Verizon Avenue launched a broadband wireless trial in Grundy, Va.: The network uses products from Alvarion that may be migrated to WiMax.
Even though this is a small network in a rural community, it's a major coup for Alvarion and WiMax. Broadband wireless has largely been used by small startups or ISPs. A major operator like Verizon offers a significant stamp of approval, even if this is only a small trial aimed at learning more about the technology.
This news also shows how much legitimacy a big name like Intel can add to a new technology. Realistically, broadband wireless technology that has been available for years could have worked just fine to serve this small community. But it took the buzz and marketing muscle around WiMax to attract the attention of a big player like Verizon.