TORONTO-Sprint Canada Inc. announced a service trial of a broadband wireless network from the venture between Inukshuk Internet Inc., Allstream Inc. and NR Communications L.L.C.
The BWA network uses NextNet Wireless’ wireless IP technology platform based on non-line-of-sight technology. Sprint Canada is trying the service to determine if and how it could be used to provide broadband access to households to support primary line voice and Internet services.
“We view this access service as a potential alternative to existing technology, rather than an entirely new service,” said Duncan McEwan, president and chief operating officer of Sprint Canada. “It has the potential to reduce our reliance on the incumbent local exchange carriers for last-mile access, and it may also make entry to less densely populated areas of the country more economical, thus allowing more Canadians to benefit from competition in the home phone and local business phone service market.”
NextNet earlier this week announced the launch of its NLOS broadband wireless service in conjunction with three new U.S. regional Internet service providers in Ohio, Michigan and Nebraska. The new partners include Ohio’s W.A.T.C.H. TV, a subsidiary of Benton Ridge Telephone Co. that provides digital MMDS pay TV; SpeedNet, a Michigan-based high-speed Internet service provider; and Gryphon Wireless, a Nebraska-based ITFS carrier.
