Light at the end of the tunnel?

Of course the light doesn't let you know how long the tunnel is. There have been some potentially exciting developments in rural broadband access along with improvements to the entire national networks. First, a company called Lightsquared has announced a nationwide build out of a 4G network. They will be a wholesale only company, offering service through other providers. I will think about buying a bottle of champagne.

NEW YORK, N.Y., July 20, 2010 – Today marks the launch of LightSquared™, a new nationwide 4G-LTE wireless broadband network integrated with satellite coverage that will revolutionize communications in the United States. As the nation’s first wholesale-only integrated wireless broadband and satellite network, LightSquared will provide wireless broadband capacity to a diverse group of customers, including retailers; wireline and wireless communication service providers; cable operators; device manufacturers; web players; content providers; and many others. The LightSquared network will allow these partners to offer satellite-only, terrestrial-only, or integrated satellite-terrestrial services to their end users. This wholesale-only business model ensures LightSquared has no conflict of interest with its customers. LightSquared seeks to transform the wireless broadband industry to one that fosters innovation, creativity, and freedom of choice via the first truly open and net neutral wireless network.
www.lightsquared.com

Second, T-Mobile is working on an enhancement to its 3G network, knows as HSPA+. Early tests show it to be faster than 4G. Sure, as long as nobody else is using the network, it will be fast. Just wait until HSPA+ phones and devices are commonplace. Along with phones, T-Mobile USA will be offering the 'webConnect Rocket', a USB modem for use with laptop and desktop computers. It looks like the Web 'n' Walk has finally arrived for the US market.
For more info click HERE

I will be waiting on the sidelines to watch this one.