Siklu and the City of Santa Cruz announced a project today to bring Gigabit Internet speeds to local residents and businesses using hybrid fiber-wireless technologies. That is, “existing fiber connected to Siklu fiber-like wireless radios with service provided by Cruzio.” The project will reportedly bring wireless gigabit service to Santa Cruz residents in just under three months.
It’s said to be the first-of-its kind deployment in the United States, and Siklu thinks it will show how ultra-high frequency wireless technology can extend the reach of existing fiber to bring gigabit services “quickly and inexpensively.” Santa Cruz is a member of Next Century Cities, which has been advocating for such partnerships to boost broadband in cities throughout the country.
The project will use Siklu millimeter wave radios attached to existing fiber from Cruzio. These radios can be attached to building facades, the top of buildings, poles and other points. Using mmWave frequencies, the radios reportedly can “transmit multiple gigabits reliably and with low latency, and no interference or congestion.”
According to Siklu, the radios can be installed and deployed much quicker and with less disruption than traditional fiber.
Izik Kirshenbaum, founder and chairman of Siklu, says the company is looking to show how it can light up communities with ultra-fast broadband speeds with a wireless technology that can be put in place quickly. “We look forward to deploying this technology in other U.S. communities in the months to come, helping them complete their race to get a gigabit,” he adds.
“We are thrilled at the prospect of upgrading the wireless service at key locations throughout the city, including Louden Nelson Community Center, the Civic Auditorium, the Tannery Arts Lofts affordable housing, City Hall and other sites,” Santa Cruz Mayor Cynthia Mathews says.