SEATTLE-Lucent Technologies Inc. and TeraBeam Networks are entering into a venture to develop and deploy TeraBeam’s fiberless optical networking system, which sends data through the air using invisible light, the companies said.
TeraBeam is headed by former AT&T Wireless Services Inc. president Daniel Hesse, who left AT&T in February to help develop and launch TeraBeam’s technology and service.
Under terms of the agreement, TeraBeam will contribute certain research and development assets, intellectual property and free-space optical products, the companies said. Lucent will make similar contributions, including free-space optical units valued at $450 million, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash.
Additionally, TeraBeam and Lucent will own 70 percent and 30 percent, respectively, of TeraBeam Internet Systems, a company TeraBeam and Lucent will create.
TeraBeam’s fiberless optical network is a point-to-multipoint solution designed to transmit broadband data through the air anywhere within a service area at rates of gigabits per second. It does not require licensed spectrum.
The company said it is targeting medium- to large-sized commercial businesses. It already has deployed cell sites, commencing its first trial last month, and plans to launch commercial service this year.
