DSL-to-go arrives in Berlin

Portable broadband

By Jan Libbenga • Get more from this author

Posted in Wireless, 16th September 2004 09:08 GMT

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With the installation of the first base station in the Park Inn-Hotel at Alexanderplatz, Berlin now has DSL-to-go, a new service for road warriors who need broadband access wherever they are, without changing the provider and without reconfiguring the settings of their computer or PDA.

DSL-to-go is developed by Airdata, a Stuttgart company that will offer wireless DSL in 30 metropolitan areas in Germany. And no, it isn't Wi-Fi. The company uses exclusive frequencies in the 2.6 GHz band for its 3G TDD (local loop) technology, which exceeds the range of today’s WLAN hotspots.

Most DSL connections available today are fixed connections. With Portable DSL all you need is a wireless modem or a compatible PCMCIA card. The user connects the PortableDSL modem to the computer and it automatically registers to the radio station, wherever he is. Airdata developed the infrastructure with US company IPWireless and Alcatel. Another major partner is Telefonica Germany, which provides the backbone network.

PortableDSL can easily compete with UMTS, according to Airdata. High usage charges have frightened off potential users. Speeds are available up to 768 kbps. The cheapest flat fee subscription will cost €19.95 for a 1024/128 Kbps connection. ®