Being able to bridge the gap between mobile broadband and Wi-Fi networks creates massive opportunities for a number of applications and services. Accuris Networks, a company that was traditionally focused on connecting CDMA and GSM networks, has moved on to a new strategy and is working to bridge Wi-Fi with mobile broadband networks like GSM, CDMA and LTE.
The company’s AccuROAM platform is geared toward communication service providers and provides a host of options applicable to a number of vertical markets. TMC CEO Rich Tehrani had a chance to speak to Simon O’Donnell, senior sales director of Accuris, at the recent TMC Editors Day 2014 Boston event.
O’Donnell said it was a logical step for the company to move from the mobile broadband arena toward unlicensed bandwidth spectrum like Wi-Fi. The company’s solution lets mobile broadband subscribers access their data, voice and messaging services via Wi-Fi, opening up a huge range of connectivity options for domestic and international travelers.
“We play very strongly with unlicensed spectrum,” said O’Donnell. “It’s Wi-Fi, it’s easily deployed, you can deploy it in areas that have had a catastrophic event such as a hurricane or tornado. You very quickly have a cellular experience over a Wi-Fi network.”
AccuROAM basically works by logging mobile broadband subscribers onto a Wi-Fi network, using any mobile device. The platform then acts as a “visitor network” and connects to the subscriber’s mobile network, retrieving texts and voice messages and essentially mimicking the broadband experience via Wi-Fi.
Accuris has already deployed the platform with GoGo Inflight, enabling business aviation subscribers to use both voice and text services while flying. Commercial fliers may only use text at the moment, but the companies are working to expand the offering.
O’Donnell said that cruise ships are a great market for the platform, and the company is hoping to team up with existing Internet providers to use satellite backhaul to reach subscribers’ mobile broadband networks. It is also useful for international travelers who may not want to pay exorbitant roaming charges while traveling. Theoretically, travelers would be able to turn off their 3G and roam seamless from Wi-Fi hotspot to hotspot while they are out of network.
Edited by
Maurice Nagle