SEARCH NEWS:

 

Clearwire Technologies Inc. Agrees to Build Jamaica Lottery Fixed-Wireless Network

Clearwire signed the agreement with the Jamaica Lottery Corp. to provide an end-to-end fixed-wireless solution for the lottery. This total solution includes Clearwire, which provides wireless technology infrastructure and services; Telegens Inc., a St. Lucia corporation that serves as a systems integrator; and Autotote Lottery Corp., an Autotote Corp. subsidiary (AMEX:TTE - news) providing the lottery's point-of-sale terminals and software. Autotote Corp. is based in Alpharetta, Ga.

To date, Clearwire has built systems primarily for its own use to deliver high-speed Internet access to businesses in mid-sized cities across the United States. The company also designs and manufactures its own equipment, using patent-pending technologies created over four decades of building secure communications systems for the military.

``Clearwire has a reputation for building reliable equipment as well as being known for its valuable experience operating systems in this spectrum,'' said Bill DiStefano, vice president of Autotote Lottery Corp. ``When our previous supplier was unable to fulfill our needs, we approached Clearwire. I'm pleased they accepted this challenge.''

Eugene Ffolkes(cq), managing director of the Jamaica Lottery Co., said the Clearwire partnership is a good fit for the company. ``This system not only supports the lottery, but can be expanded to help deliver needed Internet connectivity and other services to our citizens,'' he said. The primary focus of the project is to give lottery sales agents a high-speed, reliable tool that expedites customer requests and increases sales.

The Jamaica project marks the first sale of a turnkey network by Clearwire, said Brian Nerney, the company's chief executive officer. ``This implementation gives us an opportunity to explore a new market segment,'' he said. ``We've had numerous requests for Clearwire equipment, or assistance in building turnkey networks, both in the United States and abroad. This project helps hone our capabilities and expands our expertise.''

Clearwire has named Rick Hawley as director of delivered network systems and is overseeing the Jamaica Lottery project. Hawley is based in the company's technology center in Buffalo, N.Y., and has been with Clearwire since the company was formed in 1998.

Clearwire provides high-speed, fixed wireless Internet access in a number of markets, including Buffalo, N.Y.; Rochester, N.Y.; Dallas; Fort Worth, Texas; Albuquerque, N.M.; and Tulsa, Okla. Additional markets are designed and will come on line this year. The company remains focused on its primary mission to roll out Internet service in new markets, said Scott Lingren, vice president of sales and marketing.

``Clearwire continues its commitment to provide wireless IP access, especially in areas where other technologies cannot reach,'' said Lingren. ``While we don't wish to be in the wholesale equipment business, we are interested in building large, turnkey networks.'' Clearwire also provides training, network management and maintenance services.

< Gaming News