Globetrotters gain access options

Wireless in the Enterprise This newsletter is sponsored by Blue Coat Webcast: Optimizing Mobility and Security More users are going mobile. With all this business on the road, you can't afford to have road warriors suffer from sub-par application delivery or security. Join a panel of experts as they detail how you can deliver improved productivity and protection for all mobile workers, regardless of location. Network World's Wireless in the Enterprise Newsletter, 06/04/07 Globetrotters gain access options By Joanie Wexler Having to juggle mobile phones and pay roaming fees when traveling from country to country is a hassle that can also be expensive. The inconvenience stems from the fact that cellular access technologies and licensed frequencies vary around the world, resulting in a patchwork of networks that often requires users to change access devices as they move from one “patch” to the next. Recently, however, Research In Motion and Samsung have made progress in accommodating U.S.-based CDMA users who wish to carry a single device for their voice and data connections in the U.S. and overseas. RIM’s 8830 BlackBerry World Phone began shipping last month through the Verizon Wireless channel, and Sprint Nextel has also said it will sell the unit. Meanwhile, Samsung began selling its IP-830w dual-network device earlier this year through Sprint. Make the most of your Mobile Gear Download our Free Executive Guide and learn how Network IT professionals are getting the most out of their mobile devices and improving mobile security. You'll also get the scoop on upcoming mobile tools and technologies and how they may impact your enterprise. Click Here to download today! The BlackBerry 8830 and the Samsung IP-830w each support two CDMA frequency bands and two GSM bands, allowing for dual-mode capabilities and worldwide usage. Given their U.S. distribution model — selling through CDMA-based carriers Verizon and Sprint — the upshot is that U.S.-based CDMA users gain built-in voice and data connections to the world’s pervasive GSM-based networks when they travel. Traditionally, CDMA users have been mostly out of luck when traveling to GSM-only regions, such as Europe, with their only alternative being to procure another device that works locally. So globally, such dual-technology devices make big connectivity strides. Still, the walled gardens persist in the U.S. Both of the CDMA carriers selling the devices allow you to use them only on their own domestic networks when you’re in the U.S. Users of GSM-based network services who roam internationally have it a bit easier. Those with unlocked phones can use subscriber identity module (SIM) cards to change their phone’s network connection to match that of a local mobile carrier. Note, too, that RIM, Samsung and other handset vendors make dual-, tri-, and quad-band phones sold by Cingular and T-Mobile for GSM-based U.S. subscribers who roam internationally. The multiple-band support matches the various GSM licensed frequencies in use around the world.   What do you think? Post a comment on this newsletter

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Contact the author: Joanie Wexler is an independent networking technology writer/editor in California's Silicon Valley who has spent most of her career analyzing trends and news in the computer networking industry. She welcomes your comments on the articles published in this newsletter, as well as your ideas for future article topics. Reach her at joanie@jwexler.com. This newsletter is sponsored by Blue Coat Webcast: Optimizing Mobility and Security More users are going mobile. With all this business on the road, you can't afford to have road warriors suffer from sub-par application delivery or security. Join a panel of experts as they detail how you can deliver improved productivity and protection for all mobile workers, regardless of location. ARCHIVE Archive of the Wireless in the Enterprise Newsletter. BONUS FEATURE IT PRODUCT RESEARCH AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Get detailed information on thousands of products, conduct side-by-side comparisons and read product test and review results with Network World’s IT Buyer’s Guides. Find the best solution faster than ever with over 100 distinct categories across the security, storage, management, wireless, infrastructure and convergence markets. Click here for details. PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered to your inbox each day. Extend your knowledge with a print subscription to the Network World newsweekly, Apply here today. International subscribers, click here. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World newsletter, change your e-mail address or contact us, click here. This message was sent to: security.world@gmail.com. Please use this address when modifying your subscription. Advertising information: Write to Associate Publisher Online Susan Cardoza Network World, Inc., 118 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772 Copyright Network World, Inc., 2007