MetroBridge rescues businesses hit by Telus strike26 July 2005
MetroBridge Networks Corporation, the largest broadband wireless access provider in Southwestern British Columbia, is saving the day for businesses relying on Telus high-speed service now that workers at the telecommunications giant are on strike.
MetroBridge's customer enquiries have increased 15 fold since the labour dispute started last week, and the company is expecting even more interest as the strike continues. Any business lined up to get high-speed access from Telus or to move a Telus connection has been affected. "MetroBridge has been
fielding a lot of calls from panicked people," says Dorian Banks, COO/CTO of MetroBridge.
"We have been able to keep up with the demand so far, and we're working hard to help these businesses get or maintain broadband access," says Banks.
"Some of these companies are moving office locations and now have no data access in their new building. In fact, on Friday, a small business started in their new office with no phone lines or ADSL. We got them a data connection over the weekend and VoIP for phones from Netfone, a partner company."
Other businesses are coming to MetroBridge when their Telus connections break down since repairs won't be done quickly during the strike. "We were receiving calls Thursday from offices in a building in Burnaby that had damaged ADSL circuits," says Banks. "They had completely lost their connection. We were able to get businesses set up with broadband access on our network in just 24 hours."
MetroBridge is also assisting companies with Telus services that are concerned about their access during the strike and are looking for a back-up provider in case their connection goes down. While some companies may try to switch to cable, only those located close to residential zones will be able to
get access since cable services are concentrated in these areas - leaving broadband wireless as their only viable option, says Banks.
"This increase in activity is huge for us," says Banks. "Now people will get a chance to see what broadband wireless is all about: highly reliable, widely available, symmetrical service at a competitive price. This lockout will accelerate the adoption of broadband wireless in the Lower Mainland."
About MetroBridge Networks Vancouver-based MetroBridge Networks Corporation is a privately held
company that delivers broadband wireless access using the latest technologies.
Its redundant microwave network provides connections up to 100 Mbps in its whole coverage area, and up to 1 Gbps in the urban core. The company now has over 500 customers in the Lower Mainland, including HY Louie, Intrawest, Harmony Airways, Washington Marine Group, Mr. Lube and Nature's Path.
MetroBridge was created from the merger of the area's two premier broadband wireless providers, Universco and AirCelerator, last winter. Earlier this year, it became the first Canadian broadband wireless access provider to be accepted into the prestigious WiMAX Forum.
For further information: contact: Brigitta Shore, MetroBridge Networks Corporation, (604) 729-9479
Source: NewsWire
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