NR Communications launch new broadband wireleCan any of our more technically capable contributors explain if this is a threat to Wi-Lan's plans to someday dominate in the Wireless Anywhere plan of Hatim's, and second, why isn't Wi-Lan equipment being factored into such an elaborate scheme to rollout a Wireless Internet service in Canada? Why go for 2.2 MG when you can get 20+. Is the current Wi-Lan equipment incapable of a roaming CPE? Appreciate any knowledgeable replies.
Allstream, Inukshuk Internet and NR Communications launch new broadband wireless access network in Richmond, British Columbia
Unique and innovative commercial offerings from Fido and Allstream deliver high speed, ease-of-use and wireless Internet portability
See also: Fido brings plug and play wireless high-speed internet access to customers in Richmond, B.C.
Richmond, British Columbia, March 4, 2004 – A new choice for high speed Internet access emerged today in British Columbia, as the new venture recently created by Allstream Inc., Inukshuk Internet Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Microcell Telecommunications Inc., and NR Communications, LLC launched its first Multipoint Communications Systems (MCS) network in Richmond, a suburb of Vancouver. The three companies joined forces last November with the aim of using advanced wireless technology to offer integrated high-speed Internet, IP-based voice and local networking services to selected markets across Canada.
With the deployment of this new network, two new service offerings are being simultaneously launched today: one from Microcell Solutions Inc. under its Fido® brand, and one from Allstream. Microcell and Allstream will provide competitive high speed Internet services using broadband wireless access (BWA) technology, to consumers and businesses in Richmond. Microcell is launching iFido™, a residential wireless high speed Internet service; and Allstream is introducing a bundled wireless high speed service for small office and teleworking applications, as well as for enterprise customers with remote branch locations.
Inukshuk, as the spectrum licensee, operates the MCS network providing wholesale BWA services. The new network operates across 60 MHz of Inukshuk’s licensed MCS spectrum, thereby offering customers the security, reliability and predictability of wireless systems that are able to use exclusively licensed spectrum bands.
The commercial service uses a unique wireless IP technology platform, provided by NextNet® Wireless, a leading provider of next generation broadband wireless access solutions. NextNet’s Expedience® system is a reliable and proven system that is based on non-line-of-sight technology. It delivers consistent broadband speeds across a broad coverage area.
This technology combines the simplicity of a true plug-and-play system, with reliability, portability and competitive pricing. Installation of the portable customer premise equipment (CPE) is quick and easy -- it does not require an external antenna or a service provider truck roll. The CPE can be moved as readily as a laptop computer to function almost anywhere within the Richmond network footprint. One key competitive advantage is the CPE operates up to 2.5 km away from any network base station located throughout the service area.
The Expedience system is currently deployed in 20 markets in the United States, Canada, Asia, Africa, and Central and Latin America, including the largest deployment of this system in Mexico.
"This is a very exciting day for everyone involved in the venture," said André Tremblay, President and CEO of Microcell Telecommunications and Inukshuk Internet. “We are delighted to be announcing our first commercial deployment in Richmond today. For Inukshuk, this represents another step towards realizing our vision of connecting Canadians through innovative broadband technologies, as well as the opportunity to extend the scope of our already rich and compelling Fido service offering."
"We are delivering on our commitment to provide Canadians with more choice,” said John McLennan, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Allstream. “The structure of the venture allows other service providers to use the technology, encouraging more competition for high speed Internet access services. There has been very strong interest in the commercial service and we expect to sign up new service partners in the near future. By combining the unique strengths and complementary assets of the three companies, we have been able to deliver a very compelling offering to consumers and businesses in a capital efficient manner."
Nick Kauser, NR Communications’ CEO, added: "I have tremendous confidence in the future of this venture. The core technology allows us to integrate new applications such as Voice over IP and local networking services. We look forward to building on this strong base and delivering these exciting new services later this year. This is just the beginning."
The venture plans to expand its commercial deployment to a second Canadian site in the coming weeks, and will be finalizing its deployment plans by mid-2004 to deploy the offering nationally.
About Inukshuk Internet and Microcell
Inukshuk Internet Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Microcell Telecommunications Inc. (TSX: MT), a Canadian provider of Personal Communications Services (PCS) under the Fido® brand name. Inukshuk Internet was granted licences from Industry Canada for Multipoint Communications Services (MCS) spectrum in the 2500 to 2596 MHz frequency band, to build a unique, “last mile” broadband wireless access network. The licences cover a population of some 30 million people, comprising all the provinces and territories of Canada, with the exception of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. On November 19, 2003, Inukshuk announced that it had formed a new venture with Allstream Inc. and NR Communications to further expedite and extend MCS network deployment. In February 2004, Inukshuk started commercial deployment of its MCS network by launching service in Yellowknife, NWT, and Iqaluit, Nunavut, along with partners SSI Micro and Nunanet Worldwide Communications. For more information, visit www.inukshuk.ca, and www.microcell.ca.