Basic Exchange Radio-from concept to reality

The authors review the evolutionary process that has moved the Basic Exchange Radio (BEXR) service from a research concept to a reality through the joint efforts of Bellcore and Bellcore Client Companies (BCCs). Attention is given to the concept, technology assessment, economic and market analyses, frequency spectrum issues, system field trials, generic technical criteria, technical analysis of vendors products, engineering guidelines, BEXR standards, and deployment of BEXR services. It is noted that the successful application of the point-to-multipoint wireless digital loop carrier technology to provide telephone services to scattered subscribers in rural areas represents the beginning of a revolution in subscriber loop technologies. Prospects for further applications of the rapidly advancing wireless access technologies in the subscriber loops are also discussed