Carmen Nobel

As cell phone manufacturers absorb the body blows of sluggish sales, evaporating profit margins and a nonexistent upgrade trend by consumers, the fallout will be clear: fewer new products announced, shipments of planned smart phones delayed and rollouts of new networks postponed. It seems as though no U.S. or European manufacturer is being left unscathed. […]

Bidding for the largest radio spectrum auction in U.S. history ended last week with the final net revenues totaling more than $16.8 billion. But despite the windfall, many small companies felt shut out of the process because of a loose interpretation of new FCC rules. The auction of the PCS (Personal Communications Service) C and […]

Six months after microsoft Corp. trumpeted it as the anchor of the companys developing wireless initiative, the so-called Airstream wireless server platform is still far from delivering on its promises. Furthermore, it is in danger of being mired in a confusing competitive battle with a wireless company Microsoft has invested in. Microsoft officials defend the […]

Cisco Systems Inc. last week introduced a set of wireless LAN products that boasts improved speed, better cross-platform support, and a more sophisticated security framework. The Cisco Aironet 350 Series, the vendors second such introduction since it acquired Aironet in November 1999, includes a group of access points, bridges and notebook adapter cards that adheres […]

Green acres may be the place to be—but not for decent cell phone service. Despite the rapid deployment of wireless services in North America, most rural areas still lack both digital service and competitive pricing. The result is poor service for those doing business off the beaten path and lack of coverage for travelers who […]

Mitsubishi Corp. and Microsoft Corp. last week announced a Pocket PC with integrated phone capabilities that promises Web browsing and online video viewing. But for now, the device will be available only in Europe. Dubbed Mondo, the device is similar in design to the Pocket PC from French telco Sagem S.A., which was introduced last […]

Even in the midst of the biggest spectrum auction in U.S. history, the Federal Communications Commission is considering allocating a slew of additional frequency bands for new wireless services. Although the move hasnt dampened enthusiasm for spectrum already being sold, critics say the FCCs rush to heap more airwaves on the auction block is adding […]

Palm Inc. is set to bolster its operating system and is working with several companies to improve its wireless capabilities and in turn transform its handheld devices into electronic wallets. Groupe Ingenico and VeriFone Inc., the latter a division of Hewlett-Packard Co., are working with Palm, of Santa Clara, Calif., on a secure e-wallet application. […]

Nobody is more mobile than a frequent flier, so airlines are trying to keep up with the wireless trend. But while several are offering simple things such as access to flight data, the companies are hedging on real mobile commerce applications like selling tickets via cell phones. “The two primary items offered via wireless now […]

As cell phones become major conduits for wireless data applications, users and Web consultants are urging vendors to build voice recognition into their offerings. Vendors are starting to get the message. “Its hellishly difficult entering data on the phone,” said Richard Barnwell, CTO (chief technology officer) of Zefer Inc., a Web integration company in Boston […]