Wireless One wins 2-way MMDS license............................
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Tuesday September 29, 4:28 pm Eastern Time
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Wireless One, Inc.
Wireless One Gains Expanded Use Of Spectrum From FCC Two-Way Ruling
JACKSON, Miss., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Wireless One President and CEO Henry M. Burkhalter reported today that the Company welcomed the Federal Communication Commission's timely ruling permitting two-way digital data, voice and video services for MMDS and ITFS licensees. The ruling enables Wireless One to increase applications of its licensed spectrum for both upstream and downstream services. Wireless One earlier launched its pioneering two-way high-speed Warp One(sm) Internet access service. Wireless One can now use all of its licensed spectrums, not just the MDS and Wireless Communications Spectrum (WCS).
At the time of the unanimous two-way vote, FCC Chairman Kennard said, ''The decision is opening a whole new door to broadband services - and that's a good thing.''
Burkhalter commented, ''Wireless One pioneered two-way broadband wireless access when the Company launched its Warp One service in May 1998 using the MDS downstream and WCS upstream spectrums in Jackson, MS. We selected this new technology to define the viability of wireless data services. We used the eight months of exhaustive field testing to demonstrate that wireless access provides a robust, flexible data transmission vehicle. Our technology development work with equipment vendors showed broadband wireless access is a viable solution for ''last mile'' challenges facing small to medium businesses and Small Office/Home Offices. The availability of the full 220 MHz of the MMDS, ITFS and WCS spectrums and the flexibility to combine, digitize or sectorize spectrum allows consumer demand to drive two-way capacity. The removal of the one-way limitation opens the marketplace to two-way video, data and voice without the limitation of the wireline return path.''
Burkhalter said, ''In addition to the testing, we have a total of seven months of commercial service demonstrating that wireless access reduces the time to market and the capital expenses of connection and peripheral equipment compared to wired service. Our product has performed flawlessly in adverse weather conditions. Wireless access is a proven, viable solution to commercial data, Internet access and telephone services. The availability of additional spectrum assures future capacity.''
Chief Operating Officer Ernest D. Yates reported, ''The Warp One two-way high-speed wireless Internet access service has been successful and well received first in Jackson and again in Baton Rouge, LA. The availability of the MMDS and ITFS spectrum for data, voice and video substantially increases Wireless One's existing capabilities and the usefulness of our services in our current markets and markets to be launched. Wireless One intends to remain in the forefront of providers offering two-way, high-speed communications services. Consumers now will have added opportunities and choices for high-speed interactive services and access to applications and programs that previously were not available or were cost prohibitive. We now have the flexibility and opportunity to use each and every part of our licensed spectrum. Market demand will drive our choice of services.''
Yates echoed Burkhalter's excitement, ''This FCC two-way ruling enables Wireless One and other wireless providers to reduce the time to market of new access services. Thanks to the leadership of the Wireless Communications Association, Wireless One and other wireless operators, we are able to deploy reliable and flexible broadband wireless access rapidly and cost effectively. The efforts of Wireless One, Inc. over the last year-and-a-half has positioned us to move forward aggressively with our business plan now that the FCC has allowed for two-way services on MMDS and ITFS spectrum.''
Burkhalter concluded, ''The leadership of the Wireless Communications Association International and its membership working together provided the technical expertise that resulted in the positive FCC ruling. This cooperation assured that broadband wireless access services are introduced rapidly and with reduced regulatory oversight. This is a red-letter event for both the industry and for the business consumer. The ruling also has positive implications for our Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) license partners in that they have a new potential for access service and pay to learn service.''
BROADBAND WIRELESS ACCESS PROVIDER FOR SOUTHEAST U.S.
Wireless One, Inc. (Nasdaq: WIRL - news), a Broadband Wireless Access provider owns, develops and operates wireless video, data and voice over IP systems in eleven contiguous states in the Southeast U.S with exclusive licenses in the Multi-Point Multi-Channel Distribution System (''MMDS'') and Wireless Communications Spectrum (''WCS''). The MMDS and WCS licenses cover an estimated 7,700,000 households and 800,000 businesses in 67 markets. In addition, the Company owns a 50% interest in a joint venture, Wireless One of North Carolina, L.L.C., that holds exclusive MMDS and WCS licenses in 13 North Carolina markets with additional 3,000,000 households and 290,000 businesses.
The Company provides wireless services to single family units, multiple dwelling properties, educational institutions and small to medium businesses. The Company has a marketing alliance with DIRECTV(R) that enables it to provide expanded programming via Direct Broadcast Satellite signal to single family homes and multiple dwelling properties.
SOURCE: Wireless One, Inc.
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