DETROIT-WiMAX and other fixed wireless technologies will be getting increased attention at AT&T Inc., according to Edward Whitacre, chief executive officer of the company.
Whitacre, delivering a keynote address to the Detroit Economic Club, outlined new initiatives designed to enhance the company’s broadband Internet and IP-based services, including satellite-based broadband service targeted at rural markets and fixed-wireless deployments. The company said it plans to deploy fixed-wireless service this summer in Red Oak and Midlothian, Texas, and Pahrump, Nev., adding to its existing fixed-wireless deployments in Alaska, Georgia and New Jersey. Whitacre noted that WiMAX trials in Aniak and Northway, Alaska, have proven successful enough that the company plans to offer ongoing commercial service in those communities.
AT&T said its WiMAX and fixed-wireless deployments will allow it to evaluate the potential of such platforms to help it reach customers in rural areas as well as for delivery of competitive services in other areas.
AT&T also said it will team with WildBlue Communications Inc. to resell WildBlue’s satellite-based Internet access service. The carrier will sell the service as “AT&T High Speed Internet Access, powered by WildBlue,” and will offer it in underserved rural markets.
