News

On-Communications Go for WiMAX

Following extensive trials, On-Communications, the UK Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) provider for SME and enterprise customers, has announced a WiMAX technology rollout for its entire UK network.

Demand has been increasing rapidly for next generation Ethernet services to further extend the gap between intelligent symmetrical Fixed Wireless Internet Access services and “plain vanilla” wire line IP circuits, including leased line and LES (LAN Extension Services) circuits.

On-Communications’ investigations proved WiMAX to be the best, most mature technology solution for its customers. WiMAX offers differential service possibilities, such as flexible service profile creation, multiple service classes for various traffic types and smart QoS for VoIP that make it the ideal technology platform from which to support UK businesses.

The migration will see WiMAX based FWA deployed to businesses in London, Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds and Oxford, making On-Communications the largest WiMAX based service provider in the UK.

Ian Roberts, CEO, On-Communications, commented:

“For some time now, WiMAX has threatened to come of age as a stable technology platform for Fixed Wireless Access to business customers. We are delighted to say that after detailed lab and field evaluations, we feel it is now truly ready for prime time deployment.

“WiMAX really is ‘the intelligent pipe’ right into the enterprise, which will be a real boon to the convergence reseller and system integrator community. The guaranteed performance we offer, combined with the QoS and service class capability that WiMAX adds, makes our service the ideal connectivity solution for VoIP, Video, Hosted applications and Unified Communication solutions.”

Following the announcement of its channels plans in March of this year, On-Communications are already working with a growing number of the UK’s leading channel players. Its partner programme offers a range of ways to work with the provider and access to its services on a Wholesale, Reseller or Referral Partner basis.

With immediate effect, all new On-Communications base station builds will be to the WiMAX standard using Airspan MicroMAX technology, whilst the existing core legacy network will be upgraded to WiMAX as part of a planned programme of works. On-Communications immediate WiMAX deployments will be to expand network coverage in Manchester expansion and to introduce its services into Leeds.