South Carolina ETV

What is EBS?

ETV is working closely with the state legislature and the Broadband Technology and Communication Study Committee for a potential exciting, new wireless broadband initiative that would utilize ETV's Educational Broadband Service (EBS). Through a public-private partnership, this new service could create a wireless broadband service for our state.

One technology that can make this all possible is WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). Many in the commercial industry believe WiMAX is the next revolution in wireless. Tests show it provides broadband connections over long distances. A typical WiMAX cell has a deployment of 1.5-6 miles compared with Wi-Fi hot spots that are only a few hundred feet

WiMAX is also a cellular-phone type technology that would provide broadband throughout the state of South Carolina. WiMAX will help deliver the kind of digital content and streaming media, aligned with standards, that teachers have told us they value.

The usage does not end there. EBS with the help of WiMAX will also be utilized by homeland security, public safety, healthcare providers, first responders, and economic development professionals.