Andrena, a fixed wireless service provider focused on multi-dwelling units, has an interesting business model. The company charges just $25 a month for 100 Mbps service and no customer premises equipment (CPE) is required.
“We wanted to create a system that runs itself,” said Neil Chatterjee, Andrena co-founder and CEO, in an interview with Telecompetitor. “You can acrivate it purely through software. You don’t have to roll a truck.”
Andrena developed the access points that underlie the service and which are shared among residents.
“There is no equipment in the individual unit,” Chatterjee explained. “It’s like another utility.”
If a customer needs wired connectivity, Andrena can mail out a device to convert the wireless signal to a wired one, but according to Chatterjee, “95% just need wireless.”
Building owners like the offering because they can offer connectivity in common areas such as laundry rooms without having to build out their own systems or purchase circuits from a wireline provider.
“We’re building it on our dime,” Chatterjee said.
Depending on the situation in a specific building, 200 Mbps service may be available for $40 a month.
The company also is exploring offering 500 Mbps service.
Andrena operates in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Florida. After raising additional funding earlier this year, the company said it plans to “rapidly expand” to Tennessee, Texas, California, Georgia, Wisconsin, Ohio, and more.
MDUs seem to be a good opportunity for fixed wireless providers. A focus on MDUs fueled Starry’s initial success, and although the company ran into financial difficulties, its fundamental business model may still be viable.
