Touted by some as “the Skype of broadband,” netBlazr is redefining how small businesses access the internet.
netBlazr is building a “broadband network cooperative” of shared infrastructure by installing a “node” – a state-of-the art mini-router and three small radios – in each customer’s window. Those nodes then create short-range, point-to-point radio connections to other nodes and to the neighborhood “head-end,” which delivers 100 Mbps streams into the network.
The co-op uses a freemium model, which Co-Founder and CEO Jim Hanley said continues to grow and improve the network: “Everyone contributes in a cooperative. We’re constantly adding more members, and each new node improves the whole network’s reliability while lowering costs for everyone. Every addition allows us to deliver faster and cheaper broadband through our members’ windows.”
netBlazr was a finalist in MassChallenge 2011 and continues to grow. “We dramatically improved our business model and strategy while at MassChallenge,” said Jim. “It was a great help in connecting us into the startup community and allowing us to refine our story when courting potential investors.”
netBlazr recently raised $325K in venture funding, and is looking to expand to more and more cities. To find a co-op near you and free your broadband, join netBlazer here.
