Nextel to Launch Wireless Broadband Trial

Nextel to launch wireless broadband trial on 2.5 ghz in Washington, D.C. area with IPWireless; trial will offer a range of wireless interactive multimedia and wireless broadband.

Nextel Communications Inc. will deploy a wireless broadband trial based on UMTS TD-CDMA technology from IPWireless, the companies announced today. The field trial will begin during the third quarter in Washington, D.C.; Arlington, Va.; Alexandria, Va.; Reston, Va. and Bethesda, Md.

The trial will allow Nextel to test a range of subscriber services, including broadband access for laptops, desktops or PDAs.  Services will include video streaming, online gaming, document collaboration and video conferencing. The trial will allow Nextel to develop and test digital convergence concepts that target business users, consumers, public safety agencies, universities and multimedia content partners.

During the upcoming field trial, network performance and customer satisfaction will be evaluated under real-world conditions. The trial is scheduled to run for a minimum of six months. The trial will be offered only to select Nextel customers.