Posts Tagged ‘wi-fi’

This season’s perfect accessory: the new, faster LTE Rocket mobile hotspot

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Sierra Wireless LTE hotspot from RogersSpring has sprung here and with the sudden increase in temperature I had a light bulb moment: why doesn’t my team take all our meetings outdoors? With the newly launched Sierra Wireless AirCard 763S LTE mobile hotspot, we can do this pretty easily!

Not only could we use the new hotspot to reschedule our boardroom bookings to the lawn, park, or  patio, it’s also useful for people who travel on business or if you’re taking it easy lakeside at the cottage this summer and need to stay connected.

With the new Sierra Wireless AirCard 763S LTE mobile hotspot you can create a password-protected hotspot in seconds for up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices.  This means that no matter where you decide to set up your office, you and your team can all access your emails, presentations and shared documents online.  Here are a few more advantages:

  • It’s faster than ever: the maximum theoretical download speed is up to 100 Mbps but this next generation device is enabled for both 1700/2100MHz and 2600 MHz spectrum connectivity on the Rogers LTE network for typical LTE download speeds of 12-40 Mbps compared to 12-25 Mbps for devices using 1700/2100MHz only.
  • It’s flexible: the mobile hotspot isn’t limited to laptops- you can connect virtually any Wi-Fi device including tablets, e-readers, printers, cameras, music or gaming devices.
  • It’s easy to carry and use everywhere: About the size of a deck of cards, with up to 6 hours of battery life, and a helpful LCD screen to guide you, being productive amongst nature has never been this simple.

In order to access the Rogers LTE network, you’ll need the following:

  • an LTE-ready device
  • an LTE SIM card, and
  • an LTE plan within Rogers LTE coverage area.

When outside of LTE coverage area, the mobile hotspot seamlessly connects to Rogers 4G HSPA+ network across the nation and supports roaming in over 190 countries. Rogers has the fastest and largest LTE network* and it’s available in select Canadian cities. You can check out www.rogers.com/coverage for a map and details.

For more information on this device and other LTE devices check out Rogers.com/LTE

Where do you need to stay connected? i.e. cottage, on the beach, etc.?

Kaili is a regular contributor to RedBoard

*Within Rogers LTE network footprint. Based on tests comparing data throughput speeds and on geographic coverage area comparison (in square kilometers) to Bell and Telus’ LTE networks.  See www.rogers.com/coverage for full details on Rogers LTE network coverage.

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Mobile, Product news
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Create your own Wi-Fi hotspot, when and where you need it

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LTE Rocket Mobile hotspot from RogersThe LTE Rocket mobile hotspot is now available as part of our lineup of LTE devices.  Compact and powerful, the Sierra Wireless AirCard 754S is ideal for mobile teams and employees who need access to the Internet from their Wi-Fi tablets and computers when away from the office.

The Sierra AirCard creates a Wi-Fi hotspot using the LTE network and allows you to connect up to 5 devices, including a Wi-Fi printer, which will let you wirelessly print documents from your smartphone, tablet or computer.

When connected to the LTE network, typical download speeds are between 12 Mbps and 25 Mbps which is comparable to speeds experienced in an office.  When outside of LTE areas, the device automatically connects to our 4G HSPA+ and EDGE networks so you’ll have coverage wherever you need it.

It’s also easy to use:  there’s no software to download or configure and the device features an LCD screen which lets you see important real-time stats including how many devices are connected, how much data you’ve used and how much battery power is left.

In addition to automatic data encryption provided by the Rogers wireless network, the Sierra AirCard provides you with Wi-Fi security controls that are similar to your office’s Wi-Fi network so you can keep unwanted devices from accessing your data and internet connection.

Do you think the LTE Rocket Mobile Hotspot will work for your business?  Let us know what you think.

Alex is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz

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Mobile, Product news, Trends, Wireless
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Looking for an office with a view?

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Rogers business solutions Nobody wants to be stuck in the office all summer. As Canadians, we only have a few short months to enjoy the sun, so it’s important to take advantage of the beach, lake, a favorite local park or patio. But, summer doesn’t mean that business stops.

Fortunately, today’s technologies make it easy to remain connected, regardless of where the summer takes you. Consider these tips for staying connected.

Get connected and stay connected

When you’re not in the office, your Internet connection is your lifeline to all things business. Wi-Fi hotspots are great when they’re available, but they can also be a security risk if you have confidential files on your laptop or tablet.  Rogers Rocket sticks give you high speed connectivity in airports, hotels or at the cottage. Flexible rates plans can be adjusted to your usage or let you share data between your USB stick and your smartphone to maximize your plan.

Alternatively, a Wi-Fi hub allows you to connect up to 10 devices over a high speed connection and is an ideal solution for a group working together from a remote location, like a construction site, new office, or yes, the beach.

Real time conversations keep you in the loop

When it comes to business, many people rely on email as their primary means of communication. But conversing in real time can often be far more efficient.  Look for instant messaging applications that allow you to save, bookmark and search previous conversations for retrieval later. You can also ask your service provider about audio and web conferencing options that allow you to share applications and web sites, annotate presentations on the go, and record conferences for later use.

The ultimate connectivity, no matter where you are

Of course, no tool is as useful for staying connected on the go as your smartphone and tablet.  With a good data plan, you can cost-effectively access the Internet and a host of applications that can facilitate working remotely and keep you engaged with your colleagues, clients and suppliers, either for free or for a minimal investment.

And with thousands of apps available to help you stay organized and productive, you might just find yourself with few extra hours to relax and read a great book or go fishing.

How do you stay connected when you’re away from the office?

Haley Morrison is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz

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Customer Experience, Mobile, Travel, Trends, Wireless
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Can Wi-Fi Calling Work for Your Business?

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Wi-Fi Calling for Business is now available exclusively to Rogers customers.  Now your team can make calls by connecting to an office, home or public Wi-Fi network and move seamlessly to the Rogers wireless network when the Wi-Fi network is not available.

Why make calls on Wi-Fi?

  • Predict your costs: Wi-Fi calling offers unlimited local and Canada-wide calling without using the minutes included in your wireless voice plan. This can reduce or eliminate costly overage charges and help you choose a competitive plan that’s right for your business.
  • Extend Your Coverage: Complement and enhance your Rogers wireless service by using Wi-Fi for access in areas outside regular coverage range, such as underground.
  • Deploy it Quickly: Rogers Wi-Fi Calling for Business uses functionality embedded in many popular mobile devices, including Blackberry. No need for new software, hardware or training.

As part of our RedBoard Biz video series, we spoke to telecom analyst Jon Arnold on some of the benefits of Wi-Fi calling for small business:

To find out more about how Rogers Wi-Fi Calling for Business works, check out our whitepaper.

How can your business benefit from Wi-Fi calling?

Duane MacDonald is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz.

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Customer Experience, Featured Video, Mobile, Wireless
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BlackBerry shortcuts: A cure for “BlackBerry Thumb”

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White BlackBerry Torch 9800 from RogersWe all know that BlackBerry devices are great business tools that increase productivity and keep us more connected.  But all that typing can often lead to what some people affectionately refer to as “BlackBerry Thumb.” To help you avoid this ailment, we’ve put together our favourite BlackBerry shortcuts that will help you be more productive with fewer clicks.

Skipping to the top and bottom of your email and jumping to the oldest unopened message

This is one of the most basic shortcuts, but it’s amazingly helpful. When you’re in your BlackBerry device’s inbox you can quickly jump to the top and/or bottom of a page by clicking the “T” key to go to the top and “B” to drop to oldest message in your inbox. This also works when navigating a web page or BBM conversation. To jump to the oldest unread message in your inbox, simply scroll over any message and click “U ”

When typing an email

Next time you’re typing an e-mail address try hitting the space Bar to enter an @ symbol. Press the space bar again to insert a period in the address.

The BlackBerry “Soft Reset” Shortcut

Has your BlackBerry device ever frozen? Often resetting the device will get it working again. One way to reset is by taking the battery out to perform a “hard reset,” but did you know you can do a “soft reset” without removing any hardware? Simply press ALT, Right Shift (the aA↑ button on the right side) and Delete keys simultaneously on your device and it will reboot.

BlackBerry “Help Me” Screen

Need some help finding your mac address so you can browse for a Wi-Fi connection? Hold ALT, Left Shift and the H key simultaneously to display the BlackBerry “Help Me” screen.

Use Your BlackBerry as a Flashlight

There are apps for sale that allow you to use your Blackberry device as a flashlight, but why pay for something that’s built right into your phone? Simply open up your video camera application and then tap your space bar. The flash will stay on as long as you hold it down.

Do you know other useful BlackBerry shortcuts? What’s your favorite?

Haley Morrison is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz

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Customer Experience, Mobile, Wireless
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Travel smarter on the road

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laptop airportIf your business requires you to travel, you’re probably familiar with the challenges of staying connected and productive on the go. Fortunately, mobile technologies such as broadband networks, smartphones and wireless apps are transforming business travel—for the better.

Here are some tips to guide you toward smarter travel when you’re on the road.

  • Choose a Roaming Plan. A roaming plan lets you pay one fixed monthly rate for voice or data anywhere in Canada or the U.S.A. and can help contain your costs – providing  worry-free calling, emailing and surfing. If you’re an occasional traveller outside Canada, a one-time voice, text or data package lets you talk, text and surf in many countries for one month.
  • Get Rocket Powered. Eliminate the hassle of looking for Wi-Fi hotspots or trying to find ethernet plugs and stay connected wherever you are with a Rocket mobile internet stick. Or, you can also choose from a growing selection of laptops with Rocket built in.  Another option is  a Rocket hub that will let a team of up to 15 connect wirelessly (and you can even plug in a landline for phone service).
  • Bring Your Social Community with You. Mobile versions of social media sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook let you to carry your network of trusted friends and business associates with you wherever you go. Looking for directions, advice or a recommendation on where to eat? A quick status update or tweet can connect you with real-time information from sources that you trust.
  • Download Mobile Travel Apps. The list of apps that will help you on the road is almost endless: GPS navigation apps; travel -resource apps that let you manage your complete itinerary or check to see if your flight is on time; expense and mileage tracking apps; and currency converters – to name but a few. Check out BlackBerry App World, the Apple’s iTunes App Store, Android Market, or you can get apps through the Rogers mobile site.

You can find more on mobile solutions for business travellers here.

Do you have a favorite mobile app or tool when work takes you on the road? What tips do you have for business travellers?

Geoffrey Booth is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz.

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Surf Safe: Wireless Security Tips for Mobile Employees

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Wireless computing has changed the way we work.

Freed from the need for cords and cables, any coffee shop or airport lobby is now a perfectly good place to work. And back at the office, wireless technology makes networking multiple computers and sharing resources simple and efficient.

But wireless signals travel through the air, which makes them potentially easier to intercept. Fortunately, you can reduce that risk significantly by taking a few basic precautions when you’re away from your desk. Just follow these tips:

  • Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN, a secure connection through the internet to your company network, encrypts all the data coming and going from your computer and is the safest solution for sending sensitive data.
  • Enable firewall and anti-virus software: While a firewall won’t protect you from every threat, it’s a good first line of defence. So, be sure your firewall protection is enabled and that your laptop’s protective software up to date.
  • Protect your files: Make all the folders on your laptop private. You can also password-protect individual documents – especially sensitive documents and the ones you plan to use in a public location. As another layer of protection, turn off file and printer sharing before entering a hotspot.
  • Choose connections carefully: Only join legitimate networks run by businesses you trust, set your computer for manual network selection and ensure that Wi-Fi ad hoc mode is disabled.
  • Exercise caution in hotspots: Avoid entering private information such as credit card numbers and passwords in a hotspot and stay away from sensitive online transactions such as banking or trading.
  • Reach for a Rocket stick: You can avoid a lot of wireless-work headaches by equipping your laptop with a USB internet stick such as the Rocket mobile internet stick by Rogers – which provides fast download speeds and automatic encryption for information you send to colleagues and clients.

More details on wireless security tips can be found in RedBoard Biz’s Tech Tips here.

How do you securely stay connected on the go? What tips do you have for road warriors?

Geoffrey Booth is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz.

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