Boston-based internet technology pioneer Starry and semiconductor solutions leader Marvell have announced a joint initiative, which will power the next generation of internet connectivity and speed by combining Starry’s point-to-multipoint integrated circuit, smart-antenna mechanisms with Marvell’s expertise in 802.11ax chipset technology, democratizing access to upstream 5G innovation. Starry and Marvell’s initiative will roll out a set of groundbreaking fixed wireless technologies and spur the development of a wider 5G technology ecosystem, speeding overall 5G development across the internet industry.

The Starry-Marvell initiative will both incorporate Marvell’s 802.11ax chipsets with Starry’s unique millimeter wave and cloud management software, bringing high-capacity internet to homes, and provide a revolutionary cloud-based Internet and WiFi Network Monitoring Platform with access to a high-quality network and customer management monitoring technology. The result will be upstream internet access that will be faster and easier to manage. Both technologies are expected to be available to consumers beginning in mid-2018.

Today’s marketplace has proven that deployment of low-latency, high-capacity, fixed wireless broadband internet is the most practical application for 5G technology. Nearly 70% of the world’s internet traffic is presently served via WiFi from fixed networks. “When we started Starry, our goal from the beginning was to drive down the cost of deploying broadband, from the cost of equipment to speed of deployment. And we have been successful at achieving both,” said Chet Kanojia, CEO and co-founder of Starry, in a prepared statement.

With cost the primary barrier to entry in today’s internet market, particularly with incumbent monopolies in the space, Starry has create a unique, low-cost, next-generation product that is helping build the access networks of the future with novel technology and by enhancing market competition. Currently deployed across over 240,000 homes in Boston, MA, Starry recently announced beta launches of its’ technology, all of which is developed in-house, in Los Angeles and Washington, DC. “Marvell is pleased to collaborate with Starry, bringing together our deep expertise and investments in 802.11ax with Starry’s innovative millimeter wave technology to enable cost-effective, high-speed broadband services that dramatically reduce service rollout times and last mile costs,” said Mark Montierth, vice president and general manager of the Wireless Connectivity Business Unit at Marvell, in a prepared statement.

Those interested in bringing Starry Internet to their property can contact Starry on their website.