> >The ricochet systems run at less than a 28.8k modem. the TAL routers run at
> >110k, and they'll be running at 440k in four weeks. TAL are setting up a
> >network across Melbourne at the moment, and we're going to use them to
> >provide connectivity to our clients.
> >
> >Ultimately, we'll follow their network across Australia, setting up local
> >ISP's as we go.
> >
> >Compared to them, the ricochet modems aren't worth the bother, really. They
> >have a 30 kilometre range, they're spread spectrum,
>
> Amazing, Dwayne!
that's what we think. AND, they are about to DRAMATICALLY improve. I'm
under a confidentiality agrrement, so I can't go into details, but the
ones coming out in six months will shit all over the current ones in every
way, for the same price.
We're -very- impressed.
So much so that, if the technology proves to be as good as it appears,
we're basically betting the farm on the stuff.
> Whats the cost ?
They are charging us $350 per month for access, and $500 to purchase the
unit. They're setting up the network, and we sell time to it, so we're
looking at charging $1000 or so per month for a 110k connection, which will
be upgraded to 440k in a month for no extra charge.
To put it in perspective, for 64k ISDN we charge $600 per month, and after
paying for the line installation, rental on a 64k line from the telecom
company, and the equipment for each end of the connection, you wind up
paying about $15,000 at the end of 12 months.
The upfront charges work out to about $5,000, plus the monthly connection
fee.
Our $600 per month fee is about 2/3 of the market average for 64
connections, too.
Now, we can offer 440k, and at the end of 12 months you look at paying
$12500, and the upfront charge is $500, plus the first month's access.
Needless to say, we think it's a good idea.
Instead of connecting people at 440k, we'll prolly offer a 440k connection
to our site (and, more importantly, our http cache), and a 220k connection
to the net at large, with an expected average speed of closer to 440k in
most conditions. It's still about 400% the speed of a 64k ISDN line for
about 160% of the cost.
Remember, of course, that USD1.00 is about 80 or so Australian cents.
> >they're ROUTERS, not
> >modems, they're excellent.
>
> I dont understand that. They are routers ?
Yup. As in, they can be used to set up a web-type network, as opposed to a
point-to-point link like the ricochet modems.
> If so why ?
Because they're designed that way? What do you mean?
> Do you put them on your laptop, or are they large, or what ?
radio: 5.5 x 21.5 x 26.5 cm, 3.9kg, max power consumption 23W
router: 7.5 x 23.0 x 26.6 cm, 3.5kg, max power consumption 10W
They do all the usual IP protocols, and have an ethernet and serial
connection on the back of em.
Check out the web page for more details:
http://www.tetherless.net
Feel free to mention my name if you buy any: dwayne@koan.net
Dwayne.
<----- --- -- -- - - ddraig@koan.net - - -- -- --- ----->
k.o.a.n.m.e.d.i.a.p.r.o.d.u.c.t.i.o.n.s..............http://www.koan.net/
* http://www.koan.net/nexus/Permaculture/permaculture.html *
NEXUS:mail majordomo@daft.com, msg body: subscribe nexus-gaia
<a href="http://www.koan.net/nexus/HTML/">NEXUS-Australia</a>
<a href="http://pobox.com/~ddraig">Dwayne</a>
r e t u r n t o t h e s o u r c e
-]>------ ddraig@pobox.com <-----<<<