Introducing XSTREAM NLOS

The NextNet Wireless modem used for XSTREAM NLOS

The launching ceremony, held at Hotel Sheraton on October 7, signals the collaboration of one of the countries leading internet service providers with an internationally acclaimed provider of non-line-of-sight (NLOS) plug-&-play broadband wireless access systems.

"This is a high-quality broadband solution for Bangladesh. Through this product customers can connect to instant broadband service within the coverage area," said Zain Omar, CEO of Access Telecom (BD) Ltd at the event.

Bill Hagestad, director of NextNet's Asian Regional Sales and Ashfaq Ahmed, deputy general manager and head of corporate division, Industrial Development Leasing Company (IDLC) of Bangladesh Ltd were also present at the event.

The XSTREAM NLOS service provides efficient and reliable broadband service through Customer Premise Equipment (CPE), a small, self-installable portable modem that can be easily hooked up to any computer within the coverage area.

The CPE connects to the computer's Ethernet port and does not require the download or installation of any software. All one needs to do is power it up and plug it in. They will instantly be connected to the internet.

The XSTREAM NLOS service operates over a licensed 3.5GHz wireless spectrum, providing an interference-free wireless communication.

Access Telecom began research and development for XSTREAM NLOS in 2002, under a grant awarded by the US Trade Development Agency (USTDA), a foreign assistance agency of the US government. The extensive study of the DSL, cable, and wireless technologies available throughout the world determined that NextNet wireless NLOS broadband technology would be the most suitable wireless application in the context of Bangladesh.

"The reasons behind the poor net connectivity and slow speed, as far as broadband services are concerned in Bangladesh, is mainly due to satellite congestion, low quality lines and modem sharing," Zaki Omar, director of Access Telecom(BD) Ltd, told StarTech.

Each CPE in Access Telcom's service has a 3 to 5 km street-level coverage and will therefore, be highly efficient anywhere in the city as well as in the suburbs, due to the four base stations set up by Access Telecom.

As opposed to the aforementioned services, the XSTREAM NLOS would provide a consistent, reliable maximum output to all subscribers within the coverage area.

"Currently, we have coverage through sites in Uttara, Gulshan, Banani and Bangla Motor," said Zain. "Within a short period we shall setup a base station in Motijheel and in the near future, in some part of Narayanganj," he added.

With 80 percent of the city covered, AccessTEL plans to expand their operations to Chittagong and Sylhet by the first quarter of next year.