ASX-listed wireless broadband provider, BigAir (ASX:BGL), has taken its WiMax network services to Perth and will announce new customer wins shortly.
The deployment covers 30km around the CBD, or approximately 2000sqkm. According to the operator, the new network delivers symmetric broadband speeds of to up 1000Mbps.
CEO, Jason Ashton, said it had one “very large customer” lined up and several systems integrators who had already expressed interest in working with BigAir. As well as existing partners, the operator is looking for new ISPs and channel partners in the west to resell services across the new network.
BigAir launched its first WiMax services across Sydney and Melbourne in August 2007 and has since expanded to Brisbane. The point-to-point service is based on Airspan Networks 802.16d technology using 5.8GHz MicroMAX base stations.
Ashton said it would continue to expand its business-grade network throughout Australia and has previously flagged Adelaide as an area of opportunity. BigAir is also implementing more base stations outside of CBD areas and planning new and faster services.
“We’re going to be aggressive this year – we want to expand the network out as we’re confident in the technology and have lots of happy customers,” Ashton said. “It’s also great we can launch these services for customers given the uncertainty around the National Broadband Network.”
Ashton declined to comment on specific customer numbers but said most were SMEs.