Adaptix Inc., Bothell-based startup, announced Wednesday that it will sell wireless broadband equipment that can serve areas much larger than existing Wi-Fi systems. The company was formed in 2003 but only announced itself this week after receiving private financing to develop its technology. While high-speed Wi-Fi equipment typically delivers wireless Internet access to users only a few hundred feet away indoors, Adaptix’s WiMax system can cover up to several miles, according to the company.
Broadband now exceeds dial-ups
For the first time, the number of Web users in the United States who are using broadband connections to the Internet has surpassed those using slower dial-up connections. According to Nielsen/NetRatings, 51 percent of the U.S. online population had broadband access as of July, compared with 38 percent a year ago. That means 63 million Web users are now using cable, DSL or other high-speed connections. Those most likely to be using broadband access are under the age of 49, with almost 60 percent of those under 20 years old using broadband.
O’Hare to limit its airline traffic
Federal officials announced an agreement Wednesday to temporarily ease congestion at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, a bottleneck that has created flight delays throughout the nation. The reduced flight traffic is expected to cut delays at O’Hare, the busiest airport in terms of takeoffs and landings, by about 20 percent, and across the rest of the national air network by 5 percent. The order, which takes effect Nov. 1 and continues through the end of April, cuts 37 daily peak-hour arrivals by United Airlines and American Airlines, its two largest carriers. The agreement followed negotiations earlier this month in Washington, D.C., involving 16 airlines and the FAA, which has been trying to ease delays at O’Hare that officials say hamper the nation’s entire air system.
Delta Air Lines plans more cuts
Struggling Delta Air Lines Inc. plans additional job cuts as part of its effort to avoid bankruptcy, chief executive Gerald Grinstein said late Wednesday in a memo to all employees. Grinstein sent the memo after concluding a daylong meeting with Delta’s board to unveil his plan. Atlanta-based Delta has already laid off more than 16,000 employees in the last three years, as it has lost more than $5 billion amid high fuel costs and stiff competition from low-fare carriers. The company and subsidiaries had 70,300 employees as of June 30. The memo does not say how many more jobs will be cut, and a spokeswoman declined to comment.
From Herald staff and news reports
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