Milton Keynes is to test a Wimax wireless network, in
what its organisers say is the first trial of its kind in the
UK.
Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access) is expected
to support broadband speeds over wireless networks at a price cheap
enough for the mass market. It is based on the IEEE 802.16
standard.
The trial, set up by Pipex Wireless - a joint venture between
internet service provider Pipex and chip maker Intel - has been
designed and planned in co-operation with Milton Keynes
Council.
Base station equipment and subscriber terminals will be provided
by Airspan Networks, and Ericsson will build and operate the radio
network and rooftop infrastructure.
The trial will test demand for Wimax from both businesses and
consumers, with base stations sited in areas with little or no DSL
broadband provision. It will involve about 500 users and provide
connection speeds of between 2mbps and 10mbps.
The six-month trial will begin in December and, if successful,
could be extended to provide wider coverage across Milton
Keynes.
Milton Keynes council head of IT and e-government, Steven
Jewell, said, “We are pleased to have attracted Pipex Wireless to
trial Wimax in Milton Keynes. This reflects our continuing
commitment to the digital economy in our town and to improving
broadband provision.”
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