Customer Success Story
How a broadband provider is bridging the digital divide with AltoPlex 60GHz radios in Sierra Vista, Arizona.
As broadband internet proliferates, not all communities have equal access to modern, high-speed options. Looking to bridge the digital divide, Kwikbit Internet (KBI) is giving underserved manufactured home communities across the US a better option for their internet service.
These communities typically have lower-bandwidth options such as DSL, substandard cable, or worse. With 75 communities and over 2,000 subscribers being served, KBI specializes in offering symmetrical gigabit-speed internet access to these often-overlooked homes — making sure they stay current with the digital revolution.
The Challenge
Since launching its first community in 2021, Kwikbit Internet has been using 60GHz radios for their broadband distribution infrastructure. The inherent benefits of 60GHz — secure, narrow directional beams, virtually interference-free communication, high bandwidth, and low latency — are a natural fit.
KBI installs very high-speed fiber internet at the edge of a community. To reduce the disruption, cost, and time associated with running fiber throughout, a wireless distribution radio backbone is then installed strategically across the community, allowing client radios on homes to tap into the high-speed service. Only minimal interruptions are required — when poles and power are installed for mounting distribution radios or when trees require trimming for line of sight. When possible, existing structures are used, such as light poles and community buildings.
This low-disruption, quick rollout, and high-speed service are the reasons that Sierra Vista Village — looking to break free from previous low-quality internet solutions — chose KBI to provide quality service to their residents and RV customers.
"We are friends with many of the mobile communities in the local area. We all compare notes and share what does and doesn't work. We've heard horror stories from communities that chose to run new fiber and cable-based solutions in their parks. They've had to deal with major disruptions such as torn-up streets, often for months at a time, angering the residents. We've had none of that."
Gerald Booker, Community Manager, Sierra Vista Village
The Solution
Looking for a way to reduce costs while delivering an increased ROI, KBI chose Altowav's new AltoPlex Series for their radio infrastructure.
"The new AltoPlex radios allow more flexible installations. We're not tied into large multidirectional radio devices that have a single point of failure. AltoPlex radios let us put individual distribution radios in the exact directions they are needed, not the four fixed 90-degree directions of a single device that many manufacturers offer. This flexibility also saves us money. We don't waste money on devices that send data in directions we don't need, such as when the distribution radio is on the perimeter of a property."
Parth Patel, VP of Operations, Kwikbit Internet
As one of KBI's newest communities, Sierra Vista Village is the first to use the new AltoPlex radios.
That's not the only way AltoPlex radios are saving KBI money. The client radio density is much higher than other solutions. With each AltoPlex distribution radio supporting up to 15 client radios plus an additional distribution radio, they are able to connect more customers with fewer radios — reducing their cost per customer. This makes it more economical to bring premium service to new parks.
Products Used
Distribution Node
Client Node
Network Management
Kwikbit Internet chose AltoPlex D621 Distribution Node and C410 Client 60GHz Radios for Sierra Vista Village. KBI also uses AltoCommand to track the performance and health of their wireless network.
In addition to choosing AltoPlex Series for their radio infrastructure, Kwikbit Internet also chose AltoCommand to manage their installations. AltoCommand lets KBI configure and maintain the health of their solutions from a single user interface. It also lets them see the network status and performance analytics of each community's radio network, allowing them to catch issues as they arise.
One of the features KBI likes the most is the tight integration between the GPS function of the AltoPlex radios and the AltoCommand map view. With so many communities and different radio topologies, simply knowing where each radio is located can be a challenge in itself. AltoCommand uses the AltoPlex radios' GPS data to automatically place each radio's location on the map view. This allows KBI technicians to know exactly where a radio is located if maintenance is required — reducing potential downtime.
Network Topology
Altowav's AltoPlex radios blanket the entire 235-home community and 55-space RV park with gigabit wireless, all fed from a single fiber source at the north end of the property.
In the Field
The Result
Sierra Vista Village is very happy with their new internet service from KBI. It has even saved one resident's job.
"One of our work-from-home resident's job was in jeopardy due to the slow internet speed that was previously available. The new KBI service has allowed her to significantly increase her work performance to such a degree that she's earned a raise."
Korin Booker, Community Manager, Sierra Vista Village
Don't just take Korin's word for it — while touring the Sierra Vista Village community, the resident literally yelled "This is awesome!" from her window when she saw the KBI crew walking by. "It's so fast! I just downloaded 70 files in a few minutes that used to take me all day."
KBI is doing great as well. Word of mouth about their service is spreading. After just a few weeks of availability they have already reached 50 subscribers with even more signed up for installation. As this is their first installation of the new AltoPlex radios, KBI is also experimenting with the versatile mounting options available as the site expands — including the new Wall Mount (AX-AW3-MT-WALL) and Extended Range Pole/Wall Mount (AX-AW3-EXT-MOUNT) — allowing for less intrusive, more visually appealing installations.
Future Plans
Kwikbit Internet is currently planning and designing several AltoPlex-based wireless networks for many upcoming community installations — and they aren't stopping anytime soon. KBI is always looking for more communities to deliver their premium internet services. They are planning on even more services too: using the robust AltoPlex networks, KBI is planning to introduce security services to make their offering even more attractive to communities.
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