We’ll Leave the Lights On For You, but WiFi Will Cost

Posted on by Dr. Jonathan L. Kramer

Motel 6 will may be keeping the lights on for you, but Internet connectivity from their hotels will cost you extra.

AT&T has entered into a contract with Motel 6 to provide managed Internet services. It’s likely what the PR-speak (below) actually means is that AT&T will provide connectivity to the hotels so that their management and reservations systems will all be online and connected by to HQ. Since the hotels will be connected anyway, by charging guests for WiFi access, Motel 6 will recoup a portion or all of its AT&T data costs. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Tom Bodett would be proud.

AT&T Enables Wi-Fi Connectivity at More than 600 U.S. Hotels for Motel 6

Dallas, Texas, June 25, 2008

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) today announced a $9 million contract with Accor North America (NA) and its Motel 6 brand, one of North America’s leading hotel companies and a subsidiary of Accor Worldwide. Under the three-year agreement, AT&T will provide Managed Internet Service (MIS) and firewall and router implementation services. The new services enable hotel guests to have Wi-Fi connectivity at a low price.

Through its leading nationwide economy lodging brands, Motel 6 and Studio 6, Accor NA aims to provide a premier customer experience at a low price. In an effort to provide what its guests want, Accor NA explored how to improve its services and respond to the needs of its guests.

“AT&T’s network upgrade enabled us to provide new and enhanced capabilities for our hotels, including our e-procurement system performance, e-learning tools and guest services such as Wi-Fi,” said Adrian M. Butler, vice president of Telecommunications and Support Service at Accor North America. “In less than five months, AT&T worked diligently to complete the implementation on time so that we are ready for the busy summer travel season.”

Recently, Accor NA reinvented the economy lodging experience with the announcement of the Motel 6 “Phoenix” prototype. Features in the entertainment unit include a cubby for personal items and a multimedia panel allowing guests to plug in their MP3 players, CD players and laptop computers — this feature allows guests to listen to their favorite tunes or use the flat-screen TV as their computer monitor while enjoying Wi-Fi Internet access in their room.

AT&T MIS provides high speed dedicated access with world-class reliability, optimal performance, scalability and security features. AT&T MIS provides managed, state-of-the-art hardware and software, smart routing capability and continuous performance monitoring of Internet Protocol (IP) services on AT&T’s world-class OC-192/OC-48 IP backbone. MIS also provides the flexibility to pave the way for future services over IP.

The AT&T network is highly scalable, offering Accor NA the flexibility to customize its network services to expand and increase to higher levels of bandwidth. In addition to network services, AT&T provides Accor NA with a full suite of voice and Internet access services.

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Elements of Bad Wireless Site Design

Posted on by Dr. Jonathan L. Kramer

And now, another entry into Kramer’s “Elements of Bad Wireless Site Design.” T-Mobile constructed a wireless site at a church in Milton, Mass.  The antennas are installed so that they are visible in the church’s T-Mobile in Milton MAtower.  The photo here, taken by my colleague, Claude shows the antenna as visibly installed, and then I’ve overlaid a photo simulation of a simple and inexpensive RF transparent screen that would have greatly enhanced the aesthetics of this project.  Planners should remember that the simple ‘last steps’ can make all the difference to a project.

=Jonathan=

PS: Claude is a member of WirelessAdvisor.com, and I use his photograph here with his kind permission.

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New California Wireless Bill is DEAD

Posted on by Dr. Jonathan L. Kramer

As first discussed in THIS POST, T-Mobile wanted to fling open the doors to public property for temporary cell sites during/after certain emergencies.  The bill was as drafted and later modified was riddled with problems and inconsistencies, and would have damaged Homeland Security.

I’m pleased to report that last week, SB 1252 was gutted by its author and swapped for some vehicle code section changes.  Same bill number; different bill text.

You can read more about the problems the bill would have caused by visiting http://www.TelecomLawFirm.com.

Score one for the good guys and gals.

Jonathan

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T-Mobile’s New Bill in California

Posted on by Dr. Jonathan L. Kramer

sb1252 padlockT-Mobile, the wireless telephone carrier, has sourced a Bill carried by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Los Angeles, 20th District) that would, during proclaimed emergencies or upon the declaration of an emergency by the President, allow wireless telecommunications carriers to enter onto public property and set up emergency re­placement cell sites for existing sites that are “significantly impaired or rendered inop­erable by the conditions causing that emergency” (although neither term is defined, and presumably are up to the wireless carrier to self-determine).

Under Gov. Code § 830 ‘Public property’ means real or personal prop­erty owned or controlled by the public entity, but does not include easements, encroachments and other property that are located on the property of the public entity but are not owned or controlled by the public entity. Generally speaking, public property includes all real property owned by the local government or public agency including, for example, a local government’s offices; a public agency’s offices; schools; corporation and maintenance yards; pump stations; wells, water tanks; parks; open space; police and fire stations; government training facilities; jails; municipal airports; etc.

Emergency wireless sites allowed under SB 1252 would be “temporary” installations, however the term ‘temporary’ is not time-defined in the Bill. There is a minimal (and potentially ineffective) prior notice requirement of the wireless carrier’s entry of the public property. There is a post-occupancy notice requirement, and a permit process commencement requirement, but no procedure other than judicial to eject an uncooperative occupying carrier if the permit is denied.

The Bill provides a severely time-restricted opportunity for a limited class of public property owners to opt out of the requirements of SB 1252 at existing radio sites, but not at all public prop­erty sites. The time restriction is limited to within 6 hours of the declaration or procla­mation of an emergency. To be effective, the actual notice must be received by the wireless carrier within that time.

There is no compensation requirement for the carrier’s occupancy of the public property.

The Bill provides that the wireless carrier will indemnify and hold harmless a limited class of public property owners, but no defense of the public property owner is pro­vided for in the Bill.

This Bill has cleared the California Senate, and is now in the Assembly, where it is cur­rently being held at the desk. It needs to stay there, or to be dramatically altered.

As of May 14, 2008, the following groups have officially supported the Bill: T-Mobile (source); California Chamber of Commerce; CTIA – The Wireless Association; the League of California Cities; and the Sheriff-Coroner of San Bernardino County.

A section-by-section analysis of the proposed legislation is available online. CLICK HERE to download the PDF file.

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VOIPNow.org Recognizes celltowersites.com

Posted on by Dr. Jonathan L. Kramer

We’re pleased to be listed on VOIPNow.org‘s list of 100 Top Telecom Industry Blogs.  They said,

Jonathan Kramer on Wireless Tower Siting: If any one blog really fits the “Niche” category, this is it. Kramer set this blog up over a decade ago because he knew “that government and private wireless planners are very visual people.” So, through this blog and its photographs, Kramer hopes to illustrate what can be done and what should be avoided when constructing wireless towers. Kramer is a consultant through his law firm, Kramer Telecom Law Firm, P.C., and he’s advised the U.S. government and private clients on wireless tower siting issues for many years.

Thanks!

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Lost the Edge?

Posted on by Dr. Jonathan L. Kramer

Edge Wireless has been absorbed by AT&T Wireless when it purchased the outstanding 64% of the stock of the firm.

Edge was formed in 1999 by Wayne Perry (a member of the Board of Directors  and a former Vice Chairman of of AT&T Wireless), Cal Cannon and Donnie Castleman (alums execs of McCaw Cellular).

Edge had a roaming agreement with Cingular (later AT&T Wireless).  Lately, the large wireless carriers have been triggering buy-out provisions in the roaming agreements.  Whether that’s the case here is unknown, but I rather suspect it.

Here’s AT&T’s PR puff regarding the completion of the transaction:

AT&T Completes Acquisition of Edge Wireless to Enhance Wireless Coverage

Transition to Begin in the Second Quarter; Customer Benefits Will Include Improved Network Coverage and Access to Innovative Products and Services

San Antonio, Texas, April 18, 2008

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) today announced that the company has completed, through a subsidiary, the acquisition of Edge Wireless. Edge is a provider of wireless communications services in Oregon, northern California, Idaho and Wyoming.

The addition of Edge’s wireless network will allow AT&T to deliver broader wireless coverage to customers in the Northwest, including Edge’s existing subscribers. Edge customers will also gain access to AT&T’s portfolio of products and services, as well as to the nation’s largest voice and data network, which covers more than 290 million people.

The two companies have a long-standing relationship as roaming partners, and AT&T expects a smooth customer transition. AT&T will immediately begin to implement a carefully planned process to integrate the AT&T and Edge Wireless networks, combine product portfolios and merge customer care initiatives.

The acquisition of Edge Wireless follows review and approval by the Federal Communications Commission.

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T-Mobile sues City of San Bernardino, California

Posted on by Dr. Jonathan L. Kramer

T-Mobile (Omnipoint Communications, Inc.) has sued the City of San Bernardino, California alleging violations of 47 U.S.C.  332(c)(7)(B)(iii) and 47 U.S.C.  332(c)(7)(B)(i)(I) of the “Federal Telecommunications Act of 1966 (sic)”, as well as alleging a violation of the U.S. Constitution Supremacy Clause.

The suit, filed by T-Mobile on March 20, 2008, concerns a City denial of a proposed cell site at 1838 West Baseline Street in San Bernardino.

You can read the complaint by clicking on the following link (734 kb PDF)

T-Mobile v. San Bernardino Complaint

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DWW: The new offense, brought to you by AT&T and MediaFLO

Posted on by Dr. Jonathan L. Kramer

Soon you’ll be able to speed down the highway who watching AT&T’s TV two-channel service on your mobile phone.  Call it “Driving While Watching” (DWW).

“Gee, Judge, I really wanted to see the whole episode of Lost, so that’s why I accidentally hit that old lady crossing the street. Sure the light was red, but I was really engrossed in the plot when I passed over the lady, and really, there weren’t any cars in the intersection at the time. You understand, don’t you, your honor?!”

Here’s the PR puff:

AT&T Mobile TV – Coming to Your Wireless Phone in May

Innovative New Service to Broadcast on Two New AT&T Exclusive Handsets from LG and Samsung

AT&T Will Feature Full-Length Television Content, including Two Exclusive Channels

San Antonio, Texas, March 27, 2008

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and MediaFLO USA Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM) announced today the launch of AT&T Mobile TV with FLO, a mobile television service featuring high quality live programming. The mobile TV service will launch in May 2008 on two new exclusive handsets, the LG Vu™ and the Samsung Access™. AT&T Mobile TV will also feature two exclusive channels, which will be announced soon.

AT&T Mobile TV will deliver full-length television content and sporting events from top networks, including programming from leading entertainment brands CBS Mobile, Comedy Central, ESPN Mobile TV, FOX Mobile, MTV, NBC 2GO, NBC News2Go and Nickelodeon.

“AT&T Mobile TV is a powerful new mobile entertainment offering, which will give our customers a formidable lineup of sports, news and primetime shows, including two channels exclusive available to AT&T customers,” said Mark Collins, vice president of Consumer Data for AT&T’s wireless unit. “We are thrilled to team with MediaFLO USA to offer our customers an unmatched mobile entertainment experience that is changing the way we all look at TV.”

“By making the FLO TV service available to AT&T customers, the nation’s largest wireless carrier, MediaFLO USA continues to expand our award winning FLO TV service to consumers across the country,” said Gina Lombardi, president of MediaFLO USA. “We look forward to working closely with AT&T to continue the momentum of making mobile TV a staple for more consumers.”

The AT&T Mobile TV service will be launched on two stylish devices: the Vu from LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A. Inc. (LG), and the Access from and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung).

  • LG Vu: A sleek and stunning device, the Vu gives you a clear view of TV, Web, pictures or videos on its large interactive touch screen. It also lets you get the utmost in mobile entertainment with a music player, 2.0 megapixel camera and Bluetooth® capabilities.
  • Samsung Access: This stylish handset features a large landscape display, ideal for delivering a rich viewing experience and an internal antenna for exceptional reception. It’s a great device for customers who are looking for advanced multimedia capabilities such as a camera, external stereo speakers, stereo Bluetooth, AT&T Music, CV, of course, AT&T Mobile TV.

More details on AT&T’s soon-to-be-launched mobile TV service from MediaFLO USA and the company’s exclusive handsets from LG and Samsung will be available soon. To learn more about AT&T’s other mobile entertainment offerings, visit www.wireless.att.com/entertainment.

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