18 Jan TDS plans broadband wireless launch in Madison
Madison, Wis. — TDS Metrocom hopes to do an end-run around the need to rent cables from incumbents such as SBC to provide Internet access. But it won’t be running wires. TDS is planning a large-scale broadband wireless network in Madison, after a trial in Appleton.
TDS purchased wireless Internet spectrum rights last year from the defunct SkyCable, which was a potential provider for the city of Madison’s wireless deal until its partner America Online backed out. The rights extend about 35 miles from a tower on Madison’s west side.
• WTN: Demise of SkyCable is opportunity for TDS Telecom
Madison is now working with Cellnet, which will pay licensing fees for the right to build infrastructure and operate in the city, and charge users a monthly fee for access. That is a separate deal, and a separate network from the one TDS plans to operate.
• WTN: Madison wireless deal goes ahead with Cellnet
TDS is purchasing technology from Alvarion Ltd., which operates out of Mountain View, California. The network will use a standard called WiMax, which in speed and range is a step above the wireless access you might in a house or office. It is supposed to be able to reach 12.5 miles.