Pacific Internet starts wireless broadband test

The first phase was initiated in April this year involving several private residential properties, using a combination of long-range, line-of-sight wireless technology and wireless hotspots. PacNet is deploying the long-range wireless solution as a backhaul to link the trial buildings with PacNet’s premises. Currently, the 100 households testing the solutions consistently experience more than one Mbps broadband speed.

PacNet’s second phase trial involves a wide area, nonline-of-sight wireless network. The fixed wireless solution allows users, especially businesses, to access the Internet at a speed of over 1 Mbps including IP-based voice communictions when they are within the coverage area of the base station. The solution allows portability, meaning users can connect wirelessly anywhere they bring the equipment as long as they are within the coverage area, without the hassle of laying cables and installing additional hardware.

PacNet is working together with several parties including M1, Siemens and Cadmus Technologies in the trial, using SOMA Networks’ wireless solution. The trial is expected to last about two months to evaluate primarily user experience and technical capabilities. The trial is in line with PacNet’s direction to explore viable alternative broadband infrastructure to service both its corporate and residential customers.

Mr. Tan Hong Hai, PacNet’s President & CEO, said, "Wireless broadband is the ‘third wire,’ after telephone line and cable. Beyond the high-speed access that it offers, wireless broadband offers true convergence of data, voice and video services with the added convenience of portability. We firmly believe that a successful deployment of this infrastructure will enable us to provide our customers with more quality and cost effective communications services."

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