02 Adds 3G Spectrum In London Increasing Capacity And Providing Faster Internet Speeds
O2 Mobile Broadband has launched a new 3G network in London, which the company says will help improve both its network coverage and download speeds.
The telecoms giant is taking advantage of a recent decision by the regulator Ofcom which allows the company to reuse its existing 2G 900MHz spectrum for 3G services instead.
According to 02 the added spectrum in London will increase network capacity by as much as 50 per cent, offering users 30 per cent faster download speed, compared to when the spectrum was used to provide 2G services.
02 cited data provided by network specialists SIRODA, which suggests that between October 2010 and January 2011, O2 provided better data experiences in 12 out of 13 cities than other major operators.
Internet access to web pages on 02 was over three times fast than its slowest rival, rendering in just 1.4 seconds.
So-called 3G900 networks have already been deployed by O2 in various UK cities, including Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester.
“We’ve acted quickly to bring the benefits of 3G over 900MHz spectrum to our customers and we’re thrilled with the results,” said Nigel Purdy, chief technology officer (CTO) for Telefonica O2 UK.
Mr. Purdy added that the company intends to “intelligently layer” its network to ensure customers could access 2G, 3G, HSPA+, LTE and Wi-Fi connections.
> > Click here to order O2 mobile broadband
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Leading UK ISP’s To Reveal Network Management Policy To Customers
A number of UK internet service providers will reveal to customers details of their traffic management policy and how they restrict broadband internet speeds.
The ISP’s include Sky Broadband, BT Total Broadband and Virgin Media Broadband, all of whom have agreed to abide by a new code of conduct drafted by the Broadband Stakeholders Group. The idea behind the policy is to show customers why speed restrictions must be placed to ensure network stability during periods when the network is busy.
The ISP’s argue that they must slow down internet speeds during periods when the network is extremely busy, since it enables them to maintain a strong network that does not degrade during periods of high traffic.
The policy has been criticized by some who worry that it will result in a two tiered internet, one where ISP’s charge specific websites for prioritizing their traffic.
Antony Walker, BSG chief executive believes that the new code is important for transparency and that whatever policy of traffic management is designed going forward, it is important that customers are aware of it.
“There has been more heat than light in the debate about traffic management over recent years,” he said. “This commitment to provide clear and comparable information in a common format is very important.”
Walker added: “It will not only help to ensure consumers are better informed about the services they buy and use, but will also provide a clearer picture for policy makers of the way in which traffic management is actually used in the UK market.”
Other companies backing the code include O2 Broadband, TalkTalk Broadband, 3 Mobile Broadband and Vodafone Mobile Broadband. All the signatories together account for 90 per cent of fixed line customers and 60 per cent of mobile customers across the UK.
“Consumers need to be able to make informed choices about the services they buy and policy makers need to be able to make informed decisions about the policy and regulatory framework they set,” Walker added.
“This new commitment provides an essential building block for getting both of these things right.”
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3 Mobile Broadband Show Apple iPad Love
3 Mobile broadband have cranked up the heat a notch for Apple iPad service providers. The groundbreaking gadget from Apple seems to have taken the world by storm, even my mum has got one, though all she seems to do all day is play Scrabble against the computer (78% success rate allegedly!).
Anyway, 3 mobile broadband will be announcing a new tariff for the Apple iPad that could well blow the competition out of the water. The rumoured deal is -
- Only £199 for a 16GB iPad
- 15GB data allowance a month
- Only £25 a month
These are the figures that are being bandied around at present, with slightly higher initial cost for the 32 and 64GB versions. The iPad currently holds 87.4% of the world’s tablet market, and with rumours that the second version is soon to be announced, it looks like 3 mobile have timed this awesome tariff to perfection. My mum will be pleased!
> > Click here to order 3 Mobile Broadband
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Virgin Media to Launch Wi-Fi Network?
Virgin Media broadband are said to planning a major move into launching their very own Wi-Fi network. This manoeuvre would see than come into direct competition with BT Total broadband, who’s OpenZone network currently dominates the market.
Reports claim that Virgin Media would like to build off the back of their recent 100Mbps internet connection, with a top end 3G Wi-Fi service the natural next step in coverage. A 3G network would help ease capacity crunch, with Wi-Fi able to help take the strain and of maximum usage through offloaded traffic.
With 100Mbps connection now available to up to 12.6 million homes in the UK, Virgin Media’s possible move into the 3G Wi-Fi market would probably be the next logical step for the company to take. Watch this space for details…
> > Click here to order Virgin Media broadband
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Virgin Media 9 Month Broadband Student Offer
Virgin Media broadband is launching a great new broadband offer that is perfect for students who will be returning to University in the coming weeks. These tailor made packages run for just 9 months, making them an absolute must for students who will not require broadband in their residence once term has finished. Obviously with many people living in rented accommodation during term time, these 9 month contracts ensure that no extra charges will be incurred after your studies are over.
A Virgin Media 9 month package includes -
- Unlimited downloads
- Free wireless router
- Virgin Media security
- Free online file storage
- Free activation for NUS Extra card holders
- No phone line required
There are 3 great packages to choose from on the 9 month tariff, plus you can also receive a 15% student discount on a Virgin mobile broadband package or a mobile phone contract. Great news for all you student out there who want to save money for the more important student expenditures!
> > Click here to order Virgin Student broadband
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Boris Johnson Plans Underground Internet Access
The mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is supporting plans to install Wi-Fi hotspots in Underground stations across the capital to allow commuters the ability use mobile broadband whilst taking their daily journeys around London. Mr. Johnson plan would see London become one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world, though the cost of such an achievement may not be financially viable.
The idea was first introduced 5 years ago by then mayor Ken Livingstone, though at the time the costs made it virtually impossible. Thanks to today’s advanced technology, the possibility of such a breakthrough is far more achievable, though still at great cost. Only last month Mr. Johnson addressed a Google conference about extending London’s internet coverage in time for the 2012 Olympics with the help of Europe’s largest broadband provider, The Cloud. Plans to increase the capital’s broadband capabilities would include installing hotspots in street lights and bus stops, making London’s free roaming internet one of the best in the world.
Mr. Johnson said -
The truth is that I’m on the side of progress if we possibly can do it. We could do it because I do think people want the facility of looking at their BlackBerrys. There are big technical difficulties. It’s very expensive.
Having spent a vast majority of my life on London’s public transport, the possibility to work, communicate and most importantly to me, PLAY whilst on the move could be a double edged sword. The thought of people bringing out their expensive laptops and phones on the tube to communicate may seem like progress, but it could also cause a lot of nuisance through noise (have you ever sat on the bus next to someone on their phone!) and may also turn the Tube into a muggers paradise! Personally I’d rather keep my expensive personal belongings in the safety of my pocket…
whilst reading someone else’s paper over their shoulder!
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Half Price Dongle with O2 Mobile Broadband – Offer ends 31-05-10
O2 mobile broadband have reduced the price of their ‘pay and go’ dongles until Monday 31st May 2010. If you order online before midnight on this date you will now receive their award winning on the go mobile broadband dongle for just £9.99 instead of £19.99! This great deal is only available online, so if you’re in the market for a new mobile broadband provider then why not look at O2′s fantastic service.
Also launched today with O2 mobile broadband is the brand new Asus UL30A Netbook, which is now available for just £79.99 on a 24 month contract. This great looking personal computer weighs in at just 1.6kg and features -
- Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 Processor
- Windows 7 Home Premium
- 320GB hard Drive
- 3GB RAM
- 8 Cell Battery
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- 0.3MP Webcam
With O2 mobile broadband you have unlimited Wi-Fi access to over 7500 hotspots across the UK, offering one of the the most comprehensive coverages on the market. So why not choose O2 mobile broadband and take advantage of this half price dongle offer today, only available online until midnight
Monday 31st May 2010.
> > Click here to order O2 mobile broadband
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T Mobile and 3 Network in £400 Million Broadband Deal
T Mobile broadband and 3 mobile broadband have just signed a new £400 million contract with the Nokia Siemens Network as both companies look to expand their UK coverage on their shared mobile broadband network. This huge deal is big business, and will help massively in boosting their joint operation named Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL).
The MBNL joint company has managed to integrate more than 7,000 out of 12,500 mast sites as the shared network requires a lot less since the businesses have joined forces Once the integration project is completed in October 2010, more than 3,000 sites will have been turned off.
This new deal will see MBNL’s national coverage expand to more than 98% of the population by the end of this year, which is great news for prospective customers who demand not only a strong broadband signal at home, but also whilst on the move. The new multi million pound deal will also see the Nokia Siemens Network providing additional 3G radio network infrastructure alongside mobile network planning and maintenance.
Managing director of MBNL, Graham Payne, said -
With Nokia Siemens Networks, we are confident of providing the UK’s most smartphone friendly, high-speed 3G network to more people in the UK than any other operator.
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3 Mobile Broadband Offer MiFi Car Kit
3 mobile broadband has just unveiled a brand new in car WiFi system that will allow you to have your very own hotspot everywhere you drive. The system connects over a 3G network and allows users to create their own local wireless connection whilst on the move, though don’t try using your laptop whilst driving!
The car kit, revealed at The Gadget Show in Birmingham, comes with a Huawei MiFi modem, mains and car charger. It even comes with windscreen holder and can hold up to 1GB of data for a month. 3 mobile broadband are confident the car kit will be a big success as it will allow passengers the ability to entertain themselves with their iPods, netbooks or gaming consoles. Plus it will be a great way to access traffic updates and plan routes whilst on the move.
Head of 3′s internet services, David Kerrigan, said -
We’re always looking at new products and services that connect our customers in more places both at home and on the move and In Car Wi-Fi does this. Our research suggests that over 25% of the population are interested in having the internet in their cars, with families and travelling work colleagues showing the most interest. Mobile workers can check traffic information and email on route to a meeting and kids can social network or download tracks to an iPod Touch while on a road trip.
> > Click here to order 3 mobile broadband
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Choosing a Mobile Broadband Package
Choosing a mobile broadband package will largely depend on how often you use the internet and what you plan to use it for. Mobile broadband is generally not the right option for those who heavily use the internet and download of a lot of files. It does however make a lot of sense for people who are on the go. Before choosing a provider you should also take the time to check out how good the reception in your area.
Contract Mobile Broadband
Just like with your mobile phone, mobile broadband packages are available on contract. Contracts can range between 12 to 24 months. Each contract has a different data transfer limit, some offer different connection speeds, and there are differences in prices. Most however come bundled with a free wireless dongle.
Like with most things, it is best to shop around a look for the best deal on offer, especially since it is a rapidly growing market, competition is intensifying and there is an opportunity to pick up great bargains.
You may find however, that it is better to pay a little more, or commit to a longer contract so that you get faster speeds and bigger data transfer limits.
Many contracts come with free laptops or netbooks included.
Pay As You Go Mobile Broadband
PAYG mobile broadband is exactly the same as PAYG mobile phones. The major advantage with PAYG is that it does not tie you into a contract, instead all you need to do is top up your data transfer limit as and when you need too.
You will however need to by your own dongle, but that is balanced by the fact that you do not run the risk of exceeding your limit and paying additional charges.
Some providers offer starter kits, which are very similar to PAYG, but comes with a pre-loaded data allowance, designed to give customers the ability to try out mobile broadband for the first time.
Starter kits are also available. These are similar to PAYG packages, but they come pre-loaded with a data allowance. They are for people who want to try out mobile broadband for the first time.
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