Monday, November 21, 2005

First Avenue and RCN Build Wireless/Cable Service Alliance

RCN and First Avenue Networks have formed a strategic partnership to capitalize on the metropolitan wireless fiber extension market opportunity.


Under the deal, First Avenue will equip RCN Business Solutions, the wholly owned but separately managed division of RCN Corporation that provides bulk video, high-capacity broadband and voice services to business customers, wireless extensions of their fiber network at up to 155 Mbps. In return, RCN will provide First Avenue the fiber links necessary to deliver carrier-grade backhaul service to its fixed line and mobile carrier customers.


First Avenue's wireless extensions will enable RCN to expand its facilities-based fiber optic broadband and hosting services to more of its target market -- large business customers. Wireless broadband access also provides physically diverse connectivity in the markets RCN serves.


RCN, one of the largest U.S. competitive Multi-Service Operators (MSO), and First Avenue are initiating the business relationship with a trial, which is currently underway in the New York City metropolitan market. The companies will have the opportunity to expand the relationship into RCN's other markets including Philadelphia/Lehigh Valley; Washington, DC; Boston and Chicago.


http://www.firstavenet.com/http://www.rcn.com

  • First Avenue Networks holds the most expansive collection of millimeter wave spectrum assets in the United States. The company has approximately 1.5 billion channel pops between its 24 GHz and 39 GHz spectrum licenses.