Rapier Systems Launch 1Gbps Wireless Ethernet for UK Businesses

Fife-based ISP Rapier Systems has launched a new Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) style connectivity solution for businesses, called RapierBusinessConnect (RBC), which claims that it can deliver symmetric Ethernet speeds of “up to 1Gbps for as little as £49.99 per month” in areas where they have coverage.

Apparently the new service, which also claims that it can connect businesses within 10 working days (assuming it has some existing coverage), only requires a “very discrete” antenna to be installed on the side of a property and this costs £399.00 +vat (one-off). But their website suggests that the service offers speeds from 10Mbps to 1Gbps, which makes us suspect that the headline rental of £49.99 may in fact only apply to the slower 10Mbps option.

Otherwise very little information is provided about the technical specification of the new network (e.g. what radio spectrum does it use?) and likewise we don’t know what its coverage is. However Rapier does note that their RBC service has already been used to connect Angus Council, which installed the service at its Orchardbank Business Park in Forfar.

Richard Watson, MD of Rapier Systems, told ISPreview.co.uk:

“Every business today needs reliable, fast and secure Internet access. However, the cost of traditional leased lines can be prohibitive, especially when installation and annual running costs are included. Then there is the wait to consider – we’ve had a customer waiting over a year for a fibre connection! rbc comes with guaranteed Internet access speeds and the only annual costs are for support.”

The provider has its HQ in Fife (Scotland), although they’ve also setup offices in Cambridgeshire and claim to have “delivered … the largest metropolitan area wireless network in Scotland and one of the largest county-wide wireless networks in England.”