John Baeyens

It has been exactly a year since Mobistar launched ADSL and I left the project for a year missions in Brazil.  Mobistar ADSL Connect and ADSL Talk were two innovative products preparing Mobistar’s positioning for the arrival of UMA.  It’s no secret I’m a strong believer in UMA (unlicensed mobile access).  No idea what UMA is?  Check the page of the Nokia 6136 and you’ll understand what it’s about.

Today T-Mobile USA unveiled it’s big plans for wVoIP using UMA technology for the service.  They offer the Nokia 6136 or the Samsung T709 you’ll need for the service for 50 US$ when you take a 2 years contract.  The service requires an additional $20 a month for unlimited calls in the US (to fixed and mobile lines) from any T-mobile hotspot or your home access point.  They offer a home access point (like Mobistar’s lifebox) for subscribers that don’t already have one.

I’m current re-installing my broadband connection for my arrival in Belgium on December 28th.  Here’s my analysis of the service I want:

- 4Mb/s is not enough.  I have been propagating the need for ADSL Plus or ADSL up to the max to Mobistar from the very first day I arrive?  Me a geek?  Maybe, but check the usage of your kids at home and think again.  8Mb/s is an absolute minimum; Telenet’s 20Mb/s is nicer. 
- I would immediately sign up for a 20 EU per month service with unlimited calls to fix and mobile numbers.  Financially impossible?  Do the math again.
- If I would sign up I would need a service provider like Telenet or Belgacom with a coverage of hotspots; preferably more granulated then the current offering.  The lack of Mobistar hotspots is a burden; they should make a deal with Telenet and offer access to their hotspots.