Airspan Networks and Buggs Island Telephone Cooperative Sign $19 Million Contract for Broadband Deployment in Virginia

Wireless News
06-17-2011
Airspan Networks and Buggs Island Telephone Cooperative Sign $19 Million Contract for Broadband Deployment in Virginia
Type: News

Airspan Networks, a provider of broadband wireless access networks, and Buggs Island Telephone Cooperative (BIT) announced the selection of Airspan 4G equipment for deployment in southern Virginia, USA.

BIT received two grants which will be used for infrastructure to deliver wireless broadband Internet access to residents and businesses in fifteen counties in south central Virginia. The grants include a government Broadband Stimulus award of $18.9 million dollars by the United States Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and a $3.9 million dollars grant from Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission.
The project will provide 100 per cent coverage of residents and businesses in the Federal Communications Commission licensed serving area, offering a minimum of 1.5 Mbps (megabits per second) of service and up to 10 Mbps. The primary deployment phase will be completed within 12 months and has a projected subscriber base of upward of 30,000 customers within five years. Availability of access to broadband connectivity is one of the key elements for economic growth in the region. In addition, by creating this new business division, BIT will create 64 direct new jobs - mostly in Mecklenburg and Brunswick Counties.

This next-generation dual-band network operates in both 700 megahertz (MHz) and 3.65 gigahertz (GHz) frequency bands. Due to its natural propagation characteristics, the 700 MHz product allows for optimum coverage and range, requiring fewer base stations and minimizing deployment costs. Built with Airspan's reputable product offering, the network consists of Airspan's Air4G base station, a compact, all-outdoor, Macro unit. The network is also supplemented for in-fill coverage with AirSynergy, a Pico base station with integrated backhaul.

BIT Communications is a nationwide provider of technology and communication services.

Airspan is a 4G wireless solution provider. With over 500 customers in over 100 countries and as a top vendor for carrier- class broadband wireless solutions, Airspan is a developer of 4G and broadband wireless technologies all over the world.

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