T-Mobile UK is set to allow access to an HSUPA data network today that will let users upload content to the Internet via their cellular phones, becoming the UK's first wireless provider to do so across the country. HSUPA, or High Speed Uplink Packet Access, is the equivalent of the commonly-available HSDPA 3G data network except for its uploading abilities.
nova media has launched the GlobeSurfer ICON HSUPA, a USB cellular modem for notebooks. As its name implies, the modem is compatible with both HSUPA and HSDPA networks; it has a maximum download speed of 7.2Mbps, and can upload at 1.4Mbps. It also supports generic 3G UMTS networks, and can fall back to EDGE or GPRS as necessary, which caps speeds at 200Kbps down and 80Kbps up.
Canada's Rogers Wireless will be the first carrier in carrier in the world with a new ExpressCard modem, Novatel has announced. The Merlin X950D is a quad-band GSM/EDGE and tri-band HSPA modem, able to fit into both 34 and 54 ExpressCard slots. Notable however is that the modem supports not only 2.1Mbps HSUPA, but 7.2Mbps HSDPA, twice as fast as most 3G networks worldwide. Rogers has yet to launch 7.2Mbps speeds, but is rumored to be testing the technology in limited fashion.
The end for Wi-Fi hotspots may already be in sight, claims the chief marketing officer of telecom multinational Ericsson. Speaking today at the European Computer Audit, Control and Security Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, Johan Bergendahl commented that at least in Europe, cellular broadband is growing so rapidly that it is surpassing any rate ever achieved by either mobile or fixed voice networks. "In Austria," says Bergendahl, "they are saying that mobile broadband will pass fixed broadband this year."
AT&T today said it would rapidly expand its third-generation (3G) cellular data network over the course of 2008, greatly improving coverage of the relatively fledgling service. The carrier intends to introduce its HSPA-based Internet access to 80 new cities throughout the year to include a total of 350 areas. Many if not all of these current and future areas will be upgraded to use the faster HSUPA (High Speed Upload Packet Access) format, AT&T adds. Practical speeds for these networks are estimated to range between 600Kbps and 1.4Mbps with downloads and between 500Kbps and 800Kbps for uploads, enabling video uploads as well as more two-way Internet features.
Nova Media today unveiled Launch2net, an application designed to provide wireless data settings for over 400 networks in 157 countries. The software can use many Bluetooth, USB, PCMCIA, or ExpressCard connection methods to give mobile users internet access wherever they travel. Nova Media highlights the application for use with the MacBook Air, saying that it compliments the mobility of the device and the user's lifestyle. Launch2Net requires Mac OS X 10.4.3 Tiger or higher, while Leopard users are required to update to 10.5.1. The software is available for 75 euros, with an applicable VAT charge of approximately $110 US.
Nova Media today unveiled a new USB modem for use on EDGE, GPRS, HSUPA and 3G UMTS compatible networks, allowing for up to 7.2Mbit per second. The GlobeSurfer ICON HSUPA functions on 850/1900/2100MHz HSUPA and UMTS networks, with 850/900/1800/1900Mhz functionality for EDGE and GPRS. Over 300 preset connections are included with Nova’s Launch2net software, and features instant connectivity on a Mac. Nova Media’s GlobeSurfer Icon HSUPA is currently shipping, and is available from the company’s website for approximately $450.
