BelAir Networks
Kanata, Canada Why It’s Fierce: Everyone knows WiFi is here to stay, but as the
technology evolves industry insiders are looking for ways to increase its
ubiquity and coverage. BelAir Networks has developed an innovative
solution that lets carriers and IT managers blast WiFi signals into
buildings or over specified outdoor regions with only a few pieces of
hardware. The company’s solution is mounted to light poles or other
outside objects and uses mesh networking for the backhaul, significantly
reducing service costs. The company’s technology only takes three or four
radio units to provide the same WiFi coverage as hundreds of traditional
APs. BelAir has raised a total of $22 million to date with key investors
like J.P. Morgan. The company helped launch a hotzone in Portland, Oregon,
and has a trial with Telecom Ottawa in Canada. As carriers look for
cost-effective ways to launch WiFi service in larger geographic areas,
BelAir will lead the way. What to look for in 2004: Look for BelAir to sign one or two more carrier trials as well as some key VAR deals. You can also expect BelAir to sign deals with integrators targeting WiFi at the enterprise. |
