Level 3 may not be a stranger to wireless backhaul (it's been providing services to wireless carriers for over ten years), but now the wholesale operator is launching a new service that can accommodate further growth in both major metro and rural areas. The new service, which is called Level 3 Tower Access, will initially focus on providing connectivity to its fiber network in unserved and underserved markets.
Offering wireless operators the option of housing their wireless towers directly onto or on existing Level 3 network facilities, the wholesaler says it has found over 300 'tower-ready' network sites that have the necessary rights-of-way to accommodate new wireless towers. Level 3 is partnering with other providers to build wireless carrier-neutral towers on its network in these same spots.
As an alternative to incumbent operator wholesale backhaul offerings, one aspect that could resonate for wireless operators is the fact that Tower Access offers shared infrastructure so they don't have to build out fiber or get dedicated tower access.
For more:
- see the release here [1]
Related articles
Level 3 enters the broadband stimulus race [2]
Bridging the rural telco middle mile divide
[3]NAB: Level 3 adds new managed video network service
[4]Level 3 expands CDN in Asia [5] [3]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercewireless.com/press-releases/level-3-launches-wireless-tower-access-service
[2] http://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/level-3-enters-broadband-stimulus-race/2009-08-18
[3] http://www.fiercetelecom.com/special-reports/bridging-rural-telco-middle-mile-divide
[4] http://www.fierceiptv.com/story/nab-level-3-adds-new-managed-video-network-service/2009-04-21
[5] http://www.fierceonlinevideo.com/story/level-3-expands-cdn-asia/2008-10-28