Readers' Comments

Reader Comments on Aardvark Daily 24 March 2003
Note: the comments below are the unabridged submissions of readers and do
not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.
From: Mark Ross
For : The Editor (for publication)
Subj: Cost of Wireless IP vs. Cellular

I personally have yet to see any numbers that state the
consumption of IP bandwidth over "WiFi" (or wireless
ethernet) will be less expensive than cellular calls - if
you have such figures I would be interested in seeing them.

The way Telecom currently charge for bandwidth, I would be
surprised to see Wifi end up being a viable alternative -
ESPECIALLY if Telecom is not competing in that space, they
would have a vested interest in ensuring it is not
financially viable for competitors.

Remember, just because there are a selection of "free"
wireless access points today, does not mean they will stay
that way - someone has to pay for that bandwidth!




From: Dave Keane
For : The Editor (for publication)
Subj: WiFi

I agree that it's only a matter of time. I see it taking a
few years as the Established Telcos, or a new one (Aardvark
Communications?) to create a WiFi 'Cell/VOIP' Network.

The main problem being that they'd have to have phones that
support VOIP coming out before they would consider making a
VOIP Network. It'd be the same way 'PXT' came out, PXT
phones first, then PXT service.

The second problem is the delay between deciding to move
for WiFi/VOIP tech, then actually doing it.
Getting 'commercial' WiFi products capable of loads that
are possible in major cities, and how to charge other than
VOIP connections, or block other connections completely.

This is the way of the future to be sure, but I see it a
way off yet.




From: David Hallett
For : The Editor (for publication)
Subj: Bluetooth + WiFi + GSM = WANDA

WANDA :: Wireless Any Network Digital Assistant
"Accelent® Systems Designs New Tri-Wireless PDA Concept
Design For Texas Instruments As An Independent Omap™
Technology Center" [1]

"CNN [2] is reporting on the latest from Texas Instruments
seen recently at the Cellular Telecommunication and
Internet Association (CTIA) conference in New Orleans.
They've managed to jam these three techs into one chip.
Soon we'll be seeing the techie equivalent of a swiss army
knife." [3]

[1] http://www.accelent.com/TMRG5.ASP?PAGE_ID=791
[2] http://money.cnn.com/2003/03/20/technology/techinvestor/hellweg/index.htm
[3] http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/03/20/2253201




From: Cliff
For : The Editor (for publication)
Subj: WiFi etc

Isn't this WiFi thing a bit like streaming internet video?
(never really delivers on it's promise)

I have seen several 'wireless internet solutions' companies
come and go over the last few years. The technology still
seems fraught with problems (weather, physical location)
even after we have been told many times that the technology
is stable.

I remember a while back I had a few meetings with a startup
wireless provider who had the 'latest and greatest'
(military-based) technology. I asked for a trial run of a
month or so to see if the technology was as good as they
said it was. I was flatly refused and told

"we know it works and we don't need to trial it again"

I had only asked cause I had had bad experiences with
another wireless firm (the signal dropped comstantly even
though we were in direct line of sight to a
repeater/transmitter and the conditions were ideal)

In the end, trial or no trial, it didn't matter - they have
since gone under.....

I don't hold much hope for this technology as any equipment
they need to place in the city (such as repeaters etc) will
come under hellfire from 'greenies' who feel that the radio
waves are not healthy for us....can you imagine telling the
public that there is a need for 25 repeaters in the central
city, imagine the outcry (in fact havent we gone over this
before with cell repeaters? - I may be wrong)

Is this technology ever really going to become mainstream?
I reckon it'll be one of those "in the too hard basket"
items for a few years to come yet.




From: Kris Bieringa
For : The Editor (for publication)
Subj: Wifi Networks

In terms of city wifi networks, wellington has the beginings of one being
established. This is Cafénet. http://www.cafenet.co.nz/ Citylink is
building nodes around where its Fibre network at certain cafes etc.




From: Andy Gardner
For : The Editor (for publication)
Subj: WiFi VOIP

Excellent idea! And there are plenty of companies in NZ with
the technology to make it fly.

But what planet are you on when you suggest Telecom and
Vodafone get involved in the network? That would kill off
the low-cost aspect right from the get-go.

WiFi's biggest attraction is bypassing Telecom's intelligent
network, and the crazy prices it carries with it.

KEEP WiFi STUPID!!!




From: Paulw
For : The Editor (not for publication)
Subj: WIFI networks

Does any one remember the Telepoint trial at Wellington
Airport around the late 80s/early 90s??  This was a similar
concept using a small CT2 handset that would allow you to
make local telephone calls with out the cost of a cell phone
calls.  This was also tried in alot of Asian cites.  It was
a failure.  Why??  Because of the cost of reticulating the
city and buildings so that these local base stations could
be used. People prefered the conveniance of a cell phone.  I
feel that WiFi will go the same way if the telcos get into
the act..  Question.  Who will supply the cabling
inferstructure, central billing for WiFi.  The local ISP,
Cell phone company, data company?? I'm yet to be convinced
that local cell WiFi will be suscessful..
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