Tuesday, March 31, 2009
We've heard about it. We know it's coming. We've even been invited to interact with the NTIA and FCC. So, how are providers of fixed wireless broadband solutions responding? We heard one report that made me jump for joy (and start pricing airfare).

Andy Vamvakias of Premium Choice Broadband in Maine took it upon himself to advocate for the entire state of Main with regard to the broadband stimulus funds that are being made available. Under his won volition, Andy flew to DC to lobby not only for his small broadband provider but for his great state to get a piece of the pie. "There is no guarantee that stimulus money of any significant amount will come to Maine," he said. "If we don't move quickly and convincingly, we stand to lose it."

Andy's position is that the funds should be made available directly to businesses who can put it to use quickest, as opposed to trickling down through the usual bureaucratic channels of government grants and the like. In Andy's case, he believes he could spend 10 million in a matter of weeks, creating work for 10-20 people and providing broadband network access to currently unserved or underserved areas.

I'd like to go on record with a hearty "here-here" for Andy. What are your thoughts on how the funds could be used in your area for the best economic gain? And, what are you doing about it?

Labels: Broadband, FCC, Fixed Wireless Broadband, NTIA, Rural Broadband Access, Stimulus

posted by Unknown at 7:07 AM Link to this Article  0 Comments

Saturday, March 28, 2009
Silver lining? Could be. I can't imagine any more likely occasion to reconsider a broadband provider than when your current one just dissipates overnight. Terms of assignees and transferability--well, I'll leave that to the lawyers--but if ever a customer was looking for a new provider of a managed broadband network, I'd think twice before blindly accepting Telekenex's buy-out of AuBeta as announced last week.

But, then again, is it worth switching providers? I mean, we all know how painful an enterprise-wide network transition can be. If you value your sanity, you might be easily won over by the mere simplicity of doing nothing at all.

But what if there were no legacy copper-cable networks in question? What if all the baggage of terrestrial broadband were suddenly a non-issue? Accel Networks is offering a transition program for former AuBeta customers that provides retail and multi-site clients the ability to rapidly deploy a managed PCI compliant broadband network. Unlike terrestrial broadband solutions, Accel can have AuBeta clients switched over within days versus the typical six-week lead time required for replacement DSL or frame relay service.

Hard to believe? Consider this: in February Accel Networks completed the deployment of an 87-site primary network in only 16 days. Accel's solution provided the retailer a PCI Compliant managed fixed wireless broadband network on Accel’s "layer 2" private network architecture. On another occasion, Accel also deployed a network continuity solution of just under 300 locations for a national dollar store retailer within a period spanning only a few weeks.

So, it is possible. It is affordable. Is it time to consider a change?

Labels: AuBeta Telekenex, Broadband, Fixed Wireless Broadband

posted by Unknown at 9:23 AM Link to this Article  0 Comments

Friday, March 27, 2009
I remember exactly where I was when 9/11 happened. To this day my parents can still tell me every detail about the moments when they heard about JFK. So, if you were the network administrator for a large retail chain, would you be imprinted with the memory of the news alert: "hi, in 7 days you won't have internet anymore." I would.

In fact, it barely affects my day-to-day work and I was even stunned when I saw the press release that Telekenex would be purchasing AuBeta. According to official statements from AuBeta CEO Ethan Hernandez, the company is "pleased that Telekenex can offer our customers a complete business continuity solution that prevents any disruption." I hope that's the case. But what if it weren't? What if there are serious network failures.

Never does it become more clear to system admins that a back-up network is a good idea (nay, even a vital requirement) than when something as unexpected as the AuBeta/Telekenex transition causes a network outage. It can happen to anyone, anywhere.

This is where Accel shines. For starters, their back-up network is unmatched for reliability and affordability. Whether its a "fire sale" buy-out or a digger severs a cable, immediate failover to the Accel Network Continuity solution is there when you need. But, if you are being unfortunately affected by the recent fire sale, Accel has a specific offer for former customers of AuBeta.

Labels: AuBeta Telekenex, backup network

posted by Unknown at 6:26 AM Link to this Article  0 Comments

Thursday, March 26, 2009
Program to assist customers affected by recent business changes at AuBeta Networks

St. Petersburg, FL. - March 26, 2009 - Accel Networks ("Accel"), the leading provider of managed PCI compliant fixed wireless broadband services today announced a Network Transition program to assist AuBeta clients that have been recently affected by the business changes at AuBeta Networks.

Accel's Network Transition Program provides retail and multi-site clients the ability to rapidly deploy a managed PCI compliant broadband network. Unlike terrestrial broadband solutions, Accel can have AuBeta clients switched over within days versus the typical six week lead time for replacement DSL or frame relay service. In effort to keep up-front costs to a minimum during the transition, Accel offers an equipment bundle which is included in the clients monthly recurring charges.

"Our goal is to assist clients quickly and with as little disruption as possible under these circumstances." stated Mark Gianinni, CEO of Accel Networks. "We understand that this situation has put enormous stress on these retailers and our service delivery model will enable the transition to Accel with minimal downtime, and without significant increases in network and operational costs. AuBeta customers should know that Accel Networks has both the ability and the experience deploying large PCI compliant networks in a short period of time with zero service delivery fall-out."

In February Accel Networks completed the deployment of an 87 site primary network in only 16 days, for a quick serve retailer specializing in soups and salads. Accel's solution provided the retailer a PCI Compliant managed fixed wireless broadband network on Accel’s "layer 2" private network architecture. This project followed the deployment of a network continuity rollout of just under 300 locations for a national dollar store retailer deployed within a period spanning a few weeks.

Customers should visit Accel Network’s website or contact Accel Networks direct at 877-406-8585 to discuss the conversion process.

About Accel Networks
Accel is the leading provider of managed fixed wireless broadband services in North America. Drawing on its experience in fixed wireless networking, Accel fused proprietary technology and intellectual property with the 3G GSM and CDMA networks and created the first PCI compliant broadband fixed wireless enterprise network. Accel Networks brings together the availability, reliability, network management and security of terrestrial frame relay with the data throughput and price point of DSL, without the long lead times, complex installations, and high fallout rates of terrestrial broadband. For more information, visit www.accel-networks.com. 4905 34th Street South, #227, St. Petersburg, Florida 33711 p 877 406 8585 f 877 406 8585 accel-networks.com

Labels: Press Release

posted by Unknown at 11:10 AM Link to this Article  0 Comments

Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Yesterday, as the Obama Administration's economic stimulus plans were unveiled in Washington, the Dow got a boost on Wall Street. Among the most successful jumps on the markets were Telecom leaders AT&T, Verizon, and Motorola. Investors and Analysts appear to be optimistic about the effect that the $7.2 billion in broadband stimulus will bring on the telecom giants.

As we've come to know well, spending is the key to our U.S. economy. Earlier we reported on AT&T's plans to devote $11 billion to wireless broadband. We've also learned that Verizon will have to decide what to do with it's $1.6 billion from the senate stimulus plan. Countless other funds of untold billions are no doubt becoming available to smaller telecom and broadband providers, all of which seem to carry a common theme: bring fast Internet connections to rural and low-income areas.

So, how does all this affect you? Well, first of all, leading the world in fixed wireless broadband technology will certainly be beneficial for keeping the U.S. on the leading edge of global markets. But, more immediate effects will be felt by the businesses in and around rural areas. Businesses serving rural areas will see increased e-commerce opportunity. Businesses in rural areas will see lower costs and higher availability for broadband access via wireless GSM infrastructure. The bottom line: it's encouraging to know that the telecom industry leaders are planning and positioning for growth.

Labels: Broadband, Economy, Fixed Wireless Broadband, Stimulus

posted by Unknown at 6:26 AM Link to this Article  0 Comments

Friday, March 20, 2009
If you're a store owner, you know the risks of network outage. If you've suffered an outage for any length of time, then you know how those risks translate to costs all too well. Between loss of credit card processing, point-of-sale processes, and the man-hours required to bring it all back online, a few hours of outage could cost more than an entire year of a back-up network you might never even use.

So, what should you use for a back-up network? More and more businesses today are turning to Accel Networks for a fixed wireless broadband layer2 network that keeps their stores active in the event of wiredline outage. Consider this, in the post-Katrina aftermath in New Orleans, the GSM (cell tower) network was online the same day in many areas, and within a matter of hours the majority of the city had coverage.

Now, if your store were sitting at the bottom of a 10-foot swell, network connectivity may be the least of your worries. But this serves as an example of how fixed wireless networks, not reliant on wireline infrastructure, can be the most reliable and resiliant broadband access choices in the face of any disaster.

Not only is Accel Network's fixed wireless broadband solution the logical choice because of the network through which it's supported, but clients also enjoy a customer-friendly billing process where overage fees are actually avoided. To learn more about these plans and your options, visit Accel Networks' "Network Continuity" solutions page.

Labels: backup network, Broadband, Fixed Wireless Broadband

posted by Unknown at 11:46 AM Link to this Article  0 Comments

Monday, March 16, 2009
The $7.2 Billion that the NTIA and FCC now have on their hands created a flood of over 2000 individual requests for meetings and follow-ups from advocacy groups, local and state government agencies, and private companies all across the U.S. Following the first of several public meetings on the topic, we now have a systematic means for follow-up. The agencies have released an RFI form requesting information relevant to the proper handling of these funds.

You can download the form at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/frnotices/2009/FR_BTOP_RFI_090312.pdf. Don't be shocked to find a lengthy form. No doubt, in part, to weed out those deeply interested in the process from the casual squalkers. But, if you (like us) desire to see the funds used appropriately in the rollout of broadband access for the U.S., we encourage you to take the time.

Labels: Broadband, Economy, FCC, NTIA, Rural Broadband Access, Stimulus

posted by Unknown at 11:06 AM Link to this Article  0 Comments

Friday, March 13, 2009
We have talked a lot recently about the recent stimulus package and it's impact on wireless broadband investments in the U.S. There's no word on whether AT&T's recently announced plans were motivated (or even funded) by the stimulus, but whatever the source, the results are obvious: 3,000 jobs alone will be created in AT&T's next initiative to ramp-up 3G networks across America.

According to Network World, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson says that despite the current recession, AT&T needs to invest heavily in wireless capacity to keep up with consumer demand for bandwidth. Their plans include nearly doubling their 3G presence in the U.S., which entails nearly 2100 new GSM-based cell sites.

So, with AT&T upping the ante, what will the other major providers do with their broadband stimulus funds? What we expect (and hope) to see is the race begin to lead the U.S. in wireless broadband connectivity among Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T. It appears AT&T has jumped out to a lead, at least in what they've promised. But if there is one thing Capitalism assures, it's that where one company ventures, more will follow. Competition drove us to where we are in technology today, and it is driving us to the future as we speak.

See the full article in Yahoo Finance: AT&T to Add 3000 Jobs...

Labels: Broadband, Economy, Fixed Wireless Broadband, Rural Broadband Access, Stimulus

posted by Unknown at 6:16 AM Link to this Article  0 Comments

Tuesday, March 10, 2009
St. Petersburg, FL – March 10, 2009 – Accel Networks ("Accel") recognized two of their top performing partners in 2008 at last week's Telecom Association Channel Partners Show and Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. At the show, Accel recognized Telarus, Inc. as Master agent of the Year and RealCom Solutions as Retail Partner of the Year.

"Developing an effective indirect sales channel is a core part of our growth strategy," stated Eric Sandoval, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Accel Networks. "We are pleased to honor both Telarus and Realcom Solutions for their outstanding leadership in 2008." Accel recognizes annual top partners in both retail and master agency based on overall sales and other key measures demonstrating leadership in customer care and support.

Accel Networks established their indirect channel program in 2008, providing the first residual compensation platform in the fixed wireless industry. Telarus a premier master agent who specializes in web-based real-time telecommunications quoting tools and was an early adopter of the Accel Networks channel offering.

"Accel Networks has done a tremendous job with their indirect channel" commented Adam Edwards, president of Telarus. "Our agents find their 3G wireless broadband offering easy to sell, the prices are competitive, and Accel's offering is available in real-time in our patented GeoQuote system. Our system is very transparent, so the carriers that receive agent interest are the ones doing the best job."

Several individual Telarus agents and members of Accel's sales channel were also recognized at the conference as "Accelerated Partners." These included Jack Kurz of High-Speed Solutions, Janice Gordon of Network Consultants, and Dennis and Kristen Green.

"Accel's PCI compliant fixed wireless broadband offering has made a major impact on many of our retail clients, we've watched Accel install and deliver networks with over 300 locations in less than thirty days." said Charlie Bogart CEO of RealCom Solutions. "Our multi unit retail, franchisee and enterprise clients have struggled with single carrier wireless products in the past. Accel offers a managed solution that is truly tailored to our clients specific broadband and security needs" Sean Baird of RealCom solutions has also been recognized as an Accel "Accelerated Partner" for his impressive sales achievement within the retail vertical.

About Accel Networks
Accel is the leading provider of managed fixed wireless broadband services in North America. Drawing on its experience in fixed wireless networking, Accel fused proprietary technology and intellectual property with the 3G GSM and CDMA networks and created the first PCI compliant broadband fixed wireless enterprise network. Accelerator™ brings together the availability, reliability, network management and security of terrestrial frame relay with the data throughput and price point of DSL, without the long lead times, complex installations, and high fallout rates of terrestrial broadband. For more information, visit www.accel-networks.com.

About Telarus Inc.
Telarus is a premier master agency whose goal is to make agents more successful than they can be on their own or with any other master agency. Telarus provides is agents with tools, automation, superior support, all in an atmosphere of cooperation and ethical community. Telarus drives warm leads to its agents and VARs through its web marketing portals which include: ShopforT1.com, ShopforEthernet.com, VARNetwork.com, and VARPartner.com. Telarus provides its agents a back office outfitted with full CRM capabilities and real-time T1, DS3, and Ethernet broadband price quoting through it's patented GeoQuote technology. GeoQuote makes it possible for business shoppers and agents to access instant pricing and availability information for over 30 broadband data and voice service providers

About RealCom Solutions
RealCom Solutions is a vendor-neutral, client-advocate Telecom Agency providing best-of-breed solutions and pricing to our Clients and Agents. RealCom Solutions was awarded the 2007 Circle of Excellence from AT&T as a Top Performer and also was chosen for the Southwest Alliance Board of Advisors. RealCom Solutions a Premier Master Agency was chosen for the 2007 Qwest Advisory Council.

Labels: Press Release

posted by Unknown at 2:53 PM Link to this Article  0 Comments


Fixed Wireless networking is nothing new. The concept has been in use since the early days of microwave communication. Today, however, we're talking specifically about the type of wireless that nearly every American uses daily (though they may not know it by name): GSM. Over the last decade, the wireless infrastructure that powers everyday cell phone usage has been used more and more for data networks. So how does this network architecture work and what are its advantages?

In principal, it's simple. If you have ever seen an internet-capable mobile phone or PDA, you have witnessed network data being transmitted wirelessly through the use of GSM towers and antennas. But in areas of high-demand business networks, the amounts of data can be significantly higher than that text message you just received, or the 400 x 250 pixel mobile web page you just viewed.

The recently popularized 3G networks optimize Spectral Efficiency in order to offer a higher capacity connection for both voice and data. Fixed Wireless Broadband applications, then, use specialized antennas, like Accel Networks' Accelerator™ Antenna, to aggregate signal from multiple providers. By aggregating and already optimized signal, the Accelerator™ Antenna is able to use a 3G-enabled fixed wireless network to deliver broadband that's comparable to DSL and Cable.

But, there's more. One of the dreaded fears of network administrators for decades has been network outage. When an entire operation relies on a wired connection via a single provider, a number of risks exist ranging from a physical break in the wired connection to network outage caused by the provider's hardware failure. Many businesses today are turning to fixed wireless broadband as either a primary or, at minimum, a back-up network solution for the simple fact that the aggregation of the Accelerator Antenna means not only speed but also redundancy and fail-over. With today's 3G wireless infrastructure well established and still growing, fixed wireless broadband can be an all-around more reliable solution than wired connections.

Labels: Broadband, Fixed Wireless Broadband

posted by Unknown at 6:56 AM Link to this Article  0 Comments

Thursday, March 5, 2009
With over $7.2 billion at stake, there has been no shortage of banter over where the money should be spent. A simple google search for "broadband stimulus" yields hundreds of thousands of recent news entries and blogger buzz about the topic. So, what do we know as of now?

First, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) will handle a portion of the funds. I originally was led to believe (probably through one of the numerous sources chattering about the topic on the internet these days) that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) would be the exclusive administrator of Obama's stimulus, but it appears I was incorrect.

However, I'm glad to have been found mistaken. Ron Schott, an Arizona news man, points out in his recent article on the broadband stimulus package, that with the RUS in charge, it could mean 80-95% of the largely rural state of Arizona receives coverage. Some people expressed disappointment over the historic allocation of funds that the RUS approved, stating that the money doesn't always end up at the most rural of areas. In either regard, I say that I'm pleased t see this development because I believe it will mean more money invested in rural infrastructure rather than floating the major carriers with loans and grants to "improve" existing networks.

As per my previous article over the allocation of these funds to wireless broadband technology, no definitive answer has been given. But, rest assured the industry is lobbying hard to make sure we get our cut. Fred Campbell, president of The Wireless Communication Association International (WCAI) stated, “WCAI applauds the inclusion in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of funding for the delivery of wireless broadband to underserved areas.” He also commented, "As the only broadband platform that is capable of providing access everywhere, all the time, wireless broadband is essential to achieving universal broadband connectivity."

Where will the dollars fall, we aren't certain yet. I will be keeping my ear to the rail, hopefully the train's-a-comin'.

Labels: Broadband, Economy, NTIA, Rural Broadband Access, Stimulus, WCAI

posted by Unknown at 3:49 PM Link to this Article  0 Comments

Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Everyone seems to be talking about the stimulus package these days, and the telecom industry is no different. The National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) got a $4.7 Billion chunk of Obama's stimulus bucket-o-money, and they're looking for ways to spend it. Where would be the most economical (yes, even I have to drop the buzz word) place to spend that money?

Consider the costs of laying thousands of miles of copper cable across the deserts, mountains, and tundras where broadband access is still unattainable. Now, consider this: depending on terrain and other circumstances, a GSM tower can substutute for anywhere from 4 to 50 miles of hard wiring. Not only that, but when considering manpower for installation and the ongoing maintenance, the total cost of ownership (in this case, our own taxpayer ownership) is dramatically lower.

But doesn't that defeat the purpose? I thought we wanted more work, more jobs, and more product purchased so as to stimulate the economy. That's true, but the simple fact is that if the $4.7 Billion doesn't all get eaten up in broadband, rest assured, they'll find other places to spend it.

If you'd like to get involved, learn more about the NTIA and the Broadband Grant Program Meetings.

Labels: Broadband, Economy, NTIA, Rural Broadband Access

posted by Nick Carter at 5:38 AM Link to this Article  0 Comments


You may have heard of a recently launched and rapidly growing advocacy group called Internet for Everyone. The premise of the group is easily surmised: they are creating awareness of the lack of broadband access for rural and under-developed areas of the U.S. And, while much of the sentiment on their website may remind you of a social movement, their interests appear to be very much business-focused, realizing that where businesses can get online, there the economic growth will bring the rest of the community along.

One of the hottest topics for Internet for Everyone today is the recently approved stimulus package which includes billions for internet infrastructure. Telecom companies around the nation will be awarded huge projects for building the infrastructure that will bring broadband connectivity to rural areas.

But is this effort too narrowly focused? When I visited Indonesia last year, I was surprised to learn that the entire nation had totally skipped the wired telephone age. By the time they were ready to build their nation's telecom infrastructure, it no longer made sense to go wired. Today, they are a nation of wireless users. The same phenomenon has happened all across developing countries. So why not the developing regions of this great country?

In fact, fixed wireless broadband is already delivering connectivity to places where wired connection is impractical or impossible. Take a look at our coverage map and you'll see that Accel provides 2.5-3g speed to over 80% of the U.S. without a single copper line laid. If you're still in an area without coverage, broadband access may be closer than you realize. Let's talk.

Labels: Broadband, Coverage, Rural Broadband Access

posted by Nick Carter at 4:57 AM Link to this Article  0 Comments