Sunflower Broadband has given its Wi-Fi service a boost with Arris’ Rapid Launch Hot Zone System.
The Wi-Fi platform from Arris includes wireless technology from BelAir Networks and a centralized management system from SolutionInc.
“The Arris Rapid Launch Hot Zone System will enable us to help our commercial customers expand their marketing capabilities, which is especially valuable for small businesses in this tough economic climate,” said Karin Woodard, director of business development and IT for Sunflower Broadband. “These enhanced services will also create stickiness for our high-speed data products and [will] produce new revenue from advertising and expanded service-level offerings.”
According to Woodard, the company will begin integrating the SolutionInc management system with more than 60 BelAir Networks access point locations in Lawrence, Kan., which is where Sunflower’s headquarters are located, and the surrounding communities of Basehor, Tonganoxie, Linwood and Eudora. Deployments are slated to start in March.
The Rapid Launch Hot Zone System includes centralized management that helps cable operators, which may have hundreds or thousands of end users, manage and bill numerous commercial customers.
The system also integrates with third-party billing systems and can accommodate multiple pay-per-use options, including credit cards, e-mail accounts and access codes. The system enables location-specific services that can consist of one business or a group of business locations under one account.
Despite its small size, Sunflower Broadband is one of the more progressive MSOs in the nation. Last month, it launched a DOCSIS 3.0 service, and it also offers a whole-home DVR solution through a partnership with Pace Americas.
Near the end of last year, Sunflower partnered with SeaChange International and the Comcast Media Center on a VOD ad insertion trial.
