Local cell phone retailer Ann Arbor Wireless has purchased longtime Ann Arbor-based Internet connection company IC.net to create 20/20 Communications, a full service telecommunications provider.

"This merger was the obvious choice to serve our customers the best"says Mark McCleary, CEO of 20/20 Communications and founder of Ann Arbor Wireless. "We had a traditional company that served this area well with wireless voice and data products and services. With IC.net's expertise, we're now able to design an innovative network to deliver new, cutting-edge communication technology to our customers."

With more than 35 years of combined experience, the marriage of the two innovative companies results in a better, fuller range of products and services for our customers. "We can now serve a broader base" says McCleary, "particularly the rural and untapped communities in the area between Ann Arbor and Jackson, who typically don't have high-speed lines, and have dial-up or satellite products as their only Internet option."

According to Ivars Upatnieks, chief technology officer of 20/20 and founder of IC.Net, the unique infrastructure of 20/20 will allow it to deliver new products directly to customers in a reliable, fast and affordable way. "We're now our own network, and that impacts the quality of our products, with cost-effective bundled solutions that other companies simply can't offer" he says. "By joining forces, we can take Internet and telephone technology to the next level."

The newest product for 20/20 will be Voice Over Internet Protocol, known as VoIP in the Internet world. "There's going to be a real technology shift where we're integrating cell phone technology and Internet connectivity, ultimately providing voice conversations to be carried over the Internet as opposed to traditional phone lines" says Upatnieks.

In addition, 20/20 will introduce WiMax technology to the area, which is similar to WiFi (public access to a wireless Internet network). But, unlike WiFi, WiMax will provide advanced wireless Internet connection on a much larger scale in a broader physical area. "Where WiFi might provide Internet connectivity over a few hundred feet" explains Upatnieks, "WiMax can provide coverage over a 10 mile radius. This technology will be especially useful in unreached rural communities where wired connections would be difficult and costly."

Casting the vision for 20/20 Communications, McCleary notes that the Internet is a platform to build on in delivering voice and data services. "We're in another telecommunications revolution, similar to when wireless cell phones came out in 1985" he says. "At that point, we didn't understand the scope and depth of the wireless industry. We're at a critical point now and are hoping to enjoy a similar renaissance."

The new company, with its combined 50 employees and four retail locations (Ypsilanti, Scio Township, Plymouth and Toledo), will soon open a Jackson store and eventually a downtown Ann Arbor location, which was recently purchased.

As a full service provider, 20/20 Communications specifically offers:

Mobile voice products
(traditional wireless cell phone services)

Mobile data products
(access to send and receive e-mail, transfer computer files, and/or check websites on handheld devices)

Fixed data products
(Internet access in a home or business utilizing state-of-the-art wired technology including VoIP)

Wireless data products
(Internet access in a home or business utilizing advanced wireless methodologies such as, WiFi, and WiMax.

About Ann Arbor Wireless
Ann Arbor Wireless has offered wireless solutions in Washtenaw County and southeast Michigan since 1985, longer than any independent wireless retailer in the county. It offers Verizon Wireless and Sprint, together with Nextel, in providing the most accurate up-to-date solutions beyond voice. In addition, Ann Arbor Wireless has made a commitment to the service and repair aspect of the wireless industry with a comprehensive technical support team who provide repair and installation of various wireless communication needs of its customers.

About IC.net
IC.net is Southeast Michigan's largest full service Internet Service Provider (ISP) based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Formed in 1993, IC.net provides state-of-the-art broadband technology to small and midsize markets throughout Michigan. The ISP also provides DS3, T1, DSL, wireless internet, ISDN, CO-Location, web hosting and consulting services. A decade of experience, solid infrastructure and emphasis on local services provide customers with fast, reliable and cost-effective solutions.