Burst Wireless and Lucent Technologies Collaborate on Wireless Internet Trial

Strategic Insights -

Burst Wireless, a leading provider of portable and high-speed wireless internet access, has announced a collaboration with Lucent Technologies to trial their innovative solution in the Pacific Northwest. This partnership marks a significant step towards making portable, feature-rich internet access a reality. The trial will take place in Port Angeles, Wash., and will involve approximately 50 participants. The collaboration aims to evaluate the customer experience in terms of service activation, portability, and customer care.

Key Takeaways:

  • Burst Wireless is founded by telecommunications executives from NEXTLINK Communications and McCaw Cellular, and is backed by Mayfield Fund.
  • The company plans to deploy a nationwide broadband wireless service without line-of-sight constraints, focusing on areas underserved by existing broadband services.
  • The Burst Wireless solution utilizes spectrum licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deliver high-speed internet access to desktop and laptop computers.
  • The collaboration with Lucent Technologies will provide networking equipment, software, professional services, and network management for the trial.
  • The trial will use wireless internet equipment that supports high data rates planned in third-generation (3G) wireless networks.
  • The service does not require line-of-sight between transmitters and user devices, reducing complexity and expense associated with traditional broadband service installations.
  • The trials will take place in Port Angeles, Wash., and will begin in the third quarter of this year.
  • Lucent Technologies shares Burst's vision for a portable, broadband, feature-rich internet experience that complements consumers' lifestyles and work patterns.
  • Headquartered in Seattle, Burst Wireless was founded in mid-1999 and plans to commercially deploy its nationwide service in the near future.

Statistics:

  • 50 participants will be involved in the trial.
  • The trial will take place in Port Angeles, Wash.
  • The trials are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year.
  • The Burst Wireless solution will offer wireless internet access to laptop and desktop computer users.
  • The service will utilize spectrum in the 1.9 GHz PCS band designated for Personal Communications Services.

Sources:

  • BUSINESS WIRE, "Burst Wireless and Lucent Technologies Announce Wireless Internet Trial", Sept. 11, 2000.
  • Lucent Technologies, "Lucent Technologies - About Us" (http://www.lucent.com).
  • Burst Wireless, "Burst Wireless - About Us" (http://www.burstwireless.com).
  • FCC, "FCC Website - Licensing" (http://www.fcc.gov).