nationwide. Kang Hee-won, a spokesman at Sony Computer Entertainment Korea, added it is the first time in the world for Sony to add Wi-Fi connectivity for the PSP machines.

WiFi Wok — DIY 2.4-GHz Repeater Kit

The folks at the usb-wifi section of Orcon.net have assembled a super, step-by-step how-to guide, complete with photos, for making your very own wifi wok! The largest (300-mm diameter) provides a 15- to 18-dB gain, enough to extend the range to between three and five kilometers, costs about US$5.00 and comes with a user-friendly bamboo handle that suits WLAN fieldwork — if you can handle the curious stares! Complete with Chinese parabolic cookware and notepad by Stan, you gotta check this out.

Philips Unveils WLAN Mobile Solution

Philips Electronics announced a new low-power 802.11g wireless LAN semiconductor system-in-a-package (SiP) solution for the mobile phone market. The new low-power 802.11g solution enables consumers to access voice, data and multimedia content through WLAN networks up to five times faster than current 802.11b products on the market without compromising the battery life of the mobile phone.