Toronto Hydro Telecom said it will work with Siemens Communications on the deployment of a WiFi mesh network that will cover up to 10 square kilometers.
The deployment in downtown Toronto is slated for completion by year-end 2005. It will offer speeds up to 54 Mbps, the companies said.
The deal marks Siemens’ entry into the Canadian wireless technology market. Siemens’ platform features integration systems from its Garderos Software Innovations subsidiary, and WiFi mesh technology from BelAir Networks.
The wireless system will complement Toronto Hydro Telecom’s fiber network, which spans 450 kilometers and links north of 400 commercial buildings in the city.
The Toronto Hydro Telecom WiFi effort is just one of several wireless projects that are taking place in Canada. Inukshuk Wireless Inc., a joint venture of Rogers Communications and Bell Canada, recently completed the first phase of a national wireless broadband network that will leverage pre-WiMAX technology and existing cell towers.