WorldCom's fixed wireless service hits Memphis
 
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As expected, WorldCom finally announced that it is offering fixed-wireless Internet access service in Memphis, Tenn., after holding service trials in a handful of cities over the past couple of months.
WorldCom's service is based on Multichannel Multipoint Distribution System (MMDS) technology and starts at $40 per month for 310K bit/sec. MMDS operates in the 2.5 GHz to 2.7 GHz range and can support up to 10M bit/sec.
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Memphis is the first city where WorldCom is offering customers an alternative to cable modem and DSL Internet access. The company says that by year-end 2001, MMDS will be available in 30 markets
Sprint, WorldCom's main competitor in the fixed-wireless service arena, has MMDS service in seven markets. But Sprint now says it is scaling back its plans to support the service around the U.S.
Originally, Sprint was planning to offer fixed-wireless Internet access in 45 markets by year-end 2001. But now the company says that by the end of the first quarter, service will be available in 13 markets. After the first quarter, Sprint will see how the service sells and determine a new strategy for deployment in additional markets.
When WorldCom and Sprint planned to merge, MMDS was touted by both companies as a tremendous asset. And even though it offers the service provider a way to reach customers without using local exchange carriers, Sprint is clearly questioning the value of MMDS.
The service benefits users because it gives them a choice. It's still not easy to get DSL or cable modem service in all areas. At my previous residence, there were no broadband Internet access choices. Cable modem and DSL were not available. Now, still living in northern Virginia but in a different town, I have access to DSL service. But cable modem service is still not an option. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to decide between two broadband services?
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Denise Pappalardo is a senior editor for Network World, covering ISPs, VPNs and related topics. Reach her at denisep@nww.com.
Internet Services archive
Past newsletters.
Sprint reins in wireless broadband plans
Network World, 11/13/00
WorldCom seeks fixed wireless licensing authority
IDG News Service, 08/14/00
Sprint bolstering fixed wireless
Network World, 07/24/00
