Quantum Networks’ CEO, Ari Zoldan, was quoted in two recent news stories. In the first, a CNN Money article entitled “Surprise! AT&T’s network got very good,” Ari Zoldan comments on AT&T’s use of the term “4G” in its marketing efforts:

“AT&T advertises HSPA+ as ’4G,’ so the average consumer will likely not think of the carrier as not being current with latest technology,” said Ari Zoldan, CEO of Quantum Networks, a next-generation network supplier. “Having HSPA+ in areas outside of LTE markets is very smart and serves a niche for the carrier, and it’s still to be determined whether customers will put enough value on ‘true’ 4G.”

In Twitter Exodus Possibly Linked to Stock Restrictions, Yahoo! News contributor Mike Colapietro analyzes the reason behind recent departures at Twitter–specifically the theory that dissatisfied employees are “cashing in” and moving on. Ari suggested that Twitter may not be paying enough to keep its employees on board and should look into offering more flexibility when it comes to employee stock. Still, “Twitter is a social media company that launched at the right time, at the right place,” Zoldan said. “At this point I don’t see a number two or even a number three.”

Read the full CNN Money article and Yahoo! News articles for more information.

]]> http://www.quantum-wireless.com/blog/ari-zoldan-quantum-ceo-quoted-on-cnn-money-yahoo-news-7974/feed/ 0 http://www.quantum-wireless.com/blog/cellphone-mate-4g-lte-booster-for-att-now-available-7595/ http://www.quantum-wireless.com/blog/cellphone-mate-4g-lte-booster-for-att-now-available-7595/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:03:04 +0000 Yannick Schwarz http://www.quantum-wireless.com/blog/?p=7595

Quantum is proud to introduce the first ever 4G booster for the AT&T LTE network: the Cellphone-Mate CM700A 70dB LTE Amplifier.
The CM 700A provides a strong and reliable 4G signal for buildings up to 30,000 sq ft. It will enhance both voice and data transmissions for multiple devices simultaneously and prevent dropped calls, interrupted data transfers or slow browsing.

The Cellphone Mate CM 700 A offers independently controlled uplinks and downlinks to provide optimal speeds on the 700MHz LTE frequency.

Easy to install, the booster comes with velcro an screw mounts. It will require the separate purchase of antennas and cables to be fully functional.

Cellphone Mate now offers 4G booster solutions for all major LTE networks:

• CM 700 LTE Amplifier for Verizon — also available as a kit (Kit A with a directional antenna or Kit B with an omni-directional antenna)
• CM 2100 AWS for T-Mobile — also available as a kit (Kit A with a directional antenna or Kit B with an omni-directional antenna)

There are MiFi devices out there for every carrier, network, and bandwidth. The real question is, which model is compatible with your service provider? Each major carrier uses its own system design for its cellular network and therefore builds its devices according to specific compatibility requirements. Meaning, a Verizon phone is not built the same way as one from AT&T. One obvious manifestation of this: Verizon phones don’t use SIM cards while AT&T phones do.

So when constructing MiFi devices, Novatel Wireless (the creator of the device) had to build distinct models for each cellular network. The MiFi 2352 and MiFi 2372 are GSM-compatible devices which operate on networks like T-Mobile and AT&T. These run on data SIM cards, the same cards found in T-Mobile and AT&T cell phones. You can even transfer your SIM card directly from your phone into your MiFi.

The Unlocked MiFi 2200, on the other hand, is built for CDMA networks including Sprint and Verizon. The Verizon MiFi 2200, as its name suggests, works only on Verizon’s network. These MiFi models don’t use SIM technology and come with their own data plans.

So, when buying a MiFi, double check that the model you’re surveying is compatible with your service provider and their network. That will help you avoid the frustration of returning a dysfunctional product and trying to find one that will really work. Be smart and do your homework before you make a purchase.

Quantum Wireless offers several different MiFi devices that include the Novatel MiFi 2372 (for North America), the Novatel MiFi 2352 (for Europe), the Novatel MiFi 2200 (for Verizon and RevA Networks), and lastly, the soon-to-be-released Novatel Wireless MiFi 4510L 4G for Verizon, currently available on pre-order.

Use this chart to figure out which MiFi is right for you.

What is a MiFi hotspot and why have these devices generated so much buzz? A MiFi is simply a portable, handheld device that creates a wireless internet hotspot wherever there is existing cell phone coverage. Without this device, one would only be able access the internet in an area near an existing WiFi access point, such as a local library or Starbucks. A MiFi not only provides online access within a 30-foot radius, it also enables up to five WiFi-enabled devices, such as MP3 players and digital cameras, to connect to the internet as well.

When you insert your cellphone’s SIM card into an unlocked MiFi, it allows the MiFi to access your cellphone carrier’s network. Its capability as a router enables it to create and share a WiFi network with other devices. The MiFi has storage capabilities for downloaded files and it runs on a rechargeable battery that allows for up to four hours of use on the go. You must select a model that is compatible with your mobile phone’s network provider and purchase a monthly data plan from them as well. It is also important to select a MiFi that is compatible with your desired continental phone carrier, as these devices function only with select providers on specific continents. Mobile hotspots are extremely useful for business or vacation travelers who require internet access in hotels, in airports and while in transit.

Explore all of Quantum’s MiFi Mobile Hotspots.

The convenience of the cell phone rests in the confident assertion that as a device untethered to a wired base, it provides users the ability to stay in touch at any time– no matter how far off the beaten path they’ve wandered. But with the versatility of these devices so apparent, the pendulum has swung more towards reliance than convenience in terms of usage. The mobile phone is no longer a device you use when you know you’re not going to be home, but rather something that has taken place of the trusty landline. Whereas the old technology was hardwired to your home, the newer incarnation can follow you out the door and down the street mid-conversation. The pressing issue with such overall innovation is the reliability of an intangible connection to one’s signal provider.

Countless customers have the same story to tell; it starts off with an important conversation in a place where a strong signal is assumed and ends in a dropped call. While a few minutes spent talking to dead air is embarrassing in and of itself, it’s more troubling to repeatedly lose a connection in the midst of an exchange of vital  information. That’s where companies like Wi-Ex and Wilson come in. Realizing these all-t00-frequent occurrences were not only just freak accidents, but more the result of signal and service inadequacies, these companies have cornered the market on the all-t00-valuable cell signal booster. These signal repeater devices range in price from $250-$1,000 and are the savior of many a cell phone user.

Despite salvaging the signal of many customers left out in the cold by the very own service providers they represent, the CTIA (Cellular Telephone Industries Association) is now staging opposition to such technological assistance. The Wireless Association paid a visit to the FCC to file a complaint calling for stricter regulation on signal boosters. The CTIA’s efforts echoed those of  Verizon and AT&T, both of whom had already made similar filings claiming that cell boosters were responsible for cellular network interference and service disruptions– an assertion that is supported by public safety officials operating on closed wireless networks. This is somewhat ironic when you consider the amount of product Wilson has provided to law enforcement and public safety officials alike to allow for ease of communication (most recently in Yavapai County, AZ).

The CTIA’s grievance asks for an F.C.C. mandate that  “the use of signal boosters be coordinated with and controlled by commission licensees and the sale and marketing of such devices be limited to authorized parties.”  So basically, the companies that are providing you with deficient signal in places you need it most, want to control just who can assist you with that problem. Whereas others previously had the foresight to remedy this problem, it’s likely that service providers could try to exclude companies such as Wilson and Wi-Ex from giving you a bar boost.

The complaint seems all-too-convenient for service providers who have begun producing their very own incarnation of booster called “femtocells.” Having the appearance of a wireless router, the femtocell typically attaches to a broadband connection to spread signal throughout a localized dead zone, such as a home or office. Verizon and AT&T are offering their versions of these devices at price points competitive to that of signal boosters offered by competitors such as Wilson. Sprint has taken the role of benevolent provider, in effect apologizing for signal deficiencies by offering the Airave Access Point 3G, free on a case-by-case basis.

If wireless providers have such an objection with cell repeaters and antennas compensating for their service deficiencies, it would make more sense not to strong-arm others who bring the most out of their signal out of the signal boosting game, but to work with them to get them to play ball and help maximize their signal. Or if it’s the technology they truly have qualms with, they can rely on the superiority of femtocells to win out provided the price is right for customers. Really though, it’s the responsibility of the likes of the Verizons and AT&Ts to furnish the signal that people pay for. If they’re not doing it either with their towers or femtocell technology, people should have the right to compensate for their lack of signal in any way possible. The booster companies are just trying to capitalize on the signal chasm between wireless companies and their customers. If Verizon and AT&T want to point the finger at anyone, perhaps it should be themselves.

You know what I say, Sprint’s got the right idea. Get those customers free femtocells or else it’s every phone-wielding man,woman and child for themselves.

AT&T once led the pack of US wireless service providers thanks to a benevolent relationship with the folks at Apple and the ubiquity of the iPhone. Verizon leapfrogged their main competition by taking advantage of many iPhone users dissatisfaction with their network, providing their own answer to the ultimate smartphone and offering superior network capabilities. They also offered users the opportunity to take advantage of their impressive mobile broadband network via a mobile hotspot called the Verizon MiFi (manufactured by Novatel Wireless)– granting customers access to the web wherever they decided to roam.

Though mobile Internet has always been a feature for iPhone users, AT&T customers wishing to use their other devices to connect to their subscribed network have been out of luck. It looks like that luck is finally turning around as AT&T has recently announced that they will be offering their very own GSM-based mobile hotspot. Starting this Sunday, November 21st, Novatel's MiFi 2372 device will be available on AT&T. The wireless router will come equipped with the MiFi OS, widgets, and application support,in addition to its stellar ability to allow a simultaneous connection for up to five devices.

Laptops, cameras, PCs, tablets and gaming devices will all be able to log on and share information via AT&T's HSPA 7.2 network with this portable connection tool. The browser-based widgets will take advantage of AGPS technology, providing connected gadgets with localized search info and area weather–amongst other things. It also includes a built-in MicroSD slot allowing for up to 32MB of storage capacity, the contents of which can also be shared.   Sunday is a new day for AT&T customers, they'll finally get the roaming power of the internet with their very own MiFi 2372. The wireless provider is offering the device for $49.99 after rebate and data plans ranging from $35 (200MB) to $60 (5GB). Good for you, AT&T users, you don't have to rely on your iPhone for all of your mobile net needs anymore.

In 2010, AT&T is spending more than any other wireless carrier to upgrade their 3G wireless network to HSPA+ and current cell sites. They’ve recently upgraded their network in 120 cell sites in the Northeast. They’ve increased their voice and data services in Waterford and Niantic, New Haven and West Haven, Connecticut, Jones Beach and in the Hampton in New York. They’ve also updated networks along the New Jersey shore, from Point Pleasant Beach and Long Beach Island and from Atlantic City to Cape May. Bethany and Rehoboth in Delaware and Ocean City, Maryland received an upgrade to their AT&T coverage.

They’re upgrading throughout the country because their data traffic has increased more that 5,000 percent in only three years. This is mostly due to the increase in smart phones, one in particular, the Apple iPhone. They’ve released the 4G iPhone recently and AT&T needs to upgrade in preparation of more data being consumed.

There are many different ways to connect to AT&T’s 3G network. Novatel Wireless offers some of the best options, including the Novatel Wireless MiFi Mobile Intelligent hotspot It takes the activated SIM card from AT&T, plugs into the MiFi 2372 and you can share the 3G connection with up to five friends. It’s a wireless cloud of about 30 feet, providing you and your friends with an internet connection.

Bring the internet to the beach with the MiFi 2372. AT&T works on certain frequencies, so the other unlocked MiFi 2352 will also work on AT&T’s wireless network. You can use the MiFi to connect your new iPhone, iPad and iPod touch along with your laptop and notebook computer.

This summer, bring your office to the beach using the unlocked MiFi 2372. Unlocked means you can use a SIM card from any wireless carrier and plug it into the MiFi. You’ll instantly get an internet connection on that carrier’s 3G network.  Don’t be disconnected while you’re soaking up the rays this summer, get a MiFi 2372 for AT&T.

Quantum-Wireless.com has a complete selection of MiFi devices, including the MiFi 2372, MiFi 2372 and CDMA versions of the devices.

Dear Router Ryan,

Do I need to have a contract with AT&T and have a SIM card to be able to use the Novatel 2372?

Yes, you need an AT&T SIM activated SIM card to use it with the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2372. It works by taking the activated SIM card and placing it in the unlocked MiFi device. It works great as a mobile internet solution. Take it with you when you travel and you’ll have an internet connection.

Quantum-Wireless.com has a complete selection of MiFi devices, along with extra battery for the MiFi 2372. We also have a MiFi car charger for long trips where you’ll always need an internet connection. Users can connect up to five WiFi enabled devices.

-Router Ryan

AT&T’s coverage area has been the subject of much ridicule from competitors. What are AT&T users to do when looking for a signal while traveling?

The Wilson Sleek is a portable device that that is a nice small unit with a cradle, charger and antenna. The Wilson Electronics Sleek works for iPhones and AT&T users. The iPhone includes a signal strength tester so you can see where there are weak spots in the network. The Wilson Sleek provides an improved signal anywhere on the road. It’s perfect for road warriors that use an AT&T iPhone while traveling.

Users will never lose a signal again with the Wilson Sleek mobile cell signal booster. Quantum-Wireless.com has a complete selection of Wilson Electronics products along with the Wilson Sleek. It’s the perfect companion for iPhone owners that spend time on the road.

AT&T is now offering two MiFi devices from Cradlepoint. They’re routers that connect to AT&T’s network using SIM cards and other wired connections.

The PHS 300 Personal WiFi Hotspot maintains more than one data connection for up to 16 WiFi enabled devices. The PHS 300 supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 firewall encryption along with support for NAT and SPI. The connection is an ethernet based connection, meaning that it’s a good device for businesses that need more than one internet connection.

The other MiFi device for AT&T is the CTR350. It’s a Mobile Broadband Travel Router that supports 16 devices and the same security features as the PHS 300. The main difference between the two is that the CTR 350 provides a more mobile internet experience. It has a fail over mechanism that connects to AT&T’s HSDPA network in case the ethernet data connection stops working.

Quantum-Wireless.com has a complete selection of 3G/4G routers from Cradlepoint and other top brands.