Walker Wireless layoffs tipped

By ADAM GIFFORD

Walker Wireless is to lay off up to a third of its staff after deciding to leapfrog a generation of wireless internet technology.

Managing director Bob Smith said the company had bid for spectrum in the 2.1 to 2.3 gigahertz range this year in the expectation it would roll out an MMDS (Microwave Multipoint Distribution Service) wireless network this year.

"When we analysed our requirements, we decided it would be better to leapfrog to the next generation," Mr Smith said.

"We had geared up for the earlier roll-out, but we are now unlikely to deploy anything until April or May next year."

He said the company was still consulting staff about who would be made redundant. He would not confirm rumours that up to 20 of its 60 staff would go.

Mr Smith said Walker was negotiating with vendors for the new technology, which operates in the same 1098 spectrum as MMDS.

Walker Wireless' present offering uses 802.11 technology, beamed out from the Skytower and other high sites.

It has considerable resources to call on, after securing more than $20 million in capital last year from Stephen Tindall, Craig Heatley and Todd Capital.

Other shareholders include Rod Inglis' Walker Corporation and Canadian investor Boyd Craig of Craig Wireless.