BellTel to market high-speed Internet services

Bell Telecommunications Phils. Inc., one of the country’s newest telecommunications carriers, will soon be offering high-speed Internet services, similar to digital subscriber lines’ (DSLs), to subscribers in Metro Manila, Laguna and Cavite.

Using next-generation fixed-wireless technology, BellTel’s new high-speed Internet access service has a distinct edge over conventional DSL or dial-up systems that telcos currently offer.

Because it is wireless, the system has superior coverage and is available in 80 percent of Metro Manila and southern provinces like Laguna and Cavite.

Unlike conventional DSL systems that use existing telephone lines and have a limited three-kilometer range from the central office, BellTel’s wireless base stations have a 25-kilometer area of coverage.

BellTel’s next-generation networks, thus, have a wide geographical reach that allows more businesses and individuals to enjoy the benefits of broadband Internet access.

"i-Direct" also comes equipped with telephone/fax lines capable of DDD and IDD, free-e-mail and Web hosting, depending on the package. It comes in four variants: Personal, Professional, Enterprises or Corporate.

"i-Direct Personal" is a 56 kbps connection that comes bundled with one telephone/fax line and three free e-mail addresses. "i-Direct Professional" offers the same performance and value-added services, but comes with unlimited Internet access for heavy Internet usage.

"i-Direct Enterprise" can be had in either of two maximum bandwidths: up to 256 kbps, or up to 512 kbps. "i-Direct Enterprise" offers two phone/fax lines, free Web hosting, 16 free e-mail addresses, and always-on, high-speed Internet access.

When connected to a client’s own hub, the bandwidth can easily host five to 10 personal computers. Having this much bandwidth means Web surfers using the service can enjoy a very enriching multimedia experience from streaming audio and video to online gaming.

Finally, "i-Direct Corporate" is a leased line package offering bandwidth from 64 kbps to multiple E1s, or 2,048 kbps. Leased lines deliver dedicated bandwidth to the client, giving him the maximum throughput at all times for a variety of heavy bandwidth applications.

Joby de Belen, VP for sales and marketing, says, "i-Direct is a next-generation service targeted at quality-conscious SMEs, corporations, and high-end residences that require high-speed conductivity, and whose needs cannot be sufficiently met by current dial-up copper-based DSL services."

De Belen adds: "With a clear line-of-sight to any of our base stations, i-Direct will be a highly reliable, high-speed Internet access service whether the client is just next door or at the edge of our network radius. The quality of the throughput is excellent, and as even newer technology becomes available, BellTel will be able to supply even more bandwidth to our customers."