Metricom, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCOM), leading provider of mobile data networking and technology, today announced contracts with three companies for the physical deployment of key components for its Ricochet 128 kbps mobile data network. Wireless Facilities, Inc. (WFI), General Dynamics Worldwide Telecommunications Systems, and Whalen & Company will work simultaneously in the initial markets to ensure Ricochet commercial availability in 2000, with the first 12 markets coming online in the Summer. The firms will be responsible for tasks involved in the deployment of local Wired Access Points (WAPs), which are the central points of connection between Ricochet local wireless networks and the local wireline and national Internet backbone networks.
"Our number one goal over the next several quarters is executing our network buildout to deliver on the promise of high-speed wireless data service for mobile professionals," said Bob Schellman, Senior Vice President, Network Operations and Services, for Metricom. "Working with high-caliber deployment experts such as WFI, General Dynamics, and Whalen is a key component in our strategy and will help Metricom light up markets on time."
WAPs are integral to the Ricochet meshed frequency-hopping network architecture that incorporates micro cell radio transmitters hung on streetlight and utility poles. These intelligent self-configuring "poletop" radios allow users to send and receive data from Ricochet wireless data modems anywhere in coverage areas. Ricochet WAPs collect RF data packets from the poletop radios and convert them for transmission over the local wireline and national Internet backbone networks. The three contractors will provide WAP site acquisition, zoning approval, architectural and engineering management, construction management, and WAP installation services.
In addition, Metricom and WFI have entered into an agreement whereby WFI will perform all the Radio Frequency (RF) engineering to guide local installation of poletop radios and WAPs in Metricom's targeted metropolitan areas. Based on Metricom's patented RF technology, these RF "blueprints" comprise the first step in local deployment, which is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter.
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