[maemo-users] Sprint's N800 with WiMAX

[From: Paul Klapperich]

On 8/9/07, James Knott <james.knott at rogers.com> wrote:
> Acadia Secure Networks wrote:
> > Mike,
> >
> > here are some comments and observations about Verizon Wireless EVDO
> > usage policy and its (and ATT's) new Mobile TV service which provides an
> > alternate means for delivering broadcast (but not on demand) network
> > content to a mobile device.
> >
> >
>
> My cell phone provider supports GPRS data.  But, as a recent article I
> read points out, if people start using those high bandwidth services
> extensively, they will severely overload the cell network.  While cell
> phones can carry data, the network was never intended to carry sucy a load.
>

I'm sorry, but that's a horrible cop out. Granted, I wouldn't doubt
that it's true, but let's get real. Analog cellular was designed for
voice, and those are about to be shut off. Digital cellular was
designed for data, but specifically voice data. The major constraint
here is that each handset has to have a maximum delay between
transmissions and a minimum data rate guaranteed. This is already
worked into the protocols. Someone downloading with bitorrent will see
slower download speeds before anyone else on the network has problems
transmitting voice. Voice is a priority.

If it actually began to be a problem, there are two solutions.

1) Let the market solve the problem. If the service starts to suck
because it's being overloaded, increase the prices. This will get more
people to drop their service and fewer people using data. Maybe they
should sell fewer "Unlimited Plans" and more "500MB/mo" plans, or
similar.

2) Increase the bandwidth on the damn networks. That doesn't
necessarily mean more bandwidth per customer, it just means more
bandwidth total allowing you to service more customers simultaneously.
This is a common ISP problem.

To some extent, they're already doing #1 and there's no reason they
can't be using some of that cash to do a better job at #2. The state
of cellular service is America is atrocious, especially given what we
pay for the service.

--Paul