Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Rural Broadband Isn't Just an American Problem

I admit it, I fit the stereotype of Americans. I'm quick to see the American issues as unique, our own, and quite frankly care little for the news and current events beyond my own borders (truthfully, beyond my own neighborhood). But at Accel, growing, and out-growing my own myopic vision. It's a very good thing, both for the company, and for my own mind's expansion.

Last week, it was announced that Accel Networks would be crossing the border to the North and providing fixed wireless broadband to Canada. Since that time, I've been reading more and more about the state of broadband in Canada. Where do we fit? Why is this so monumental? Who really cares?

What I found surprised me--which, as you'll see, merely perpetuates the notion of my silly myopia.

Canada, it would seem, is tackling the same overarching problem that the U.S. has been trying to address for the past couple of years. Rural broadband (or lack thereof), both in the U.S. and Canada, is seen as a great hindrance to the advancement of local economies. According to Broadband Canada, the Canadian Government just approved a second round of funding for several broadband providers to roll-out services in more rural areas.

But what sort of broadband infrastructure are they building? The truth is, the majority of development focus remains in terrestrial networks. That's where Accel comes in. Through our partnership with TELUS, Accel Networks now offers fixed wireless broadband services to businesses in Canada on a completely wireless local loop. No cables, no ditches dug, no expensive routing.

Fixed wireless broadband remains the fastest and most cost-effective solution for rural broadband, not to mention an alternative to terrestrial local loops even in urban centers. We're excited to be a part of bringing broadband to the masses, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Labels: Canada Broadband, Fixed Wireless Broadband, Local Loop, Rural Broadband