Airborne Wireless Network (OTC QB: ABWN) says it has turned to Electric Lightwave Holdings, Inc. to supply fiber-optic network connectivity for its planned Infinitus Super Highway wireless network. The wireless network will leverage in-flight commercial aircraft to offer wholesale communications services.
The company says that aircraft participating in the network will act as airborne repeaters or routers, sending and receiving broadband signals from one aircraft to the next. In addition to offering connectivity to commercial and private aircraft in flight, Airborne Wireless Network believes the Infinitus Super Highway will enable internet service providers and telephone companies to offer services to rural areas, island nations, ships at sea, and oil platforms.
The deal with Electric Lightwave will provide necessary ground links in the Western United States, including the Hawaiian Islands.
"This agreement will allow our contemplated Infinitus Super Highway, once implemented, to reach the end users. Without a ground link, users would have no way to access our network," explains Jason T. de Mos, vice president of business development and aviation compliance at Airborne Wireless Network. "This agreement with Electric Lightwave Holdings, Inc. provides that initial link to the ground, paving the way for ground segment partnerships for the remainder of the United States."
Electric Lightwave also will assist its new client "with introductions and other support and advisory services during our testing phases through and including final system rollout," Airborne Wireless Network adds via a press release.
Zayo Group Holdings agreed to purchase Electric Lightwave last November (see "Zayo to expand Western U.S. fiber footprint via Electric Lightwave buy"). Airborne Wireless Network believes consummation of the sale will have no effect on this new agreement.
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