Durant,
Oklahoma to cross "Digital Divide" with
Broadband Fixed-Wireless Services from AARO
OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. 14, 2001 - AARO Broadband Wireless Communications, Inc. (OTC: AARW) today announced that construction has begun on its Broadband Fixed-Wireless Telecommunications System for the City of Durant, Oklahoma. AARO anticipates services, including broadband Internet access, virtual private networks, videoconferencing, electronic mail and electronic commerce to be available within 30 days.
Durant's Eaker Field will serve as AARO's communications hub, providing distribution of radio-based services for the industrial park, home for 12 industrial tenants, and the foreign trade zone located at the airport. Also, AARO will develop applications specific to aviation for use by Eaker Field. The foreign trade zone includes a business incubator of over 22,000 sq. ft. that is currently occupied by an international granite and marble company.
This is the first of three cities projected for joint development between AARO and the Oklahoma Municipal Services Corporation. OMSC was created by the Oklahoma Municipal League to develop broadband fixed-wireless services on behalf of their over 440 member cities. According to AARO President and CEO, Jerry Thetford, launching high-speed, wireless service in this rural Oklahoma town is another step by AARO toward bridging the "Digital Divide" which plagues so many small communities throughout Oklahoma and the United States.
As a "Wireless Village," Durant's City Hall, police and fire departments, and library will be connected via a high-bandwidth, wireless network. "Initially, the potential public safety and public service applications for this service are phenomenal. People who choose to live in a small town deserve access to the same high-quality telecommunications infrastructure that is available in larger communities," Thetford said.
AARO will install video conferencing equipment in the Utterback Room at the Robert Lee Williams Library, allowing patrons and civic groups access to other video conferencing facilities throughout the world. AARO will also install a Wireless Local Area Network at a location to be determined. This installation will allow users of laptops, palmtops, and other mobile devices access at speeds up to 11MBps. AARO will install Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone equipment and services for the city. Initially, AARO will offer VoIP services such as toll-bypass to the business community in Durant. In addition to AARO's providing service to businesses, it is anticipated that broadband services will be offered to the residential sector in the near future.
Durant, with a population of over 14,000, covers an area of about 17 square miles. Durant is home to Southeastern Oklahoma State University, the Southern Oklahoma Development Association, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the Kiamichi Technology Center, the Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma, Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. and serves as state headquarters of the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center.
About
AARO
AARO Broadband Wireless Communications, Inc. is an
emerging integrated telecommunications services provider. Operating in Oklahoma,
Missouri and Texas, AARO provides fixed-wireless connectivity, Internet access
and Virtual Private Networks at speeds up to 100MBps. AARO's New World services,
including IP telephony and videoconferencing services, are delivered via a
highly secure, carrier-class IP network. For additional news and information,
please visit AARO at www.aarowireless.com.
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CONTACT:
AARO Broadband Wireless Communications, Inc.
Mike Erhart, 405/415-2707
www.aarowireless.com