Telsima

About Telsima

Founded in 1999 by Ramesh Kesanupalli, Telsima Corporation operated as a developer and provider of WiMAX-based Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) and mobility solutions. The company, originally known as Kinera, Inc., was established in Sunnyvale, California, and catered to network operators by providing the necessary infrastructure for next-generation broadband wireless networks.

Telsima's business model focused on supplying telecommunications operators with the hardware and software needed to deploy and manage WiMAX networks. This included WiMAX base stations, subscriber stations, and network management software. A significant part of its strategy involved creating systems that addressed the price sensitivity of emerging markets, enabling operators in these regions to build profitable, standards-based WiMAX networks. The company generated revenue through the sale of this equipment and by securing large-scale contracts with Tier-1 operators.

The firm's product portfolio, marketed under the StarMAX brand, included a suite of WiMAX solutions such as base stations, subscriber stations, and management and provisioning software. Telsima developed solutions compatible with both fixed (IEEE 802.16d) and mobile (IEEE 802.16e) WiMAX standards, facilitating a smooth migration path for its clients. The company achieved notable milestones, including securing a major deal with Tata Communications for a large-scale WiMAX rollout in India and demonstrating a 50km broadband connection using its Sub-GHz WiMAX system. After raising approximately $80 million in funding from investors like New Enterprise Associates, CMEA Ventures, and JAFCO Asia, Telsima was acquired by Harris Stratex Networks (now Aviat Networks) for $12 million in March 2009.