IPWireless Ships 3.4-GHz Broadband Platform

IPWireless is shipping a version of its UMTS TDD mobile broadband gear that operates in the 3.4- to 3.6-GHz bands, allowing operators to deploy plug-and-play wireless broadband networks that compete directly with fixed broadband services like cable and DSL in performance and price.

The company said it is shipping to several unnamed operators who are about to launch commercial wireless broadband services.

IPWireless has so far focused on the 1.9 GHz and 2.0 GHz bands with its mobile broadband platform, as well as the 2.5 GHz MMDS band.

Operators with networks deployed in Australia, Germany, Malaysia, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa and the U.S. have already installed IPWireless gear to run broadband services that it claims are as fast or faster than DSL and cable services. It also claims its prices either meet or beat those of fixed-line technologies.

The 3.4-GHz platform includes high-capacity basestations and other network infrastructure along with plug-and-play, pocket-sized wireless desktop modems. IPWireless said the product leverages a number of new options such as transmit diversity to maximize non-line-of-sight coverage and lower initial capital expense for operators, offering coverage similar to UMTS TDD products in lower frequency bands."Based on shipments globally of non-line-of-site plug-and-play systems and commercial deployments to date, UMTS TDD has emerged as the leading standard for next-generation wireless broadband," said Chris Gilbert, chief executive officer of IPWireless.