Just around the bend

A new high speed mobile broadband transceiver system to be installed in lamp posts across the UK could help motorists know what's just around the next corner and enable them to receive the latest offers from a range of local retailers.

This is the result of a new strategic partnership between defence giant Qinetiq and Exeter, Devon, UK-based Last Mile Communications.

In addition to internet connectivity, the system will allow retailers and service providers like hotels and petrol stations to communicate special offers and useful information instantly and very cheaply to all motorists or users within a given radius of given sites or areas.

"QinetiQ's role will be to develop the technology and then commercialise the transceiver modules for integration into Last Miles' W-Direct solution," explained Ian Makin QinetiQ's business group manager for the project.

The technology completely by-passes traditional 'hard-wired' telecom networks and has several significant advantages over current mobile communications networks. It also provides the foundation for a completely new business and revenue models for high-speed wireless broadband data communications, without the need to dig up roads or the headache of extensive civil engineering.