Low cost broadband access for everyone
The EU-funded Integrated Project "Broadband services for everyone over fixed wireless access networks (BROADWAN)" started on 1 December 2003. The main goals are:,· Development of an economical, realistic network architecture for the provision of true broadband services for all citizens in Europe.,· Positioning of European industry in the lead for next generation broadband fixed wireless access (BFWA) solutions.,· Motivating advanced utilisation of broadband services at all levels of the society by performing demonstrations and trials in some rural areas. The utilisation of broadband networks is becoming increasingly more important for the development of European society. Broadband services help and may even be absolutely necessary, to maintain and increase the everyday quality of life irrespective of living area. Business, organisations, education, health care, culture, and community authorities take more and more advantage of broadband networks. The realisation of a European-wide broadband network is beneficial to the people as well as business and industry without damaging the environment. Broadband technology helps European business and society in general, and radio-based technology in particular has the potential of improving third world societies dramatically. BROADWAN, being an Integrated Project, approaches a wide range of tasks and the main goal may be reformulated to get things moving in the broadband access area with an emphasis on wireless in hybrid solutions. Besides having a wide-ranging approach BROADWAN also makes in-depth investigations and developments such as innovative heterogeneous low-cost architecture to reach everyone, automatic software tools of cost-optimised hybrid network planning and next generation wireless access at both high (42 GHz) and low frequencies (5 GHz). BROADWAN launches several demonstrations and trials, workshops, and introduces a new wireless forum for providing public information, training of users and builders or suppliers, as well as promoting broadband access in general. For regularly updated information and a full list of partners, please visit the web-site http://www.broadwan.org. Contact person: Terje Tjelta, Telenor R&D (e-mail: terje.tjelta@telenor.com).