The Demand for the Data Pipe

Thursday, 02. 18. 2010  –  Category: T2 Communications

It seems like ages ago when data connections were only available via dial up and our consumption was limited more to a time block than a logistical need.  We couldn’t keep our phone lines tied up, and even when we tried our connection was often broken with regularity.  Even with the latest gear, the process was inefficient, slow and aggravating.  Of course, for most people it really didn’t matter because there wasn’t anything to do online that we couldn’t accomplish by using the postal service or reading a newspaper.

How times have changed.  Now, that data connection has become the equivalent of a morning commute—it is their way into work.  We communicate more via e-mail, text and social media without considering picking up the phone or…

Should Data Connections Be Considered Essential Like a Utility?

Thursday, 02. 4. 2010  –  Category: T2 Communications

Every month, we get the usual round of bills at home.  For most, there is the electrical and the gas bill.  Most pay for trash and perhaps water.  Likely you either you have a mortgage payment to make or rent to deliver.  Combined with our food tab for the month, these are considered “essential” services for our existence.

And then there is data.

For the purposes of this article, data is any connection you pay for over which communication is delivered.  For some that still means copper phone lines.  It also means cable or satellite service, internet connections, wireless (cell phone) service and any other devices like VoIP that you pay for to create your experience.  They come from one provider or three, and like clockwork they…

Where is Customer Service in the Future of Wireless?

Tuesday, 01. 19. 2010  –  Category: Dial611

More and more providers are jumping into unlimited or “all you can eat” packages, offering customers a security blanket against the old fear (and lucrative business model) of overage charges.  But like any competitive marketplace, there is always a desire to trump the competition.  As a result, these unlimited packages have gone from $200, to $99, to now well under $50 per month.  While consumers cheer these more reasonably priced offerings, anyone who knows business has to wonder—where are the margins?

It would be one thing if providers were not expanding their networks or improving to 3G and 4G technologies to deliver service.  But if the data overload that iPhones are delivering to AT&T are any indication, the opposite is true.  With calls, texts and data demands…

Comparing 3G Networks

Friday, 11. 20. 2009  –  Category: Ranger Wireless Solutions

An interesting lawsuit by AT&T has been making a lot of news lately.   They are suing Verizon in an effort to force them to stop airing new ads that tout a superior 3G network.  While the case seems far from over, current rulings seem to be favoring Verizon; who touts having five times the 3G coverage.  This debate brings to light an interesting conversation—how do you determine the best 3G network?  The truth is (at least in part) in the eye of the beholder.

The term 3G is really more generic than it seems.  In simple terms, 3G stands for the 3rd Generation of wireless networks.  It actually describes many different technology types, from CDMA to GSM to even WiMAX.  Therefore, depending on the wireless carrier you are talking…