NextWeb extends network to Las Vegas

Broadband wireless service provider NextWeb today announced its first network expansion outside of its native California, extending coverage into Las Vegas.

NextWeb's pre-WiMAX Internet and voice-over-IP services will now be available to approximately 35,000 businesses across Sin City. Service plans start at $159 a month for up to 3 Mbps.

"We consider several demographic factors when determining where to build out new markets, including number of businesses in the area, the types of industries that are present, and the rate of growth," said NextWeb CEO Graham Barnes in a statement. "Las Vegas fits all of our criteria and will be a key part of our expansion strategy."

NextWeb's entry into Las Vegas follows on the heels of rival provider Mpower's recent announcement that it too will roll out fixed wireless broadband service in the Vegas market. NextWeb will also face new competition in its home market of San Francisco--last week, fixed wireless provider TowerStream announced its expansion into the Bay Area.

In additional NextWeb news, the company announced Monday the addition of high-speed wireless service provider Westcoast Communications to the SkyWeb Alliance, a network of California-based fixed wireless broadband providers. Per the agreement, NextWeb and Westcoast will offer each other capacity on their respective networks at wholesale rates and collaborate on marketing and sales.