ABS to launch wireless internet services

Chennai, Oct 10: Aircel Business Solutions (ABS), part of Aircel, today announced the launch of wireless internet services through Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, popularly known as the WiMAX technology.

ABS had become the first company in India to launch WiMAX and one among the five global operators to achieve the feat, company senior Vice President Ram Shinde told a press conference here.

The WiMAX technology enables 'last mile' connectivity using 'near line of site' wireless equipment.

''Initially, ABS aims to make Chennai 'wire free' using WiMAX technology enabling wireless internet connectivity for small and medium enterprises and residential use,''he said.

The company was also positive about the commercial viability and acceptance of WiMAX across varied user profiles and geographies considering the substantial growth rate of internet subscribers in recent times, he added.

He said the ABS could now provide pan-city coverage (more than 90 per cent) across commercial areas in Chennai and had already enabled wireless connectivity for SME and Enterprise clients through WiMAX.

This would help the end user to stay connected to the internet and intranet with high uptime.

Mr Shinde said the company had also deployed WiMAX networks beyond Chennai with limited coverage in many other prominent Indian cities such as Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Delhi, Kochi and Ahmedabad. It would extend its pan-city coverage in a phased manner.

ABS also had plans to WiMAX another 26 cities in the near future, he added.

With WiMAX, end users can have internet accessibility based on portable technologies at an affordable price. It is unaffected by environmental or climatic disturbances and provides relief to organisations from 'last mile' connectivity concerns both in urban and rural areas with limited network infrastructure.

UNI