WiMAX technology will help make Milton Keynes one of the UK’s most connected new cities, enabling both businesses and residents to access broadband and IP-based services over multiple local networks and technologies. Pipex Wireless and Milton Keynes Council have signed an agreement to work closely together to ensure that the trial succeeds in achieving its objectives. Activities to identify additional infrastructure to offer wider commercial services during 2007 have already begun.
With no customer-based, fixed infrastructure required, Pipex Wireless’ WiMAX service enables broadband to be rapidly installed at customers’ premises or homes and via hotspots around the town. Offering increased symmetrical broadband delivery, WiMAX is ideal for remote workers and users who need to send large volumes of data, such as architects, graphic designers, web managers and new media agencies.
Steven Jewell Head of IT at Milton Keynes says, "We expect, the capability that WiMAX will be able to provide to remote and home workers will be an essential element in the established growth plans for Milton Keynes."
"We’re delighted to get Milton Keynes’ residents and businesses working on WiMAX broadband," says Mike Read, Chief Executive Officer, Pipex Wireless. "Our WiMAX service offers a secure, highly flexible platform for broadband and voice services, which we aim to rollout further around the town in 2007. By working with Milton Keynes Council and our other technology partners, including Airspan and Ericsson, we have the ability to make hooking up to a wireless world a reality."
Jewell continues, "Milton Keynes is a thriving, forward-thinking town, with thousands of businesses and residents looking to be at the forefront of communications technologies. With Pipex Wireless, we are building a model of public and private cooperation for an economic, sustainable wireless development that will be just as beneficial to many other public authorities in the UK. This is a significant building block towards delivering ‘digital’ Milton Keynes and is an integral part of the Milton Keynes Digital Challenge bid."
Pipex Wireless was created in April 2006 by Pipex and Intel Capital, Intel Corporation’s venture arm, to develop unique fixed and portable broadband wireless services for consumers and business customers in the UK. Milton Keynes was chosen to be the first town as its telecoms network has a relatively high proportion of poor quality and long reach copper wires, thereby limiting the potential for residents and businesses to access ADSL broadband services.
In collaboration Pipex Wireless and Milton Keynes Council plan to make services available to Milton Keynes residents on a commercial basis in 2007, with other cities around the UK planned for launch later in the year. Pipex Wireless will announce product details and tariffs shortly.