Maui firm touts WAILUKU >> Maui Sky Fiber LLC plans to offer wireless broadband service that will enable consumers to connect to the Internet through portable, mobile and fixed computers.
getting unplugged
Maui Sky Fiber is building
a dozen cell sites to allow
wireless Internet connectionsStar-Bulletin staff
Located at the Maui Research & Technology Center in Kihei, the company plans to complete construction this summer of 12 to 14 cell sites offering broadband service and begin commercial operation.
The cell sites will serve most of the populated areas on Maui, including most resorts, according to Managing Director Steve Berkoff.
Berkoff said the plug-and-play nature of the system would enable visitors to have temporary Internet access while visiting the Valley Isle.
The system employs a palm-sized wireless modem manufactured by IP Wireless of San Bruno, Calif. The Maui cell sites will deploy IP's Advanced 3G Broadband, which is capable of two-way data transmission speeds comparable to DSL and cable, Berkoff said.
Basic service will start at $29.95 a month for an individual account, with expanded services offered at higher rates.
"We also will be able to deal with high speed services to send IP video," he said.
Maui Sky Fiber intends to offer service on Oahu some time next year, according to sales director Dan Evert.
"Our plan is to go statewide," he added.