SEATTLE, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- In a bold move, Speakeasy, the nation's
largest independent broadband service provider, has begun promoting shared,
wireless networks (also known as Wi-Fi) among its broadband customers. This
action marks a clear break from the policies of mainline ISPs and opens the
door for sanctioned, neighborhood wireless broadband networks using Speakeasy
DSL products. Speakeasy has inaugurated its new policy by offering a free
wireless access point (either 11 Mbps/802.11b or 72 Mbps/802.11a) to new
subscribers when they order Speakeasy DSL or T1 services.
"Unlike traditional ISPs, which either prohibit wireless networking
entirely or grudgingly allow it but saddle customers with extra fees,
Speakeasy is encouraging unfettered access. Speakeasy users can extend their
broadband connections wirelessly -- to additional computers in their homes or
even to computers in neighboring homes," said Mike Apgar, Speakeasy CEO.
"Speakeasy is virtually alone in encouraging neighborhood Wi-Fi networks."
Based on the popular 802.11 wireless standard, wireless fidelity or
"Wi-Fi" networks allow users to connect PCs, laptops and other network
resources such as printers to one another without the use of wired connections
such as Ethernet. As a result, Wi-Fi users can be connected to the Internet
no matter where they are around home or office -- even if they are sitting in
their back yard with a laptop.
Speakeasy offers DSL and T1 services to both business and residential
customers and has extended its new wireless policy to all service types.
Speakeasy broadband services are extremely well suited to wireless networking
as all Speakeasy connections come with static IPs, which are required to
identify computers on a wireless network. Most mainline ISPs only provide
dynamic IPs, which make wireless networking extremely difficult.
According to Apgar, it is even possible that a cafe owner might establish
a wireless network or "hotspot" using a Speakeasy business DSL circuit. But,
unlike hotspot services provided by some nationwide coffee chains, Speakeasy
wouldn't require payment from cafe customers who use the WiFi connection.
"The way we see it, the business owner already has paid Speakeasy for a
broadband connection -- it's his decision whether he wants to offer WiFi
access to his customers," said Apgar.
Speakeasy's wireless promotion is available through the end of the year
and new customers can receive a free, SMC EZ Connect(TM) 11Mbps (802.11b)
Wireless Access Point to new subscribers to its Home Office, SysAdmin or Gamer
DSL packages. New business T1 or SDSL subscribers will receive an SMC EZ
Connect(TM) 72 Mbps (802.11a) Wireless Access Point. The access points, or
hubs, are used in conjunction with a DSL modem or router and support up to
64 users simultaneously. The wireless promotion cannot be combined with any
other offer.
Speakeasy broadband service is available in most metropolitan areas within
the 48 contiguous states and those interested can go to http://www.speakeasy.net or
call 1-800-556-5829. Customer service agents are available
6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. PST Monday-Friday and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PST
Saturday.
About Speakeasy
Founded in 1994, Speakeasy is the nation's largest independent broadband
service provider. Fusing a high-performance national network, legendary
commitment to customer satisfaction, cutting-edge Internet technology and
content, and a wide range of pioneering value-added services, Speakeasy
delivers a comprehensive online experience that redefines the broadband
frontier for both businesses and consumers. Reflecting its continued growth
and success, Speakeasy recently debuted at #47 in Inc. Magazine's 2002 listing
of the nation's fastest growing private companies. For more information:
http://www.speakeasy.net.
SOURCE Speakeasy
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Related links:
http://www.speakeasy.net
CONTACT:
Lynn Brackpool of Speakeasy, +1-303-246-9001
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