BeeTelecom - the name is a play on the concept of having the ability to “be your own telecom” - has developed a proprietary Linux-based system that enables the average person to set up and manage their own WiFi wireless network with VoIP phone service. Even charge for it.
The company is targeting hotels, public places such as airports and other corporate clients, as well as the average person.
“As wireless grows, people will be looking to develop their own wireless communities and we want to enable any and all wireless entrepreneurs - from big to small,” says president Eric Steedman.
Users would also have the capability to make VoIP telephone calls.
An interested customer would need to have either a cable or DSL. The next step would be to buy a wireless router. If the device is purchased at a computer store, the customer would have to hook it up to his or her computer and then download the software from BeeTelecom’s Web site.
If the client decides to buy a router through BeeTelecom, it would be delivered with the software pre-loaded, so the user would simply have to plug it in and turn it on.
The subscription price for the software is $40 per month, which includes access for up to 100 different authenticated users to connect through that particular router. The authentication service would enable the person running the network to see who is accessing the network and how much bandwidth is being used, information that is of particular interest for corporate customers.
The next version of the software, to be launched in January, includes a billing system, Steedman said.
Thus, someone could use this technology to set up a wireless access point in their apartment would enable people on the other floors to connect.
Seattle’s Speakeasy has a similar shared use/shared billing package…and they’re going WiMax.
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