SMEs based in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway can better exploit bandwidth-intensive services like videoconferencing following the expansion of AirSpeed Telecom's WiMax service to new regions.

AirSpeed Telecom is upgrading the WiMax network for all AirSpeed and Magnet customers.

AirSpeed Telecom has acquired Magnet Networks' 3.5GHz fixed wireless access local area (FWALA) spectrum licence, which will enable AirSpeed to add new coverage areas, including the Dublin urban area, to its existing WiMax footprint. Magnet business customers will also benefit following the agreement, as AirSpeed Telecom is upgrading the underlying network across all coverage areas to the latest WiMax technology.

The wider availability of WiMax will help meet the growing demand among Irish SMEs for affordable, high-bandwidth wireless services up to 4Mbps, with symmetric upload and download speeds. To effectively use services like audio and videoconferencing, VoIP and hosted services, businesses need fast uploads as well as fast downloads, which congested DSL services can't deliver.

"We're delighted to add to AirSpeed Telecom's already considerable national footprint for uncontended high bandwidth connections for business customers," said Liam O'Kelly, Managing Director, AirSpeed Telecom. "For businesses, this service is a logical next step for increased bandwidth requirements."

Mark Kellett, CEO of Magnet Networks, said the agreement was a good fit, as both companies are focussed on delivering unshared, high bandwidth services. "The upgrade will offer enhanced benefits to our wireless customers and to those out of reach of our uncontended DSL and fibre networks," he said.