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More Wireless Broadband For Melbourne |
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Written by Adam Gosling
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Monday, 03 April 2006 |
Melbourne CBD and some inner-city suburbs are getting Unwired for broadband as the wireless network operator expands its footprint.
So far only users in Sydney’s inner metropolitan area could access Unwired Australia’s wireless broadband services as the company takes a cautious approach to its network build out ahead of what will be a significant upgrade next year when WiMax hits our shores.
The company, which owns the preferred spectrum for the high-speed wireless standard is currently using a proprietary technology from Navini, a major player in the WiMax development process. However, with WiMax still a little while away, the start-up seems to be taking a slow and steady approach as it strives to reach breakeven.
Unwired accepted a $35 million investment from Intel last year, but is keeping most of its money in the bank starting with only a small entry into the Melbourne market.
The new Victorian leg of its network will reach only 220,000 users until next month when it will be expanded slightly to take in Flemington, Clifton Hill, Collingwood and North Melbourne. The first phase of its Melbourne network, which will cover around 25 per cent of the Melbourne population, will be completed in the second half of 2006.
"Unwired's entry into the market means Melburnians are finally getting standards-based, fast wireless broadband at a great price. With Unwired, you buy the modem, plug it in, select a plan, and you're online - there's no installation and no waiting time - it's that easy. It's also portable so you can use Unwired across our Melbourne network and most of Sydney," said Unwired CEO David Spence.
It's clear people are ditching fixed home phones and expensive line rentals, said Spence citing low-cost capped mobile plans and wireless broadband as a contributing factor thanks to the convenience as much as the cost.
"Our Sydney experience gives us the advantage of knowing what type of person is more likely to be an early adopter of the Unwired service so we are focussing on suburbs that fit this demographic first. We look forward to building a substantial customer and revenue base as soon as possible so we can increase our coverage across most of Melbourne," Spence said.
Further expansion of its Melbourne network will then take place as more customers join Unwired, explained the company.
Using either a Desktop Modem or a PC Card, users can access wireless plans from $15.95 per month, although broadband plans start at $29.95 per month. The Desktop Modem retails for $189 and the Wireless Card is $299.
We suggest you visit Unwired directly to check for coverage areas.
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