SHAMOKIN - After much time and wonder, Immix Wireless said it's set to bring a better cellular network to the area - and the delay will bring the best technology with it.
James "Doc" Taliaferro, a consultant for Immix Wireless, spoke about the efforts to bring faster wireless services to the area during a meeting of the Brush Valley Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development and Governmental Affairs Committee on Thursday.
In 2010, Immix's parent company, Keystone Wireless LLC, received a $36 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant to update their broadband wireless services.
"We had the design and plan all set to go, but the money wasn't coming. We even invested about $110,000 matching payment onto a $1 million grant SEDA-COG received for the Team Fund, that will enable businesses to tap into this technology,"
After a 17-month delay, the money is finally released and flowing, but something interesting happened on the way to this point: cellular technology got better.
When first planned out, the idea was to bring 3G wireless service to the area, but now Taliaferro said it will be faster.
"This small carrier will be able to leap right to LTE (long term evolution) technology, and have the 10-county license and a wide spectrum area for coverage," Taliaferro said.
According to Immix, they hope to have the LTE network in place by 2013.
It wasn't the only technology that Taliaferro showed to the chamber members, talking about Immix's new onePhone service.
"With this smartphone here," Taliaferro said, "I have the ability to switch calls from cellular network to a Wi-Fi network automatically, not using up all of your minutes."
Taliaferro spoke to the committee about the opportunity Immix is giving to the chamber to help them mold the new network.
"We are working with NTT Docomo, a global player in the telecommunications field and can bring this technology to the rural areas," he said. "We are ready to do it, but we want your guidance. Do we aim it up and expand our service footprint across the horizon, or point it down at the valleys and make it better for the workplaces?"
Immix is hopeful to work with the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.
"We are always looking to develop new projects and want your help, because you know what this area needs," Taliaferro said.