Google to launch experimental fiber network

[Google announces plans to build and test ultra high-speed broadband networks in a small number of test markets across the U.S.]

Google says it is planning to build and test ultra high-speed broadband networks in a small number of trial locations across the United States delivering Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today with 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections. The plan is to offer the service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people.

The goal is to experiment with new ways to help make Internet access better and faster for everyone. Here are some specific things that Google has in mind:

* Next generation apps: See what developers and users can do with ultra high-speeds, whether it's creating new bandwidth-intensive "killer apps" and services, or other uses we can't yet imagine. * New deployment techniques: Test new ways to build fiber networks, and to help inform and support deployments elsewhere, sharing key lessons learned with the world. * Openness and choice: Operate an "open access" network, giving users the choice of multiple service providers. Google will manage the network in an open, non-discriminatory and transparent way.

Like their WiFi network in Mountain View, the purpose of this project is to experiment and learn. Network providers are making real progress to expand and improve high-speed Internet access, but there's still more to be done. Through the trial, Google hopes to make a meaningful contribution to the shared goal of delivering faster and better Internet for everyone.

As a first step, today we're putting out a request for information (RFI) to help identify interested communities. We welcome responses from local government, as well as members of the public. We'll collect responses until March 26, and will announce our target communities later this year.

Motorola may spin off set-top/cellphone units - WSJ

NEW YORK, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Motorola Inc (MOT.N) may spin off its TV set-top box and cellphone businesses into a publicly traded company, and sell its wireless network equipment unit, according to the Wall Street Journal.

A report on the Journal website on Wednesday, citing unnamed people familiar with the matter, said a decision has yet to be finalized after it was discussed at board meetings at the end of January.

Motorola was not immediately available for comment.

Reuters learned last month that Motorola had slowed down efforts to sell its business unit that houses both network equipment and set-top boxes and was eyeing spinning off its network business with phones [ID:N14234766].

The Journal's story said that process has ended and that Motorola now sees a combination of set-top boxes and cellphones as a way for the company to differentiate itself from other phone makers, citing people familiar with the matter.

According to the report, second-round bidding for the network equipment business would begin soon.

Telecommunications equipment companies interested in the sale have included Arris Group (ARRS.O) and China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL].

Motorola said last month that it was going ahead with a plan to separate its handset business but its top executives, Greg Brown and Sanjay Jha, also said they were looking at structural alternatives.

The company has been struggling for years to win back share in the handset market.

Its set-top box unit has suffered due to the weak economy and its wireless network equipment business has suffered in recent years as consolidation among telecom operators has intensified competition among network gear makers.

Clear makes showing at 2010 Chicago Auto Show

[Clear its demonstrating its 4G service inside an experiential Ford Flex vehicle at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show.]

Chicago -- Clear will be demonstrating its 4G service inside an experiential Ford Flex vehicle at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. 4G customers can expect to see peak download speeds of up to 10 Mbps, with average download speeds of 3 to 6 Mbps. In contrast, some of today’s 3G wireless networks typically deliver download speeds of between 600 kbps – 1.4 Mbps.

The concept vehicle has four touch screen displays that can access a variety of applications via the internet. Automobile manufacturer’s and consumers will have the ability to see up close how the technology works today and the possibilities of how technology will have an impact on the automotive industry in the future.

Clear, which launched 4G wireless service in December 2009 in Chicago, should expect to see additional network expansions throughout the Chicago area throughout 2010. Customers also can purchase a wide range of 4G devices, including: compact USB modems, numerous Intel® embedded WiMAX laptops and netbooks, and other wireless devices all aimed at making Chicagoan’s lives more mobile and efficient.

FCC May Pay Broadcasters for Airwaves

The Federal Communications Commission is considering a plan to pay broadcasters to vacate airwaves it could use to alleviate network strain caused by the surging use of smartphones such as the iPhone, an FCC official said.

Regulators are weighing the compensation as part of a larger effort to improve access to high-speed Internet connections, says the official, who asked not to be identified because the plan is not yet public. The National Broadband Plan is due to be delivered to Congress in March.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski in October warned of a "looming spectrum crisis," saying it poses a threat to U.S. mobile communications. Genachowski's staff, in the broadband plan, will outline ways to make additional spectrum available. The plan may propose using revenue from airwave auctions to pay existing users to exit airwaves, the FCC official says.

Clogged Networks

"One of the options we are considering is compensating incumbent users to vacate, perhaps by receiving a share of the proceeds, subject to congressional approval," the official says. "We know there's a spectrum crunch; we are just trying to come up with options."

The government is looking for ways to cope as consumers step up use of mobile handsets including Apple's (AAPL) iPhone, Research In Motion's (RIMM) BlackBerry, and devices running the Android operating system, developed by a Google (GOOG)-led group. The surging data use results in clogged networks and dropped calls for companies such as AT&T (T).

The FCC in December asked the public for comment on whether broadcasters should relinquish some airwaves. Blair Levin, the FCC official who is overseeing the drafting of the broadband plan, said in December he wanted to explore "the idea that some broadcasters might wish to sell their spectrum in a way that benefits them and the country."

Typically, the government keeps proceeds from airwave auctions. Two recent big auctions alone generated $33.5 billion. New auctions could raise "tens of billions of dollars," says Peter Cramton, an economist at the University of Maryland at College Park. In the next decade, the government may need to double the amount of spectrum available, he says.

Broadcasters May Be Reluctant

There's no guarantee that Congress will approve the FCC's recommendation or that broadcasters will accept payment in exchange for relinquishing airwaves they could use to expand in areas including mobile digital TV (DTV), says Dennis Wharton, a spokesman for the National Association of Broadcasters, a Washington-based trade group.

"The broadcasters that I talk to are excited about the future, and particularly the opportunities afforded by live and local mobile DTV," Wharton says in an e-mailed statement. "They have no interest in 'cashing out' based on a speculative promise from the FCC that we will be receiving money in exchange for spectrum."

Broadcasters could free up some of their airwaves for high-speed wireless purposes while continuing to provide over-the-air broadcasts at other frequencies, Coleman Bazelon, a Washington-based analyst at The Brattle Group, wrote in an October paper submitted to the FCC.

That scenario would free up an estimated $48 billion in spectrum and involve paying broadcasters about $6 billion, according to the research. Redeploying the spectrum would have "far-reaching economic and social benefits," Bazelon wrote. "Not doing anything is a costly option."

Garmin-Asus M10 announced

[The Garmin-Asus M10 is a full-touch smartphone powered by Windows Mobile featuring preloaded mobile navigation from Garmin.]

Barcelona -- Garmin-Asus, a co-branded alliance between Garmin® Ltd. and ASUSTeK® Computer Inc. today announced the Garmin-Asus M10, a full-touch, all-in-one smartphone powered by the latest version of Windows Mobile® from Microsoft Corp. The M10 keeps professionals connected with business and personal contacts, email, calendar and IM, in addition to featuring preloaded mobile navigation from Garmin. The M10 is expected to be available through carrier and retail channels in Asia and Europe in the first half of 2010. The M10 will be on display at the Garmin-Asus exhibit (Hall 8, #8B127) at Mobile World Congress, February 15-18, 2010.

“The Garmin-Asus M10 is our answer to people’s need for work-life balance. The M10 runs Windows® Mobile, making it the ideal smartphone for business use, while its smart navigation capabilities, comprehensive social networking features and connected services enable users to lead a truly smart lifestyle. The M10 is the phone for the new Smart3 era.” said Benson Lin, Vice President and General Manager of ASUS’ Personal Mobile Devices Business Unit, Handheld Business Group.

“The Garmin-Asus M10 is a powerful time-saving tool that is designed for anyone who is tired of carrying numerous devices and instead wants to carry one device that gives them many of the same features found on a stand-alone phone, laptop, PND and digital camera,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin’s president and COO.

A Premium Smartphone

The Garmin-Asus M10 runs the latest version of Windows Mobile. Windows Mobile 6.5.3 features upgrades that enhance user experience and provides access to Windows Marketplace for Mobile, which offers a vast number of Windows phone applications for download.

“Windows phones move seamlessly from work to play, creating new experiences through a variety of hardware, applications and services,” said Andy Lees, senior vice president of Mobile Communication Business at Microsoft. “We are pleased to work closely with Garmin-Asus to bring to market Windows phones based on the latest version of Windows phone today and look forward to our work bringing more Windows phones to market in the future.”

The M10 has a sleek design with a 3.5-inch WVGA display and a finger-friendly user interface. The Billboard feature displays the most important information so users can review all at one glance. An intuitive 3D Task Manager also allows users to switch easily between running applications. Keeping the phone responsive and the navigation smooth are 512 RAM and 512 ROM, while 4GB of Flash memory provides ample storage for multimedia and data.

The M10 is equipped with a 1500 mAh battery for hours of uninterrupted use, as well as a full QWERTY soft keyboard for speedy text input. HSDPA wireless connectivity and Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) ensure that messages are sent and received quickly. In addition, the M10 can be synched to Microsoft Exchange® so that contacts, calendars and emails are always available and secure.

‘Click and Go’ Navigation

Recognizing that location is relevant to every aspect of every day, the Garmin-Asus M10 is designed with location information at its core and it delivers the most advanced location experience on a Windows phone. Navigation functions are linked to frequently used applications such as calendar, contacts, email, internet browser, and messaging; making an exceptionally intuitive and smooth navigation experience.

The M10 has advanced navigation features equivalent to a high-end Garmin nüvi® such as lane assist with junction view that guides drivers to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit and realistically displays road signs. It also has highway mode that tells drivers the next three upcoming street exits so they can plan ahead*. The M10 is ready for automotive navigation out-of-the-box, and it includes everything a customer needs to use the device in a car, including a powered cradle and windshield mount*.

Ushering in a Connected Lifestyle

The Garmin-Asus M10 boasts a range of social capabilities, including access to Facebook™ and Picasa Web Albums™. It also places real-time information on connected services* such as weather, safety cameras, traffic, flight status, and fuel prices at users’ fingertips. In addition, the M10 is equipped with a high performance five mega-pixel camera that automatically geotags photos so that users will always know where they were taken and can easily share them with friends via Facebook and Picasa.

Availability

The Garmin-Asus nüvifone M10 is expected to be available through carriers and retail distribution channels in Asia and Europe beginning in the first half of 2010. Journalists should contact Garmin-Asus media representatives to arrange product demonstrations or interviews. Additional information about the nüvifone product line is available at www.GarminAsus.com.