SBC Broadband review

Among the broadband service providers, SBC Communications Inc. has already created a niche for itself. The company has also announced a groundbreaking initiative to deploy more than 20,000 WiFi hotspots in 6,000 venues over the next 3 years. SBC will also create an integrated WiFi and third-generation (3G) wireless service to deliver unprecedented coverage that enables customers to enjoy a remarkable broadband experience at home, office and even on the road.

FreedomLinkSM, as the new WiFi service is called, will be available by the end of 2006 in more than 6,000 hotels, airports, convention centers and other venues throughout the SBC 13-state region. SBC plans to supplement this extensive deployment through a roaming agreement with Wayport, Inc., which a leading WiFi service provider. This agreement will give SBC customers access to Wayport services in more than 650 locations in the US, including 565 hotels, 8 airports and 75 restaurants.

Wayport will provide services that include Wayport's access control and even the customized SBC splash pages. To give subscribers access to additional hot spots, SBC will pursue roaming agreements with other WiFi service providers as well. Wherever possible, the company plans to use their public telephone infrastructure to establish access points and use SBC DSL or T1 service to transport data from the access point to the network. By using the existing SBC network infrastructure, the company will be able to deploy WiFi quickly and cost-effectively.

Chairman and CEO Edward E. Whitacre Jr. wants to lead the market and set the company apart from its business competitors. ?What sets us apart from other companies currently offering WiFi is the breadth of our deployment strategy, the pricing flexibility and our history of reliable service that we'll bring to consumers and businesses. With our existing network infrastructure, Cingular assets, brand awareness and large base of DSL customers, SBC companies are in the best position to meet the growing demand for a consistent, wireless broadband experience? he says.