SITTINGBOURNE, U.K. -- Telabria, the award-winning wireless network developer and operator, today announced a strategic partnership with the University of Kent (UOK) and the launch of wireless broadband trialsthat encompass the entire city.

As a result of the newly forgedrelationship - the first of its kind in the UK - Telabria and UOK will research and develop best practices for designing and building next-generation wireless networks based on the emerging IEEE 802.16d standard, more commonly known as WiMAX. Broadband subscribers using wireline DSL services are limited by technical restrictions of copper cable to speeds of up to just 2Mbps over distances that are determined by the way the copper cable is laid between the subscriber and the local telephone exchange. In the case of business-oriented SDSL (symmetric DSL), this is less than one mile from the exchange in the best of circumstances.

The majority of new build business and residential developments are at the edges of communities furthest from the local telephone exchange, and as a result worst positioned for wireline broadband. By using radio signals WiMAX overcomes these limitations, providing speeds to up to 45Mbps in both directions (known as 'symmetric' service) at point-to-point distances up to 15 miles.

"Our relationship with the University of Kent is a terrific example of close cooperation between higher education research and enterprise," said Jim Baker, Telabria's founder and chief executive. "Through this collaboration, Telabria can leverage the University's world-class electronics and computing research facilities and academic staff to help design the very best wireless broadband networks. In return, we can provide training and real-world work experience for undergraduate and postgraduate students in technical fields, preparing them for careers in the telecommunications industry. Together we can explore the impact that WiMAX will have on broadband communication for business, in areas such as remote training, VoIP (voice-over-IP) and video conferencing. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved."

Telabria Ltd.