PR releases

Last Mile Communications partners with QinetiQ to create nationwide high speed wireless data networks - using lamp-posts

22nd March 2005, London - Last Mile Communications, a UK-based company that is pioneering the use of a new form of wireless transceivers in lamp-posts for high-speed mobile broadband, has today announced a strategic partnership with QinetiQ, Europe's leading scientific research organisation.  With live user trials of the technology scheduled for 2005, QinetiQ's role will be to fully commercialise the solution, known as W-DirectT, and co-ordinate its large-scale production.

Last Mile's Sales and Marketing Director Barry Shrier explains the concept: "Say you operate a petrol station on the A1.  The results of Last Mile's proposition, developed in partnership with QinetiQ, would allow you to communicate instantly, quickly, and very cheaply with motorists who need petrol and are near you.  This is a profound advance in how the internet works, and the benefits it provides."

Still to be officially launched, the solution is already generating considerable excitement among content providers, local authorities, network operators and ISPs that have received a preview.  The technology completely bypasses traditional telecom networks (switches and roadside cabinets) and provides the foundation for a completely new business model - with different revenue models - for broadband data communications, without the headache of extensive civil engineering.

Last Mile Communications has partnered with QinetiQ because of its technical and design expertise plus its long heritage in developing defence, communications and security solutions.

"By becoming Last Miles' dedicated technology partner they can now call upon QinetiQ's wealth of experience and research facilities to help commercialise and deliver this innovative solution," explained QinetiQ's Andrew Matthews.  "This technology provides unique advantages for both the user and the operators and we are confident that it will rapidly become another part of today's ever converging modern communications systems."

More about WDirect®

The main features of Last Mile's system are: 

The WDirect® solution is complemented by MagicBookT, software also developed by Last Mile Communications.  Via a user-defined menu, MagicBook downloads ('harvests') user-specified information and content (such as email, news, permission-based commercial information and video clips) using an always-on, location-specific model.  Base level data, such as maps and public safety information, will be delivered free to the user, together with bespoke commercial content paid for by suppliers.

About Last Mile Communications

Founded in October 1999 and based in Exeter, Devon, UK, Last Mile Communications Limited conceived and developed two key technologies in the field of telemetrics and in vehicle information systems.  Its main products are WDirectT which is the transceiver technology fitting inside of lamp posts and street signs and MagicBookT is the reception and information management technology.  Last Mile Communications hold key patents that are required for a global, microwave beacon, roadside based telematics system.

About QinetiQ

QinetiQ (pronounced ki' ne tik as in 'kinetic energy') is Europe's largest science and technology solutions company with unrivalled expertise in the defence and security sectors. Founded In July 2001, from the majority of DERA (Defence Evaluation and Research Agency) the laboratories of the UK MOD, QinetiQ directly employs nearly 10,000 people, including many of the UK's leading scientists and internationally acclaimed experts.  Today QinetiQ operates in markets as diverse as defence, security, automotive, information technology, health, aerospace, rail, telecommunications, electronics, space, marine, energy and oil & gas.

QinetiQ's facilities include indoor and outdoor ranges, wind tunnels and noise test facilities, marine testing facilities, automotive test tracks and climatic testing laboratories.  Its heritage covers the pioneering research and development of many household technologies. These include liquid crystal displays (LCDs), carbon fibre, the technology for flat panel speakers, infra-red sensors and microwave radar, a life saving foetal heart monitoring system, plus other significant advancements in the areas of healthcare, passenger security and transport.