New Delhi , July 16 2004

STING Broadband Consortia on Friday said that it was talking to various carriers including BSNL for offering 4G Wi/Max broadband wireless system.

"The 4G/WiMax Broadband Wireless Metropolitan IP Network system will support broadband with high speed data transfer (at 2.5 MB), voice and mobility at a fraction of the current costs,'' said Mr Rabindra Grewal, Chairman of Sting Broadband, at a news conference.

The technology - called Project Kaon - from Kaon Systems uses patented software defined radio (SDR) technology.

The company today demonstrated the new system to various telecom service providers and claimed that it would substantially lower the cost for consumers.

"The system delivers a feature-rich broadband wireless experience that will enable India to leapfrog other countries and technologies in developing its broadband economy and industry and reshape the future of convergent communication services," Mr Grewal said.

The system extends outdoor coverage to non-line-of-sight locations within buildings.

The user terminals feature plug-and-play capability requiring no manual service provisioning.

The system support applications and services like voice over Internet protocol, IP-video, e-services, telemedicine and distance learning.

Service providers would benefit from Sting-Kaon's 4G wireless solutions through cost-effective deployment, low total cost of operation, and efficient use of spectrum, in what could be one of the first Wi-Max deployments in India.

These solutions could help India bridge the digital divide as it is a last-mile technology and the consumer needs a set-top box (for TVs) for accessing 4G broadband wireless connection or a modem (in case of a PC).

Mr Vern Fotheringham, CEO of Project Kaon, said that the company expects to bring down the overall cost of the services.

Currently such modems cost $350 but the company hopes to bring it down to below $100.