Currently, service providers that plan to offer broadband wireless access must wade through a myriad of technologies in order to select service vendors. Through a series of forums, the group also intends to provide guidelines for rigorous testing and verification standards for fixed wireless products. Additionally, the corporate six-pack plans to offer technical advice to carriers on technology issues, and consult with the Federal Communications Commission and International Telecommunication Union about spectrum management and interoperability issues. Ultimately, the consortium intends to maximize the overall wireless broadband market opportunity among competitors who recognize the need to agree upon open standard to catalyze the industry. Semiconductor and equipment suppliers are encouraged to join the consortium and collaborate to accelerate delivery of wireless broadband Internet networks.
Service providers are also welcome to join the group.
The consortium has retained Gartner Group Inc. to advise on industry issues, strategies and best practices to keep all parties informed on new development. The status of broadband wireless access in the U.S. is currently undergoing commercial trials on a select market basis. Jonathan Mapes, WorldCom Wireless Solutions chief technology officer for, said the firm welcomed the groups initiative to develop open standards for fixed wireless access to the Internet. According to the group, the 2 to 4 gigahertz band is ideally suited to provide broadband wireless services for home and business connectivity. The FCC allocated spectrum in the 2.5 gigahertz MMDS band for the U.S., while international authorities are making spectrum availablein the 3.5 gigahertz band.