The city has become the first in the UK to deploy a new technology which brings high-speed broadband services without phone lines.
Called Eye WiMAX, the service has been launched by an Old Trafford based outfit and aims to turn the city into one big internet hotspot.
Chris Bretten from Eye WiMAX said the technology, which is transmitted through the air from base stations located across the region, is already used extensively in America.
And, while Manchester is the only city where it has launched in the UK, the company is also offering it in the smaller population areas of Warwick, Leamington Spa and Milton Keynes.
He said: “From Prestwich through the city centre and out to Trafford, parts of Manchester are already Wi-MAX enabled and the gaps will be filled in over the coming year.” (Read more about the plan here.)
So how does it work?
Chris demonstrates the unit which is set up in the home above and details the technical architecture here;
* WiMAX is a stnadrds-based broadband wireless access technology using the IEEE 802.16 standards.
* Able to deliver high-speed internet access to fixed and mobile devices, as an alternative to DSL and Cable.
* An IP based network architecture (see slides below) designed for both data and voice.
* No direct line of sight between the soirce and endpoint is reuired.
* Targeted at a more open device eco-system including indoor antenna WiMAX enabled laptios, USB plug-ins, personal devices and handsets.
Range
>10km outdoors.
<2km indoors.
Residential customers can get the service on a pay-as-you go basis or on monthly subscription at £19.99 a month for a 2MB broadband and £20 to set up. To see if the service is currently in a certain postcode, potential subscribers can fill in the contact form at the website www.eyewimax.com or send an email to register@eyewimax.com.
Dim Sum Digital 