Broadband Digital Group Names WilliamsCommunications as a Nationwide Backbone Provider for its FreeDSLService; BDG begins testing FreeDSL in six major markets
February 15, 2000 03:01 PM
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 15, 2000--Broadband Digital Group (BDG), the first provider of free broadband Internet access for consumers, today announced it has entered into a nationwide service agreement with the network unit of Williams Communications WCG , to provide IP transit and co-location services, for its FreeDSL service. Williams Communications' network unit is an international provider of telecommunications services and products for the carrier marketplace.
Broadband Digital Group has already begun installing multiple DS3s into Williams' co-location facilities within several major Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), enabling a single point of interconnection between the Local Exchange Carriers (LECs) and Broadband Digital Group.
In preparation for the April rollout of FreeDSL, BDG today also announced it has entered into agreements with selected LECs to test FreeDSL in the Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Seattle MSAs, which also include surrounding cities. BDG will begin alpha testing with customers within these six markets in a couple of weeks, with subsequent beta testing to a broader base of users planned immediately thereafter.
"Through our agreements with Williams Communications and Local Exchange Carriers in major metropolitan areas, we're on track for an aggressive rollout of FreeDSL in several key markets," said Ryan Steelberg, president of Broadband Digital Group. "We're particularly excited to be working with Williams Communications to support the rollout of our FreeDSL service, and look forward to a long-term relationship."
BDG's testing will encompass all components of the FreeDSL offering, including the DSL line provisioning, line activation, modem installation and configuration, and the Winfire Browser Assistant(TM) software. These markets were selected for the alpha and beta testing because each MSA contains a significant concentration of people that have registered for FreeDSL service.
Williams Communications' state-of-the-art network backbone will meet the immediate and future needs of BDG's subscriber base, with an ability to scale for additional bandwidth requirements as more users are added and as rich-media, premium services are delivered. "Through the Williams Multi-Service Broadband Network(TM), Williams is uniquely positioned to provide the support, services and connectivity that innovative service providers such as Broadband Digital Group require to deliver the next-generation of Internet services to the marketplace," said Gordon Martin, president of carrier services for the Williams network.
When deployment begins in April, FreeDSL will become the first service of Broadband Digital Group's high-speed interactive network, which will deliver a wide range of media-rich services, including video-on-demand, audio-on-demand, online gaming, IP Telephony and other high-speed dependent media services. Broadband Digital Group will offer consumers basic DSL Internet service at no cost, and will generate revenue through advertising, sponsorships, service upgrades, and other high-bandwidth services. BDG will continue deploying its FreeDSL service based on geographic concentrations of registered users and the availability of DSL service by local and regional telecommunications providers.
FreeDSL will be made available through the Winfire Browser Assistant(TM), a personalized Web navigation application and BDG's core technology that enables e-businesses to offer a branded desktop application that strengthens relationships with their customers. Partners that build and distribute a branded Browser Assistant can also create their own virtual, high-speed communications network through FreeDSL, offering tailored broadband services to their customers. Winfire, which has more than 130 content and distribution partners, was acquired last month by Broadband Digital Group.
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