FAQs
Is it really free to receive a Bluetooth® message on my cell phone?
Yes. Broadburst Bluetooth messages bypass the cell phone carrier and instead originate from a nearby mini-computer, so there is no cost to receive the message.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range communications technology intended to replace the cables connecting portable and/or fixed devices while maintaining high levels of security. Embedded into consumer electronics like mobile phones, computers, digital cameras and printers, Bluetooth allows these devices to share information with each other.
How do Bluetooth devices communicate?
Bluetooth wireless technology is made up of a tiny radio transmitter and receiver embedded into an electronic device. When a device with Bluetooth wireless technology [for example, a phone] wants to ‘talk’ to another device [for example, a computer] it simply broadcasts a radio signal which is received by the other unit.
Does Bluetooth interfere with other equipment?
No. Bluetooth delivers a low-power ‘tagged’ signal which is specifically designed to avoid interfering with other equipment. This has allowed Bluetooth to be an easy-to-adopt technology.
At what frequency does Bluetooth operate?
Bluetooth wireless technology is a world standard operating at a frequency of 2.45 Gigahertz (GHz)—this band is referred to as the ISM band (Industrial, Scientific, Medical).
Are Broadburst’s access servers CRTC-compliant?
Bluetooth wireless technology operates in a specified frequency range (2.45GHz), the same as a cordless telephone. By international treaty, this is classed as a public frequency range that is available for use by anyone as long as they use approved low-powered transmitters (such as the equipment Broadburst uses). The CRTC and Industry Canada are signatories to this standard so Broadburst falls within government regulations regarding signal casting.
How does the Broadburst Access Server work?
A consumer comes within range of a Broadburst Access Server and switches their mobile phone to ‘discoverable’. The Access Server recognizes the handset and then sends information to it via Bluetooth.
What is the range of the Broadburst Access Server?
The Broadburst signal is able to reach as far as 100 meters. Broadburst is able to increase or decrease the signal strength to accurately adjust the range depending on the client’s needs for that location.
Does Broadburst track users?
Detailed usage reports are made available to Broadburst clients. The report itemizes how many devices enabled with Bluetooth wireless technology were detected in the area of the Wireless Servers and goes into detail about whether the message was accepted, rejected or timed out as well as days, times or transmission.
Does Broadburst send junk mail?
No. Broadburst does not send junk mail two major reasons:
- Broadburst is committed to sending high quality content and is setting the standard for that quality in the marketplace; and
- Broadburst is permission-based. Broadburst servers only make contact if mobile users activate their handset’s Bluetooth and only sends content if the user then chooses to be a recipient.
Does Broadburst comply with privacy laws?
All Broadburst activities are permission-based by nature and completely compliant with Canada’s legislated Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). We do not collect any personal information from mobile users.