Vyyo to support WorldCom’s rollout

(Telephony) - WorldCom will reportedly use Vyyo’s wireless hubs and modems when it deploys its nationwide broadband wireless access services. After its first commercial service of fixed wireless MMDS Internet access service in Memphis, Tenn., on Nov. 15, WorldCom has confirmed that it will roll out service in 30 markets with the help of Vyyo by the end of 2001. WorldCom would not comment on this development.

“This is a great endorsement of our technology,” said Arnon Kohavi, senior vice president of strategic relations for Vyyo.

Though this is not the first time Vyyo has worked with WorldCom, it is the first time the carrier has publicly endorsed the company’s solution. In April of this year, Vyyo worked with system integrator ADC on WorldCom’s trial in Boston.

“Our solution supports both supercell and multicell architecture and our competitor [which is Hybrid] only does supercell,” Kohavi said. “Plus we offer quality of service today which is important because WorldCom will be offering service to small businesses.” Hybrid works with Sprint on its broadband wireless network.

Although both ADC and Nortel Networks are expected to work as system integrators on the carrier’s fixed wireless network, WorldCom has not formally announced what cities each will be accountable for.

Vyyo currently is in laboratory trials with Sprint and believes this endorsement will help it gain additional business.

“We hope this will help us to gain traction with other big carriers,” Kohavi said.