BendBroadband Working On Wi-Fi Service

Of course, their press release (the full text of which is below, since it's not on their site yet) doesn't mention anything about prices, rollout schedule, etc..., and I'm sure it's not going to be free like it is in Hermiston. Considering that I'm able to get free Wi-Fi around most of Bend via open Wireless Access Points, I don't know if I'll be paying the price (unless they need a freebie beta tester, of course). They apparently had Wi-Fi at the fair this year as part of their first roll out. While I can't see too many fair-goers using the Wi-Fi, it was probably handy for some of the exhibitors.

If I remember correctly, OregonTrail was the first company to offer Wi-Fi service in the area, but I don't know if they still do (especially since they were bought up) or had too many takers considering the price.

Full press release from BendBroadband is below.

BENDBROADBAND CUTS THE CABLE WITH ITS NEW WIRELESS SERVICE

Bend, Ore., August 3, 2005 - BendBroadband InstaNet high-speed internet customers can now enjoy the freedom and benefits of wireless mobility. The company is actively deploying a mesh Wi-Fi network atop its already extensive network footprint, and is activating wireless internet access in various strategic venues throughout Central Oregon.

Using a proprietary engineering approach, the network will allow seamless mobility from one wireless access point to another without disruption to the customer's internet connection.

"We're very excited about this project", explained Ray Spreier, Senior Vice President of Operations. "The network design allows us to provide roaming InstaNet service for our existing subscribers, as well as ad-hoc access for visitors and non-subscribers. The mesh design also opens the door for other specialized business, municipal and public safety applications".

One of the first strategic installations to be activated was the Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center. BendBroadband and the Fairgrounds have completed an agreement through which BendBroadband will provide wireless internet access in the major event centers and throughout the grounds. The system was activated in time to serve the recent North American RV Rally in July.

Dan Despotopolous, Executive Director of the Deschutes County Fairgrounds said "BendBroadband did such a great job getting it [Wi-Fi network] done in time. With Wi-Fi we will be able to attract more business to the Fair and the region with the new capabilities that we have."

The Wi-Fi service will be available to the company's high-speed InstaNet customers and ad hoc subscription service will also be offered. "Our roaming capability is another factor contributing to InstaNet's leadership position in the marketplace" adds Amy Tykeson, President and CEO. "When we launched InstaNet in 1997, we were the first to bring high-speed internet service to Central Oregon. Building that infrastructure early on played a role in the appeal of the region for telecommuters. Our new roaming capability will provide customers and visitors alike with a mobile solution for high-speed access".

BendBroadband plans to activate service coverage in downtown Bend, Redmond, and Sisters starting in September and will be expanding coverage in the future to include key traffic corridors, shopping venues, and recreational sites.

For more information, please contact:

Ray Spreier, 541-312-6610, rspreier@bendbroadband.net
Dan Desptopolous (541) 548-2711

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