Acer in talks with Europe's operators for 3G mini laptop

Lynnette Luna — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:18:38 -0400

Acer said it is in discussions with European operators T-Mobile International, Vodafone Group and Orange to supply mini laptops with built-in 3G. The company says it is also talking to Taiwanese operators Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile. Acer's Aspire one already includes 802.11b/g but left room to install WiMAX or 3G modules. The 3G module Acer would add web access using HSDPA and HSUPA (High Speed Downlink/Uplink Packet Access) The Aspire one is priced between US$399 and $499 standalone, but mobile service providers could subsidize part of that cost to encourage people to sign up for a 3G contracts.

Some European operators such as Vodafone and Orange already sell subsidized laptops in certain markets. U.S. operators haven't been interested as they already don't like the subsidy game. A report issued by Pyramid Research last year suggested that wireless carriers that sell laptops in their stores may help improve uptake of their wireless broadband services.

Another mini-laptop maker in talks with European operators is Asustek Computer with its Eee PC. Taiwan's Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), says it has already signed up wireless service providers in Europe to distribute its G10IL netbook.

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Should operators subsidize laptops? 3G laptop story

Report: Emerging markets accounted for majority of WiMAX subs in 2007

Lynnette Luna — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:38:18 -0400

Pyramid Research says emerging markets accounted for more than 70 percent of the world's WiMAX subscribers in 2007. The firm recently conducted an audit of commercial WiMAX networks across the globe and found that WiMAX operators have been adding new subscribers at a rate of 500 to 1,000 per month. More than 70 percent of those subscribers are coming from the SME and SOHO markets. Article