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Broadband & Mobile Featured Article
June 28, 2007
Siemens, BelAir Networks Introduce Wireless Net in British Columbia
By Niladri Sekhar Nath TMCnet Contributing Editor
The Seabird Island First Nation in British Columbia has launched a new high performance wireless mesh network solution from Siemens (News - Alert) that provides the community with high-speed broadband wireless access supporting residential, educational and business communication.
“Our new wireless network offers a broad range of communications and revenue opportunities for us,” stated Chief Clem Seymour. “We will be able to create new services for the community and offer our local schools increased educational opportunities through new high speed connectivity.”
Siemens and BelAir Networks have teamed with Chief Clem Seymour and local residents to deploy 49 BelAir Networks wireless access nodes across the community. The nodes, easily mounted on light poles, provide a wireless carrier backbone to support various services including Point of Sale (POS) terminals at the local gas bar and events such as annual canoe races.
The new network will also help the community defray flood meter monitoring costs of $1,200 per month by replacing wired lines with a wireless connection. In the future, the community may also use the network to extend its Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) network and provide cost-effective residential telephone service on Seabird Island.
“Frank Suraci, responsible for Aboriginal Relations for Siemens Canada, said in a statement, “We view Seabird Island as an excellent example of our technology partnership with First Nations’ communities across Canada. Our goal is to help realize the unlimited potential of their growing populations in developing socio-economic programs and technology infrastructure that will enhance and extend wellness, economic development and community growth."
Siemens and BelAir Networks have also developed a comprehensive program to train Seabird Island Band personnel to pre-stage, program, install, administer and repair the wireless network. The training program will help the residents to manage and maintain the network independently, creating jobs and ensuring self-sufficiency.
“The Seabird Island Band is putting wireless technology to work for their current and future well being and growth,” stated Jim Freeze, senior vice president of Marketing and Alliances of BelAir Networks. “It was a tremendous opportunity for us to work with a community known for its innovation. They now have a powerful wireless broadband network, like the ones that BelAir has deployed in leading cities around the world that delivers carrier-class capacity and reliability and industry-leading performance.”
Niladri Sekhar Nath is a contributing writer for TMCnet covering telecommunications, service providers and networking
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