Wireless Provider Sputnik Teams with Indy Upstart eWireless to Expand Indianapolis Free Wi-Fi Access

[April 29, 2004]

Wireless Provider Sputnik Teams with Indy Upstart eWireless to Expand Indianapolis Free Wi-Fi Access

INDIANAPOLIS --(Business Wire)-- April 29, 2004 -- Both Set Goal of Annual Top 10 "Most Un-Wired Cities" Survey Inclusion by 2005

Sputnik, a San Francisco-based provider of secure managed Wi-Fi software and hardware, is backing local start-up eWireless' citywide push to make Indianapolis one of the top 10 in Intel's annual survey of cities offering the greatest wireless Internet accessibility. Sputnik will provide software and hardware used in wireless hotspots deployed and serviced by eWireless across greater Indianapolis.

Indianapolis ranked 46th in Intel's annual "Unwired" survey of wireless Internet accessibility in U.S. cities. Indianapolis lagged behind smaller cities such as Colorado Springs, Colo. (20th), Hartford, Conn. (32nd), and Ann Arbor, Mich. (40th). The San Francisco Bay Area ranked number one.

"Wi-Fi Internet access, already acknowledged to be a competitive advantage for hotels and cafes, can also be a strong part of the community's economic development plans," said Kirby Goble, President of eWireless. "For example, wireless access at the One Indiana Square conference facilities makes it a more attractive venue for productive business meetings. Free wireless access at the downtown City Circle sponsored by the Columbia Club will make taking a wireless lunch break a popular midday activity. We intend to expand the number and reach of wireless hotspots across Indianapolis for the economic development, technological renown and business growth of our region. We feel that Indianapolis being seen as a technologically savvy city is a sure step towards achieving these goals."

According to Web-based hotspot locator JiWire (www.jiwire.com), Hartford, Conn. has 86 hotspots, while Indianapolis, with more than six times the population, has only 59.

eWireless installs and manages wireless networks in retail shops, restaurants, beauty salons, coffeehouses, bookstores, hotels and waiting areas in doctor's offices, auto dealerships and Laundromats, where Internet access is an attractive customer service amenity. eWireless also deploys networks in residential and business buildings, where wireless access eliminates the need to rewire every unit for high-speed connectivity.

Sputnik's award-winning wireless network management software enables hotspot providers such as eWireless to provision networks remotely, authenticate and track end users, and manage all its networks from a central location. Sputnik supports the most popular business models for wireless network, including free access, subscription access, and access using pre-paid cards.

"We are proud to partner with eWireless in this venture to unwire Indianapolis," said David LaDuke, Sputnik CEO. "It was important to eWireless that its customers be able to expand their wireless network as business grows. Only Sputnik products keep capital and operating costs low so that hotspot providers can build and manage their wireless networks profitably."

About eWireless (www.ewireless.com)

As a wireless Internet Service Provider, eWireless LLC specializes in secure, managed Wi-Fi solutions for commercial real estate, property managers, corporate entities and retail businesses. eWireless provides customers fully managed wireless connectivity solutions in conjunction with wireless/wired home and workplace electronics. eWireless was founded in 2003 and holds as its goal the development of the Indianapolis MSA as a premier and nationally recognized city for wireless connectivity.

About Sputnik (www.sputnik.com)

Sputnik Inc. provides secure, managed Wi-Fi network software and hardware for the hotspot provider market. Innovative Sputnik software provides enterprise-class network management for low-cost wireless access points. Sputnik launched its commercial products in November 2003 and has gained nearly 200 customers, many of whom are piloting for major deployments in 2004. The company is privately funded and based in San Francisco.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]

Discussions: