8/22/2006 - SkyPilot Networks announced that the communities of Rockland and Thomaston are fully operational with a wireless network built by RedZone Wireless, a pioneer in providing affordable wireless Internet services in Maine.

The RedZone wireless network services the Rockland-Thomaston communities in several key areas: providing Internet access where there previously was none; offering affordable broadband options via multi-tier subscriptions ranging from $19.95 to $50.00 per month; and in the interest of public safety, increasing security as a mechanism for law enforcement personnel to access critical databases and file police reports from the field.

"While larger Internet Service Providers have targeted tier 1 markets for their initial municipal mesh roll-outs, RedZone is pursuing the other 25% of the marketplace, which is made up of towns having populations of 5-50,000," said Jim McKenna, president, RedZone Wireless. "Many of these communities are presently underserved and a community mesh network is the fastest and most cost effective means to extend high speed Internet service to these areas. After only six months of service, our penetration rate rivals that of local DSL and cable providers," continued McKenna. "Our model works, and we have already identified at least 50 additional towns within the state of Maine, and hundreds throughout New England that are ideal candidates for RedZone/SkyPilot rollout."

"Maine was the first state to pass legislation authorizing municipalities in the state to create their own muni broadband networks," said Chris Rector, State Representative District 48. "RedZone is enabling Rockland and Thomaston to lead the charge in providing an affordable broadband choice for Mainers, and the ripple effect is the creation of new jobs and stimulating local economies across Maine, and ultimately across the U.S.," added Rector.

Providing the wireless Internet connection is SkyPilot's SkyExtender DualBand, a high-capacity mesh backhaul device with an integrated Wi-Fi access point mounted on structures throughout the Midcoast. The mesh radios backhaul customer traffic throughout the midcoast network, and provide premium service packages to residents and businesses. Wi-Fi is used as an access method for RedZone's Entry Level service package, and for hotspot connectivity for mobile customers, including local police, fire, EMS, business travelers, and tourists.

"RedZone's deployment demonstrates how mesh networks can be rolled out quickly, and cost effectively in communities with less than 15,000 residents," said Bob Machlin, president and CEO, SkyPilot Networks. "We are excited to work with the RedZone team as they replicate their model powered by SkyPilot equipment in communities throughout the northeast and beyond."