Little known Radiant Communications is trying to give T1 providers a run for its money.
The Toronto-based high-speed ISP, has developed Turbo DSL, an Internet technology that they claim delivers high-speed performance greater than T1 and at half the cost.
Radiant uses multiple DSL connections
through a specially configured appliance that is placed at the customer location. This appliance has achieved download speeds of up to 4.2 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1.9 Mbps. T1 lines are typically running at 1.5 Mbps.
Data packets are split into smaller packets and transmitted across the multiple DSL lines, allowing them to reach their destination faster than sending the original packet on a single DSL line. Once the mini-packets arrive at Radiant’s core network, they are re-assembled and delivered to the recipient.
Radiant has four data centres across the country.
Jim Johnson, vice-president and GM of Radiant, said with Turbo DSL and the help of channel partners Radiant will be able to compete with Bell, Telus and AT&T in Canada.
“”So far people who have T1 think this is a hell of deal and those with DSL and want more speed have postponed their T1 purchasing decisions,”” Johnson said.
Radiant is looking for new partners to further the potential of Turbo DSL. The company is looking for industry-type VARs who have developed specialty services in retail, medical and insurance markets.
Johnson added that smaller vertical markets such as car dealerships and the beauty industry are areas that could use Turbo DSL.
Also, Radiant uses the sales agent channel model with many system integrators or networking VARs. They currently have 200 of these partners onboard. The company sells direct to the channel and bypasses distribution.
“”System integrators or IT consultants who do LAN work and have a requirement to install high speed Internet, which is generally not the kind of work they do, pass these leads onto us for a fee,”” Johnson said.
Their target market for Turbo DSL is the small-to-medium sized environment (SME). They have already tasted some success with companies such as the Flight Centre, The Body Shop, Money Marts, and the GM Dealers of Canada.
According to Johnson, these SMEs are perfect for Turbo DSL because the product is ideal for multiple small offices that are scattered across Canada. Any office from five to 500 works well for Turbo DSL, he said.
Cost will be one of the main bargaining chips for Radiant.
“”Typically the customer who needs high speed turns to T1 lines and T1 prices vary from $1,500 to $3,000 per month. The customer who chooses Turbo DSL pays $179 per line and must have three lines, which roughly works out to $800 a month (other costs are involved),”” he said
