[1st-mile-nm] New Wireless Proposal for Rio Rancho

[Richard Lowenberg]

From: "Carroll Cagle" <carroll at cagleandassociates.com>
Date: March 19, 2008 9:49:45 AM MDT
Subject: Azulstar tries, once again, in Rio Rancho


Wireless Firm Proposes New Technology For Rio Rancho

Albuquerque Journal
West Side edition
Wednesday, March 19, 2008

By Rosalie Rayburn
Journal Staff Writer

    City staffers are considering a proposal from Azulstar to use new technology
to improve its problem-plagued wireless Internet service.
    The proposal Azulstar founder Tyler van Houwelingen submitted to city staff
in late February would use WiMAX technology to overcome problems with
intermittent service and slow data transmission.
    Azulstar's wireless network currently uses Wi-Fi technology.
    WiMAX, which stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is
a newer technology designed to broadcast high-speed signals much greater
distances, with fewer problems than Wi-Fi.
    City spokesman Peter Wells said City Manager Jim Payne received the proposal
Feb. 28 and city staff are reviewing it.
    "It is under consideration and as soon as the appropriate city staff have
had a chance to discuss it with Mr. Payne, a decision will be made and we will
be in touch with Azulstar," Wells said.
    But the proposal looks set to affect only a small number of Azulstar
customers.
    Upgrading to the new technology would require customers to purchase
additional equipment, which currently costs between $400 and $600, van
Houwelingen told the Journal on Tuesday.
    Azulstar initially plans to offer the new technology to business customers
who typically need higher data transfer speeds.
    Residential customers would continue with the existing service.
    Azulstar has 15 to 20 business customers and fewer than 1,000 residential
subscribers.
    The company signed a 25-year contract with the city in 2004, which allowed
it to locate equipment for its wireless network on city property. City
officials terminated that contract in September, citing about $40,000 in unpaid
electricity bills and complaints of poor service.
    The city gave Azulstar until Dec. 31 to remove its equipment, but extended
that deadline to allow the company more time to show how it would resolve its
problems.
    Under its now terminated contract, Azulstar was supposed to reimburse the
city for electricity used by equipment located on city property.
    Van Houwelingen said Azulstar is ready to pay the electricity charges.
    "We basically said, 'If you guys allow us to continue in your city, we'll
cut a check,' '' van Houwelingen said.
    When WiMAX technology emerged a few years ago, industry experts predicted it
would greatly enhance Wi-Fi capabilities.
    ButSanta Fetechnology expert Peter Baston, who is familiar with the
RioRancho market, cautioned that WiMax has not always lived up to its promise.
    "The U.S. Army, after testing all types of systems, including WiMAX, has now
gone with fiber and laser (technology)," Baston said, in an e-mail to the
Journal on Tuesday.


-- 
Richard Lowenberg
1st-Mile Institute
P.O. Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504
505-989-9110;   505-603-5200 cell
rl at 1st-mile.com  www.1st-mile.com

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