Clearwire: Don't know them yet? You will...

During the protests in Egypt, I was curious what kind of gear American networks were using to get signals outside of the country. How were high quality live feeds seamlessly getting pushed on-air and to devices like the IPAD? At one point,  I saw color bars up that read 'CNN Streambox' so I took that as a clue. With Streambox's tiny gear in the field, HD signals can be pushed many different ways to cloud based servers remotely. The servers then distribute the signal to your operations center, and to media devices.

Local broadcast stations are using Streambox's cost effective Wi-Fi feature, in lieu of SD Microwave transmission. From what I've heard, this quality passes but is less than spectacular. Some Networks and Military operations are using VSAT, and digital satellite connections to get feeds out. But the one connection that Streambox offers which I found most interesting is known as Wi-Max. Wi-Max is not even comparable to Wi-Fi.. totally different. Wi-Max is a protocol that provides mobile broadband over great distances, between cities and countries. The latest update to Wi-Max technology supports 1gb/sec transfer rates. That said, Wi-Max could be the replacement to current GSM and CDMA cell towers.
Enter Clearwire Corporation, stage left.

Using Wi-Max technology, Clearwire corporation is the partnership of the biggest names in telecom and media today. The logos above represent the major players in this operation. Right now, if you're on Sprint's 4G network, you're using Clearwire's Wi-Max connection. Sprint owns 54% of the company, and the 4G spectrum for consumers is only a small portion of the speed this massive network can handle.  Clearwire as a company,  has had a relatively soft launch until recently. After rolling out unsuccessful storefronts nationwide, the company is now focusing on direct marketing its service to consumers.  

For $35 bucks a month, the company is offering to replace your current cable or DSL connection with theirs. They'll give you a wireless router, and
guarantee your encrypted security. Throw in another $10 bucks, and they'll give you Nationwide Wi-Max access too. Again, this isn't some fake '4G' connection off a cell tower.
For the money you get a faster connection,
and access for your mobile devices, nationwide.
For these reasons, I personally believe this really is a company to watch.

Content vs. Provider?

Let's say on the next trip to your favorite grocery chain, the store tells you what you'll be allowed to buy. How would you contest that? You've relied on them to stock your cabinet and freezer for years. Now let's say that its your internet and cable company telling you the same thing.

Between 4G, WiFi and your Cable box, the possibilities for entertainament are endless. Let's be honest, are you really going to watch 1100 channels on your TV?  You're paying for them but a look at your DVR and Internet Explorer favorites paints a different picture.

Props: Slashgear

The industry has been adapting to 'a la carte' on-demand for years, and gear like Apple TV and Google TV bring the best of the internet to your living room. On a recent trip to rural Kentucky, I was blown away to see another great device in full effect. Practically in the middle of a cornfield, with access to all my prime time shows, newest movies, social media accounts, sports and so much more in HD! Its called ROKU, and for $60 bucks, it packs an awesome punch right out of the box. The guy that invented this thing, actually invented the DVR. Somewhere Filo Farnsworth and Cliff Gardner are raising a glass to this guy. Bottom line, I think these devices represent the direction of ultimate content delivery. Who needs a cable provider? Not so fast.

With easy access to so much content, the only thing you've really got to worry about is getting a connection to the internet , right? This brings me back to the grocery store analogy. The FCC's legislation on 'Net Neutrality' would control how your Internet and Cable provider can manage what you do with these devices. This is especially significant to outlets like Comcast, who are just about ready to seal the deal on their 51% of NBC Universal. Through websites and Apps, many of the network and cable channels keep you entertained on your laptop, phone, gaming console and tablet. Most are free, some like Netflix you pay a small fee for unlimited videos. With net neutrality, it will be illegal for providers like Comcast to control bandwith and block the sites of their competitors. They will however, be able to block competitor's Apps, which could be a huge problem. Sound odd? Verizon thinks so too.. and they're the ones that helped draft this bill to begin with! Today, they filed suit against the FCC; more details below.  Ultimately, I believe that consumer demand for content creators and App developers will trump the service providers.

1/21/10 Verizon sues FCC over net neutrality