Comment: Forgotten, but not gone

Broadband wireless remains on the agenda of operators, but how long until it's widespread? With all the talk of satellite broadband and mesh radio as alternative high-speed Net-access technologies, it's easy to forget about broadband fixed wireless. The technology uses radio links between an aerial located on the user's premises and a base station, and preceded the other access methods on the radar of broadband 'have nots' in the UK. When licences to supply services on the 28GHz spectrum were up for grabs in the November 2000 auction, the government heralded the technology as a breakthrough for broadband delivery across the country, particularly in rural areas that wouldn't get access to ADSL. ...more

DoCoMo brings 3G FOMA service to Europe

NTT DoCoMo is to introduce its 3G FOMA service to Europe through a showroom in Paris, where punters will be able to try out the service by a direct connection to the Japanese network. The Alcatel showroom will offer connection to a FOMA base station, which is connected via a private line to the DoCoMo network in Japan. It will open next month and will 'lay the groundwork for a successful introduction of 3G services in Europe,' according tot he company. ...more

RIM prepares for meltdown

Research In Motion, the manufacturer of the Blackberry wireless email device, is preparing for the worst. The company is now seeking to reassure its thousands of corporate customers that if a court issues an injunction that orders an immediate shutdown of its operations in the United States. It has also prepared a new version of its software that does not infringe the disputed patents, which it is ready to distribute to its thousands of US customers. ...more

Microsoft hotfoots fix for javaproxy error in July bulletin

Microsoft's Windows OS and Word are the recipient of three critical security updates released last night. Part of July's bulletin, two of the patches fix holes in the Windows platform, including server editions and also the Internet Explorer browser component of the desktop. The first shores up a problem with Microsoft Color Management Module where an error can occur in validating some formats. ...more

Exeter is UK's hotspot hive

Intel has revealed its UK league for hotspot access, crowning Exeter as the Wi-Fi capital and unearthing such trivia as that the most common location for installed hotspots is the local pub. Richard Ball, Head of Economy & Tourism, Exeter City Council commented: 'Exeter is a thriving and progressive city. We're thrilled to have been named Britain's Wi-fi Capital - it's a real bonus for the people of Exeter, for business and for tourism. ...more