TELABRIA, the wireless network developer and operator, has announced a strategic partnership with the University of Kent to trial wirelss broadband across Canterbury.

Under the terms of the partnership, Telabria and the University will research and develop best practices for designing and building next-generation wireless networks based on the emerging IEEE 802 standard, commonly known as WiMAX.

Jim Baker, Telabria's founder and chief executive, said: "Our relationship with the University of Kent is a terrific example of close cooperation between higher education research and enterprise.

"Through this collaboration, Telabria can leverage the University's world-class electronics and computing research facilities and academic staff to help design the very best wireless broadband networks.

"In return, we can provide training and real-world work experience for undergraduate and postgraduate students in technical fields, preparing them for careers in the telecommunications industry

"Together we can explore the impact that WiMAX will have on broadband communication for business, in areas such as remote training, VoIP (voice-over-IP) and video conferencing. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved."

Telabria will run a 90-day pilot of WiMAX-based wireless broadband services to small/home offices (SOHO) and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canterbury in early June.

Mr Baker added: "The University is ideally situated for the provision of Telabria's WiMAX services. The 300-acre campus is just one mile from the city centre, and positioned on a hill that overlooks a large proportion of the city's 120 square mile area, with excellent reach to Canterbury's 5,000-odd small to medium sized businesses."

Professor Phillip Davies, the University of Kent's pro vice chancellor, said: "The University of Kent has a reputation for innovation and works closely with the business community in Kent.

"We believe that the collaboration with Telabria will not only explore the boundaries of wireless broadband communications, but also contribute to knowledge transfer and provide the students participating in the trials with an insight into real-world career opportunities in this exciting field."