Google Loves Open Source WiFi

Google funded Meraki a few months ago with an “open source development grant” to help the company keep parts of its technology open source, and to work with Google’s muni WiFi deployments. The Meraki Minis will cost around $50 each and can be used as a Google WiFi repeater, extending the coverage of GoogleFi into homes and offices. Because the platform is partly open source, developers can add and share software that runs over the Meraki mesh routing.

Boston's different approach to citywide wireless

Here's an overview of the plan to bring wireless internet access to Boston, who is going about it in a different way than other big cities such as Philadelphia and San Francisco are doing. In this case, the idea is to set up a nonprofit corporation that would run the network and work toward making sure it was focused on goals such as closing the digital divide, improving city services, and stimulating economic growth, and not concentrating on making a profit.

Paris issues RFP for municipal Wi-Fi

Paris, France has just issued an RFP for the installation of 400 access points in public squares, gardens and on municipally-owned buildings and for the provision of Internet access, maintenance and future expansion of the network.

Navini Mobilizes WiMAX with "Beamforming"

Navini Networks, a WiMAX vendor with "beamforming" technology, announced at Globalcomm 2006 in Brazil this week, that their Ripwave MX solution will now be available in the 3.6 GHz (3600-3700 MHz) band. Navini's MX base station, in commercial shipment since April 2006, is now be available in the 2.3 GHz, 2.5/2.6 GHz, and 3.4/3.5/3.6 GHz bands.

SkyPilot Networks Launches New EMEA Distributor Network

SkyPilot Networks launched a new distributor network in Europe called The AirPower Channel Partner Programme. SkyPilot appointed UK-headquartered ACAL Networks (www.acal-networks.co.uk) that covers the UK, Western Europe, Middle East and African markets, Sistelec Telecomunicaciones (www.sistelec.es) that covers southern Europe, and Winncom Technologies (www.winncom.com) that covers the Eastern European market.

Helio announces "Hybrid" 3G / WiFi service

A Boingo pass for when you're near a hotspot, EV-DO for when you're not. That's the gist of Helio's latest product, dubbed "Hybrid" -- only their third since launching earlier this year -- and the first dedicated to data device from the MVNO (and among the first data devices from any MVNO, so far as we know). Technically, Hybrid is more of a package than an actual device, composed of a rebranded Sierra Wireless Aircard 580, EV-DO service, and WiFi access (provided by Helio pal and Sky Dayton venture Boingo, of course) with Helio's "Hybrid Connector" software calling the connectivity shots. Though the concept doesn't seem to go after the same core demographic as the MVNO's handsets, the $85 package deal could still be a compelling one for folks that maintain separate WiFi and 3G data accounts. Look for Hybrid to be available for a nice, round $0 on two-year contract through Fry's locations and Helio's site directly.

Cisco Concedes to RF Interference Importance

Reselling Cognio's popular RF analyzer means the WLAN leader acknowledges that signal interference is an issue to be addressed.

Sacramento RFP gets four responses

1) Sacramento Metro Connect (IBM, Cisco, Intel, Seakay and Azulstar); (2) AT&T and MetroFi; (3) Nortel, Ubiquity Broadband and Fire2Wire; and (4) Globetel Communications and Blue Horizon.

WiMAX Interop

The WiMax Forum wrapped up its Interoperability PlugFest October 1st, at Bechtel Labs in Frederick, Maryland, to prepare for WiMAX certification. The plugfest is an interoperability event. All the manufacturers are brought together to work out problems in interoperability. Interoperability of Mobile WiMAX gear is more critical than fixed WiMAX. That's because different mobile clients will be required to connect to different basestations on a routine basis. If the press releases are to be believed, things are looking good for interoperability.

Sprint Winning Wireless Broadband War?

Sprint claims that their EV-DO revision A upgrades will be available to around 40 million customers by the end of this year (their EVDO network aims to reach about 200 million customers in that same time-frame). The company hopes to have their wireless network fully upgraded by the end of 2007.

Lawmakers Want AT&T/BellSouth Conditions

FCC commissioner Kevin Martin is eager to see the AT&T and BellSouth merger move forward without any conditions, something that's upsetting both the baby bells' competitors, and consumer advocates. The National Journal reports that Senators Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) and Herb Kohl (D-Wisconsin) are urging for the divestiture of some company assets, particularly some of the combined spectrum the companies will own. Both lawmakers are concerned the new company would 'warehouse' spectrum, in order to keep it out of the hands of competitors.

BelAir Networks Raises $21.4M

BelAir Networks raised $21.4 million in Series D funding. The company plans to use the funds to expand its sales and marketing efforts and respond to market demand for its mobile broadband products.

Elizabeth, NJ to launch trial wireless network

The city of Elizabeth has just invested $25,000 to launch a three-month trial network that will cover a portion of the downtown area (about four blocks). City officials say the network will bring more business to the area and give workers a chance to stay competitive when they are away from the office. Plans call for the system to be up and running by the middle of this month.

AT&T, Napa, California working on citywide wireless network deal

The city of Napa, California and AT&T are working out a deal by the end of this year to develop and deploy a free wireless network. AT&T said it will pour $1 million into the project by installing the infrastructure and have the network supported by advertising and sponsorships. Users can opt to pay a fee to obtain faster connections. According to city officials, the network will provide access to the internet at large and also serve as a communications vehicle for local government, including the police and fire departments.

Mesh: Interference in the City?

The sheer number of WiFi signals in the air -- coupled with other devices and appliances using the same public frequency -- can make it hard to get and stay connected to an 802.11 link. A new report tracking wireless mesh from Heavy Reading lays out the problem. At least one unnamed vendor, says author and senior analyst Patrick Donegan, has expressed 'significant concerns' about large-scale wireless LAN mesh deployments in urban areas -- particularly in the U.S.

Rural Areas Left in Slow Lane of High-Speed Data Highway

Verizon is looking to sell the 1.6 million local phone lines it controls in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Residents are practically begging for broadband of some kind. "Alternative broadband providers who could fill that gap face problems, too. Jake Marsh, who runs Island Pond Wireless, a company that beams high-speed Internet signals over strings of antennas, has signed up 250 customers and has a waiting list just as long. But to expand, he is counting on towns getting state funds to help defray the installation costs. Yet officials in Norton, 15 miles west of Canaan, could not download the 20-page grant application because their dial-up line was so slow."