BigAirs iBurst users given a lifeline courtesy of 3

Ahead of the 18th December planned closure of the iBurst network, the migration of wireless customers from iBurst over to 3’s network has been agreed following a deal between BigAir and 3.

Commander communications currently own the iBurst network, which is currently in receivership. Recent offers made to the receivers by BigAir to buy the iBurst network were rejected and the 18th December was the date given for the networks closure.

An offer of two months free access and a USB modem free will be offered to customers of BigAir iBurst if they agree to sign up to a 24 month contract for $39 per month with a 6GB data download allowance.

Before choosing 3 BigAir said that numerous mobile broadband operators had been approached by BigAir for talks. It said “Combined with the generous download allowance of 6GB per month BigAir believes that this special offer represents one of the best value offerings in the market for its mobile broadband customers.”

When considering compatibility of the iBurst network with other operator 3 was the closest match and although its wireless broadband coverage was the most limited, iBursts coverage was only found in major metro areas so this wasn’t an issue.

Any cost impact from its mobile customer migration over to the 3 network or the closure of the iBurst network was not expected to have any affect on previous EBITDA forecasts in the current financial year because the cost of the iBurst business acquisition had been written down in the previous financial year.

In FY08 the financial performance of BigAir was reported in August to have shown Significant improvements, which were based on a change of direction to using its own business grade fixed WiMaX network to sell fixed services instead of using iBurst and Unwired services.