4G worth $100 mn in rural America

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA: Alvarion Ltd., a provider of WiMAXT and wireless broadband solutions, has been chosen by US broadband wireless operator, Open Range Communications Inc., for the nation's largest Rural Utilities Service (RUS) funded deployment spanning 17 states, 546 rural communities, and reaching up to six million people.

With this new broadband wireless network, Open Range will begin offering 4G services to un-served and underserved customers across rural America in the fourth quarter of this year.

As part of this contract, expected to be more than $100 million over a five-year implementation, Alvarion will provide radio access equipment, customer devices (CPE) and systems integration for Open Range's broadband wireless network.

As per a press release, Open Range will offer Simply EasierSM wireless communications to subscribers that will enable a hyper-connected Internet lifestyle, and new economic opportunities not possible before because of the lack of infrastructure.

“The new Open Range 4G network, will be built with an all-IP architecture leveraging the latest 4G technology. This solution will give millions of rural Americans the ability to enjoy wireless broadband services across the communities where they live and work.”

Open Range founder and CEO, Bill Beans Jr. added, “These communities require an innovative partner with experience in delivering a wide array of simple, high quality, cost effective, robust solutions that are scalable and sustainable.”