UK-based Pipex is "encouraged" by trials of its WiMAX wireless broadband service and is pressing ahead with further tests, it revealed today.

The ISP has been running the WiMAX trial in tandem with Airspan Networks at the US-based firm's test facility in Stratford-upon-Avon.

"The trial network has achieved stable service delivery and drive tests with Airspan's EasyST self install modem have delivered non-line-of-sight connectivity in excess of 1km from the base station," said Pipex in a statement.

Pipex now plans to carry out two more elements of the technical trial between now and March 2006 including small-scale user trials. If all goes to plan it is possible that the technology will be able to deliver speeds of up to 8 meg, enabling the ISP to "deliver innovative and competitive broadband services to the UK market".

The company stressed it was still "early days" but that commercial roll-out of the service could begin before the end of 2006. ®

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