News Categories: General (Default) | Dialup | DSL (ADSL etc.) | Cable/FTTx | Satellite | Wireless | IPTV | VoIP

PowerupMobile, an online smartphone and PDA retailer, has launched a new offer bundling a free Asus Eee PC mini-laptop (model: Surf 2GB) with T-Mobile's 24 month contract Web 'n' Walk Max (10GB data allowance) mobile broadband package. The promotion also includes a high-speed plug and play USB modem (dongle).

The offer (click here for details), which is only available until 15th June 2008, will set customers back £35 per month. It is also possible to get an 18 month contract option, though the monthly cost then rises to a staggering £44 per month.

It's not a bad promotion, though interested consumers should be aware that a much improved model of the Eee PC is due to launch soon, which is likely to make the Surf 2G less of a bargain as it reduces in price.

The MD of chip giant Intel, Ashish Patel, has predicted that long-range WiMAX broadband wireless services will have coverage across the UK by 2010, though it is far from clear whether such a prediction has any tangible basis in reality.

To succeed in the UK, WiMAX would effectively need to replace the 3G technology used by mobile phone operators and or be widely adopted by fixed wireless ISPs. However, mobile operators are eyeing rival technologies too (LTE) and Ofcom has yet to auction much of the needed spectrum.

Existing UK implementations are still extremely niche, with only a handful of smaller wireless ISPs (e.g. FREEDOM4) having adopted it. Intel is naturally hoping, having invested millions of its own money, that WiMAX can establish its own market away from rivals. Quite how it could achieve this in the current highly competitive climate is uncertain.

Patel's prediction would require a far more aggressive rollout from mobile phone operators and or fixed wireless ISPs, which would also need to take place within a very short space of time. To be fair, such an outcome is not impossible, though many things would have to go in Intel’s favour for it to come about.

UK Wi-Fi operator The Cloud is hoping to simplify the process of connecting to its wireless broadband Hotspots with the introduction of a new automatic log-on tool (software) - 'mycloud'. Currently in beta, mycloud allows paid customers to automatically connect to any supporting Wi-Fi Hotspots when in range:


Typically some people can be confused by Wi-Fi and anything that helps to bridge that gap of knowledge is a good thing, although we personally prefer to keep manual control over such things.

Juniper Research has predicted that up to 12% of the global DSL (ADSL) broadband installed base will be substituted by WiMAX (802.16e) wireless services come 2013, with the Far East leading with over one fifth of the 47m subscribers.

The study also explored how WiMAX is well suited to rapid deployment in the many underserved areas, not only in developing areas, but also in developed countries:


It's predicted that the annual fixed WiMAX global market size will exceed 13m subscribers by 2013. Meanwhile WiMAX has failed to make much of a dent in the UK, where it remains very much a niche technology.

Naturally this situation could change if one or more of the major mobile phone operators decided to adopt WiMAX in place of rival technologies for future 'Mobile Broadband' services, although most appear to be undecided.

France Telecom's latest quarterly results appear to contradict recent information from Orange (news), highlighting instead a continued decline in UK broadband ADSL subscribers to just 1.107 million.

This compares with 1,142,000 in Q3 last year and 1,138,000 in Q4, which marks the operator’s second quarterly decrease, accounting for roughly 31,000 lost customers in the three months to the end of March 2008!


Thankfully Orange's 'Mobile Broadband' (3G/HSPA) services appear to be having a better time of it, totting up over 8.2 million customers in France and 2 million in the UK.

BMW has announced that it is to introduce full unrestricted Internet access to its cars using mobile phone style GPRS and EDGE technology. The service, which will be deployed later this year under the manufacturer’s iDrive system, will help to keep satellite navigation systems up to date and also offer basic Internet browsing.

However, for safety reasons drivers will only be able to surf the web when travelling at speeds of less than 3MPH (shouldn't that really be 0MPH?). Mercifully this odd restriction is not imposed upon passengers, whom can still gain access from rear-seat LCD displays while in full motion. Web-User reports that a mobile data tariff charge of around £8 a month will apply.

BT has announced the launch of its new 'Total Broadband Anywhere' package, which costs from £23.99 per month (first three months, £29.99 thereafter) and bundles a traditional up to 8Mbps land-line broadband (ADSL) service with an Internet-capable smartphone (BT ToGo) worth around £150.

Customers get a choice of two full-function BT ToGo smartphones – the HTC S620 or S710 – both powered by Microsoft Windows Mobile 6. When in range of a WiFi hotspot, the BT ToGo connects to the Internet at broadband speeds and provides cheaper calls through BT Broadband Talk.

Sadly, when out of WiFi, all you get is a measly 10MB monthly download allowance (£1.50 per extra MB), and the package includes 50 call minutes and 50 texts on any network at any time. Larger minute and text bundle options are also available. However, as a launch promotion BT will offer unlimited GPRS usage for no additional cost until 31st July 2008.

The BT ToGo integrates seamlessly with many other BT Total Broadband services, and is preconfigured with a BT e-mail address, although customers are able to set up other popular email accounts too. In addition, the BT ToGo comes with mobile security software for virus protection.

The BT ToGo boasts a built-in camera for taking photos and video clips, and comes complete with a media player. It also includes BT Snap & Send, which means photos taken with the BT ToGo can be quickly transferred to a personal online BT Digital Vault so they can be safely stored or instantly shared with family and friends.

At home, Broadband Anywhere customers get BT’s premium Option 3 Total Broadband service, including a free, future-proof black wireless Home Hub with Hub Phone, download speeds of up to 8Mbps with unlimited downloads (Fair Usage Policy), online security, free 5GB Digital Vault secure online storage and free 24/7 customer support.

All Broadband Anywhere customers will also automatically join the BT FON WiFi community. Using any wireless device, including the BT ToGo, customers get unlimited WiFi access at more than 82,000 BT FON Hotspots in the UK, a further 190,000 hotspots around the world and over 2,500 BT Openzone hotspots in the UK and Ireland.

There are four packages in all, with the most expensive costing £53.99 per month for the first three months (£59.99 thereafter) and differing on the number of included minutes and texts. Likewise an 18 month minimum contract applies to all options.

Mobile giants Ericsson, Nokia, Orange, Telefonica and Vodafone have used a Spectrum Value Partners report to call for ex-analogue TV spectrum to be used by mobile phone operators for 'Mobile Broadband' services. The spectrum is being freed as old analogue signals are turned off to make way for digital terrestrial broadcasts.

This process is expected to leave some of the spectrum open for use by alternative services around Europe. Here in the UK Ofcom has already begun consulting on the matter, though TV companies are known to be less than pleased with the idea of seeing such spectrum used for other non-TV purposes.

Mobile operator Three (3) has made the price of its 'Mobile Broadband' (HSPA) packages even cheaper for existing customers by slashing prices in half. For example, the Broadband Lite option, which includes 1GB (GigaByte) of monthly data allowance, would typically cost £10 per month but is now only £5!

The promotion is for existing contract holders only and those that subscribe before the 31st May 2008 will also benefit from a FREE USB Modem (on 18 or 24 month contract options). It's noted that customers will be able to keep this price level for life. Prices now break down as follows:

• Broadband Lite (1GB) - £5 (WAS: £10)


• Broadband Plus (3GB) - £7.50 (WAS: £15)


• Broadband Max (7GB) - £12.50 (WAS: £25)

Further details - here.

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITFI) has published a global ranking of broadband enabled countries, which balances cost, speed and household penetration figures to find out how well they all did.

The results placed the UK in 13th position, with an average 'subscriber per household' figure of 0.55 and download speeds touching 2.6Mbps. The typical lowest monthly cost per Mb (Megabit) was also $1.24 (£0.62). This result also meant that the UK came two places above the USA at 15th:

Novatel Wireless has announced a new distribution deal with O2 UK for its Ovation MC930D(TM) USB broadband modem (dongle). O2 itself will market and promote the device as the O2 'Mobile Broadband' USB Modem:


Obviously this USB Modem will give O2 the ability to match Vodafone's 'up to' 7.2Mbps speeds, although actually being able to deliver that kind of performance over the network has so far proven difficult to achieve.

Vodafone has announced a new range of monthly price plans, which will include "unlimited" Internet access by default. The move means that customers will no longer have to fork out an additional £7.50 for the data add-on, though this is still subject to a monthly fair usage allowance of 500MB (0.5GB).

Price plans start at £25 and customers who select a £40 or higher price plan will also have the choice of unlimited texts, unlimited landline calls or unlimited Vodafone to Vodafone calls:


http://www.vodafone.co.uk .

It's barely been a month since mobile operator Three (3) cut the price of USB Modems for its pay-as-you-go (PAYG) 'Mobile Broadband' customers to just £69.99 and now they've done it again (news). The new price is just £49.99, saving a further £20 off the previous reduction:


http://www.three.co.uk .

It might seem slow by some land-line standards but new research has revealed that the average download speed of UK based 'Mobile Broadband' (3G/4G) services, such as those offered by Three (3), T-Mobile, Orange, O2 and Vodafone, is a respectable 1.46Mbps and 0.38Mbps for uploads.

Comparison site Broadband Expert also compared the results with those it recently published for land-line services, which registered an average speed of 2.95Mbps. Not bad for a comparatively new technology:

Operator - Average Download Speed (Megabits per second)

1. Vodafone - 2.3Mbps


2. T-Mobile - 1.1Mbps


3. Three (3) - 1Mbps

Naturally O2 has only just introduced its 'Mobile Broadband' service and as a result was not included. Orange was not included either. However, Broadband Expert has warned operators not to fall into the same trap as fixed-line rivals by advertising speeds far in excess of what customer could expect to achieve. Our list of related 'Mobile Broadband' providers can be viewed here: http://www.ispreview.co.uk/list.shtml .

Boat owners, businesses and local residents living near to Scarborough's South Bay Harbour can now benefit from free wireless broadband coverage thanks to FREEBAYwifi. As well as providing coverage for users along the "Sandside" area, the Wi-Fi range extends across the whole of Scarborough’s harbour and marina, bringing Internet access to the yachts, motor and fishing boats moored there:


Initially the network will be supplied by two broadband lines running at approximately 5Mbps, both with a contention ratio of 20:1 which means that the wireless access points will be able to each handle at least 50 simultaneous users.

Hardware costs have been jointly funded by Yorkshire Forward and South Bay Traders Association, with support for installation provided by G2 Security and Deepdale Computer Services. Internet connections have been funded by Corrigan's Amusements and the Golden Grid Restaurant.

Residents of Scotland’s picturesque Tweed Valley village are up in arms at BTs failure to deliver faster broadband services. There are 350 households in the area and nearly all of them are online, yet speeds are estimated to be roughly 32 times slower than in neighbouring Peeblesshire.

In addition, 30 properties outside of the village have no broadband access at all. Sadly a recently held community meeting, which was organized by MP David Mundell and included BT, has failed to resolve the problem:


BT estimates that it would cost upwards of £500,000 to shorten the line and carry out additional work for faster broadband services. That's a lot of cash for such a small area and BT was not willing to cover the cost. Mundell now hopes to raise the issue with Ofcom.

It's not a question that most of our readers will ever have to ask; how do I setup an outdoor Wi-Fi network with a wide area of coverage? Still, if you do plan on building yourself some form of wireless mesh then Solwise has produced a guide to help get you started:

http://www.solwiseforum.co.uk/downloads/files/vansites.pdf (1.16MB PDF file)

India's Reliance Communications has acquired a 90% stake in eWave World, a UK-based WiMax broadband wireless operator. RC hopes to use eWave to help it launch 4G 'Mobile Broadband' services around the world.

The stake itself is worth roughly £55m, although RC has not revealed its plans for the UK firm. Presently the group hopes to launch some form of WiMAX based 4G service in 50 countries by 2012.

The Liberal Democrat Mayoral Candidate for London, Brian Paddick, has pledged to make the city into a Wi-Fi capital, provided he wins the election of course. The scheme, to be rolled out in ten inner London boroughs for an initial trial period, would provide free Wi-Fi access in all public places. It would be extended to cover Greater London after a public consultation:

Ofcom has been forced to reopen its consultation into the re-farming of older 2G mobile phone spectrum from O2 and Vodafone for use by 3G services, such as 'Mobile Broadband'.

The regulator had hoped that the move would improve coverage while making wireless broadband services both cheaper and faster. Unfortunately both O2 and Vodafone naturally disagreed, sighting concerns over the technical and commercial impact of Ofcom's proposals.

1:15 PM - H2O NOT Ignoring 100Mbps for Northampton

7:54 AM - PowerupMobile Bundles Eee PC Laptop & Mobile Broadband

7:36 AM - Intel Predicts Nationwide WiMAX Broadband Cover by 2010

1:33 PM - Virgin Media Adopts NETGEAR Broadband Routers

1:27 PM - Detecting Whether an ISP Blocks BitTorrent Traffic

9:28 AM - Virgin Media Tops 3.781m Broadband Subscribers

9:12 AM - NYnet Issues North Yorkshire Broadband Update

9:03 AM - NewNet Preps 40Mbps Bonded ADSL Broadband Service

8:50 AM - Tiscali UK Introduces Health & Beauty Content

8:45 AM - The Cloud Launch Auto-Logon Wi-Fi Hotspot Tool

8:35 AM - Carphone UK Sells Half of Business - Targets Tiscali

2:38 PM - 12% of DSL Broadband Users Could Migrate to WiMAX

2:25 PM - Orange Tops 1.107m Broadband Subscribers

2:08 PM - New Freesat Service to Offer Broadband TV

1:53 PM - BMW Introduces Mobile Internet Access to Cars

1:45 PM - H2O Brings 100Mbps Fibre to Bournemouth Homes

1:31 PM - Ofcom Predicts 50Mbps Broadband Using FTTC

10:27 AM - Unbundled (LLU / Non-BT) UK Lines Exceed 4.486m

9:45 AM - Samknows Launch ISP Performance Monitoring Network

9:09 AM - AOL Preps New 'Radio' Broadband Service

9:00 AM - BT Launch Total Broadband Anywhere Package

1:01 PM - Virgin Media Trials 40Gbps Network Infrastructure

9:37 AM - Mobile Operators Demand Mobile Broadband Spectrum

9:17 AM - Virgin Media Adjusts T&C's to be Phorm Friendly

8:38 AM - Three (3) Offers 50% Discount on Mobile Broadband

8:48 AM - UK Places 13th in ITFI Global Broadband Rankings

8:34 AM - O2 Adopts Novatel Mobile Broadband USB Modems

10:11 AM - Unbundled Broadband Customers See Higher Satisfaction

9:02 AM - Virgin Media Clarifies Phorm Stance.. again

8:35 AM - EC Approves £3.4m for Scotland’s Broadband Development