Lisle firm helps improve wireless networks

If you need Wi-Fi at the Trump Hotel in downtown Chicago, you'll have it.

Or if you're vacationing in Las Vegas, you could tap into wireless coverage.

And it will be provided by Lisle-based ExteNet Systems Inc., which designs, builds and operates networks for outdoor wireless systems.

Its customers have included AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Cricket. So it's work also is in Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and Canada.

"There's been a rapid increase in the amount of use with wireless communications, especially with the iPhone and new apps," said CFO Terry Ray of Wheaton. "And outdoor and indoor systems offer the greatest capacity and coverage."

The company, which was founded in 2002 by President Ross Manire and Executive Vice President Eric Lekacz, ran out of space in Oakbrook Terrace and moved to Lisle to expand its work force and services, said Ray.

The company has a work force of about 63, including 35 in Lisle and a number of independent contractors elsewhere. They intend to increase that by 10 percent to 15 percent by later this year.

ExteNet provides coverage where service providers ordinarily wouldn't get good coverage. So it often uses available telephone poles and other devices to make its network connections outside.

Inside, the company often strives to keep its network out of sight by using available ducts or other equipment.

"It's meant not to be noticeable," Ray said.

Surfing: To clarify information in last week's column, Motorola's Devour is the second Android phone carried by Verizon Wireless, but it's the first with MotoBlur. Verizon also has Droid, which does not have MotoBlur.

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