Newcomer takes on market for high-speed net access

By PETER GRIFFIN technology writer

Wireless network provider Walker Wireless has made a direct play to take on Xtra and ihug in the high-speed internet access market, launching broadband services that will be based on the company's nationwide wireless network.

The company has unveiled "Waverider I", a wireless access product offering internet connection at speeds of up to 256Kbps (kilobits per second) for $129 a month.

A higher-speed Waverider 2 offering will cost $149, allowing speeds of up to 1Mbps and coming with a monthly download limit of 1 gigabyte. Downloads after that are charged at a rate of 16c a megabyte.

Both deals include a charge of $30, which goes to the internet service provider delivering the connection to the internet. Currently, only customers of fledgling ISP Jafa will be able to take up the offers, but Walker Wireless is expected to extend them to other market players, including Jafa's sister companies, E3 and Ezysurf.

The entry-level deal seems expensive, compared with ihug's "one way" satellite service Ultra and Xtra's slower ADSL JetStart deal.

But Walker Wireless managing director Bob Smith said the new packages had distinct advantages over established deals, including two-way transmission of data at high speeds.

"There's no dependence on distance to the telephone exchange, which there often is with Telecom's Jetstream, and it frees up the telephone line, which makes it a good option for businesses as well."

The high-speed services, though, require users to have direct "line-of-sight" with one of Walker Wireless' 22 towers. The company claims it can reach 60-70 per cent of Auckland's population from its seven local points, which include the Sky Tower and BCL's Waitakere Ranges transmitter.

Antennas and equipment for the new services will cost $229 installed.

Mr Smith's plans have won support from Communications Minister Paul Swain, who has made the roll-out of broadband in rural areas a priority.

"We're keen to see what can be done in terms of the state-owned assets of BCL and the Government's connections in the community," he said.

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Ihug

Xtra

Walker Wireless

Jafa