How Important Might AirGig Be?

How important might AT&T’s AirGig platform eventually be? Within AT&T’s current footprint, it could mean the firm has a new gigabit internet access platform that works anywhere there is electrical power.

Elsewhere, outside its current footprint, the platform could generate additional opportunities, either allowing AT&T to partner with power companies to supply internet and other services; allowing AT&T to partner with platform suppliers to sell the access platform, earning royalties; and offering a new international growth path.

AirGig might also play a role in many internet of things applications, obviously for power companies and others supplying in-home or in-building “smart home” and “smart office” areas.

That international angle has been emphasized by AT&T in its own statements about the platform.  

“This technology will be easier to deploy than fiber, can run over license-free spectrum and can deliver ultra-fast wireless connectivity to any home or handheld wireless device,” AT&T said.

“Project AirGig has tremendous potential to transform internet access globally,  well beyond our current broadband footprint and not just in the United States,” said John Donovan, AT&T chief strategy officer.

AirGig has the potential of multi-gigabit speeds in urban, rural and underserved parts of the world,” AT&T has said.