A partnership between Scientific-Atlanta (S-A) and Tropos Networks is in the works that will allow the two firms to develop cable-specific equipment to be used in Wi-Fi metro mesh networks. S-A's hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) portfolio and Tropos' MetroMesh Wi-Fi products will be brought together to build strand-mounted, coaxial-powered converters or wireless radios created for cable networks. End users will receive wireless via the mesh network, which will backhaul the data to fiber points of presence that will then have a connection to the Internet. The companies hope to compete with 3G broadband cellular networks by bringing metropolitan wireless connectivity, along with limited wireless mobility, to broadband cable networks. Users are likely to value highly the potential of having home connectivity service available throughout their metropolitan area. The partnership is a validation of Tropos' Wi-Fi mesh strategy in metropolitan areas. In general, Wi-Fi has limits in range and therefore is restricted to in-building networks and smaller hotspots. Wi-Fi on a metropolitan scale would provide a highly viable alternative to cellular for cable's mobile portion. While mobile may be in the future, the current strategy is to wirelessly extend the cable broadband network to subscribers who are already used to connecting their portable devices to Wi-Fi networks in hotspots such as hotels and coffee shops. Another plus is that because Wi-Fi delivers higher bandwidth over 3G broadband, it is unnecessary for subscribers to learn new ways to connect to networks or purchase new equipment.