AIR2LAN this week commenced a
national rollout of its high-speed wireless Internet access in Jackson, MS.
Looking to establish the firm as a major access provider, AIR2LAN is
offering wireless broadband Internet access to home and business users at
speeds up to 2 MB per second.
Jai P. Bhagat, AIR2LAN chairman and chief executive officer, said its
high-speed wireless solution enables clients to enjoy all the benefits of
broadband access without the time and expense of wireline installations.
“High-speed broadband access enables rapid transmission of video, audio and
other multimedia files, as well as speeding e-commerce interactions and
dramatically decreased web page download times,” Bhagat said. “As the power
and the reach of the Internet become pervasive, customers will increasingly
be demanding this type of broadband service outside the office.”
AIR2LAN is partnering with Internet service providers to provide wireless
home and business access. Currently 84 percent of small businesses in the
U.S. rely solely on dial-up connections for their Internet access. Bhagat
said AIR2LAN is ramping up its broadband network to tap into the lucrative
high-speed marketplace, where clients seek to cut their copper or coax
expenses and go wireless.
“As the power and the reach of the Internet become pervasive, customers
will increasingly be demanding this type of broadband service outside the
office,” said Bhagat.
“Analysts predict more than 11 million households will have broadband
access by the year 2002. AIR2LAN’s wireless solution also enables users to
enjoy mobility within the premises as well as providing access more quickly
and cheaply than wireline high-speed services,” he added.
AIR2LAN offers a variety of fixed wireless products that enable high-speed
access as well as LAN solutions to be rapidly deployed in offices,
apartment complexes, and airports. The service features a permanent “hot”
connection to the Internet, meaning users will not have to log on to obtain
access and can be instantly notified when e-mail arrives.
Working with ISP partners AIR2LAN provides home access for customers with
broadband connectivity to the Internet transported over license-exempt
radio spectrum.
AIR2LAN technology utilizes a network comprised of “Mini Hubs” connected
to “Super Hubs,” which interfaces with the Internet through its ISP
partners. The architecture enables ISPs to provide pockets of service to
select areas without having to build-out their infrastructure for an entire
metropolitan area.
Washington, D.C.-based independent research firm The Strategis Group reports that
revenues in the wireless broadband market segment will soar 418 Percent in
next five years.
John Zahurancik, Strategis Group vice president of broadband information,
said the phenomenal growth would be predominantly fueled by service
provides tapping into unlicensed radio spectrum.
“By 2003, we forecast that no less than 34 percent of U.S. households and
45 percent of U.S. businesses will be serviceable by broadband wireless
networks,” Zahurancik said. “Wireless broadband revenues will reach $3.4
billion in 2003, compared to 1999 revenues of $11.2 million.”
High-speed business-to-business service provider Big Net partnered with
AIR2LAN to provide Internet backbone connectivity in select markets. As a
result of the deal, Big Net will provide 24-hour help desk support for
AIR2LAN, as well as back office accounting functions.
Duane Rao, Big Net Holdings chairman and chief executive officer said
advanced communication systems continue to evolve at a fierce pace, and
wireless web applications are the next frontier for Big Net.
“The opportunity for Big Net to partner with AIR2LAN to offer h
igh speed
wireless access to the Internet underscores our commitment to be a major
player in the connectivity and networking landscape,” Rao said.
AIR2LAN is currently deploying its broadband wireless services on a
market-by-market basis. The firm has been beta testing its high-speed
Internet services in Jackson, MS for the past 90 days.
AIR2LAN’s management team was formed in part from the fallout of the WorldCom Inc.
acquisition of SkyTel Communications
Inc. AIR2LAN’s Bhagat is the former vice chairman and chief executive
of SkyTel.
Bhagat completed AIR2LANs first round of funding through private investors.
AIR2LAN currently operates its wireless broadband network out Jackson, MS.
