Clear ready to roll on broadband

By RICHARD BRADDELL

WELLINGTON - Clear Communications expects to have broadband wireless telecommunications working in Penrose within weeks after appointing Alcatel to supply its new LMDS wireless network.

LMDS, or local multipoint distribution services, is fast-emerging line-of-sight radio technology that enables telephone companies to bypass the incumbent's network for voice and high-speed data and internet.

Targeted at business users, the service will be progressively offered to non-CBD commercial users, and is part of the $120 million initial phase of a network upgrade announced by Clear earlier this year.

Rotorua, and possibly New Plymouth, are also scheduled for early deployment.

In March, Clear became the sole owner of LMDS spectrum rights after adding the five bands bought at auction by Denver-based Formus to the one it had bought itself. Clear spokeswoman Rochelle Lockley said LMDS could be rolled out quickly and Penrose could be operational, or in testing at least, by early July.

Meanwhile Chello, a broadband internet portal related to Telstra Saturn, said it would formally launch its service on June 6. Chello is the European subsidiary of UnitedGlobalcom, which is the main shareholder of Telstra Saturn's 50 per cent owner, Australian based Austar United.

Chello will operate from Telstra Saturn's Wellington cable network and will offer local and international content. The 512kbps service will require a cable modem and will cost $80 a month for modem and unlimited downloads.

But tantalising among yesterday's announcements was one from Telecom that it would today unveil "a major Telecom investment in New Zealand's telecommunications infrastructure."

Just what that might be, the company was not saying. However, analysts said Telecom had indicated the announcement would not be unusually material, and would involve investment of less than $50 million.