EarthLink Wins Approval To Build Out New Orleans Network

HostReview.com
Tuesday, May 30, 2006; 01:34 AM

ATLANTA -- EarthLink, the nation's next generation Internet service provider (ISP), today announced that the New Orleans City Council has approved an ordinance to enable the company to build a Wi-Fi broadband network in the Crescent City.

The Wi-Fi mesh network will provide affordable, high-speed Internet access for residents, businesses and visitors in New Orleans. EarthLink will provide a free service tier and a paid service tier. The free service will be offered for a limited time during the city's rebuilding efforts at speeds up to 300kbs, and users will be able to access the Internet without having to view advertising. The ISP will also offer a higher speed paid service that will be a symmetrical, 1 mbps solution for customers that want more bandwidth, customer support and EarthLink's award-winning products and services.

"EarthLink is doing its part to help rebuild the Crescent City and enable residents, visitors and the thousands of workers to stay connected with low cost broadband service," said Donald Berryman, executive vice president of EarthLink and president of the ISP's municipal networks unit. "Our Wi-Fi solution reflects our vision of delivering broadband opportunities to diverse communities across the country and helping meet the needs of underserved neighborhoods at the request of cities like New Orleans."

"We are excited to welcome the investment of EarthLink to better connect our citizens and visitors through Wi-Fi. This is another indication that New Orleans is moving to the next generation of technology. It's one more sign that New Orleans is rebuilding for the future; creating a safer, smarter and more efficient environment for all people," said Mayor C. Ray Nagin.

As part of its commitment to open access, EarthLink will enable multiple, competing providers to offer their services to consumers and businesses over its network. For small businesses, New Orleans' wireless network will also provide an alternative for broadband connectivity, such as an affordable wireless T-1 solution.

EarthLink will deploy Tropos Networks' (http://www.tropos.com/) MetroMesh Wi-Fi routers on light poles throughout the city that will enable reliable wireless data connectivity between consumers and the Internet. The Tropos system forms a wireless mesh, intelligently routing data to produce the best possible user experience. The network will be operated and optimized using Tropos Control, an end-to-end configuration, monitoring and maintenance tool suite. In addition, EarthLink will deploy Motorola's MOTOwi4(TM) portfolio of products, including its Canopy(TM) high-speed backhaul and Wi-Fi mesh network equipment.

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