Inspired by the growing consumer demand for high-speed data services and the spotty availability of such wireline connections, Loop Technologies teamed with Cisco Systems Inc., adopted a new name and redirected its focus toward providing wireless broadband access to small and medium-sized businesses across the country.
Now known as Kite Networks, the company launched a beta trial of its multichannel multipoint distribution services network in the Phoenix area at the beginning of December, and expects to launch commercial or consumer service in Phoenix by February.
“Kite Networks will be able to quickly deliver its broadband services to this area, eliminating the need to wait months or years for DSL or cable modem access,” said Jerry Sullivan, president and chief executive officer of Kite Networks.
Those participating in the Phoenix trial can choose from three different access plans including the standard business plan with a 512 kilobit per second connection; the business silver plan with a 1 Megabit per second connection; or the business gold plan with a 2 Mbps connection.
Kite predicts its service will be in place in five or six more cities by mid-2001, although it could not disclose which ones.
The company operates in the 5 GHz unlicensed frequency band using non-line-of-sight Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing technology developed by Radix for AT&T Corp.’s “Project Angel” fixed-wireless network. As part of the Cisco Powered Network program, Cisco will help develop and deploy Kite’s networks, giving Kite control of its own network and customers, Sullivan said.
In addition to Internet access, Kite’s long-term goals include offering Web hosting, virtual private networks, video conferencing, content streaming and application service provider software applications (for rent on a monthly basis). Sullivan said voice will be something the company “gives away,” meaning it will be an integrated part of the service package, not an additional feature.
Prices for the services were not disclosed.
Kite is headquartered in Ridgeland, Miss.
