Press Releases
Ruckus Wireless and EMBARQ Logistics Strike Smart Wi-Fi Deal
Customers Eliminate Wires in the Home, Receive Better Coverage, Predictable Performance, and Less interference for In-Home Triple Play Services
NXTCOMM CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION, Chicago, IL, June 19, 2007 – Ruckus Wireless, Inc., a market leader in next generation wireless networking, and EMBARQ Logistics, the deployment, distribution and logistics division of Embarq (NYSE: EQ) which offers supply chain solutions recognized for their innovation, effectiveness, and efficiency, today announced a distribution agreement that allows independent operating companies (IOCs) to enhance their in-home wireless offerings to accommodate emerging IPTV services.
Under the agreement, EMBARQ Logistics will distribute to IOCs the Ruckus MediaFlex and MetroFlex product lines. IOCs will then bundle the Ruckus MediaFlex and MetroFlex Wi-Fi solutions with their IPTV/triple play (video, Internet and voice) and broadband wireless services to uniquely support in-home distribution requirements.
IOCs Gain Competitive Differentiation
Unlike conventional consumer-grade Wi-Fi, Smart Wi-Fi leverages sophisticated high-gain smart antenna and quality of service technologies to provide wire-like performance when distributing multimedia applications over the air. This makes it possible to identify and prioritize different types of traffic and automatically steer Wi-Fi signals around obstacles and limit interference. These attributes are clear competitive differentiators for EMBARQ Logistics’ IOC customers. “We’ve solved how to turn the unlicensed Wi-Fi spectrum into a reliable medium for operators,” said Bob Payne, vice president of North American Sales for Ruckus Wireless. “EMBARQ Logistics is well-known for carrying the highest quality products for IOCs and delivering unprecedented service and support. In only one year of shipping we have sold over 125,000 Smart Wi-Fi access points to carriers outside the U.S. to support IPTV and triple play services. By teaming with EMBARQ Logistics we hope to capitalize on the explosive growth in triple play services within the U.S. in 2007 and 2008.”
Consumers Gain Extended Signal Range, More Predictable Performance
The result of the agreement will ultimately be more reliable and better performing wireless products and services for an IOC’s consumer customers. For example, those who have a Ruckus MediaFlex product will experience fewer dead spots, two-to four times extended Wi-Fi signal range, higher wireless speeds and less interference.
“Ruckus Wireless is the only supplier of this type of cutting-edge equipment,” said Brad Clark, vice president of Sales and Marketing at EMBARQ Logistics. ”Their product combined with EMBARQ Logistics’ industry-leading distribution and logistics capabilities and commitment to practical ingenuity will provide other broadband carriers with the tools to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. By working with us, IOCs will be able to give end-users superior wireless networking capabilities that fit their needs.”
EMBARQ Logistics will carry the Ruckus MediaFlex 2825 router, the Ruckus MediaFlex 2111 adapter, the Ruckus MediaFlex 2925 hot spot system and the Ruckus MetroFlex 2211 dual-zone Wi-Fi modem.
The Ruckus MediaFlex suite of products is IPTV and triple-play ready, allowing IOCs to effectively compete against cable providers. The Ruckus products are based on patented Smart Wi-Fi technology that automatically adapts Wi-Fi signals to the changing environment, allowing the Wi-Fi signal to be steered around interference in real time thereby eliminating dead spots. It delivers unsurpassed density, supporting up to 20 concurrent voice calls, multiple high and standard definition IP video streams and 50 data clients.
About Embarq
Embarq Corporation (NYSE: EQ), headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, offers a complete suite of common sense communications services. The company has approximately 20,000 employees and operates in 18 states. EMBARQ is included in the S&P 500.
For consumers, EMBARQ offers an innovative portfolio of services that includes reliable local and long distance home phone service, high-speed Internet, wireless, and satellite TV from DISH Network® – all on one monthly bill.
For businesses, EMBARQ has a comprehensive range of flexible and integrated services designed to help businesses of all sizes be more productive and communicate with their customers. This service portfolio includes local voice and data services, long distance, EMBARQTM Business-Class DSL, wireless, enhanced data network services, voice and data communication equipment and managed network services.
EMBARQ believes that by focusing on the communities the company serves and by employing common sense and practical ingenuity, it is able to provide customers with a committed partner, dedicated customer service and innovative products for work and home. For more information, visit embarq.com.
About EMBARQ Logistics
EMBARQ™ Logistics, a subsidiary of EMBARQ Corporation, is a supply chain integrator serving network service providers, manufacturers and resellers throughout North America. With approximately 1,000 employees, including experts in logistics; engineering, integration and deployment; and telecommunications equipment, EMBARQ Logistics offers supply chain solutions recognized for their innovation, effectiveness, and efficiency.
EMBARQ Logistics’ network, comprised of best-in-class IT systems and strategically located distribution centers, provides customers a highly reliable infrastructure to meet a wide variety of supply chain needs. For more information, visit embarqlogistics.com.