Century puts WLL to the test

Century Telephone Enterprises announced last week that it is testing the MultiGain wireless local loop system from Tadiran Telecommunications in portions of its Louisiana market.

The system will test the feasibility of offering wireless switch-based services that have the same quality and functionality as wireline offerings, said Nick Bowman, Century's vice president of operations and network design.

Tadiran's system has been implemented internationally and is gaining favor in the U.S. as carriers recognize the advantages of using a system that operates in unlicensed spectrum and can provide high-quality service, said Mark Vida, vice president and general manager of Tadiran Telecom Networks.

"What we're having the most fun with is the wide-eyed stares of operators that are experiencing something they didn't think was believable-toll-quality voice," Vida said.