NextPath Launches LaserWireless

By Wayne Kawamoto
Managing Editor, CLEC-Planet

February 5, 2001 -- LaserWireless, a wholly owned subsidiary of NextPath Technologies, announced that it will begin taking orders for its LaserBridge 155 electro-optic communications system.

According to the company, the system transmits video, voice and data (up to 155 million bits per second) through the atmosphere using a beam of light, without the need for a communications license. Richard K. Walter, president of LaserWireless, said, "We believe the LaserBridge 155 will offer more customer benefits, at a lower price, than any other system on the market today."

NextPath says that two of the most significant benefits of the LaserBridge 155 are its built-in, full-time electronic tracking system to maintain alignment and a remote diagnostics system that will allow LaserWireless to access installed systems directly using standard telephone lines.

"A typical application of the LaserBridge 155 system is in the last mile fiber optic extension, which enables carriers such as Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILEC) and Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC) to connect the high bandwidth capability of their fiber optic networks to their customers' locations," added Walter. "The LaserBridge 155 will also enable corporations and other institutions to connect their own local area networks between multiple buildings."

Ken Uptain, chairman, president and chief executive officer of NextPath, stated, "We believe the LaserBridge 155 will have strategic value to major telecommunications companies and, therefore, we are optimistic about its market potential. We are very excited that LaserWireless is moving out of its development stage and into its production stage.