BellSouth introduced its fixed wireless service for small business customers in New Orleans on Tuesday.

This service offers businesses high-speed Internet access, with downstream speeds up to 1.5Mbps and upstream speeds up to 384 Kbps. With no phone line needed, the system transmits signals between local radio towers and a small non-line-of-sight modem that plugs into a desktop or laptop computer, or a local router.

“As BellSouth works to restore service in New Orleans, we are offering small businesses high-speed Internet access via our wireless broadband service,” said Bill Oliver, president of BellSouth’s Louisiana operations. “This is just another example of our commitment to providing the critical communications that our customers need to get their businesses back in business.”

Small businesses who operate in the service area can sign up for Wireless Broadband Service for $69.95 per month. They can order the service and purchase a modem by calling +1 866-622-1189 or visiting one of BellSouth’s two business service centers, Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m – 6 p.m., at:

• New Orleans business service center, opening Monday, at 902 Poydras Street, New Orleans, La. 70112
• Metairie business service center, open now, in the Clearview Shopping Center on the corner of Clearview and Veterans, 4436 Veterans Boulevard, Metairie, La. 70006

BellSouth also offers wireless broadband service in Athens, Ga., and Palatka, Fla. In those cities, service is available to residential customers. BellSouth did not announce when the service might be available to residential customers in New Orleans.