Posted: 24th Feb, 2005 By: MarkJ
BT has hinted that broadband wireless WiMax technology may get its first UK deployment through rural areas instead of urban ones. The news follows successful trials, albeit not without some problems:
"It's demand-driven, but we shall see," said Chet Patel, general manager for BT Retail Internet Access Products. "We've proved the technology in terms of what it can and cannot do and customer feedback has been very good."
BT's researchers took WiMax to four remote locations in the UK to test it in the most severe weather conditions over the most testing terrain. Seventy-three percent of wireless broadband users in rural areas expressed 'extreme satisfaction' with the service, although Patel said the results may not reflect the service accurately.
"That's to be expected though when you take broadband to them instead of their dial-up service," he said. Patel added that BT's tests have not been without problems. "We've found out where you can deploy services," said Patel. "Just by lifting an antenna by two inches means it [the signal] can go further. Things like planning regulations and stuff that really seems trivial stops customers getting a service. It's those things that led us to roll out in Northern Ireland."No doubt this is music to the ears of the small percentage that remain outside of affordable broadbands influence, although they above all else will respect real action above words. More @
ZDNet.