Kineto Wireless
Kineto Wireless Why It's Fierce: Kineto Wireless is the second of three companies in the 2005 FierceWireless Fierce 15 targeting the convergence of cellular, WiFi, and VoIP. Kineto's approach, though, is different than the others. This company is spearheading an industry-wide technology movement called Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA). UMA promises to allows users to seamlessly roam from GSM/GPRS networks to WiFi and even Bluetooth networks in areas where cellular reception is not strong or non-existent. Kineto is working with handset vendors to get UMA technology on dual-mode cellular/WiFi handsets. The company hopes to sell its roaming solution to mobile and fixed-location carriers and service providers. Granted, Kineto has a hard sell ahead of it. In order to achieve success, the company will need to get UMA technology on both handsets and carriers. Kineto has a number of strong partners, including chip maker Philips, and has plenty of cash in hand to make a strong play. What To Look For: Look for Kineto to sign partnerships with at least one more major chip maker and a top handset vendor. |
