First Avenue Networks and WindChannel Communications Partner on Hybrid Network
02 Junho 2004 - 8:30AM
PR Newswire (US)
First Avenue Networks and WindChannel Communications Partner on
Hybrid Network Marriage of Licensed and Unlicensed Forms Ideal
Business Model CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. and RALEIGH, N.C., June 2
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- First Avenue Networks (OTC:FRNS)
(BULLETIN BOARD: FRNS) , the holder of one of the nation's most
expansive portfolios of licensed spectrum, and WindChannel
Communications, a Raleigh-based provider of high-speed wireless
Internet connectivity and data transfer services, today announced
the build-out of WindChannel's licensed fixed wireless network.
WindChannel Communications is leasing spectrum from First Avenue
Networks to cost-effectively build out its hybrid networks in six
markets throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. WindChannel
is using licensed spectrum for multiple applications, such as
aggregating pops and providing building-to- building connectivity
for metro customers, enterprise connectivity, customer access and
backhaul. "Having easy and affordable access to First Avenue
Networks' licensed spectrum has enabled us to optimize our
network," said Randy Choplin, chairman and CEO, WindChannel
Communications. "The ability to cost-effectively utilize licensed
spectrum for numerous applications throughout our network gives us
extreme flexibility to better meet the needs of our customers."
Background - WindChannel Communications A fixed wireless broadband
provider, WindChannel is focused on building out the next
generation of WiMax networks. It has a rapidly growing subscriber
base, which is comprised of medium to large enterprises, city and
municipality private networks and carriers seeking last mile local
loop solutions to connect to their customers. WindChannel utilizes
a hybrid of networking infrastructure and wireless and wireline
technologies, including fiber, 5.8 GHz unlicensed spectrum,
emerging 802.16 WiMax equipment and First Avenue Networks' 39 GHz
licensed spectrum. Prior to leasing licensed spectrum from First
Avenue Networks, WindChannel was primarily using unlicensed
spectrum for last mile connectivity. The need to build out a
secure, carrier-class backbone and cost-effective point-to-point
connections attracted WindChannel to First Avenue's offering.
WindChannel is also utilizing licensed spectrum to provide
building-to- building connectivity for municipalities looking for
an economical way to create fiber extensions. It installed a
"wireless fiber" connection between The City of Raleigh's municipal
buildings, connecting the main location, which has voice and data
facilities, to a new building located a mile away. Replacing the
Telco interface with First Avenue's licensed spectrum enabled this
customer to save upwards of $3,000 to $5,000 a month in carrier
facilities charges. The Impact of First Avenue Networks' Licensed
Spectrum The easy and cost effective option of leasing licensed
spectrum parlayed into a number of networking advantages for
WindChannel. By utilizing licensed spectrum to connect facilities
and increase network stability and reliability, WindChannel was
able to migrate the use of unlicensed spectrum almost exclusively
to connecting end users. The company can now deploy links using the
most appropriate spectrum, thus creating its ideal business model.
"We always knew that our perfect business model would involve the
marriage of licensed and unlicensed, but the economics were never
in place," added Choplin. "First Avenue's Express Link lease
offering created an affordable means to utilizing licensed
spectrum. The ability to create carrier-class, 'wireless fiber
links' is what truly enables us to run an economical, hybrid
network." "At First Avenue Networks, we are focused on stimulating
industry growth," said Dean Johnson, president and CEO, First
Avenue Networks. "Our objective is to facilitate expansion for
service providers, a fact which is exemplified in our work with
WindChannel. We have designed offerings that enable service
providers to fill emerging market needs as they discover the
economics behind building hybrid networks." "The ability to lease
through First Avenue will enable us to economically deploy hundreds
of links to connect our facilities using licensed spectrum, which
will conserve our unlicensed spectrum for end-user connectivity.
This mix-and-match capability is what drives the efficiency,
profitability and high-quality performance of a hybrid network,"
Choplin concluded. First Avenue Networks launched the industry's
first spectrum leasing products, Express Link and Express Net,
immediately following the FCC secondary markets ruling in October
2003. The products were developed to enable service providers to
easily and cost-effectively integrate licensed fixed wireless into
their networks. About First Avenue Networks First Avenue Networks
(OTC:FRNS) (BULLETIN BOARD: FRNS) , the holder of one of the
nation's most expansive 39 GHz license portfolios, is committed to
providing the fastest, simplest, most cost-effective way for
telecommunication providers to build reliable, high-speed networks.
First Avenue Networks' 39 GHz licensed spectrum leasing products,
Express Link and Express Net, simplify and reduce many of the
barriers traditionally associated with deploying fixed wireless
broadband networks. First Avenue Networks holds over 750 FCC-issued
licenses for 39 GHz spectrum, covering virtually the entire United
States. For more information, please visit the company's web site
at http://www.firstavenet.com/ or call (301) 524-5900. About
WindChannel Communications WindChannel Communications,
headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., provides businesses throughout the
Southeast with high-speed Internet connectivity and data transfer
solutions. The company has constructed a carrier class IP network
that deploys next generation broadband wireless technologies to
deliver bandwidth without wires. WindChannel combines leading-edge
technology with world-class customer care to meet the rising demand
for secure, reliable and flexible bandwidth solutions faster and
more affordably than traditional wireline providers. To learn more
about fixed wireless broadband technology or WindChannel
Communications, visit http://www.windchannel.com/ or call
919-532-0435. The above information includes forward-looking
statements regarding securities trading and provision of services.
These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Known
and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including
without limitation, capital constraints, changes to the strategy
and business plan, customer demand, technological risks, ability to
manage growth, competition and government regulation may cause
actual results to differ materially from the future results implied
or expressed in the forward-looking statements. The Company does
not undertake to update or revise its forward-looking statement
publicly even if experience of future changes make clear that any
projected results expressed or implied herein will not be realized.
DATASOURCE: First Avenue Networks CONTACT: Linda Pitt of GAJ
Services Inc., +1-859-291-1005, , for First Avenue Networks; or
Evans Mullan of First Avenue Networks, +1-301-524-5900, ; or Tom
Darden of WindChannel Communications, +1-919-532-0435 ext. 234, Web
site: http://www.firstavenet.com/ http://www.windchannel.com/
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