airBand enters Austin, eyes nation

Broadband wireless service provider airBand Communications has announced availability of its services in Austin, Texas, the carrier's third market in Texas, and the first of the several new markets the company said will launch this year as part of a larger national expansion strategy. The announcement comes less than a week after airBand said it had secured an additional $8 million in new funding from existing investors Sevin Rosen Funds, Crescendo Ventures and Dolphin Equity Partners. The company said last week that this money will go directly into future expansion plans. The service provider now has 28 markets throughout the country; its other two markets in Texas are Dallas and Houston.

“Austin is the logical first step in our expansion plan, both because it extends our coverage within Texas and is an innovative technology market with growing businesses that are demanding robust broadband solutions,” said Mark Spagnolo, president and CEO of airBand, in a statement.

The company's first base station in Austin is operational and ready to deliver service to businesses in the downtown area. Next month, the company will expand its wireless coverage to the Arboretum area of the city, where its new offices are located.