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Early Returns on WazTempe WiFi Network Show Promise
Associate Editor
Wireless broadband network provider MobilePro is pleased with the early returns on its Tempe, Arizona outdoor wireless mesh network. WazTempe, as the city-wide network is called, has provided wireless services to hundreds of customers in the last 60 days.
The network, which, at the time, was the nation’s first city-wide deployment, includes more than 600 access points across the city and covers more than 95% of the city. During the last two months, more than 650 paying customers have accessed WazTempe for high-speed Internet service — hundreds more have accessed the City of Tempe Free Zone.
Local residents, visitors, students and mobile workers can secure true mobile broadband connectivity by simply acquiring the service through the WazTempe Service Set Identifier (SSID) on their Wi-Fi-enabled laptop or other access device.
The WazTempe network allows for nomadic roaming throughout Tempe and supports numerous devices, including SIP-enabled products, such as WiFi phones and desktop, laptop, and handheld computers. Individuals in the deployed zones may be able to connect to the network indoor if they are within 150 yards of an AP; others may need additional equipment to enhance indoor coverage.
Several area hotels are already using WazTempe as their exclusive on-site ISP, with more to follow.
Jay Wright, chairman and CEO of MobilePro, said, “We are thrilled with the early success of WazTempe. We believe these early numbers validate the decisions of the Tempe City Council and mayor to proceed with WazTempe. We anticipate a rapidly growing number of users in the coming months.”
The initial deployment phase was completed in late February and will continue until all five phases have been completed. MobilePro also will work on enhancing coverage to optimize coverage in areas where the wireless signal might be obstructed by trees, poles, or buildings.
The Tucson Wireless Broadband Call Center will be serving WazTempe and other WazMetro customers beginning this month. The call center has a dedicated customer care and technical staff with an average of more than seven years of wireless experience to provide a high level of customer care.
Soon, MobilePro expects to have a schedule for each services expected to be rolled out over the WazTempe network — wireless-to-indoor CPE devices, VoIP, Voice over WiFi, IPTV (News - Alert), and more — for the tech savvy next generation mobile users.
Erik Linask is Associate Editor of INTERNET TELEPHONY. Most recently, he was Managing Editor at Global Custodian, an international securities services publication. To see more of his articles, please visit Erik Linask’s columnist page.
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