The Future of Connectivity: Altowav’s Mission to Bridge the Digital Divide

In this episode of the IoT Pulse Podcast, Altowav’s President Alex Doorduyn joined hosts Chris and Kirill of EyeOTmonitor to discuss the company's transformative work and how it’s changing the landscape of internet connectivity.
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Guest
Alex Doorduyn
President, Altowav
Alex Doorduyn is a seasoned sales and business development leader in the wireless telecommunications, physical security and smart city industries. Having enjoyed tremendous success in the physical security and smart cities space, As President he is now focused on leading, creating and executing the strategic vision of Altowav to provide gigabit speed wireless connectivity for multiple applications, including helping to bridge the Digital Divide in underserved urban as well as rural areas.
Co-Hosts
Chris & Kirill
EyeOTmonitor
Chris and Kirill are the co-hosts of the IoT Pulse podcast show. Chris has a proven track record in building successful teams and fostering strategic partnerships that push the boundaries of what's possible in tech. Kirill is known for his insightful perspectives and hands-on approach, Kirill has been instrumental in shaping the cybersecurity landscape, making complex security challenges more manageable for businesses across various sectors.
 

The digital divide is more than a buzzword; it’s a harsh reality for millions of Americans, especially in rural and underserved areas. Enter Altowav, a Minneapolis-based wireless engineering company, making waves with its innovative 60 GHz technology. On a recent episode of the IoT Pulse Podcast, Altowav’s President Alex Doorduyn joined hosts Chris Nixon and Kirill to discuss the company’s transformative work and how it’s changing the landscape of internet connectivity.

The Altowav Story

Altowav isn’t a new player in the tech space. Formerly operating under the QuickBit name, the company rebranded earlier this year to reflect its focus on both the Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) and physical security markets. “We’ve been developing wireless solutions for over 12 years,” said Alex. “But this year, we pivoted to target the physical security space and WISPs, offering cutting-edge 60 GHz technology.”

At WISPAPALOOZA 2024, Altowav launched its flagship product under the Altoplex brand. The device is a compact, USA-made 60 GHz radio designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet with minimal interference. According to Alex, it’s likely the smallest and most powerful 60 GHz radio on the market, comparable in size to a smartphone yet capable of delivering up to 3.8 Gbps aggregate bandwidth.

Tackling Connectivity Challenges in Manufactured Home Communities

One of Altowav’s primary focus areas is manufactured home communities, home to over 25 million people in the U.S. These areas often suffer from poor or nonexistent internet because major service providers are unwilling to invest in infrastructure for low-density regions. “These communities are part of the digital divide,” Alex explained. “Our 60 GHz solution provides a cost-effective, high-speed alternative to fiber, enabling residents to access essential services like education, job searching, and healthcare.”

Why 60 GHz?

So what sets Altowav apart? The secret lies in its Qualcomm 802.11 AY chipset and proprietary software stack. Unlike competitors who rely on Meta’s discontinued Terragraph software, Altowav developed its own stack, removing unnecessary features like meshing. This streamlining results in:

  • Smaller form factor: Compact enough to blend seamlessly into any environment.
  • Lower heat generation: Enhanced reliability and longevity.
  • Improved performance: 50% better distance coverage than competitors, making it a viable alternative to fiber.

“60 GHz is immune to interference and extremely secure,” Alex emphasized. “It’s ideal for high-density deployments and offers a robust solution for bridging the digital divide.”

Hybrid Solutions and Federal Funding

With federal grants like BEDE focusing heavily on fiber, Alex discussed the importance of hybrid solutions. “Fiber is great, but it’s expensive and time-consuming to deploy,” he said. “Combining fiber backbones with wireless last-mile solutions like our 60 GHz technology is more practical and cost-effective for underserved communities.”

However, the uncertainty around government funding poses challenges. “The government needs to be more open to alternative technologies,” Alex noted. “Wireless is faster to deploy and significantly reduces costs, making it a better choice for many scenarios.”

Beyond WISPs: Altowav in the Physical Security Space

While WISPs form a significant part of Altowav’s business, the company is making strides in the physical security market. “Security is my background,” Alex said. “Our 60 GHz technology is virtually impossible to hack or jam, offering unparalleled reliability for smart city deployments, surveillance systems, and more.”

Unlike traditional 5 GHz solutions, which are susceptible to interference and hacking, 60 GHz operates on a higher frequency, ensuring stable, secure connections. The technology also boasts ultra-low latency, crucial for high-resolution video feeds in modern surveillance systems.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Altowav?

As 2025 approaches, Altowav plans to expand its reach beyond North America to markets in Central America and Europe. The company is also gearing up to launch new long-range 60 GHz solutions capable of spanning several kilometers.

“We’re committed to innovation,” Alex said. “Our open API gives customers flexibility in managing their networks, and we’re excited to partner with IoT Monitor to deliver seamless network management solutions.”

Final Thoughts

Altowav’s mission to bridge the digital divide goes beyond technology; it’s about empowering communities with reliable, high-speed connectivity. “Connectivity is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity,” Alex concluded. “We’re excited to play a role in bringing that necessity to everyone, everywhere.”

As the demand for better internet access continues to grow, companies like Altowav are leading the charge, proving that innovative wireless solutions can change lives and redefine connectivity standards worldwide.