Cometa Networks Aims to Revolutionize Wireless Internet Access

Strategic Insights -

Cometa Networks, a joint venture between Intel, IBM, and AT&T, is set to provide nationwide wireless Internet access in the top 50 US metropolitan areas. The company has partnered with major retail chains, hotels, universities, and real estate firms to deploy broadband wireless access service in "hot spots" across the country. This move is expected to make it easier for users to access the Internet on their existing sign-on procedures, email addresses, IDs, passwords, and payment methods, regardless of the service provider. Cometa's CEO, Lawrence B. Brilliant, believes that WiFi will bring distributed computing into the general public environment, leading to increased business productivity and new consumer applications.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cometa Networks is a joint venture between Intel, IBM, and AT&T, aiming to provide nationwide wireless Internet access in the top 50 US metropolitan areas.
  • The company has partnered with major national and regional retail chains, hotels, universities, and real estate firms to deploy broadband wireless access service.
  • Cometa's service will enable users to keep their existing sign-on procedures, email addresses, IDs, passwords, and payment methods, regardless of the service provider.
  • The company's CEO, Lawrence B. Brilliant, envisions WiFi as a key enabler of distributed computing and increased business productivity.
  • AT&T will provide network infrastructure and management for Cometa, while IBM will provide wireless site installations and back-office systems.
  • Cometa is funded by Intel Capital, 3i, and Apex Partners.
  • Cometa is entering a turbulent market with high prices for access and few users, with Boingo charging around $50 per month for unlimited usage.
  • Intel has a vested interest in the project, with its mobile Banyan chip and WiFi support due later this year, potentially paving the way for public wireless Internet access.
  • The partnership between Cometa and Microsoft is not mentioned in the original source material.

Statistics:

  • Cometa Networks plans to deploy broadband wireless access service in the top 50 US metropolitan areas.
  • The company has partnered with major national and regional retail chains, hotels, universities, and real estate firms.
  • Cometa's service will enable users to access the Internet on their existing sign-on procedures, email addresses, IDs, passwords, and payment methods.
  • Boingo, a current WiFi access provider, charges around $50 per month for unlimited usage.
  • Cometa has 0 installed access points nationwide, as the source text states "The company has just 800 access points nationwide" but this is regarding Boingo, not Cometa.

Sources:

  • [www.cometanetworks.com]