Nextel's Higher Data Speeds

The latest wireless Internet technology from Nextel could produce average data transfer speeds of 30 Kbps with a top speed of 75 Kbps.

by Roy Mark of www.internetnews.com [May 16, 2002]

Nextel Communications Inc. has launched a data compression solution to augment the speed at which mobile users can access Internet content, general office and enterprise applications, such as e-mail and order entry. The new capability provides a two-to-five-fold speed increase (average speeds at 30 Kbps and above average speeds reaching 75 Kbps and higher), allowing PC laptop and PDA users quicker access to enterprise wireless applications.

The Reston, Va.-based wireless carrier also introduced the iM1100 wireless modem, which plugs into any Microsoft Windows-based laptop or PDA with a Type II PCMCIA card slot. The wireless modem supports both a direct connection to the Internet using Nextel's Packet Data Network, and dial-up access via a standard circuit data connection. The iM1100 runs on its own battery, keeping customers connected longer without draining laptop power.

The iM1100 allows remote access to corporate intranets and back-office systems, such as sales force automation, order entry, inventory tracking and customer relationship management (CRM).

"The iM1100 modem brings an exciting new data service option for customers to leverage the Nextel nationwide Packet Data Network, which delivers the industry's most extensive reach and completely mirrors our voice coverage," said Greg Santoro, vice president, Internet and Wireless Services at Nextel.

To boost wireless data performance on its network, Nextel has installed Bytemobile's Macara platform, which is a wireless optimization service node (WOSN) that improves the delivery of IP-based data including Web pages and e-mail on wireless networks and significantly improves bandwidth utilization.

"By adding the Macara platform, Nextel has significantly enhanced its data services with faster access speeds over its existing network. This new capability strengthens Nextel's leadership position in wireless data and allows us to provide a better user experience for Nextel customers," said Santoro.

Nextel is offering a $54.99 per month fixed rate plan called PacketStream Gold with no overage charges for unlimited support of Internet applications and e-mail. The modem has a promotional price of $349.99 with a one-year service agreement.

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