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DigitalBridge Communications (DBC) and Alvarion have announced that DBC has launched a WiMAX network using 2.5 GHz licensed spectrum in Rexburg, Id, based on Alvarion’s BreezeMAX 802.16e platform. As one of the first commercial WiMAX network in the country, service is expected to initially reach more than 7,000 homes and businesses in Rexburg and the surrounding areas, with plans to extend service coverage in Southeast Idaho and Montana in the coming months.

Residential service plans deliver speeds up to 3 Mbps and subscribers are able to connect anywhere in the DigitalBridge service area by taking their modem with them, breaking the traditional confines of typical high-speed Internet service.

Selling under the brand name BridgeMAXX, the service is sold online, over the phone, and at select local retail locations. The service features plug-and-surf technology, using Alvarion’s award-winning BreezeMAX Si (self-install) WiMAX customer premises equipment (CPE), which allows customers to set up and begin using their high-speed connection in a matter of minutes.

DBC has partnered with Alvarion as its preferred WiMAX equipment provider, implementing the mature BreezeMAX platform, a widely deployed WiMAX solution. Alvarion’s solution is based on its OPEN WiMAX strategy, aimed at creating an operator-centric network solution for WiMAX, enabling a mix and match of best in class network elements and service capabilities optimized for each operator.

“We are excited to put Rexburg at the forefront of WiMAX deployment in the United States,” said Kelley Dunne, CEO of DBC. “With the immediate availability of Alvarion’s 802.16e-based solution in 2.5 GHz, we are able to offer high-speed Internet service where it has not been available before, or as an alternative to DSL or cable. We have developed a highly scalable network deployment and back-office platform that enables us to take advantage of WiMAX economics to bring broadband to communities nationwide.”

“DigitalBridge’s commitment to growth is evident in their ability to build a network operations center and billing, customer care and ordering system in less than six months after receiving initial funding,” said Greg Daily, president of Alvarion. “We are happy to offer DBC a scalable, flexible WiMAX solution based on the latest version of the 802.16 standard to enable them to provide true broadband connectivity to many people who have had limited options for high-speed Internet service.”