Kite Networks launches BWA service in Phoenix

Integrated communications provider Kite Networks (Ridgeland MS) has launched the beta trial of its wireless broadband services in Phoenix. The city is the first metropolitan area in the nation to receive access to the Kite Networks wireless broadband, including high-speed "always on" Internet access, e-mail, and Web hosting.

By equipping its customers with wireless access to broadband, Kite Networks has overcome "last mile" issues—getting the wire that carries broadband from the router switch to the street, into the building and to the customer. Now, businesses in Phoenix that could not be served by DSL, fiber and cable providers can welcome Kite Networks as their solution to gaining effective broadband access. Once the service is commercially launched in Phoenix, customers can, in most cases, expect installation within five to ten days.

The service provider is offering its beta customers in Phoenix instant access to a range of broadband communications services. Local small- and medium-sized businesses participating in the trial may choose from three access plans and speeds from Kite Networks: standard business (512K), business silver (1.0 MB), and business gold (2.0 MB). A full-scale launch of the commercial service in Phoenix will take place in the first quarter of 2001, at which time the company will make available its consumer service. Kite Networks will continue to roll out its services to additional markets across the nation in 2000 and 2001.

"Phoenix and the surrounding area is still under-served in terms of broadband availability. The Kite Networks fixed wireless broadband is a perfect fit to serve our sprawling, rapidly expanding metropolitan area," said David Keough, wireline project manager at Salt River Project. "We have been testing the Kite Networks service for a number of weeks now, and from the start, we have been quite impressed with both the speed and ease of deployment."

Edited by Ellen Jensen
Managing Editor, Wireless Networks Online