Comments on: WiMAX Broadband Is Coming To the Boonies http://gigaom.com/2008/11/05/wimax-broadband-is-coming-to-the-boonies/ Trusted Insights and Conversations on the Next Wave of Technology Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:45:05 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Another $100 Million for Rural WiMAX Operator http://gigaom.com/2008/11/05/wimax-broadband-is-coming-to-the-boonies/#comment-921448 Another $100 Million for Rural WiMAX Operator Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:21:10 +0000 http://gigaom.com/?p=28073#comment-921448 <p>[...] Malik | Monday, January 12, 2009 | 7:42 AM PT | 0 comments As you know, we have been tracking the progress of Denver-based rural WiMAX operator Open Range Communications for quite some time [...]</p> [...] Malik | Monday, January 12, 2009 | 7:42 AM PT | 0 comments As you know, we have been tracking the progress of Denver-based rural WiMAX operator Open Range Communications for quite some time [...]

]]> By: Telecom observer http://gigaom.com/2008/11/05/wimax-broadband-is-coming-to-the-boonies/#comment-911008 Telecom observer Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:35:06 +0000 http://gigaom.com/?p=28073#comment-911008 <p>I doubt very much any of the equipment vendors want anything to do with this. Look at the spectrum -- two separate bands of ATC spectrum, very funky. I believe they're using "WiMAX" as a buzzy term, rather than to denote actual gear certified by The WiMAX Forum.</p> <p>Just look at the speeds they're offering: 1.5/512. Not at all 4G, as they claim on their web site. Compare this to the Xohm launch in Baltimore with average speeds of 4/2.</p> <p>Of course, they're not even "offering" those speeds -- they have no product. They've been searching for sales partners and distributors for months now: "Open Range will be evaluating candidates to become dealers in its communities. Currently we are requesting inquiries for Northern Colorado – specifically Ft. Collins, Greeley, Loveland and Longmont."</p> <p>That message has been there since May.</p> I doubt very much any of the equipment vendors want anything to do with this. Look at the spectrum — two separate bands of ATC spectrum, very funky. I believe they’re using “WiMAX” as a buzzy term, rather than to denote actual gear certified by The WiMAX Forum.

Just look at the speeds they’re offering: 1.5/512. Not at all 4G, as they claim on their web site. Compare this to the Xohm launch in Baltimore with average speeds of 4/2.

Of course, they’re not even “offering” those speeds — they have no product. They’ve been searching for sales partners and distributors for months now: “Open Range will be evaluating candidates to become dealers in its communities. Currently we are requesting inquiries for Northern Colorado – specifically Ft. Collins, Greeley, Loveland and Longmont.”

That message has been there since May.

]]> By: Jesse Kopelman http://gigaom.com/2008/11/05/wimax-broadband-is-coming-to-the-boonies/#comment-910818 Jesse Kopelman Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:35:59 +0000 http://gigaom.com/?p=28073#comment-910818 <p>@Telecom observer</p> <p>Clearly the network will be built out, and likely managed, by an equipment vendor. Slemons' time at AT&T Wireless was marked by massive outsourcing of network design and deployment functions. I think the real (business) story here is who wins the contract.</p> @Telecom observer

Clearly the network will be built out, and likely managed, by an equipment vendor. Slemons’ time at AT&T Wireless was marked by massive outsourcing of network design and deployment functions. I think the real (business) story here is who wins the contract.

]]> By: Telecom observer http://gigaom.com/2008/11/05/wimax-broadband-is-coming-to-the-boonies/#comment-910777 Telecom observer Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:03:15 +0000 http://gigaom.com/?p=28073#comment-910777 <p>Bill Beans was president and COO of ICG Communications and responsible for day-to-day operations of the company. ICG's stock tanked in 2000 to less than $2 per share from above $39 per share just six months prior, after the company revealed severe customer service problems and cut its growth forecasts way down from previous guidance.</p> <p>Beans was personally named as a defendant in a shareholder lawsuit alleging securities fraud. The plaintiffs argued that he encouraged inflated line counts, an important metric for Wall Street in determining the health of LECs. Beans and his co-defendant, former ICG Chairman and CEO J. Shelby Bryan, settled out of court for $18 million.</p> <p>http://www.blbglaw.com/cases/00031</p> <p>Bean's new company, Open Range Communications, had just 15 employees as of May. Hardly sufficient to build out a WiMAX network of the scale they're aiming for.</p> <p>http://www.denverpost.com/telecom/ci_9289367</p> Bill Beans was president and COO of ICG Communications and responsible for day-to-day operations of the company. ICG’s stock tanked in 2000 to less than $2 per share from above $39 per share just six months prior, after the company revealed severe customer service problems and cut its growth forecasts way down from previous guidance.

Beans was personally named as a defendant in a shareholder lawsuit alleging securities fraud. The plaintiffs argued that he encouraged inflated line counts, an important metric for Wall Street in determining the health of LECs. Beans and his co-defendant, former ICG Chairman and CEO J. Shelby Bryan, settled out of court for $18 million.

http://www.blbglaw.com/cases/00031

Bean’s new company, Open Range Communications, had just 15 employees as of May. Hardly sufficient to build out a WiMAX network of the scale they’re aiming for.

http://www.denverpost.com/telecom/ci_9289367

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