Data Wave Inc. has signed six firms in Jacksonville, Fla. as authorized agents of its high speed broadband wireless service. The firms -- Ebby's Communications Inc., Touch Point Inc., Tri Tech Computer, Aces of Jacksonville, IT Solutions and Visual Solutions Inc. -- will represent Data Wave's service launch in the area. Data Wave offers business-class services, primarily using IEEE 802.11a equipment with scalable, secure Internet and data access services at speeds ranging from 1 Mbps to 100 Mbps.

Data Wave's "interactive network nesting" -- where the same backbone operator links to different locations -- allows wireless to bypass the local exchange carrier and lower the cost of service. The broadband usage changes without telco connectivity, enabling cost savings to be passed on to users of wireless technology. Data Wave is currently building wireless networks from Miami to Palm Beach along the Space Coast, as well as in Orlando, Fla.

-- Kurt Mackie