First the antennas we use are fairly small ranging from 4″ to 12″ in size depending on the application. Put into the mix that the antenna will be 20+ feet off of the ground and a persons perception of the unit greatly diminishes. We have found in practically every install that employees of a business never notice the new antenna located on the building. Second our techs always look for the best location to place the antenna while making sure it draws as little attention as possible and we always inform the customer and/or building managment of where the antenna will be place before anywork is begun.

As for the installation most of install consisit of 2 methonds. The first method is using a pole mount system that mounts to the side of the building or an existing structurue on the roof such as a utitliy shed or HAVC system:

The second method is to use a non-penertrationg roof mount which is approximately 40” W, x 40” L, x 1” H, square base which enables the unit to stay in place using 4 to 8, 18” cinder blocks weighing 42lbs each. The unit’s center has a 1 ¾” to 2” diameter pipe and a height of anywhere from 24” up to 60”, depending on site requirements. A typical 12” X 12” flat panel antenna is attached to this pipe although size of the antenna may vary depending on needs to receive/transmit a signal. 

All of the above hardware rests on ½’ rubber roof pads designed for these types of applications. These pads are recognized by all membrane roof manufactures as suitable to not void any warranties that are in place.

Regardless of what installation method we use, Spectra Access always works with the customer and/or building management to ensure a proper installation. We have installed systems on all types of building from historical to some of the tallest buildings in New Hampshire. Additionally Spectra Access is insured for up to $2 million on our installs.

If you ask any business the importance of their telecommunication services, it would rank among the top 5! Your telecommunication service is how you stay in touch with your customers, whether through telephone, email, or social networks . Quality connectivity is a must. Yet so many businesses choose a vendor based on price alone without looking at the bigger picture. Have you ever had terrible customer service? Did you have to call in for customer support after purchasing a service only to be left on hold for an infinitely long period of time? Or when you did speak with someone were you able to tell what language they were speaking? Have you ever purchased services and the expectations were never met? Chances are there was no written guarantee with the purchase. The cable company is notorious in the telecommunications industry with the promise of high speeds and completely falling short of any resemblance of customer satisfaction. Try asking Comcast for an Service Level Agreements (SLA) and see if they can even deliver a guarantee for uptime, latency, jitter and service repair times. Ask them to prove to you that you are getting the service they promised 7x24x365! That great price for that deceivingly high Internet speed means little if these items cannot be met to your satisfaction.

Spectra Access offers an SLA with every WaveTouch Biz circuit. With a 60-day money back satisfaction guarantee there is no risk for our new customers. They can sign on with confidence that they are getting what they expect and will be able to run their business efficiently and effectively.

Further info: http://www.dailywireless.org/2009/04/10/service-restored-in-socal/

Now that we’ve had 3 “Storm of the Century” in the past three (3) years, does that mean we are finally safe for the next 300 years? I bet I’m not the only one thinking no, so why take that chance with your telecommunications services?

https://twitter.com/#!/psnh/media/slideshow?url=pic.twitter.com%2FCYfZ8azn

Since the only technology in our network is the radio at our customers location and the radio at the cell tower location we don’t have to worry about lines being taken down. We’ve had several signficant storms over the last several years as shown in a chart from PSNH yet in each and every storm Spectra’s infrastructure remain fully operational!

Additional information regarding the above picture can be found at http://myemail.constantcontact.com/PSNH-Outage-Update-8-29-11-30-a-m-.html?soid=1102549438859&aid=pLG4j7U3Yeo

Did you know that Spectra Access can provide a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint wireless circuit that can connect two or more locations as a private data network? Private lines can be provisioned to carry anywhere from T1 speeds (1.544 Mbps) to gigabit (1000 Mbps) Ethernet speeds. We have several customers that use this service to connect multiple buildings while still operating within their private LANs. This is a secure and cost effective way to connect locations without a huge installation of cables and wires.
We call this our WaveTouch Direct and it brings great value since it eliminates the need to install expensive fiber infrastructures or cable and also brings network access to older, historical buildings where cabling is impractical or undesirable. We can install radios so they are barely visible from the ground and do not detract from the beauty of the historical architecture.

Because WaveTouch Direct is not part of Spectra Access’ infrastructure, services can be installed anywhere in New England. We have been doing more and more of these types of installations for a variety of different types of businesses large and small – both for long term and short term uses. For example, we have a customer that leased out some additional space for a short term lease. We were able to install a point to point system within a couple days so they were all joined into the network as if they were all under one roof. Scalability is another valuable feature we offer. Spectra Access can supply our customers with as much or as little bandwidth as they need on demand. We can increase their bandwidth for short temporary durations if they need it for a conference or web demonstration, for example.

So if you think this might be a practical solution for your company, don’t hesitate to contact sales for more information at 603-296-0760 ext 113 or sales@spectraaccess.com.

2011 will provide New Hampshire with a greater option of accessing wireless services with 4G dominating the industry. 4G (Fourth Generation) is the next generation of wireless wide area networks (think cell phones) that provides faster speeds that are not only comparable, but in some cases, faster then landline options. 4G networks can be looked at in two ways. The first is the mobile 4G which is essentially the network that services our cell phones as well as other devices for users on the go. The  second is fixed high-speed wireless services (based on 4G technologies) which provides an alternative to high-speed telecommunications services beyond the traditional methods that have been used in the past.

Mobile Telecommunications
Mobile 4G networks will start making inroads into New Hampshire in 2011 and provide speeds that average 5 to 12 Mbps downstream and 2 to 5 Mbps upstream. For those familiar with the speeds of 3G networks on their smart phones today, a 4G network will be about 4 to 5 times faster.  Mobile companies such as  T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T have indicated their plans to provide 4G services in New Hampshire in 2011 with the first implementations occurring in  larger markets  followed by smaller markets over the following 2 to 3 years. While it is only natural to think of 4G as just an expansion of the current 3G network,  since  speeds of 4G are now approaching the speeds that we are used to in our offices, most companies will find it worth re-evaluating the cost of owning and operating their present voice and data networks.

From an operational perspective the next generation of wireless networks will provide a more unified Cloud Computing experience. Cloud computing is essentially Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and mobile devices on-demand allowing employees to remain productive whether in the office or on the go. Mobile ecommerce will increase because of the higher consumption availability of  web services making it easier for more customers to find, shop and sell right from their mobile devices.

But with these speed increases of the next generation of wireless networks there is still the financial side that needs to be looked at. Businesses will not only need to pay closer attention to usage plans beyond monthly minutes of voice calls, but also in how data usage will impact the bottom line every month. Faster network speeds makes it all too easy to exceed the monthly data limits resulting in unexpected high monthly bills, so it will be important to find those mobile providers who offer flat fees services or demand that your current mobile provider makes usage plans that are better align with a business’s monthly expenses.

Fixed Wireless Telecommunications
Another small, but growing industry in New Hampshire that many are unaware of is the fixed high-speed wireless services market. Fixed high-speed wireless enables New Hampshire companies to access telecommunications services using wireless solutions. The solutions provide an alternative to land-line services with average speeds  ranging from 5 to 30 Mbps, but current technologies can provide speeds up to 400Mbps. While not a large industry in New Hampshire, it certainly is a growing industry and provides New Hampshire businesses with other avenues for telecommunications services. Companies such as Spectra Access, North Country Internet Access, WiValley, Granite Connection, Radius North Communications and a handful of other fixed wireless service providers have indicated they will continue to expand services throughout New Hampshire in 2011.  Essentially these companies are providing telecommunications services to many businesses (and residents) that have no choice, limited choice, or are looking for alternative solutions for their business telecommunications needs.

Benefits of using a fixed wireless solution for telecommunication are:

• New Hampshire Based:  The majority of fixed wireless service providers are owned and operated by residents of the state. They generally employ state residents so buying services from these companies helps foster local economic growth.
• Reliability: Unlike landlines that are prone to pole mishaps, down lines, or dug up circuits, wireless services are not affected by any such events. Even weather related events such as the recent wind storm of 2010 and the historic ice storm of 2009 proved out the reliability of wireless connectivity. While many last mile copper and fiber connections were down after these storms, wireless connectivity remained active.
• Inherent Security: Because people were concerned with wireless connectivity right from the start, just about all implementations of fixed wireless systems deploy a wide range of Advanced Encryption Standards (AES) that have been designed to meet the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Computer Security Division; the same can not be said for cable and copper installations.

In summary there are a number a major wireless developments coming for 2011; major new networks, new wireless smart phones, a plethora of new tablet devices, and new software and services. All of it designed to keep New Hampshire connected with the rest of the world. It will provide New Hampshire businesses with not only a way to further increase their presences online, but also with new avenues for staying in touch with employees and customers they depend on. It is important that New Hampshire companies look at how they can use these new wireless services, what impact these wireless solutions will have on their business, and how  wireless devices plays into their business strategy going forward in 2011.

Everyone has heard the buzz words and catch phrases “shop local”, “support small businesses” and “support the local economy”, but do you really know what that means and what an impact these very simple things can do for you and your family?  Spending money on products and services that are provided by local business keeps your money circulating in your community and also provides jobs.  Small businesses also tend to support other small businesses, service providers and growers too.  That helps to keep prices down, minimize the carbon foot print and keep your town or city in New Hampshire vibrant and independent of the big box stores and out of state-based businesses.

These principles not only apply to where you buy your food, or shop for clothing but also for services such as building contractors, Internet providers and small restaurants.  Dollars spent at community-based merchants create a multiplier effect in the local economy, meaning that from each dollar spent at a local independent merchant, the majority of that money typically goes back into the local economy. According to a recent article inBusinessNH Magazine:

For every $100 spent at a local, independent business approximately $68 stays in the community compared to only $43 spent elsewhere. Buying local is also more environmentally friendly, reducing the carbon emissions…

Spectra Access a New Hampshire based business that has been operating since 2001 and currently all of it’s employees are residents of New Hampshire.  We provide services to New Hampshire businesses and help support the local New Hampshire economy.  We understand how important it is to shop local because so many of our customers are small local businesses.

As the world around us changes so radically, we all need to think a little smaller, a little more local and take care of each other.  Perhaps relying a little less on the big guys, big box stores and imports even if it means spending a few extra dollars, it is worth it to keep ourselves in business here in New Hampshire and support the very livelihoods this country was founded on. 

The convergence of wireless technologies is revolutionizing the way we use the Internet for work, play, and life. As we move into 2011, the wireless industry is pose to have one of its strongest years ever on a number of fronts. New Hampshire companies need to look at multiple avenues to not only make sure they are taking advantage of the new wireless technologies & services, but also that they position their business to take advantage of the fast and dynamic growth of wireless technologies and services.

2011 will provide New Hampshire with a greater option of accessing wireless services with 4G dominating the industry. 4G (Fourth Generation) is the next generation of wireless wide area networks (think cell phones) that provides faster speeds that are not only comparable, but in some cases, faster then landline options. 4G networks can be looked at in two ways. The first is the mobile 4G which is essentially the network that services our cell phones as well as other devices for users on the go. The second is fixed high-speed wireless services (based on 4G technologies) which provides an alternative to high-speed telecommunications services beyond the traditional methods that have been used in the past.

Mobile Telecommunications

Mobile 4G networks will start making inroads into New Hampshire in 2011 and provide speeds that average 5 to 12 Mbps downstream and 2 to 5 Mbps upstream. For those familiar with the speeds of 3G networks on their smart phones today, a 4G network will be about 4 to 5 times faster. Mobile companies such as T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T have indicated their plans to provide 4G services in New Hampshire in 2011 with the first implementations occurring in larger markets followed by smaller markets over the following 2 to 3 years. While it is only natural to think of 4G as just an expansion of the current 3G network, since speeds of 4G are now approaching the speeds that we are used to in our offices, most companies will find it worth re-evaluating the cost of owning and operating their present voice and data networks.

From an operational perspective the next generation of wireless networks will provide a more unified Cloud Computing experience. Cloud computing is essentially Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and mobile devices on-demand allowing employees to remain productive whether in the office or on the go. Mobile ecommerce will increase because of the higher consumption availability of web services making it easier for more customers to find, shop and sell right from their mobile devices. Northstream analysts say they believe that increased mobile broadband availability will drive the global mobile market beyond 10 billion connections by 2015.

But with these speed increases of the next generation of wireless networks there is still the financial side that needs to be looked at. Businesses will not only need to pay closer attention to usage plans beyond monthly minutes of voice calls, but also in how data usage will impact the bottom line every month. Faster network speeds makes it all too easy to exceed the monthly data limits resulting in unexpected high monthly bills, so it will be important to find those mobile providers who offer flat fees services or demand that your current mobile provider makes usage plans that are better align with a business’s monthly expenses.

Fixed Wireless Telecommunications

Another small, but growing industry in New Hampshire that many are unaware of is the fixed high-speed wireless services market. Fixed high-speed wireless enables New Hampshire companies to access telecommunications services using wireless solutions. The solutions provide an alternative to land-line services with average speeds ranging from 5 to 30 Mbps, but current technologies can provide speeds up to 400Mbps. While not a large industry in New Hampshire, it certainly is a growing industry and provides New Hampshire businesses with other avenues for telecommunications services. Companies such as Spectra Access, North Country Internet Access, WiValley, Granite Connection, Radius North Communications and a handful of other fixed wireless service providers have indicated they will continue to expand services throughout New Hampshire in 2011. Essentially these companies are providing telecommunications services to many businesses (and residents) that have no choice, limited choice, or are looking for alternative solutions for their business telecommunications needs.

Benefits of using a fixed wireless solution for telecommunication are:

• New Hampshire Based: The majority of fixed wireless service providers are owned and operated by residents of the state. They generally employ state residents so buying services from these companies helps foster local economic growth.

• Reliability: Unlike landlines that are prone to pole mishaps, down lines, or dug up circuits, wireless services are not affected by any such events. Even weather related events such as the recent wind storm of 2010 and the historic ice storm of 2009 proved out the reliability of wireless connectivity. While many last mile copper and fiber connections were down after these storms, wireless connectivity remained active.

• Fast Installations: Most fixed wireless providers are able to install services within a week or two and in an emergency, many fixed wireless providers have installed within the same day of service request.

• Greater Bandwidth Flexibility: Most wireless service providers provide speeds up to 50Mbps, but current technology can provide bandwidth speeds up to 400Mbps when needed. And because this requires no more then a simple radio change verses pulling new cables, upgrading to faster speeds can happen very quickly.

• Inherent Security: Because people were concerned with wireless connectivity right from the start, just about all implementations of fixed wireless systems deploy a wide range of Advanced Encryption Standards (AES) that have been designed to meet the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Computer Security Division; the same can not be said for cable and copper installations.

What Is Driving It

Even though mobile and fixed wireless networks provide greater value for accessing telecommunications services for New Hampshire businesses in 2011, it is also important that businesses realize how these new and faster wireless services will have an impact on their business and the interaction with their customers.

While smart phones essentially started the mobile communications revolution, the real impact on wireless and its uses in everyday communications will come from the growing sales trend of tablets going into 2011. With the introduction of the Apple iPad in 2010 a new resource on how customers interact with businesses is being reshaped every day. Add to that the recent introduction of Google Android based tablets and wireless telecommunications becomes ever more important as we move forward in 2011.

The Gartner Group, an industry research firm, expects tablet unit sales to total 19.5 million for 2010, and to nearly triple to 54.8 million in 2011. They also project tablet unit sales to surpass 208 million in 2014. Tablet devices are expected to supplant 10% of personal-computer shipments by 2014. The Garter forecast seems to be on target since as of early December 2010, the Apple iPad had sold more then 7 million units and the newly introduced Samsung Galaxy tablet has sold over 700,000 units and expected to hit over 1 million by January 2011.

New Hampshire companies will need to pay attention as to how the demand for these wireless products will impact the way customers interact with their business. Internet tablets generally have smaller screens and slower processors, but the convenience and portability of tablets makes them one of the fastest growing technology segments in the industry today. Because of the smaller screens and slower processors, tablets tend to run purpose built applications known as apps (just like smart phones) that provide a cohesive and clean user experience. Businesses need to look at the services they are offering customers and determine if they should have purpose built apps developed that would best service their customers; for example restaurants wanting to offer quick and easy online reservations, retail stores needing to advertise dynamic store specials, or real estate agents looking to provide virtual walk through of properties.

Not all companies need to have custom apps made specifically for their business, but most businesses have an Internet presence today via some sort of web page and, at the very least, it is important that a business website provides a clean user experience for those customers accessing their websites not just through tablets, but smartphones too. This could mean stream-lining website wording, changing from flash to html5, and reducing the sizes of images to make them better suited for tablet size screens.

In summary there are a number a major wireless developments coming for 2011; major new networks, new wireless smart phones, a plethora of new tablet devices, and new software and services. All of it designed to keep New Hampshire connected with the rest of the world. It will provide New Hampshire businesses with not only a way to further increase their presences online, but also with new avenues for staying in touch with employees and customers they depend on. It is important that New Hampshire companies look at how they can use these new wireless services, what impact these wireless solutions will have on their business, and how wireless devices plays into their business strategy going forward in 2011.

Spectra Access maintains its commitment to providing a completely owned and maintained wireless infrastructure that has no reliance on any local telephone or cable companies infrastructure. “There are limited business choices for broadband services in New Hampshire and Spectra Access is building a true third (3rd) competitive alternative for businesses in the greater Nashua, Manchester, and Concord areas” Clark went on to say.

About Spectra Access
Spectra Access is New Hampshire’s premier Wireless Local Exchange Carrier (WiLEC) based in Manchester, NH. Spectra Access provides always-on high-speed fixed broadband access solutions to the growing business community in Manchester, Nashua, Concord and surrounding towns. Utilizing carrier class wireless equipment, Spectra Access WaveTouch technology provides business class connections without the use of a physical connection. With wireless speeds from 2 Mbps to 100 Mbps, Spectra Access delivers flexible, low cost alternatives to expensive fiber and leased copper circuits. With no dependence upon the local telephone infrastructure, Spectra Access is able to install our service with in days, rather than weeks or months while maintaining a much lower cost structure for our customers. Spectra Access’ services are business class services designed to provide superior network connectivity and guarantees not offered by either DSL or cable technologies.

Media Contact: 

Ruth Axtell

Director Sales & Marketing
Spectra Access, Inc.
25 Lowell Street
Suite 407
Manchester, NH 03101
http://www.spectraaccess.com

Voice: 603-296-0760