PCIA GlobalXChange: Airspan answers demand for high-speed Internet access

Wireless DSL equipment provider Airspan Networks Inc. unveiled its PacketDrive technology, a major technology enhancement to the company's AS4000 wireless DSL platform, which delivers high-speed Internet access and high-quality voice services to small to medium-sized businesses, as well as high-end residential customers.

The technology will allow communications service providers to offer their customers a broad range of IP data and high-quality voice services. With initial speeds of 512 kb/s and planned speeds in excess of 4.6 Mb/s, the technology offers high network data throughput, resulting high data performance for customers, efficient use of spectrum for operators and low-cost network deployment. PacketDrive combines an always-on IP port, multiple carrier-grade quality voice lines and home PNA capabilities in one package. The technology can be deployed as an alternative to a traditional wired network or as an extension to a carrier's existing DSL rollout.

PacketDrive allows operators with an immediate solution for the most lucrative end-user segments that typically demand simultaneous delivery of both data and voice services. For the corporate sector, a number of value-added services can be supported from the platform, including closed user group and virtual private networks.

"Despite the surge in demand for high speed access, we're finding that the small and medium enterprises and residential markets are still grossly under-served by the traditional wireline DSL offerings on the market today," said Eric Stonestrom, Airspan CEO. "Airspan's PacketDrive gives operators the opportunity to expand their customer base and enter into what we consider to be the fastest growing market segment for wireless DSL services."

PacketDrive is currently in a number of active trial deployments with CLECs in the United States. Given the size of its potential market and its history of earlier system deployments, North America is expected to represent approximately 39% of the global market for fixed wireless broadband in 2004, according to a recent report by The Strategis Group, a telecommunications analyst firm. Additionally, market activity in Europe, Asia and Latin America is expected to rise as well for fixed wireless broadband—with service revenues being forecast to generate $US 4.1 billion, $US 3.0 billion and $US 2.7 billion by 2004, according to Strategis.

Edited by Ellen Jensen
Managing Editor, Wireless Networks Online