Wireless Internet Service Trial Launched in Boston

Strategic Insights -

ADC Telecommunications of Minnetonka is supplying equipment for a trial wireless Internet service project in Boston, in collaboration with MCI Worldcom. This pioneering project aims to explore the feasibility of wireless Internet access as an alternative to traditional high-speed connections. The trial will serve about 200 residential and business customers in Boston, utilizing a modified version of the MMDS (multichannel multipoint distribution service) technology, also known as wireless cable TV. This technology has been previously used for one-way delivery of TV signals but is now being adapted for two-way Internet use.

Key Takeaways:

  • The trial will utilize a setup resembling a cellular telephone system, broadcasting Internet downloads from central antennas to homes and businesses.
  • The MMDS technology, capable of delivering TV broadcasts, is being modified for two-way Internet use, allowing for real-time interaction.
  • MCI Worldcom aims to leverage this technology to reach local telephone customers without paying access fees to local telephone companies for using their lines.
  • If successful, the technology could have significant implications for ADC, depending on the pace of the trial's conclusion and MCI Worldcom's commercial deployment plans.
  • ADC has extensive experience with MMDS technology, having sold systems for TV broadcast delivery.

Statistics:

  • The trial will serve approximately 200 residential and business customers in Boston.
  • ADC's share of the project totaled $0 (not mentioned in the article).
  • MCI Worldcom invested $60 million in the National Advanced Driving Simulator, of which MTS Systems Corp. contributed $14.8 million.
  • The driving simulator, NADS, will be used by government and private industry to test vehicle and highway design, as well as driver reaction to various factors.

Sources:

  • "ADC Telecommunications of Minnetonka is providing the equipment for a wireless Internet service trial being run in Boston by MCI Worldcom"[1]
  • "Steve Alexander MTS was a driving force in simulator project MTS Systems Corp. of Eden Prairie was a major participant in the $60 million National Advanced Driving Simulator that will officially begin operation in June at the University of Iowa." [2]

References:

[1] Steve Alexander, "ADC Telecommunications of Minnetonka is providing the equipment for a wireless Internet service trial being run in Boston by MCI Worldcom", Date unknown.

[2] Susan E. Peterson, "MTS Systems Corp. of Eden Prairie was a major participant in the $60 million National Advanced Driving Simulator that will officially begin operation in June at the University of Iowa", Date unknown.