Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.
Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.
United States Patent 6,608,859
De , et al. August 19, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fast joint detection base station
Abstract
A code division multiple access base station receives K data signals over a shared spectrum. The base station receives and samples a combined signal having the K transmitted data signals. A combined channel response matrix is produced. A block column of a cross correlation matrix is determined using the combined channel response matrix. Each block entry of the block column is a K by K matrix. Each block entry of the block column is a K by K matrix. A fourier transform of a complex conjugate transpose of the combined channel response matrix multiplied to the combined signal samples is taken. An inverse of a fourier transform of each block entry is multiplied to a result of the fourier transform to produce a fourier transform of the data vector. An inverse fourier transform of the data vector fourier transform is taken to produce data of the K signals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: De; Parthapratim (Plainview, NY); Pan; Jung-Lin (Selden, NY); Zeira; Ariela (Huntington, NY)
Assignee: InterDigital Technology Corporation (Wilmington, DE)
Appl. No.: 081304
Filed: February 20, 2002
Current U.S. Class: 375/147; 375/150; 370/342
Intern'l Class: H04B 001/69; H04B 007/216
Field of Search: 375/147,150 370/335,342,441,320
United States Patent Application 20020163898
Kind Code A1
Proctor, James A. JR. November 7, 2002
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fast acquisition of traffic channels for a highly variable data rate reverse link of a CDMA wireless communication system
Abstract
A service option overlay for a CDMA wireless communication in which multiple allocatable subchannels are defined on a reverse link by assigning different code phases of a given long pseudonoise (PN) code to each subchannel. The instantaneous bandwidth needs of each on-line subscriber unit are then met by dynamically allocating none, one, or multiple subchannels on an as needed basis for each network layer connection. The system efficiently provides a relatively large number of virtual physical connections between the subscriber units and the base stations on the reverse link for extended idle periods such as when computers connected to the subscriber units are powered on, but not presently actively sending or receiving data. These maintenance subchannels permit the base station and the subscriber units to remain in phase and time synchronism. This in turn allows fast acquisition of additional subchannels as needed by allocating new code phase subchannels. Preferably, the code phases of the new channels are assigned according to a predetermined code phase relationship with respect to the code phase of the corresponding maintenance subchannel.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Proctor, James A. JR.; (Indialantic, FL)
Correspondence Name and Address: HAMILTON, BROOK, SMITH & REYNOLDS, P.C.
530 VIRGINIA ROAD
P.O. BOX 9133
CONCORD
MA
01742-9133
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Tantivy Communications, Inc.
Melbourne
FL
Serial No.: 179121
Series Code: 10
Filed: June 24, 2002
United States Patent Application 20020163979
Kind Code A1
Takatz, Mark J. ; et al. November 7, 2002
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Narrowband gain control of receiver with digital post filtering
Abstract
An Automatic Gain Control (AGC) circuit as used in a digital receiver that utilizes a main loop filter that is of a relatively wide bandwidth. A pre-filter, wideband variance is determined from the input digital signal, and a post-filter, narrowband variance is also determined. The wideband and narrowband variances are then compared to determine if the wideband signal power indicates a variance level that is too great to permit normal loop operation. By reapplying this difference in the power levels to the filter output as needed, such as by a scaling operation, the loss in dynamic range is effectively recovered. In a preferred embodiment, an adjustable gain input amplifier feeds an intermediate frequency (IF) signal to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The digitized IF signal is then down-converted to a baseband frequency and subjected to digital filtering. A narrowband sample variance (P.sub.N) of the digitally filtered (narrowband) data is then determined. A wideband sample variance (P.sub.W) is also taken from the raw ADC output data over the same period as the time period used for P.sub.N. In the presence of out-of-band signal components, P.sub.W will be quite different from P.sub.N. This difference indicates a desired proportional difference in a control voltage or a gain backoff amount.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Takatz, Mark J.; (Melbourne, FL) ; Keel, Alton S. JR.; (Hellam, PA) ; Haenggi, Stefan; (Melbourne Beach, FL)
Correspondence Name and Address: HAMILTON, BROOK, SMITH & REYNOLDS, P.C.
530 VIRGINIA ROAD
P.O. BOX 9133
CONCORD
MA
01742-9133
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Tantivy Communictions, Inc.
Melbourne
FL
Serial No.: 847056
Series Code: 09
Filed: May 1, 2001
United States Patent Application 20020166068
Kind Code A1
Kilgore, Brian November 7, 2002
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Firewall protection for wireless users
Abstract
In a computer telecommunications network, firewalls protect a machine or network from undesired message transmissions. In the case of a firewall employed on a user side of the wireless link, a message rejected by the firewall has already consumed the wireless resources required to transmit. A system for protecting a mobile wireless user via a firewall employed at the wired line, or ISP side, of the wireless link in a wireless network allows a specific user profile to be provided for each user that is indicative of a desired firewall configuration corresponding to the mobile user. A firewall configuration is established at a firewall application in a wireless transceiver corresponding to the current location of the mobile user, and the same firewall configuration is established, via a wireless handoff, at a second wireless transceiver when the user is located in the area corresponding to the second wireless transceiver, thereby protecting a plurality of wireless users prior to wasteful wireless transmission of undesired messages.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Kilgore, Brian; (Melbourne, FL)
Correspondence Name and Address: HAMILTON, BROOK, SMITH & REYNOLDS, P.C.
530 VIRGINIA ROAD
P.O. BOX 9133
CONCORD
MA
01742-9133
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Tantivy Communications, Inc.
Melbourne
FL
Serial No.: 847865
Series Code: 09
Filed: May 2, 2001
United States Patent Application 20020183089
Kind Code A1
Heller, Howard A. ; et al. December 5, 2002
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-intrusive detection of enhanced capabilities at existing cellsites in a wireless data communication system
Abstract
An improved arrangement is described for signaling enhanced capabilities of a wireless data communication system to a dual-mode wireless handset seeking access to such capabilities and normally operating in a first (non-enhanced) mode. The arrangement, which is especially advantageous for ascertaining operating mode capabilities of a new cellsite to which the handset is being handed off from an existing cellsite, includes a separate capabilities server that is associated with the system and contains a data base populated with information indicative of such capabilities. The handset generates a suitable query message which is transmitted to the data base in the first mode after the handoff to retrieve the capability information for the new cellsite location. The handset is switched from the first mode to the second (enhanced) mode for post-handoff operation if the retrieved capability information indicates that the new cellsite is capable of operation in the enhanced mode.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Heller, Howard A.; (Indialantic, FL) ; Farley, Kevin L.; (Palm Bay, FL) ; Proctor, James A. JR.; (Indialantic, FL)
Correspondence Name and Address: DARBY & DARBY P.C.
P. O. BOX 5257
NEW YORK
NY
10150-5257
US
Assignee Name and Adress: TANTIVY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Serial No.: 871154
Series Code: 09
Filed: May 31, 2001
U.S. Current Class: 455/552.1; 455/436
U.S. Class at Publication: 455/552; 455/553; 455/436; 455/426
Intern'l Class: H04Q 007/20
United States Patent Application 20020186672
Kind Code A1
Kilgore, Brian December 12, 2002
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
System and method for interleaving compressed audio/video (A/V) data frames
Abstract
Streaming audio and video (A/V) transmissions have become commonplace due to increasing data rates available over modem computer networks, and should occur at real-time or near real-time so that the user perceives an intelligible audio or video image. Lost or late frames can result in interference or distortion, and may be perceived as a "blip" or "pop" in the output sound or image. Wireless networks are particularly susceptible to such interference. Interference can be reduced by receiving a stream of symbols, arranging the symbols in a series of frames, and interleaving the symbols in one of the frames with symbols in an adjacent one of frames in the series of frames. In this manner, a frame that is dropped or arrives late over the wireless communication link will result in less distortion because some of the symbols will be available from the adjacent frames.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Kilgore, Brian; (Melbourne, FL)
Correspondence Name and Address: HAMILTON, BROOK, SMITH & REYNOLDS, P.C.
530 VIRGINIA ROAD
P.O. BOX 9133
CONCORD
MA
01742-9133
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Tantivy Communication, Inc.
Melbourne
FL
Serial No.: 847859
Series Code: 09
Filed: May 2, 2001
U.S. Current Class: 370/329; 370/352; 370/466
U.S. Class at Publication: 370/329; 370/352; 370/466
Intern'l Class: H04Q 007/00; H04L 012/66; H04J 003/22
United States Patent Application 20030027587
Kind Code A1
Proctor, James A. JR. February 6, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
System and method for coordination of wireless maintenance channel power control
Abstract
In a wireless communication system, wireless channels are maintained for communication between users and the base station. Often, a wireless user may be switched on, but not actively sending or receiving data. Accordingly, wireless users may be "active," and currently allocated a wireless traffic channel for sending or receiving, or "idle," and not currently sending or receiving. A wireless user may be maintained in an idle state through a periodic sequence of synchronization messages. A method for controlling a power level of a wireless message includes determining the presence of data to be transmitted, and adjusting the power level of the synchronization message depending on the presence of data. The synchronization messages corresponding to the idle state employ a lower power level than the active state transmissions which employ a higher power level. The system therefore controls the power accordingly such that synchronization messages are sent at a lower power level when no data is present, thereby reducing power consumption and interference.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Proctor, James A. JR.; (Melbourne Beach, FL)
Correspondence Name and Address: HAMILTON, BROOK, SMITH & REYNOLDS, P.C.
530 VIRGINIA ROAD
P.O. BOX 9133
CONCORD
MA
01742-9133
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Tantivy Communications, Inc.
Melbourne
FL
Serial No.: 170015
Series Code: 10
Filed: June 11, 2002
United States Patent Application 20030035466
Kind Code A1
Proctor, James A. JR. ; et al. February 20, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Use of orthogonal or near orthogonal codes in reverse link
Abstract
A technique for allowing a first and second group of users to share access to a communication channel such as a wireless radio channel is disclosed. The first group of users can be a group of legacy users such as those that use digital CDMA cellular telephone equipment based on the IS-95 standard. The second group of users can be a group of web surfers that code their transmissions using one of multiple formats. The first group of users can share one modulation structure such as, on a reverse link, using unique phase offsets of a common pseudorandom noise (PN) code. The second group of users can share another modulation structure, but in a manner that is consistent and compatible with the users of the first group. Specifically, the users of the second group may all use the same PN code and code phase offset. Each channel used by the second group of users can be uniquely identified by a corresponding unique orthogonal code.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Proctor, James A. JR.; (Melbourne Beach, FL) ; Alapuranen, Pertti O.; (Indialantic, FL)
Correspondence Name and Address: HAMILTON, BROOK, SMITH & REYNOLDS, P.C.
530 VIRGINIA ROAD
P.O. BOX 9133
CONCORD
MA
01742-9133
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Tantivy Communications, Inc.
Melbourne
FL
Serial No.: 196569
Series Code: 10
Filed: July 15, 2002
U.S. Current Class: 375/146
United States Patent Application 20030043844
Kind Code A1
Heller, Howard A. March 6, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Method and apparatus for improving utilization efficiency of wireless links for web-based applications
Abstract
An improved data communication network including a wireless link for accessing, from an end user machine, objects in a selected web page retrievable from an Internet server by means of suitable request messages is described. The wireless link includes a subscriber unit coupled to the end user machine and a base station coupled to the server. Web page data packets retrieved from the server with the use of the request messages are intercepted and locally stored in a gateway unit on the base station side of the wireless link. The gateway unit generates, from the retrieved web page data packets, additional request messages suitable for retrieving, from the server, object data packets corresponding to the objects on the selected web page. Such retrieved object data packets are also stored in the gateway unit. At least a portion of the stored object data packets, together with the stored web page data packets, are selectively released for transmission in bundled form over a single assigned channel on the wireless link. Such transmitted object data packets are locally stored in an additional gateway unit on the subscriber unit side of the wireless link, while the transmitted web page data packets are forwarded to the end user machine. The end user machine re-generates the object retrieval request messages, which in turn are used to directly retrieve the object data packets locally stored in the additional gateway without the necessity of again traversing the wireless link.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Heller, Howard A.; (Indialantic, FL)
Correspondence Name and Address: DARBY & DARBY P.C.
P. O. BOX 5257
NEW YORK
NY
10150-5257
US
Assignee Name and Adress: TANTIVY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Serial No.: 876843
Series Code: 09
Filed: June 6, 2001
U.S. Current Class: 370/466; 370/329
U.S. Class at Publication: 370/466; 370/329
Intern'l Class: H04J 003/22
United States Patent Application 20030048226
Kind Code A1
Gothard, Griffin K. ; et al. March 13, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antenna for array applications
Abstract
An antenna with a first conductive element positioned in an lower region of the antenna, and a second conductive element positioned above the first conductive element in an upper region of the antenna. One of the conductive elements is an active element that transmits and receives signals, while the other element is a ground element.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Gothard, Griffin K.; (Satellite Beach, FL) ; Chiang, Bing; (Melbourne, FL) ; Snyder, Christopher A.; (Palm Bay, FL) ; Gainey, Kenneth M.; (Satellite Beach, FL) ; Proctor, James A. JR.; (Indialantic, FL)
Correspondence Name and Address: HAMILTON, BROOK, SMITH & REYNOLDS, P.C.
530 VIRGINIA ROAD
P.O. BOX 9133
CONCORD
MA
01742-9133
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Tantivy Communications, Inc.
Melbourne
FL
Serial No.: 146501
Series Code: 10
Filed: May 14, 2002
U.S. Current Class: 343/700MS; 343/846; 343/893
U.S. Class at Publication: 343/700.0MS; 343/846; 343/893
Intern'l Class: H01Q 001/48; H01Q 021/00
United States Patent Application20030048770
Kind Code A1
Proctor, James A. JR. March 13, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Method of detection of signals using an adaptive antenna in a peer-to-peer network
Abstract
An adaptive antenna signal identification process to provide increased interference rejection in a wireless data network such as a wireless Local Area Network (LAN). The adaptive antenna is located at an access point and can be steered to various angle of arrival orientations with respect to received signals. Associated radio receiving equipment utilizes two distinct signal detection modes. In a first mode, the directional antenna array is set to have an omni-directional gain pattern. In this mode, certain identification parameters of an initial portion of a received signal are detected, such as a source identifier. If the received signal has not been previously detected, then the antenna array is scanned determine a direction setting that provides a best received signal metric. Once the best directional setting for the received signal, that setting is saved for future use in receiving the same signal. If the received signal has been previously detected, the system instead will steer the directional antenna to the last known best direction for reception for the particular detected signal. As further portions of the same signal are received, such as payload portions of a data frame, the directional antenna array can continue to scan potential new best angles. When the invention is deployed in a relay function, where messages received from a first node are to be forwarded to a second node, the recorded direction of its best reception is retrieved for the second node and used when the antenna array is used to transmit the signal to the second node. Storage of the best antenna angle for propagation to neighbor nodes can be handled by control functions in a manner that is analogous to other router lookup tables, such as being contained in a lookup table that stores IP addresses.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Proctor, James A. JR.; (Indialantic, FL)
Correspondence Name and Address: David J. Thibodeau, Jr., Esq.
HAMILTON, BROOK, SMITH & REYNOLDS, P.C.
Two Militia Drive
Lexington
MA
02421-4799
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Tantivy Communications, Inc.
Melbourne
FL
Serial No.: 952198
United States Patent Application 20030060224
Kind Code A1
Nelson, George R. JR. ; et al. March 27, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reverse link initial power setting using effective radiated power message to compute path loss
Abstract
In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a reference signal including pilot information is transmitted from a base station to one or multiple field units over a pilot channel. A message is also sent to the field units over a paging channel to indicate an effective radiated power level at which the reference signal is transmitted on the pilot channel. Based on a received power level of the reference signal at a field unit and the effective radiated power level of the reference signal, a forward path loss is estimated at the field unit for the forward link between the base station and field unit. Assuming the path loss in the reverse link is approximately the same as the estimated forward link path loss, the field unit can transmit a reply message in the reverse link so that the base station generally receives a message at a desired power level.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Nelson, George R. JR.; (Merritt Island, FL) ; Proctor, James A. JR.; (Indialantic, FL) ; Hoffmann, John E.; (Indialantic, FL) ; Rouphael, Antoine J.; (Escondido, CA)
Correspondence Name and Address: HAMILTON, BROOK, SMITH & REYNOLDS, P.C.
530 VIRGINIA ROAD
P.O. BOX 9133
CONCORD
MA
01742-9133
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Tantivy Communications, Inc.
Serial No.: 792870
Series Code: 09
Filed: February 23, 2001
U.S. Current Class: 455/522; 370/335; 370/342; 455/69
U.S. Class at Publication: 455/522; 455/69; 370/335; 370/342
Intern'l Class: H04B 001/00
United States Patent Application 20030086399
Kind Code A1
Proctor, James A. JR. May 8, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transmittal of heartbeat signal at a lower level than heartbeat request
Abstract
A communication system, such as a wireless CDMA system, detects markers with fewer errors by having field units transmit the markers at different power levels (e.g., 9 dB for one marker and 11 dB for another marker). The difference in power levels of the markers allows the base station to identify the request markers using alternative criteria with a low probability of error, where the alternative criteria may include comparing the markers to respective energy level thresholds, monitoring occupancy of time slots, occupancy of mutually exclusive code channels, or combinations thereof. For example, in one particular embodiment, a request marker, which is generally a high priority marker, is transmitted with higher power, which improves the probability of detection and reduces the probability of false detection of the request marker.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Proctor, James A. JR.; (Melbourne Beach, FL)
Correspondence Name and Address: HAMILTON, BROOK, SMITH & REYNOLDS, P.C.
530 VIRGINIA ROAD
P.O. BOX 9133
CONCORD
MA
01742-9133
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Tantivy Communications, Inc.
Melbourne
FL
Serial No.: 171080
Series Code: 10
Filed: June 12, 2002
U.S. Current Class: 370/335; 370/336; 370/352
U.S. Class at Publication:
United States Patent Application 20030095517
Kind Code A1
Proctor, James A. JR. May 22, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Multi-detection of heartbeat to reduce error probability
Abstract
A communications system improves performance of detecting a signal having an indication of a request to change communications states by making at least two positive identifications of the request in a given time frame. The system may further improve performance by applying a difference in power levels for a non-request state (i.e., steady state or `control hold` state) versus a request state (i.e., `request to change` state). In one particular application, a base station determines a request to change communications states with a reasonably high probability of detection and a reasonably low probability of false detection. The system has a reduced number of erroneous communications states, such as erroneous traffic channel allocations. The detection technique is compatible with 1xEV-DV systems and I-CDMA systems, but general enough to support systems employing various other communications protocols used in wired and wireless communications systems.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Proctor, James A. JR.; (Melbourne Beach, FL)
Correspondence Name and Address: HAMILTON, BROOK, SMITH & REYNOLDS, P.C.
530 VIRGINIA ROAD
P.O. BOX 9133
CONCORD
MA
01742-9133
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Tantivy Communications, Inc.
Melbourne
FL
Serial No.: 171378
Series Code: 10
Filed: June 12, 2002
U.S. Current Class: 370/332; 370/333
United States Patent Application 20030146880
Kind Code A1
Chiang, Bing ; et al. August 7, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Method and apparatus for frequency selective beam forming
Abstract
A directive antenna having plural antenna elements is arranged in a parasitic antenna array. Frequency selective components are connected to a first subset of the antenna elements. Weighting structures are connected to a second subset of the antenna elements. The first and second subsets of antenna elements may be connected by a space-fed power distribution system to produce independently steerable beams having spectrally separated signals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Chiang, Bing; (US) ; Gainey, Kenneth M.; (US) ; Proctor, James A. JR.; (US)
Correspondence Name and Address: HAMILTON, BROOK, SMITH & REYNOLDS, P.C.
530 VIRGINIA ROAD
P.O. BOX 9133
CONCORD
MA
01742-9133
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Tantivy Communications, Inc.
Melbourne
FL
Serial No.: 234036
Series Code: 10
Filed: August 30, 2002
U.S. Current Class: 343/853; 343/850
U.S. Class at Publication: 343/853; 343/850
Intern'l Class: H01Q 021/00; H01Q 001/50
United States Patent Application 20030152095
Kind Code A1
Foore, Lawrence R. ; et al. August 14, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dynamic bandwidth allocation for multiple access communication using session queues
Abstract
A technique for providing high speed data service over standard wireless connections via an unique integration of protocols and existing cellular signaling, such as is available with Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) type systems through more efficient allocation of access to CDMA channels. For example, when more users exist than channels, the invention determines a set of probabilities for which users will require channel access at which times, and dynamically assigns channel resources accordingly. Channel resources are allocated according to a buffer monitoring scheme provided on forward and reverse links between a base station and multiple subscriber units. Each buffer is monitored over time for threshold levels of data to be transmitted in that buffer. For each buffer, a probability is calculated that indicates how often the specific buffer will need to transmit data and how much data will be transmitted. This probability takes into account the arrival rates of data into the buffer, as well as which thresholds within the buffer are exceeded, as well as which resources in the form of channels are already allocated to the subscriber unit.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Foore, Lawrence R.; (Palm Bay, FL) ; Proctor, James A. JR.; (Indialantic, FL)
Correspondence Name and Address: ALLEN, DYER, DOPPELT, MILBRATH & GILCHRIST P.A.
1401 CITRUS CENTER 255 SOUTH ORANGE AVENUE
P.O. BOX 3791
ORLANDO
FL
32802-3791
US
Assignee Name and Adress: Tanvity Communications, Inc.
Serial No.: 345810
Series Code: 10
Filed: January 16, 2003
U.S. Current Class: 370/412; 370/329
U.S. Class at Publication: 370/412; 370/329
Intern'l Class: H04Q 007/00
brokentrade -
Your statement, "F & J probably had nothing to do with InterDigital's patent licensing agreements. They were solely Idcc's trial attorneys, as far as I can tell, and were substituted in halfway through the litigation. They take orders from InterDigital, who has in-house counsel to negotiate and draft licensing agreements."
But F & J would have full access to any "stand still" agreements that exist. Would that not be a significant consideration in structuring the final ERICY settlement? It would seem to me that ALL of those details should have been reviewed by F & J (assuming such agreements do indeed exist). Now is the first time frame that one could reasonably expect this subject matter to surface. (JMHO)
“memos of understanding” or “stand-still agreements”
If F & J has the stellar reputation that they (seemingly) are credited with possessing, these agreements would necessarily be in place. I could see that the insurance issue could involve “memos of understanding” or “stand-still agreements” that were dated after the issuance of the insurance coverage. It is (for me) easy to see that there may be some interpretations as to “how much” and “when payable” issues to sort out.
A “water shed” event has not yet been revealed in this saga thus far. (IMO) But it occurs to me that there are many more relevant unknowns than just those contained in all of the “sealed” documents entombed in Texas! It doesn’t take a decade of litigation to reach the conclusion that has been revealed to date!
$27.8 million for legal fees
I can remember over the years hearing about numerous “stand still” agreements that IDCC had entered into with OEM’s stating that those infringer’s would also abide with the ERICY / IDCC decision. AT&T was one of the companies that had made one of these agreements. Maybe this insurance issue has to do with these types of settlements that were tied to the ERICY case (assuming that they did exist).
Would this be too much to hope for?
New cell phones aim to connect standards
By Ben Charny
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
August 12, 2003, 12:51 PM PT
Cell phone maker Kyocera unveiled its first handset Tuesday that uses Qualcomm's GSM1x technology, which is used to bridge two cell phone standards that are not interoperable.
The handset, based on Kyocera's KZ850 model, will "immediately" become part of Chinese carrier China Unicom's ongoing GSM1x trial, Qualcomm said.
Kazuhiro Iwabuchi, Kyocera's general manager of mobile communications, promised that more handhelds will use the technology, but he did not provide additional details in a statement released Tuesday.
Qualcomm created GSM1x so cell phone carriers that use the world's most popular standard, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), could also install Qualcomm's cell phone technology in their networks. GSM and Qualcomm's "1x" cell phone standards are usually incompatible.
Short for CDMA20001xrtt, 1x is built on the CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) standard and promises to double voice calling capacity and create a wireless Internet with download speeds of 40kbps to 60kbps (kilobits per second). GSM carriers that build new wireless networks are usually limited to equipment that uses the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) or EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) standards.
So far, adoption of GSM1x has been very slow, which industry insiders attribute to the technology's immaturity and its high costs. Just one other handset maker, Samsung, has announced plans for a GSM1x-compatible phone. Only one of the world's top cell phone infrastructure equipment providers, Nortel Networks, said it will make GSM1x products.
China Unicom is the only carrier conducting a GSM1x trial to date. However, Qualcomm Chief Executive Irwin Jacobs said earlier this year that European carrier Vodafone is also interested in using the technology because it operates a GSM network in Europe and is part-owner of U.S. CDMA carrier Verizon Wireless.
United States Patent 6,606,343
Zeira , et al. August 12, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outer loop/weighted open-loop power control apparatus for a base station
Abstract
Outer loop/weighted open loop power control apparatus controls transmission power levels in a spread spectrum time division duplex communication base station. The base station receives a communication including a transmitted power level and measures its received power level. Based in part on the measured power level and the transmitted power level, a path loss estimate is determined. A quality of the path loss estimate is also determined. The transmission power level for a communication from the base station is based in part on weighting the path loss estimate in response to the estimate's quality.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Zeira; Ariela (Trumball, CT); Shin; Sung-Hyuk (Fort Lee, NJ); Dick; Steven G. (Nesconset, NY)
Assignee: InterDigital Technology Corporation (Wilmington, DE)
Appl. No.: 080759
Filed: February 22, 2002
Current U.S. Class: 375/130; 455/522; 370/342
Intern'l Class: H04B 001/69
Field of Search: 375/130,295,140 370/335,342 455/69,522
United States Patent 6,606,344
Ozluturk August 12, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Method and apparatus for generating complex four-phase sequences for a CDMA communication system
Abstract
An improved sequence design for code-division multiple access (CDMA) communications generating complex four-phase pseudo-random code sequences which may be directly mapped to a quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) signal constellation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Ozluturk; Fatih M. (Port Washington, NY)
Assignee: InterDigital Technology Corporation (Wilmington, DE)
Appl. No.: 011113
Filed: November 13, 2001
Current U.S. Class: 375/140; 375/146
Intern'l Class: H04B 001/69
Field of Search: 375/130,140,146,316,261,340,279,280,281,308,298 708/250,252,253,
United States Patent 6,606,345
Kaewell August 12, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Base station which uses pre-rotation before transmission
Abstract
The present invention is a method and apparatus for reducing transmission errors by a base station when transmitting a communication signal. An RF communication signal is received at the base station and analyzed for errors. A correction signal is then generated based upon the analysis. Prior to transmission of the communication signal from the base station, the communication signal is corrected using the correction signal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Kaewell; John D. (Jamison, PA)
Assignee: InterDigital Technology Corporation (Wilmington, DE)
Appl. No.: 071725
Filed: February 7, 2002
Current U.S. Class: 375/141
Intern'l Class: H04B 001/69
Field of Search: 375/141,148,130,146,147,150,341,343,219 455/56.1,69,70 714/786,794
United States Patent 6,606,487
Sternberg August 12, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Automatic frequency correction method and apparatus for time division duplex modes of 3G wireless communications
Abstract
Method and apparatus for detection and correction of oscillator frequency error within a wireless communication system receiver. A frequency estimation having block correlators, conjugate product and sum, accumulation block, multipath detection and a loop filter-(accumulate block)(adaptive bandwidth). The multipath detection includes a search block, threshold detection block and a block for combining multipath components. The frequency difference attained between a base station (BS) local oscillator (LO) and a user equipment (UE) local oscillator is such that the UE LO does not deviate more than 0.1 PPM from the BS LO.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Sternberg; Gregory S. (Great Neck, NY)
Assignee: InterDigital Technology Corporation (Wilmington, DE)
Appl. No.: 256734
Filed: September 27, 2002
Current U.S. Class: 455/257; 455/255; 375/344
Intern'l Class: H04B 007/00
Field of Search: 455/255,256,259,260,264,422,257 375/343,344,345
United States Patent 6,606,503
Ozluturk , et al. August 12, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apparatus for controlling initial power ramp-up in a CDMA system by using short codes
Abstract
An apparatus for controlling transmission power during the establishment of a channel in a CDMA communication system utilizes the transmission of a short code from a subscriber unit to a base station during initial power ramp-up. The short code is a sequence for detection by the base station which has a much shorter period than a conventional spreading code. The ramp-up starts from a power level that is lower than the required power level for detection by the base station. The subscriber unit quickly increases transmission power while repeatedly transmitting the short code until the signal is detected by the base station. Once the base station detects the short code, it sends an indication to the subscriber unit to cease increasing transmission power. The use of short codes limits power overshoot and interference to other subscriber units and permits the base station to quickly synchronize to the spreading code used by the subscriber unit.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Ozluturk; Fatih M. (Port Washington, NY); Lomp; Gary R. (Centerport, NY)
Assignee: Interdigital Technology Corporation (Wilmington, DE)
Appl. No.: 211090
Filed: August 2, 2002
Current U.S. Class: 455/522; 455/67.1; 455/69; 370/335
Intern'l Class: H04Q 007/20
Field of Search: 455/522,63,67.1,69,70,436,437,517,434,509,510,515 370/252,318,320,324,331,332,350
GE_Jim / Data_Rox - I am interested in any thoughts that you may have concerning the difference in ARPU (average revenue per user) between 2G systems and 3G systems. How much spread must there be for 3G to be a "must have" for the operators? TIA
ABI: Infrastructure market pickup dependent on W-CDMA
by Emily Motsay
Aug. 11, 2003 12:51 PM EST
Wireless infrastructure contract values are down about 40 percent from the first half of 2002, according to new research from Allied Business Intelligence Inc. The firm attributes the decline to large contracts awarded last year in North America for the transition from TDMA to GSM/GPRS technology.
"Despite the number of 2G and 2.5G contracts signed, future strength in this market lies in the 3G, W-CDMA segment," said ABI's Edward Rerisi. "Though other technologies should not be ignored, considerable upside opportunity lies ahead in the W-CDMA segment." ABI believes third-generation contracts, which have been consistently increasing this year, are worth about twice that of second- and 2.5-generation contracts.
ABI found 13 percent of deals signed this year were for 3G W-CDMA contracts, with Ericsson winning 44 percent of those contracts. Alcatel, Lucent, Nokia, Nortel and Samsung have also been awarded 3G contracts.
OPNET Delivers Custom 3G Wireless Models to InterDigital Communications
Models Support Validation of InterDigital's End-to-End Wideband TDD Solution
InterDigital Communications Corporation is a leading architect, designer, and provider of wireless technology and product platforms. InterDigital's Wideband Time Division Duplex (WTDD) dynamic simulator incorporates custom 3G wireless models delivered by OPNET. The dynamic simulator will be used by InterDigital in its ongoing Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) product development activities and technology transfer programs.
OPNET provides the industry's leading end-to-end wireless network planning and technology design solutions, in use by thousands of clients including more than 40 service providers and network equipment manufacturers focusing on third-generation (or "3G") wireless network services.
InterDigital provides advanced inventions, technology and systems utilized in a variety of wireless communications devices, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile computing devices, other terminal-end wireless devices, base stations and other infrastructure equipment.
"Integrating the OPNET model into our WTTD dynamic simulator will allow us to more fully simulate and evaluate the performance of our end-to-end WTDD technology in ways that reflect future operator and customer uses. Evaluating product options in a robust simulation reduces design and test cycle iterations long before building prototypes. In addition, this enables us to transfer models of our technologies to support client equipment and network planning."
Michel Desgagne
Research and Development Director,
InterDigital Canada LimitŽe
http://www.opnet.com/spotlight/interdigital.html
teecee -
I miss your posts on the IDCC Board but I am not in a position to offer any bail money at this time (not the current price of IDCC). Whenever you get paroled, please reform yourself so that I may have the benefit of your thoughts on a continuing basis about IDCC. Thanks!
Study: Cell phone use to double
By Ben Charny
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
August 6, 2003, 12:55 PM PT
The number of cell phone users worldwide will rise twofold in the next few years, but there will still be a dramatic slowdown in growth, according to a new study.
About 186 million new cell phone subscribers will sign up every year between now and 2007, bringing the global total to 2 billion, research firm In-Stat/MDR said in a study released Wednesday. Though that total is twice the current tally, the predicted average annual growth rate is less than half that which the industry now experiences.
"The next five years will see a dramatic slowing of worldwide cellular subscriber growth," said Ken Hyers, an In-Stat/MDR senior analyst. "However, despite the fact that there has been a lot of fuss about the catastrophic slowdown in subscriber growth, there will be more than 931 million new subscribers over the next five years."
Southeast Asia--especially China--and virtually untapped countries in Africa and the Middle East will lead the growth charge over the next few years, according to Hyers. But he predicted that providers will run out of new customers in Western Europe, where more than 70 percent of some countries' populations already own handsets.
The study's findings match, to some degree, industry predictions made by Nokia. The Finnish handset maker, the market leader, forecasts there will be 1.6 billion cell phones in circulation by 2005--a rate of growth similar to that predicted by In-Stat/MDR.
The In-Stat/MDR study also paints a relatively good picture for Qualcomm's cell phone technology, CDMA (code division multiple access). By 2007, CDMA will still be the preferred cellular standard in the United States, over worldwide favorite GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) standard, the study predicts. Wireless-market analysts EMC published a similar finding in March.
Injunction to bar U.S. BlackBerry sales granted, then stayed
The stay order is in effect pending appeal by RIM
By Scarlet Pruitt, IDG News Service
AUGUST 06, 2003
Content Type: Story
Source: IDG News Service
A U.S. federal court weighing the prolonged patent infringement case between NTP Inc. and Research In Motion Ltd. (RIM) issued an injunction yesterday enjoining RIM from selling its BlackBerry wireless e-mail handhelds, software and services in the U.S. and then stayed the injunction pending appeal.
The decision, made by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, comes as the latest twist in the 2-year-old patent suit, but wasn't considered a surprise.
"It was fully expected," NTP attorney James Wallace said today, referring to the injunction. Wallace, who is a partner at Wiley Rein & Fielding LLP in Washington, added that yesterday's hearing was intended to pull together prior rulings in the case.
Arlington, Va.-based NTP sued RIM over claims that the company infringed on patents covering the use of radio frequency wireless communications in electronic mail systems.
In November, a jury considering the case ruled in favor of NTP and awarded the company $23 million in damages.
As of May 31, RIM had incurred damages of more than $53.7 million in the case, including enhanced damages, attorneys fees and interest, the court said. However, RIM has vowed to keep fighting through posttrial motions and on appeal.
In response to motions made by RIM, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has agreed to re-examine the validity of five patents owned by NTP.
Waterloo, Ontario-based RIM hopes to stay its appeal pending the re-examination of the disputed patents, in hope of bolstering its case. In a statement released after the latest ruling, Henry Bunsow, RIM lead counsel and partner at Howrey Simon Arnold & White LLP, said that the company continues to believe the jury verdict was wrong as "both a matter of law and fact."
However, NTP's Wallace said that the patent holding company is "highly confident" it will also win in the appeals. He added that the appeals process could take one to two years to complete.
The court's order placed an injunction on BlackBerry models 850, 857, 950, 957, 5810, 6510, 6210 and 6750. The injunction stays in effect until the expiration of the disputed NTP patents, the latest of which expires on May 20, 2012.
Kyocera Wireless announces management shake-up
by Mike Dano
Aug. 06, 2003 12:44 PM EST
A delayed initial public offering and the resulting moves toward integration with the company's parent in Japan compelled top executives at mobile-phone maker Kyocera Wireless Corp. to resign, the company said.
Howard Speaks resigned as Kyocera's chief executive officer and president. He was hired in 2001 to lead the company toward an eventual IPO, a plan the company abandoned due to changes in the economy and market. John Heffner, Kyocera's vice president and chief financial officer, also resigned. He was hired in 2000 to lead the transition effort following Kyocera's purchase of Qualcomm Inc.'s phone business.
"With Skip's leadership and John's support, KWC was able to maintain the top position in the U.S. CDMA segment," said Rodney Lanthorne, president of Kyocera International Inc., the parent company of Kyocera Wireless. "However, with the industry entering into a new and more competitive phase, with greater emphasis on scale, it is necessary that Kyocera pursue greater integration. This transition resulted in philosophical differences with these two capable executives that led to their departure. Nonetheless, we have a great sense of gratitude for their respective contributions during a difficult period, and extend our best wishes for their future endeavors."
A veteran Kyocera executive, Tsuyoshi Mano, will serve as Kyocera Wireless' new president. Mano was formerly the company's vice president of business planning and development. Richard Duckworth, formerly Kyocera Wireless' controller, will serve as the company's vice president of finance.
Mano said the plan to align Kyocera's global operations in developing and manufacturing wireless phones would lead to stronger results at Kyocera Wireless.
"Our immediate goals for KWC include enhancing the timeliness of our new product introductions, streamlining the operations and improving profitability," he said.
In other wireless news, Kyocera scored several deals for its machine-to-machine telemetry module, including a Verizon Wireless certification, a deal with Airdesk and a multimillion dollar supply agreement with Land-Cellular.
Siemens Mobile To Expand Capacity At Shanghai Factory
Wednesday August 6, 4:54 am ET
BERLIN -(Dow Jones)- Siemens AG's mobile communications division Wednesday said it will invest $30 million to expand its factory in Shanghai, making the Chinese city its second production location for third-generation wireless technology.
Germany's largest electronics and engineering company aims to take the leading role in the Chinese market for 3G mobile communications, said Lothar Pauly, a board member of the Siemens Information and Communication Mobile division.
The Munich-based firm is working with Chinese partners to develop the local 3G standard. Two contracts to expand Global System for Mobile Communications networks valued at $144.8 million strengthen the collaboration with operators China Mobile (CHL) and China Unicom (CHU), Pauly said.
China, the world's largest mobile communications market with 234 million customers, is closely watching Europe, where the first Wideband Code Division Multiple Access networks from Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. recently started commercial operations in the U.K., Italy and Austria. Siemens and partner NEC Corp. (NIPNY) supplied the networks.
China is now set to become the second production location for W-CDMA technology for Siemens, alongside Germany. The company said it will use the investment to expand manufacturing capacities at the Shanghai Siemens Mobile Communications factory.
Company Web site: http://www.siemens.com
-By Taska Manzaroli, Dow Jones Newswires; 49 30 2888 410; taska.manzaroli@dowjones.com
United States Patent 6,603,743
Ozluturk , et al. August 5, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cancellation of pilot and traffic signals
Abstract
A global pilot and unwanted traffic signal canceler for a spread spectrum communication system receiver that reduces their contributive noise effects. The present invention effectively cancels the global pilot and unwanted, active traffic signals prior to decoding a desired traffic signal at the receiver. The system and method decreases the bit error rate (BER) yielding an increased signal-to-noise ratio.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Ozluturk; Fatih M. (Port Washington, NY); Sezgin; Nadir (Jackson Heights, NY)
Assignee: InterDigital Technology Corporation (Wilmington, DE)
Appl. No.: 266408
Filed: October 8, 2002
Current U.S. Class: 370/286; 370/320; 370/342; 375/144; 375/147; 375/148
Intern'l Class:
United States Patent 6,603,797
Zeira , et al. August 5, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outer loop/weighted open loop power control in a time division duplex communication system
Abstract
Outer loop/weighted open loop power control controls transmission power levels in a spread spectrum time division duplex communication station. A first communication station transmits a communication to a second communication station. The second station receives the communication and measures its received power level. Based on in part the received communication's power level and the communication's transmission power level, a path loss estimate is determined. A quality of the path loss estimate is also determined. The transmission power level for a communication from the second station to the first station is based on in part weighting the path loss estimate in response to the estimate's quality.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Zeira; Ariela (Trumball, CT); Shin; Sung-Hyuk (Fort Lee, NJ); Dick; Stephen G. (Nesconset, NY)
Assignee: InterDigital Technology Corporation (Wilmington, DE)
Appl. No.: 533423
Filed: March 22, 2000
Current U.S. Class: 375/130; 375/295; 455/522; 455/69; 370/342
Intern'l Class: H04B 001/69
Field of Search: 375/130,140,295 370/342,252 455/522,69
United States Patent 6,603,798
Zeira , et al. August 5, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
User equipment employing a time division duplex technique
Abstract
Outer loop/weighted open loop power control apparatus controls transmission power levels in a spread spectrum time division duplex communication user equipment (UE). The user equipment receives a communication including an transmitted power level and measures its received power level. Based in part on the measured power level and the transmitted power level, a path loss estimate is determined. A quality of the path loss estimate is also determined. The transmission power level for a communication from the user equipment is based on in part weighting the path loss estimate in response to the estimate's quality.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Zeira; Ariela (Trumball, CT); Shin; Sung-Hyuk (Fort Lee, NJ); Dick; Steven G. (Nesconset, NY)
Assignee: InterDigital Technology Corporation (Wilmington, DE)
Appl. No.: 080896
Filed: February 22, 2002
Current U.S. Class: 375/130; 375/146; 455/522; 370/342
Intern'l Class: H04B 001/69
Field of Search: 375/130,140,146,147 370/318,342,335,280 455/522,69
United States Patent 6,603,800
Mesecher August 5, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CDMA location
Abstract
The invention determines the geographic location of a subscriber unit within a CDMA communication system. At least one base station transmits a spread spectrum signal with a chip code sequence unique to that base station. A subscriber unit receives the base station signal and transmits a spread spectrum signal with a unique chip code sequence time synchronized with the chip code sequence of the received base station signal. The base station receives the subscriber unit signal and compares the chip code sequence of the received subscriber unit signal with the chip code sequence signal transmitted by the base station to determine the location of the subscriber unit.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Mesecher; David K. (Huntington Station, NY)
Assignee: InterDigital Technology Corporation (Wilmington, DE)
Appl. No.: 274081
Filed: March 22, 1999
Current U.S. Class: 375/145; 375/149; 375/367; 455/456
Intern'l Class: H04B 015/00; H04K 001/00; H04L 027/30
Field of Search: 375/130,140-144,148-150,367 455/456,457,423 342/127,457,145
InterDigital buys up CDMA2000 developer
InterDigital Communications says that a wholly-owned subsidiary has acquired substantially all the assets of Tantivy Communications, a developer of wireless data communications technology. Included in the acquisition are patents, patent applications, know-how, state-of-the art laboratory facilities, and other technologies related to CDMA2000, smart antenna, wireless LAN and other wireless communications technologies. Also included were the rights created under a November 2002 transaction whereby another InterDigital wholly-owned subsidiary acquired exclusive licensing rights to certain CDMA2000 patents and patent applications held by Tantivy.
Under the terms of the agreement, Tantivy was paid a total of US$11.5 million, consisting of approximately US$10 million in cash and cancellation of approximately US$1.5 million in outstanding principal and interest from a loan previously provided to Tantivy. In addition, Tantivy will receive a minimal percentage of the compensation received by InterDigital on the licensing or sale of Tantivy smart antenna and 802.11 intellectual property.
"Acquiring the assets of Tantivy Communications further strengthens our existing CDMA2000 patent portfolio and competitive position in that marketplace, while broadening our offering to potential licensees and technology partners, " said Howard Goldberg, President and CEO of InterDigital. "It also effectively eliminates the earn-out obligation we had to Tantivy in connection with the exclusive license we entered into with them in 2002 regarding the CDMA2000-related patents With this transaction we are continuing the evolution of our patent licensing business and creating the opportunity for additional revenues. We also have added several key technologies that reach across multiple product platforms and wireless generations, thereby expanding our technology portfolio consistent with our strategic objectives.
"We welcome the talented people of Tantivy to InterDigital. They bring strong, complementary skills and expertise to our engineering teams. At the same, we are establishing a new development center in Melbourne, Florida, a very attractive and growing area for telecommunications technologies. We look forward to working with our new colleagues in extending the global reach and impact of their activities, and expanded access to their inventions, in CDMA2000, smart antenna and wireless LAN technologies," concluded Mr. Goldberg.
Millions Getting Rid of Landline Phones
Monday August 4, 1:55 pm ET
By Rebecca Carroll, Associated Press Writer
Millions of Americans Are Doing Away With Their Landline Phones and Going Cell-Only
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The curly-corded phone by Brandon Fogel's bed was starting to seem like a relic.
A graduate student living in Chicago, Fogel used his cell phone for most calls. And when he replaced his dial-up Internet connection with a cable line, he realized his regular phone wasn't central to his life.
So Fogel joined as many as 7.5 million Americans who have "cut the cord" and gone solo with their cells.
Students, recent graduates and young professionals are leading the way.
"It will be interesting to see if these young people who have abandoned landline phones will turn back to them as they grow older or if wireless will be able to serve all their needs," said Travis Larson, a spokesman for the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association, a Washington-based industry group.
In number, cell phones are creeping up on landline phones. They already comprise about 43 percent of all U.S. phones, according to the International Telecommunication Union, up from 37 percent in 2000.
Meanwhile, the number of U.S. landline phones has dropped by more than 5 million, or nearly 3 percent, since 2000, the Federal Communications Commission reported in June.
The United States hasn't been the quickest to adapt. Already, more than half the phones in the world are cellular.
Cell phones overtook landlines earliest in some developing countries that hadn't laid ground lines by the time cellular technology arrived. In Cambodia, for instance, nearly 90 percent of phones are cellular.
Cell phones started outnumbering traditional phones in European countries in the late 1990s, partly because phone pricing systems favored wireless, analysts say. Typically, Europeans don't have unlimited local calls on their home phones -- one big advantage of landline service in America.
Many people overseas also have to wait months and pay hefty deposits for regular service to be installed, making the out-of-the-box utility of cell phones even more appealing.
Early U.S. models were pitched as car phones, which had a more limited appeal. But the nation is catching up.
The United States now has almost one cell phone for every two Americans. It took ground lines nearly 100 years to reach that level of penetration, according to Sheldon Hochheiser, AT&T's corporate historian.
About half the households recently surveyed by PriMetrica Inc., a San Diego research group, said they would give up their landlines if the wireless price was right.
While price is a factor for many, the switch to wireless is often a matter of convenience. Fogel in Chicago has moved four times in the last four years. The hassle of changing his phone number and paying installation fees made his decision to drop the ground line a little easier.
Fogel figures he saves $30 to $40 a month by not having both cell and regular phones.
Whether people on the move like him will go back to landlines when they settle down is one of the questions the industry is exploring.
So far, the 3 percent to 5 percent of cell phone users who have given up their landlines "haven't seen the economic benefits of paying twice for the same service," said Larson of the Washington association.
Phone companies say they aren't worried about the shift to wireless technology. They are adapting by bundling services and offering wireless options.
Link Hoewing, Verizon's assistant vice president for Internet and technology policy, doesn't mind growth in cell phone popularity because it "shows growth in the whole telecommunications pie."
In addition to running a wireless unit, Verizon is keeping its landlines relevant with newer services, like high-speed DSL Internet connections, which run through phone lines but don't require a separate line.
Still, change can be difficult. Many people who have given up their landlines are less fazed by cell phone annoyances like spotty reception than they are by losing the more peripheral pleasures of fixed phones.
"I miss the joy and agony of coming home and checking the answering machine and either seeing or not seeing that light blinking," Fogel said.
Of course, answering machines weren't commonplace until the mid- to late-1980s. Now many landline subscribers are using voicemail, anyway -- maybe growing attached to the staccato dial tone that indicates a message is waiting.
International Telecommunication Union: http://www.itu.int/
Federal Communications Commission: http://www.fcc.gov/
PriMetrica Inc.: http://www.primetrica.com/
Motorola licenses Hop-On technology for possible disposable phone
by Mike Dano
July 29, 2003 1:17 PM EST
Motorola Inc. could have plans to build a disposable mobile phone through a new licensing deal with disposable phone company Hop-On.
Officials for neither Motorola nor Hop-On were immediately available for comment.
According to a short news release from Hop-On, Motorola licensed "certain essential cellular patents covering the GSM, GPRS and CDMA standards" from Hop-On. No other details were released.
Hop-On's stock jumped more than 62 percent after the news. However, the increase totaled only about 7 cents per share as Hop-On's stock was trading at about 19 cents after the news.
Interestingly, Hop-On just last week signed licensing deals with Lucent Technologies Inc. and Ericsson. Under Hop-On's deal with Ericsson, Hop-On said it will pay Ericsson running royalties for its GSM and GPRS patents.
Mysteries have long surrounded disposable mobile-phone maker Hop-On. The company has for years promised to sell disposable mobile phones through a variety of retail outlets, but so far has sold only a small batch through several Walgreens stores in Southern California. Hop-On claims several sales deals are pending.