Glocalnet and Proxim Launch Sweden's First Outdoor Wireless Network for Internet Access

(Business News & Technology News, 21 May 2007)

Proxim Wireless Corp., a global pioneer of end-to-end solutions in Wi-Fi mesh, WiMAX, WLAN, and wireless backhaul and wholly owned subsidiary of Terabeam Inc., has announced that Swedish residential broadband provider Glocalnet, a subsidiary of Norway's Telenor, has selected and deployed its AP-4000MR access points to launch Sweden's first outdoor internet access network to the country's twenty-five largest towns by June 2007. The new service, GlocalZone, is free of charge for its 500,000 customers, while for non-subscribers prices will range from SEK19 ($2.60) per hour to SEK99 for a full month.

GlocalZone involves the deployment of 500 Proxim AP-4000MR access points across Sweden's cities including Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmo. Proxim's seamless integration between AP4000 indoor and AP4000MR outdoor mesh access points will enable Glocalnet to extend its outdoor Wi-Fi networks indoors.

The weatherproof, rugged, outdoor housing of Proxim's AP-4000MR access points was one of the key factors in the selection process. "The Proxim kit is easy to deploy and rugged enough to withstand severe weather conditions. While we had a mild winter in Sweden, temperatures still fell below zero degrees Celsius, but the technology was not affected in any way by snow, ice, or other weather-related incidents," points out Mathias Tonnesson, Glocalnet Project Manager New Business, GlocalZone. "Proxim has so far really over-delivered for us. The company's outdoor mesh products have allowed us to embark on delivering Sweden's first real outdoor internet."

NoWire, a leading Nordic wireless distributor, played an instrumental role in the success of the project's initial trial, while Firstnet, specialists in building, deploying, and maintaining networks, continues to support, control, and manage Glocalnet's outdoor networks across Sweden.

"Working together with Firstnet and Glocalnet, we are delivering a robust, cost-effective, and scalable outdoor mesh network that provides Glocalnet's customers with internet access while outdoors and on the move. We are pleased that Glocalnet has chosen Proxim as a supplier for this ambitious development," said Lionel Chmilewsky, Senior Vice President, Proxim International.

Proxim Wireless