Hey folks! While you're tucked away in your little beds - here I am, writing!
Incredible technology news this week, in which Chicago is at the forefront.
As you may have heard, telecommunications and cellular service provider Sprint Nextel this week purchased Clearwire Corporation, which specializes in developing broadband WiMax networks. With adequate financial backing, from major firms including Google, they plan to rollout the next generation of Wireless Internet here in Chicago, and also in the Baltimore-Washington area.
Unlike WiFi, whose coverage range is limited to "Hot Spots,"either in your home or office, or at your local Starbuck's or Internet Cafe, WiMax is kind of like a local broadcast TV signal - broadcasting DSL-like speed from antenna towers across an entire metro area.
Motorola, based in the Chicago Suburb of Schaumburg IL, has developed much of the hardware involved. Their proximity to the Chicago Metro Area means our area will get their WiMax Network from Sprint Nextel first! Plans call for completion of the WiMax infrastructure here, from Rockford IL on the west, to Gary IN on the east, by the end of 2008.
Initial testing of WiMax has been going on in downtown Chicago for several years now, but lack of financial backing curtailed expansion across the city late last year. The new alliance with Clearwire will allow WiMax to expand. Sprint has plans to roll out WiMax to 140 Million Households across the U.S. by 2010.
Wirless Laptop Cards will most likely be the first commercially-available WiMax products here - although Cell Phone Maker Nokia has developed a WiMax-based internet tablet/smart phone, which will be available in Chicago later in 2008, for about $500 - plus a minutes-plan from Sprint, most likely!
Experts peg the monthly estimated cost of WiFi service of about $60, maybe less.
The new WiMax chips can be embedded in all sorts of devices - appliances and home electronics, car radios, home security alarms and electronics. Using WiMax, you'll be able to listen to internet radio stations on your vehicle's radio, or TV on your Smart Phone or notebook computer, at speeds far faster than presently achievable. Your home alarm can notify you immediately of any security breach, and your refrigerator can let you know when you are running low on milk.
Realtors will be able to more quickly access the MLS from the road, and do real-time mapping, or link to school district and community websites, while with their buyer clients in their cars. For sellers, comparable property and tax data can be pulled up in real time - even when far away from a WiFi Hot Spot, or hardwired network connection.
The system has some detractors, who contend the high-frequency WiMax signals could be subject to the same drop zones that cell phone users have been frustrated with for years. Also, the bandwidth may fill up quickly during peak periods, slowing individual connection speed.
If it works, however, it will be an instrumental technology in bringing the internet to everyone - inside, outside, or on the road.
Tech heads - what do YOU know about WiMax technology, and how it can help Real Estate Practioners and our clients and consumers alike? Please share with us all!
Read our post today @ BlogChicagoHomes.com for more, including links to more detailed stories in today's Chicago Tribune.
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
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