This week, the Wireless Backhaul community saw the rollout of the ZoomTether router from Zoom Telephonics. Smartphones, when connected to the ZoomTether router, can connect to devices any device within 1,000 feet.

The device keeps smartphone users who want to use their phones as Wi-Fi hotspots from having to pay extra for their monthly data plans. “A smartphone, a single data plan, and a Zoom 3G/4G router deliver the Internet to multiple devices where and when needed,” noted Terry Manning, Zoom’s VP of Marketing and Sales.

Everyone loves a bargain, particularly when “bargain” actually means getting something for free. Bouygues Telecom in France paired up with Devicescape to offer eight million Wi-Fi hotspots around France and in many other countries. When subscribers approach one of these hotspots, their devices will switch from 3G/4G connection to Wi-Fi. Network traffic is reduced, and so are customer costs.

In additional news, Tamiami Village, a retirement community in Ft. Myers, Fla., partnered with Proxim Wireless (News - Alert) to acquire wireless equipment to create a Wi-Fi network. “With our own Wi-Fi network, more of our residents can now afford their own Internet access as we charge a one-time fee for the subscriber unit and a small fee to cover the cost of the installation,” said Barbara Oliveira, the community’s Association Manager.

AirTouch Communications made a large sale this week to UniCell Ghana Ltd. UniCell Ghana bought 1,000 units of AirTouch’s X1500 wireless device, which is designed to improve the cellular signal in any building. According to AirTouch president and CEO Hide Kanakubo, AirTouch expects to also sell devices to Vodafone, Tigo, Glo and Airtel.

TMC (News - Alert) also reported this week that Shared Spectrum (News - Alert) received two patents for inventions that enable more efficient management and use of wireless radio spectrum resources. The patents included a “Method and system for transmitting signals with reduced spurious emissions” and a “Systems and methods for a cognitive radio having adaptable characteristics.”

Finally, ASSIA tapped former FCC chairman Reed Hundt (News - Alert) to serve on their Board of Directors. Hundt, during his FCC tenure, oversaw the introduction of spectrum auctions as well as the implementation of the 1996 Federal Telecommunications Act.

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