WIRELESS TIME COMING

In the 21 years I've covered telecom, I've seen fixed wireless access technology burst onto the market on multiple occasions, each time promising cheaper, faster, more ubiquitous connections for businesses and/or consumers.

The list of service providers making such claims is a long one — most of the Bell companies dove into MMDS in the mid-90s; AT&T, MCI and Sprint have all pursued fixed wireless options; CLECs such as WinStar and Teligent built their entire companies around the likelihood of wireless as a competitive access technology; and other CLECs, such as First Avenue and XO Communications, continue to do so today.

Virtually all of these efforts were ahead of their time. The signs are clear, however, that the time has now come for wireless access to find its place in the competitive market.

The reasons are numerous. First, the technology itself has matured and is more robust and ready for business users. Widespread interest in wireless is driving down the cost of such systems. At the same time, the cost of deploying fiber laterals into an office building is not getting any cheaper. Wireless systems can be deployed more quickly and at lower cost. Also, applications like wireless backhaul and security networks are increasing revenue potential.

Finally, consolidation and deregulation are reducing the options for competitive carriers, prompting them to give wireless another look. This time, they are more likely to like what they see.