IPWIRELESS POCKETS WI-FI

IPWireless, purveyor of a broadband wireless access system based on TDD-UMTS technology, is looking to plug into the Wi-Fi trend by unplugging hot spots.

The San Bruno, Calif., vendor is working with Swedish Wi-Fi access point vendor Possio to develop a solution that allows users to set up “instant” hot spots with wireless network backhaul. The Mobile Broadband-Powered Wi-Fi Access Point system combines the Mobile Broadband UMTS connection card from IP Wireless and Possio's 802.11b access point. The card can be plugged into the access point to set up backhaul to a UMTS network, with the access point receiving the wide area signal and distributing it locally as Wi-Fi coverage.

The compact Possio access point can be carried in a pocket and is configured for plug-and-play set-up, letting users establish instantaneous Wi-Fi coverage almost anywhere without needing a broadband fixed line for backhaul.

“This allows wireless network operators to target the broadband residential and SOHO market for DSL or cable replacement,” said John Hambidge, senior director of marketing at IPWireless. “North American mobile carriers are just getting started with GPRS, so there's not much of a market for UMTS yet, but this could address green-field opportunities, too.”

Dallas-based wireless ISP Clearwire is using an IPWireless UMTS system in Jacksonville, Fla. The system also has been deployed by two carriers overseas.

“This opens IPWireless up to potential U.S. carrier business,” said Pat Hurly, an analyst with Telechoice. “Entire cities of UMTS are still a long way off.”