60 GHz Radios: Kwikbit Internet & Sierra Vista Village
Last mile connectivity case study highlights:
Fast Time to Service. Throughput & Latency. Total Cost of Ownership. Topology & Scalability. Clean Spectrum. Service Reliability.
Overview: Bridging the digital divide with Altowav 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 is giving underserved manufactured home communities across the US a better option for their internet service by deploying Altowav’s 60 GHz radio networks.
These communities typically have lower-bandwidth options such as DSL, substandard cable, or worse. With 75 communities and over 2,000 subscribers being served, Kwikbit specializes in offering symmetrical gigabit-speed internet access to these often-overlooked homes — making sure they stay current with the digital revolution.
Bringing fiber-class broadband without the disruption of fiber
Kwikbit Internet has been using 60GHz radios for their broadband distribution infrastructure since launching its first community in 2021. The inherent benefits of 60GHz — secure, narrow directional beams, virtually interference-free communication, high bandwidth, and low latency — are a natural fit. Kwikbit 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. Existing structures, such as light poles and community buildings, are used whenever possible.
“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 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 Kwikbit to provide quality service to their residents and RV customers.
Altowav AltoPlex — flexible, cost-effective 60 GHz wireless radios
Looking for a way to reduce costs while delivering an increased ROI, Kwikbit chose Altowav’s AltoPlex series’ D621 Distribution Node and C410 Client 60GHz Radios for Sierra Vista Village. 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 combination makes it more economical to bring premium service to new parks.
“The 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
Flexible Network Topology: Sierra Vista Village Wireless Connectivity
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.
Gigabit service that’s changing lives
Sierra Vista Village is very happy with their new internet service from Kwikbit. It even saved one resident’s job.
“One of our work-from-home residents’ jobs was in jeopardy due to the slow internet speed that was previously available. The new Kwikbit 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
While touring the Sierra Vista Village community, one resident called out from her window when she saw the Kwikbit crew walking by.
“This is awesome! It’s so fast! I just downloaded 70 files in a few minutes that used to take me all day.”
Sierra Vista Village resident
Expanding Altowav’s 60 GHz wireless network
Word of mouth about Kwikbit’s service is spreading. After just a few weeks of availability they have already reached 50 subscribers with even more signed up for installation. Kwikbit 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 even more visually appealing installations.
Kwikbit Internet continues to design and implement Altowav’s AltoPlex 60 GHz radios for community installations. Kwikbit is always looking for more communities to deliver their premium internet services. And, due to the robust AltoPlex networks, Kwikbit is planning to introduce security services to make their offering even more attractive to communities.
