BOSTON -- In a recent Report from its Consumer Market Convergence research and consulting practice, the Yankee Group finds that unlicensed fixed wireless technologies continue to bridge the gap that exists between broadband availability in urban and rural markets. Specifically within the 2.4-GHz bands, an increasing number of wireless Internet service providers (WISPs) are deploying broadband access to both single-family homes and verticals such as multiple-dwelling units (MDUs). "The biggest driver behind interest in unlicensed bands remains their ability to offer low-cost market entry into the consumer broadband access arena," says Imran Khan, senior analyst and the author of the Report. "The `mobile computing' functionality (the ability to connect to the Internet from outside the home and in restaurants, hotels, etc.) of wireless LANs will draw more consumers toward subscription and usage of wireless broadband access," writes the author. The Report, titled "Unlicensed Fixed Wireless: Setting the Stage for Greater Broadband Availability?," provides an analysis of the various unlicensed wireless bands and profiles activities of selected WISPs serving the residential markets. The Report further performs a comparison of fixed wireless technologies with existing cable modem and digital subscriber line (DSL) broadband platforms in terms of network infrastructure deployment issues.. Overall, the scaling back of broadband deployment activities on the part of the RBOCs and the reluctance of cable operators to move into rural markets create opportunities for WISPs to target these segments and gain a first-mover advantage. Yankee Group