Aircel  Business  Solutions (ABS), part of Aircel,  today  announced  the launch of wireless Internet services through Worldwide  Interoperability  for  Microwave Access ? popularly known as the WiMAX technology, which enables  'last mile' connectivity using  'near line of  site'  (NLOS)  wireless  equipment.  By doing so, ABS becomes the first company in India to launch WiMAX and one among the five global operators to achieve this feat.

"Initially,  ABS  aims  to  make Chennai 'wire free' using WiMAX technology enabling wireless Internet connectivity for SME, enterprise and residential use," said Mr. Ram Shinde, Senior Vice President, Aircel Business Solutions while  announcing  the  launch.  "ABS is also positive about the commercial viability   and  acceptance  of  WiMAX  across  varied  user  profiles  and geographies considering the substantial growth rate of Internet subscribers in recent times" he added.

As  of now, ABS can provide pan-city coverage (more than 90 percent) across commercial  areas  in Chennai and has already enabled wireless connectivity for  SME and Enterprise clients through WiMAX based on 802.16d standards at a  speed  range  of  2  to  10  Mbps.  This would help the end user to stay connected  to  the  Internet  and  Intranet  with  high uptime. These WiMAX

deployments use NLOS wherein the customer premises equipment (CPE) does not have  to face the base station (BTS). The forthcoming 802.16e standard will be even capable of mobile Internet.

ABS  has  also deployed WiMAX Networks beyond Chennai with limited coverage in  many  other  prominent  Indian  cities  such  as Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Bangalore,  Pune, Delhi, Cochin and Ahmedabad and would extend its pan-city coverage  in  a  phased  manner.  Apart from these, ABS also plans to WiMAX another 26 cities in the near future.

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