High-speed wireless Internet service provider Ricochet Networks Inc. said it is redirecting its focus to municipalities and public-safety workers, according to a company spokesperson.
Ricochet, which has active networks in Denver and San Diego, previously focused on providing high-speed wireless Internet to consumers, but has struggled to maintain financial viability under that plan.
Ricochet is now functioning under its third owner, following its sale to Denver-based EDL Holdings Inc., a Victor Mitchell Family L.P. company, late last year. The new owner originally planned to expand the existing networks, ramp up advertising and roll out new pricing plans to attract new customers.
Ricochet service, which operates in the 902-928 MHz and 2.4 GHz unlicensed frequency bands, allows users to wirelessly connect to the Internet at speeds of up to 176 kilobits per second. It is powered by pole-top radios spread across power grids within cities. Under its original owner, Metricom Inc., the network was active in 17 markets across the United States, but only its Denver and San Diego networks were reactivated when Aerie Networks purchased Ricochet out of bankruptcy in 2002.
