Waterloo, Ontario Launches Metropolitan Wireless Network




Atria Networks Expands Service Offerings to Residents and Businesses with BelAir Networks Voice-enabled Wireless Mesh Solution

Kanata, Ontario -/November 15, 2005 - Wi-Fi Technology News/- The rapidly growing city of Waterloo, Ontario, now enjoys a BelAir Networks wireless mesh network to provide high-quality wireless broadband services to residents and businesses in the Uptown Waterloo business district.

Known for its spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial enthusiasm, Waterloo is part of Canada's Technology Triangle. The move puts Waterloo in the select company of forward-thinking North American cities with wireless internet access available throughout their core areas.

The Waterloo network provides high speed internet access, VoIP and other broadband services to the city, easily and cost-effectively, using a combination of 29 BelAir100 and BelAir200 dual and multi-radio wireless mesh switches. Installed and maintained by BelAir partner Atria Networks, one of the largest utility-owned telecommunications corporations in the province, the network can scale to provide additional support based on future demand, an important advantage for the rapidly growing city of 110,000 residents.

?The City of Waterloo is known for its entrepreneurial energy and innovation. The Wi-Fi Zone gives us new ways to continue to encourage business and offer new services to our citizens. In fact, many of the local UpTown businesses made a commitment to the wireless initiative before it was even built,? stated Waterloo Mayor Herb Epp.

As the provider of wireless networks, Atria Networks has a history of success in the city. Atria offers Wi-Fi in the University area, at the Waterloo International Airport and at public libraries in the region. The new municipal network covers the mall, convention center, City Hall and the business district. The BelAir mesh wirelessly extends Atria?s existing fiber network as an alternative mobile solution which delivers services such as VoIP and broadband internet access to residences and businesses. Atria also offers wireless service with BelAir at the local Waterloo Starbucks. BelAir has provided wireless access to the Waterloo Inn for more than a year.

?Wireless high-speed Internet opens the door to a host of applications but first and foremost it provides the UpTown businesses and visitors to the area with simple, affordable, and mobile Internet access,? said Steve McCartney, President and CEO of Atria Networks.

The new network makes high-speed broadband access available to subscribers cost-effectively with hourly, daily and monthly plans. Fees range from $4.95 an hour, to $19.95 weekly or $29.95 monthly. Downtown businesses that pay to subscribe can provide free Wi-Fi internet access for their own customers.

?Wi-Fi mesh technology enables city-wide wireless hot zones. Atria Networks has designed this wireless extension of their network to deliver high capacity and good Quality of Service,? stated Bernard Herscovich, President and CEO of BelAir Networks.

?Businesses in the area can use the wireless network to expand their core services and offer new services to customers.?

More information about BelAir Networks here: http://www.belairnetworks.com