Millimeter wave technology in the 39 GHz band got a strong vote of confidence from internet service provider Windstream this week. The company said it will use CBNL’s point-to-multipoint 39 GHz radios to improve last-mile connectivity in key markets around the country.
Windstream, which wrote off its own 39 GHz spectrum years ago, will lease bandwidth from Straight Path Communications, a public company that invests in high-band spectrum. Windstream said Straight Path is the largest licensed mm wave spectrum holder in the U.S.
The mm wave radios will be used to enhance service in seven large markets that already have fixed wireless service from Windstream: Chicago, New York City, Boston, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Little Rock, Arkansas. Windstream also is launching fixed wireless service in 33 new markets, with an option to add 32 more based on Straight Path’s spectrum holdings.
“With vast amounts of our spectrum remaining across major cities (including the most densely populated areas), we look forward to supporting the continued growth of Windstream and other industry leaders, as well as multiple use cases for the benefit of businesses and consumers,” said Davidi Jonas, CEO of Straight Path. “Our partnership with CBNL to invest in bringing a joint 39 GHz product/spectrum solution to the market has enabled us to unlock the vast potential of millimeter wave.”
CBNL, a British company started by engineers from Cambridge University, said there is an average of 800 megahertz of 39 GHz spectrum available in the 30 largest U.S. cities, and that this spectrum is much more affordable than low-band spectrum. The company said its 39 GHz radio provides up to 13.2 gigabits per second per hub site.
CBNL’s 39 GHz solution follows a 28 gigahertz radio the company launched two years ago. CBNL, which is 15% owned by Samsung, has deployed its point-to-multipoint solution to provide wireless backhaul for a number of operators around the world, and hopes to do the same in the United States. Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular have both announced tests with 28 GHz technology.
Point-to-multipoint fixed wireless solutions are also used to support rural broadband. Last year Windstream signed a deal to accept $175 million a year for seven years from the Connect America Fund to expand and support broadband service to approximately 400,000 rural locations in 17 states.
Image source: CBNL
