The overall vision of the StreetHopper project is to commercialise and bring to market our disruptive compact low-cost Free Space Optics [FSO] data link. It is capable of providing excellent mobile network service and cost-effectively delivering very high data speeds and capacity – contributing to solving the industrial and societal problem of dramatically increased data traffic demand across the world. Our prototype was developed during the FP7 ConnectToo project (GA #315421), where the major outcome was our fully functional and validated FSO 1Gbps data link prototype (TRL7).
StreetHopper is an optical device that operates in free space e.g. between buildings – a Free Space Optical [FSO] device. It uses an eye safe, laser-based method for data transmission capitalising on line-of-sight [LOS], street-level configurations of single, discreet devices that are capable of providing full duplex (both send and receive) data rates of 1Gbps. The FSO networks enabled by our disruptive StreetHopper technology are perfect for providing rapid, efficient and secure backhaul of data from small mobile transmission cells (small cell backhaul) and thus for addressing a rapidly expanding market in mobile telecommunications.
During and after the ConnectToo project we have conducted a feasibility study, to help us define a commercialisation strategy. Initially our product was developed to address the global market of Fibre to the x [FTTx ] (‘last mile’ broadband internet connections). During the feasibility study, we identified a new and attractive FTTx market – namely the small cell backhaul - telecom infrastructure. This specific business opportunity represents a new and high growth market with expected “serious lift-off” by 2016 reaching a total market size of $7.76bn with CAGR of 107% . This business opportunity has an exceptional technological and strategic fit with our product compared to more mature FTTx market segments, like Fiber To The Home. Quoting a Sprint CTO Office representative: “It is not the last 200 meters up to the small cell that is the problem, it is the last 20 meters. From the last fibered point, across the road or sidewalk over to a light pole, or bus shelter”. Thus, we have made a strategic decision to focus our Commercialisation Plan [CP] on the new emerging FTTx segment, small cell backhaul, as our new primary market. Market maturation and rapid market uptake, form the primary focus in this project.
Commercialisation Plan: The aim of our StreetHopper project is to move our prototype to full commercialisation onto the US and subsequently EU markets. We will enter the US market first due to the fact that the small cell market is more mature there. Most major telecom carries in the US plan to see a significant spike in small cell deployments starting in 2015. The demand for small cells in the US has fast tracked discussions between PW and US telcos regarding the deployment of the StreetHopper for small cell backhaul, and we expect quick market uptake once the StreetHopper is commercialised. To increase our commercial success and impact, we have created a Strategic Business Plan [SBP]. Our SBP was developed during the ‘Phase I-type’ feasibility study (ConnectToo FP7 project) in cooperation with telecom companies as a detailed roadmap, describing all the necessary activities we needed to undertake to ensure a successful market introduction. Each activity was underpinned by a detailed allocation of resources, interim milestones and deadlines to ensure the project progresses according to plan. Now we seek to develop our Commercialisation Plan [CP], which will form an important part of the final Business Innovation Plan [BIP], to be created in this Phase II project. As the envisaged Phase II project builds upon a validated prototype, the majority of our efforts are focused on Commercialisation Innovation Activities [CIAs]. Market maturation activities are key to allow for rapid market entry within global Mobile Network Operators [MNOs].
