Rhode Island looks to broadband wireless

State looking at multiple Wireless technologies for last mile access

A group called the Business Information Factory plans to establish a pilot broadband wireless network in collaboration with IBM to cover most of the state of Rhode Island. Although the technology is unspecified at this point, it is likely to consist of a combination of WiMAX and Wi-Fi mesh, with the state creating a good opportunity, because of its compactness and relative affluence, to showcase the potential of a statewide service.

The pilot network is part of plan called Rhode Island Innovation Networks (RI-WINs), with IBM serving as project manager. The pilot is planned to begin in January and run for approximately 12 months after which, if successful, coverage will be extended throughout the state.

The RI-WINs effort represents a public-private partnership effort. Possible uses for the network include providing port security, mobile computing support for companies and solutions for various government agencies. Other participants include Verizon, cableco Cox Communications, Stratum Broadband, Brown University and various state departments.

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This article originally ran in Wireless Watch, a publication of Rethink Research. Reproduced with permission. For information on the weekly Wireless Watch Newsletter and other Rethink Research products and services, click here.