If your dial-up connection feels like city traffic in peak hour, and the copper pairs going through your neighbourhood are so heavily spliced you'll have to wait until next century to get access to ADSL - don't lose heart - there may be a wireless alternative.

Twelve years ago, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) began working on a standard for wireless local area networks (WLAN), and by 1997 they managed to come up with 802.11. A radio-based standard, operating at 2.4 GHz, the 802.11 group took a further two years to develop standards for the 802.11a and 802.11b standards which operated at 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz respectively.

Although it operated at the same frequency as 802.11, 802.11b was less susceptible to noise and was designed to provide higher data speeds. Despite ongoing concerns regarding security, it provided an early base for the roll-out of wireless broadband.

John Lindsay, engineering services manager for licensed carrier, ISP and wireless broadband provider Agile/Internode, points out that unless properly managed, wireless networks are prone to excess traffic.

"Back in the early days of 802.11b, it was really fast and everybody was wide-eyed and enthusiastic, but then the services became over-subscribed and unreliable," Lindsay says. "As an access provider you can always start deploying infrastructure every 500 metres, but once you are making that kind of commitment of capital you may as well lay fibre."

In order to overcome these problems, many wireless providers offer a premium service on a dedicated frequency, or use proprietary technologies designed to provide a more reliable service. Despite a recent merger with Datafast, Perth-based wireless provider EFTel intends to continue to offer wireless broadband via a wireless technology developed in Israel.

"We can guarentee service, whereas with the 802.11 standards there is less guarantee the signal will get through," explained Gary Dundon, senior sales consultant for EFTel.

However, most wireless broadband providers offer a service based on a particular 802.11 standard and many, such as Broadband Wireless based in Tasmania, are adopting the next generation of the 802.11a standard as technological improvements improve its range.

While such improvements have lead to greater reliability, data rates and service, industry observers such as Lindsay see wireless broadband as purely complimentary to ADSL, fibre and cable services.

"At the end of the day nothing beats a piece of glass; it is private, secure, reliable and fast," Lindsay said. "Typically the people that end up with wireless are those that can't get ADSL."

However, wireless broadband does have some particular benefits of its own. Unlike ADSL, broadband wireless connections tend to be symmetrical, so companies which rely heavily on uploading information don't have to be stymied by the limits imposed by asynchronous ADSL connections.

Keith Ondarchie, chief executive of Melbourne-based broadband wireless service Accessproviders, says increased use of digital formats and a growing interest in services such as VoIP is driving wireless broadband growth.

"Customers aren't really interested in the delivery system. They want to know about the applications, and match the connection to their needs," Ondarchie says. "Because broadband wireless can offer symmetric connections it is perfectly suited to customers who are able to upload more than they download."

And the benefits don't end there. The small but growing pool of broadband wireless providers in the Australian market also point to low installation wait times and increased flexibility as key market drivers.

Wireless: no walk in the park

Australia's fledgling wireless market, however, is under threat. With many of the early adopters of wireless broadband turned off the service due to what was initially an unreliable service, current providers are concerned that shonky operators could further alienate a sceptical public.

Wireless Internet providers are quick to emphasise the complexity of rolling out a reliable wireless broadband service.

Janine Jones, sales manager for Melbourne-based wireless broadband provider Pacific Wireless, says that the facilities to operate a robust wireless network represent a significant investment.

"Smaller operators using consumer grade equipment with little or no infrastructure struggle to deliver appropriate service levels," Jones said. "Whilst we welcome competitors to help lift the profile of the industry, the trend for small companies to purchase a few antennas and begin promoting themselves as wireless providers can seriously impact on the reputation of the industry as a whole."

Peter Karidis, director of operations at Adelaide-based Airnet, criticises the gung-ho approach adopted by many of the smaller carriers.

"There are many operators that don't know the fundamentals of building networks - even if they are using the latest technologies, if they don't follow the proper procedures they won't provide a reliable service," Karidis says. "There is a myth out there that you can install a few links without the right expertise."

Similarly, Floyd Kriauza, corporate development manager for Melbourne-based Omniconnect, points out that reliable city-based connections generally don't compete with ADSL, as the requirement to create a reliable connection through a licensed spectrum places it beyond a competitive price range.

"In country areas you can depend on using an unlicensed spectrum, because there is less traffic, so it becomes more affordable," Kriauza says.

Capitalising on this, providers such as Planet Netcom are rolling out services on the outskirts of Sydney where the wireless spectrum is less subject to traffic and noise. Having spent the last 12 months installing infrastructure and conducting a pilot program of their network covering 2500 square kilometres in the Penrith and Hawkesbury valleys, the company has plans to launch the service commercially in February 2003.

"ADSL is pretty much everywhere in this area, except for a couple of housing estates, but we have a product which is competitively priced against ADSL, and we offer customers a range of options in terms of speed and delivery methods," explains Planet Netcom managing director Luke MacKinnon. "We use a lot of packet shaping to give customers different service options, and you have chosen locations to install the wireless access points to minimise the noise and traffic."

If successful, MacKinnon plans to roll out similar services throughout regional areas in New South Wales and Queensland.

Increasing numbers of wireless broadband service providers competing in the major capitals and rolling out services into regional areas is good news for consumers, offering broadband alternatives where previously there have been none, and in some cases providing competition to ADSL and other broadband services in the area.

While it is predominantly focused on the corporate market, home users in areas where ADSL and other broadband alternatives are not available may well find it worth their while to opt for a wireless solution. However, consumers need to be on guard regarding service levels, installation time, upload and download speeds, service provision, payment plans, equipment and service level agreements.

Wireless broadband in Melbourne

Omniconnect

With plans ranging from AU$99 to $1,995 per month for connections from 256Kbps up to 2Mbps, Omniconnect offers services throughout metropolitan, western, eastern and south-eastern Melbourne, with services running to the South Australian border. With a principal focus on the corporate market, Omniconnect is also working on specific projects to roll out services to regional areas and increase its presence in the wholesale market.

Datafast

With its recent acquisition of EFTel, Datafast offers services in every state in Australia, providing wireless broadband as an adjunct to dial-up, satellite and ADSL services. Focusing its wireless service on areas where other infrastructure is not available, Datafast offers an unlicensed service at $500 for installation, and $330 per month, with data charged at $0.16.5 per Mb with special rates for high usage. While its more reliable licensed spectrum can cost up between $40000 and $50000 to install, with a monthly charge $165 once the service is operational, data is then charged at $0.11 - $0.08 per Mb depending on usage. While the installation time on the unlicensed spectrum runs anywhere from a week to a fortnight, the licensed spectrum can take up to a month.

Access Providers

Offering premium services focused on the Melbourne market AccessProviers has a range of connections from symmetrical service ranging from 256kbps to 4Mbps which includes 5 IP addresses and DNS hosting. Functioning as a wholesaler and retailer, Access Providers offers a range of pricing from $0.14c per Mb after installation. Although it is predominantly a wholesale provider, Access Providers also offers a retail service with pricing upon application.

Lastmileaccess

Using Cisco technology, Lastmileaccess offers a premium service throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area, and all the way down to Dandenong in the East. Lastmileaccess offers symmetrical service ranging from 256KB installed at $1200 with a $320 monthly access fee and data rates at $0.11 Mb. For higher data rates the company offers 2Mbps at $2000 to install, and $750 monthly access fee and a 4M symmetrical account at $2500 to install, and $1190 per month access fee. The company stresses that data rates and fees are negotiable and come with a five day installation, and a service level agreement guaranteeing 99.9 percent uptime.

Megalink

Looking to roll out its services into areas where ADSL does not reach, Megalink resells a variety of wireless offerings on 18 month contracts, with a flat installation fee of $799 and 1Gb of data included in the purchase price. The services range from 384Kbps for $77 per month, with excess data charged at $0.13.5 per Mb, to 2Mbps for $195 per month with excess data costing $0.10 per Mb.

Wireless broadband in Tasmania

Broadband Wireless

Covering the areas of Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie, Broadband Wireless offers a range of services targeted at the home user, small business, and corporate markets. A standard installation costing $500 plus GST, and can generally occur within seven working and all excess data traffic is charged at a flat rate of $0.16.5Mb. Home connections range from $88 to $156 per month for 2-3Mbps, 500Mb data included. Small businesses are offered speeds between, 512Kbps and 4Mbps, at rates ranging from $275 to $1485, all services come with 1 to 8 IP addresses, 1000 to 6000Mb of downloads. At the top end of the range the corporate wireless offerings range from $462 for 512Kbps to $2750 for 4Mbps, with anywhere from 2000 to 10000Mb of traffic included along with a range of extra security services.

Wireless broadband in Perth

EFTel

Recently acquired by ASX-listed telecommunications provider Datafast, EFTel offers wireless service to the Perth metropolitan area and through to Mandura in the south of Perth. EFTel offers start at 128Kbps for a monthly fee of $149, with 500Mb symmetric data, and $0.12 Mb for excess data usage, and range through to 523Kbps for a $999 monthly fee with 15000Mb of data and excess usage charged at $0.10 per Mb. There is a standard installation fee of $499, with a higher fee associated with the installation of a mast to improve reception in low lying areas.

WestNet

An ISP since 1994, WestNet has been offering wireless services since 1999, and has rolled a service out to metropolitan Perth, as well a regional centres such as Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Bunbury. The WestNet offering starts at 128Kbps for $249 per month, at $0.06 per Mb for excess data, through to 512Kbps for $499 per month, with corporate access as high as 3.2Mbps upon application. Installation attracts a flat fee of $350 plus staggered fees for equipment hire beginning at $715 for a 36-month contract and range through to $1650 if no contract is taken out.

Wireless broadband in Adelaide

Airnet

Opening officially in 1999, Airnet spent roughly 12 months researching and developing the product they were finally to launch. At the corporate end of the market Airnet offers speeds starting at 256Kbps, at a monthly rate of $300, with an installation cost ranging from $2500-$4000, and a lead time of four to six weeks. However, at the lower end of the market Airnet is currently rolling out a community wireless program which requires ten to twenty clients within the one suburb. Installation costs $499, with an ongoing monthly charge of $69 for 512Kbps. After an initial roll out in Mawson Lakes, Airnet plans to install the service in locations in Queensland and Victoria.

Internode

Already offering an extensive range of broadband services in the Adelaide area, Internode plans to extend its service to include wireless connectivity early in the new year. The product will be rolled out onto the Adelaide CBD and metropolitan region, and down to Coorong, south east of the city. The offering will start at $440 per month for 256Kbps with 360Mb of data, and excess data charged at $0.15, an initial installation fee of $2200. Higher capacity users can opt for a service of anywhere up to 1.5Mbps, with adjusted pricing, customers also have to option of providing their own terminating equipment where appropriate.

Wireless broadband in Sydney and surrounding areas

Planet Netcom

Penrith-based ISP Planet Netcom currently has a broadband wireless pilot program covering 2500 square kilometres in the outer western suburbs of Sydney. Due to be launched in February 2003, the service costs an initial outlay of $499 as a one of rental cost for antennas and wiring, and $110 in installation charges. Called Radioworx, the service comes with a 12 month contract, and starts at Radioworx 256 with 500Mb of downloads included and a speed of 256Kbps in both dirrections, all for a monthly charge of $59. At the other end of the scale is the Radioworx 1500, with of data 8Gb and a 1500Kbps symetrical service all for $379.

IDL Internet

Founded in 1995, IDL Internet currently offers a 802.11b 2.4GHz covering the Hunter region north of Sydney. Aimed at the consumer and small business market, the monthly rates start with a "Bronze Account" $55, with 300Mb of data included, and extra data charged at $0.19.8 per Mb. A step up is the "Silver Account, which offers connection at $77 per month with 1000MB of data included and additional charges of $0.16.5 per MB, while finally the "Gold Account" is offered at a monthly rate of $110 per month with 2000Mb of data included and an additional charge of $0.11MB. All accounts attract an installation charge of $499.

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