WiMaxxed News Archives
It's Make Or Break For WiMAX, Says Analysys
February 13, 2008
This year will be decisive in the development of WiMAX, which experienced major setbacks in 2007, says Analysys, the global advisor in Telecom, IT and media, at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona (11–14 February).
WiMAX (Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access) is a wireless broadband technology based on the IEEE 802.16 family of standards. It was originally designed as a last-mile fixed wireless broadband access technology, but has also became a mobile broadband specification. Theoretically, WiMAX offers longer ranges, increased throughput, QoS and interoperability at relatively low cost.
"WiMAX suffered a major setback when the partnership between US operator Sprint Nextel, one of the technology's strongest advocates, and Clearwire fell apart in November," says Andrew Parkin-White, Principal Analyst at Analysys, and co-author of Mobile Market Perspectives 2008 (A summary of recent research into the evolving mobile market).
"Several WiMAX networks were launched in developing markets in 2007, but most were small in scale and, given the low disposable income in these countries, operators will need to revise their business models if the cost of mobile WiMAX CPE continues to be high."
Research also suggests other technologies may meet the needs of the MNO (Mobile Network Operator) and its customers better than WiMAX.
"LTE looks to be more suitable for developed mobile markets, but success depends on its ability to achieve its targets for network performance at an appropriate price and within the right time-scale," says Parkin-White.
An alternative approach may well threaten conventional thinking on 3G network enhancements: the availability of low-cost fixed broadband, the advent of femtocells (indoor base stations) and the adoption of dedicated broadcasting networks could call into question the need for the envisaged network enhancement strategy.
"Our research, combined with demand and capacity modelling, has shown that an approach that combines these alternatives with HSPA+ may meet the capacity needs of a wide range of operators. If MNOs start to develop a fundamentally different view on their strategy for technology evolution, vendors will have to totally rethink their approach to the market in 2008. Either way, the future for WiMAX does not look healthy," explains Parkin-White.
-credit, WebitPR
Hitachi Com and Alvarion to Cooperate in Developing Mobile WIMAX System
August 08, 2007
Hitachi Com and Alvarion have agreed to develop Broadband Mobile Wireless Access System using Mobile WiMAX technology jointly in Japan and overseas market.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has developed the license policy of 2.5 GHz band. WiMAX is considered as the most likely candidate for Broadband Mobile Wireless Access Systems. To establish WiMAX technology, the base station, which can transmit broadband data stably, and the mobile management technology, which can realize seamless handover between base stations, are needed.
The main goal of this agreement is that Hitachi Com and Alvarion will develop total system solutions, combined with the base station technology of Alvarion, which is globally a leading company in WiMAX and broadband wireless systems, with the mobile gateway technology, construction and maintenance technology of Hitachi Com, which has the rich experience of 3G Mobile Radio Network System.
Hitachi Com is in charge of developing ASN-GW, while Alvarion is in charge of developing high performance macro/micro base stations.
Ultimately Hitachi Com, which has proven itself in the 3G mobile communication market, and Alvarion, hope to realize a new WiMAX system in Japan, that has high quality of career grade signal while still maintaining WiFi systems and deployment.
Sprint Nextel and Clearwire to Partner on the First Nationwide WiMAX Network
July 23, 2007
Sprint Nextel and Clearwire plan to jointly construct the first nationwide mobile broadband network using WiMAX technology, and promote the global development of WiMAX-based services. The planned arrangement, which is set out in a letter of intent, is expected to provide broad benefits to consumers, businesses, educators, the Federal government and public safety users by fostering quicker, broader and more efficient deployment of a mobile WiMAX broadband network than either company could accomplish on its own.
The WiMAX network is being designed to deliver mobile broadband services in urban, suburban and rural markets, and enable significantly greater depth and breadth of services. The arrangement also is expected to enable each company to increase capital efficiency and reduce overall network development and operating costs.
Sprint Nextel and Clearwire expect to build their respective portions of the nationwide network, and enable roaming between the respective territories. The companies also will work jointly on product and service evolution, shared infrastructure, branding, marketing and distribution. Additionally, the companies intend to exchange selected 2.5 GHz spectrum in order to optimize build-out, development and operation of the network.
The arrangement is subject to the execution of definitive agreements, which are expected to be finalized within the next 60 days. It is also subject to review by the Department of Justice, and approval of spectrum license assignments and transfers by the Federal Communications Commission.
Sprint Nextel and Clearwire intend to provide consumers, businesses and distributors across the country with access to the open Internet over a robust wireless broadband network that is being designed to deliver comparable speeds to existing wireline broadband services and offer maximum customer flexibility. Additionally, the Federal government and public safety agencies, which rely heavily on wireless networks during times of crisis, are expected to benefit from the mobility afforded through the WiMAX network to access their Internet-based communications, applications and content.
"This arrangement will result in stronger competition in the rapidly growing market for broadband services, and will provide consumers, national enterprises and other businesses, educators and public safety agencies greater choice and faster access to a revolutionary mobile broadband technology," said Sprint Nextel Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gary Forsee. "It will further our objective of delivering mobile WiMAX service across the country and help fulfill our vision of delivering mobility products and services across all our networks."
"Our joint efforts will result in customers benefiting from a more extensive network, operating sooner and using our respective spectrum more efficiently than either company could have on its own," said Clearwire Chief Executive Officer Ben Wolff. "Our companies share a vision of doing for the Internet what cellular and PCS networks did for voice communications starting more than twenty years ago. Based on this shared vision and the expected benefits to each company and our respective shareholders and customers, it is natural that we would work together," Wolff said.
Under the network build-out plan, Sprint Nextel will focus its efforts primarily on geographic areas covering approximately 185 million people, including 75 percent of the people located in the 50 largest markets, while Clearwire will focus on areas covering approximately 115 million people. Initially, the two companies expect to build out network coverage to approximately 100 million people by the end of 2008, with seamless roaming enabled between the deployed areas.
The arrangement also will provide for the exchange of spectrum between Sprint Nextel and Clearwire to enable each company to build out its portion of the network and to enhance service in its build-out territory, as well as for the exchange of other assets associated with this spectrum. In addition, Clearwire will have the ability to utilize certain Sprint Nextel infrastructure.
Sprint Nextel and Clearwire will market mobile WiMAX services under a common service brand, and Clearwire will offer mobile WiMAX services in Clearwire's territories through Sprint Nextel's retail stores, and through its own distribution channels. Both companies will provide seamless reciprocal roaming service to each others' WiMAX customers, and Sprint Nextel plans to provide dual-mode (CDMA-WiMAX) services nationwide to its customers over both its own and Clearwire's portion of the WiMAX networks.
Sprint Nextel will take the lead in establishing relationships with national distributors and other potential strategic partners, including wholesale or mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) arrangements. Clearwire will have the ability to offer Sprint Nextel's third generation voice and data services as part of a bundle or on a stand-alone basis to Clearwire's customers, which will also allow Clearwire to provide dual-mode services to its customers. The initial term of the arrangement is 20 years, with three 10-year renewal periods.
As previously announced, Sprint Nextel expects to commence the initial stage of its mobile WiMAX network deployments by year-end 2007 and both companies expect to launch commercial service in the first half of 2008. The companies individually are working with a broad range of manufacturers including Intel, Motorola, Samsung, Nokia and others to create an ecosystem of chips, products and software designed to provide mobile WiMAX access.
Mobile WiMAX is a wireless broadband technology that is designed to operate more than five times faster than today's third-generation wireless networks at lower cost. Mobile WiMAX technology is expected to allow users to wirelessly download full-length movies and songs, conduct live video-conferences from remote locations, and perform other interactive multi-media applications anywhere in the coverage area, mobilizing the full power of the open Internet. The technology is expected to be deployed ubiquitously with embedded chipsets in computing, consumer electronic devices and other innovative access devices being developed by a global ecosystem.
Sprint Nextel and Clearwire to Partner to Accelerate and Expand the Deployment of the First Nationwide Mobile Broadband Network Using WiMAX Technology
ABI Research Tracks US Mobile WiMAX Market as it Moves from Uncertain to Vibrant
July 16, 2007
Just a little over a year ago, most people thought the United States would only see deployments of fixed WiMAX in rural areas with no DSL or cable modem service. During the summer of 2006, however, those who did not see the bigger picture got a reality-check. In July, Clearwire made a firm commitment to shift its proprietary network to mobile WiMAX, receiving investments from Intel and Motorola. Shortly afterwards, Sprint Nextel announced its plans to deploy mobile WiMAX to make use of its extensive 2.5 GHz spectrum, becoming the first major mobile operator to commit to WiMAX.
"Today we are watching major strategic alliances, partnerships, and mergers starting to take place," says ABI Research principal analyst Philip Solis. "DirecTV and EchoStar announced a partnership with Clearwire, allowing Clearwire to bundle broadcast video and – when its network is deployed – provide the DBS companies with a fast, low-latency pipe into the home."
Sprint and Clearwire will at least form a roaming arrangement, if not actually merge in some form. NextWave also has a lot of WiMAX-friendly spectrum, and its NextWave Broadband subsidiary will be selling mobile WiMAX chipsets, helping to enable more WiMAX devices faster, thus increasing the value of the spectrum it holds. In addition, there are many wireless ISPs looking to deploy mobile WiMAX. Horizon Wi-Com, for example, holds 2.3 GHz spectrum that it acquired from Verizon across much of the Northeast.
These market trends and more are discussed in a new ABI Research Brief, "Mobile WiMAX in the United States", which provides detailed analysis of these service providers’ past and present efforts, and future directions. It is included in ABI Research’s Mobile Broadband Research Service, which also contains other Research Briefs, full-length Research Reports, Market Data, ABI Insights and analyst inquiry support.
Bridgewater Systems Joins Alvarion's OPEN WiMAX Ecosystem
July 12, 2007
Alvarion Ltd. and Bridgewater Systems announced that Bridgewater has joined Alvarion's OPEN WiMAX ecosystem to provide subscriber-centric policy management solutions for WiMAX deployments. With the signing of a worldwide reseller agreement, Alvarion will offer Bridgewater's proven AAA Service Controller as part of its all-IP 4MotionTM WiMAX solution which provides an end-to-end solution for broadband network operators.
"We are pleased to be part of Alvarion's best-of-breed 4Motion WiMAX solution," said Tyler Nelson, vice president of business development and marketing for Bridgewater Systems. "Bridgewater's participation in Alvarion's OPEN WiMAX ecosystem will allow operators around the world to gain access to an industry-leading AAA solution that meets the requirements for mobile WiMAX, in addition to the functionality and carrier-grade performance required to support 4G services."
Designed as open, standard, and interoperable, OPEN WiMAX is a complete ecosystem that encompasses network equipment, consumer electronics, service offerings, and even the end-users' experience. OPEN WiMAX is the ecosystem of partners behind Alvarion's highly scalable 4Motion solution, which combines BreezeMAXTM and best-of-breed systems to create an operator-centric network solution for WiMAX.
4Motion is designed to enable service providers to offer subscribers fixed and mobile personal broadband services anytime, anywhere. The complete all-IP Mobile WiMAX solution is designed to be compliant with 802.16e-2005 and WiMAX Forum Network Working Group specifications.
Fully interoperable with 4Motion's Access Service Network gateways (ASN-GW), the Bridgewater Systems AAA Service Controller is a proven carrier-grade authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA) solution. It features a powerful policy and profile engine to allow service providers to control and manage access to advanced and differentiated services on a per-subscriber basis. The AAA Service Controller provides extensive support for mobile WiMAX often not available in legacy AAA servers, such as support for multiple EAP methods, dual RADIUS/Diameter protocol support, device and subscriber authentication, as well as mobile IP support.
"Our growing OPEN WiMAX ecosystem now includes Bridgewater's leading subscriber-centric policy management products, which enables us to provide more flexible options in an end-to-end turnkey offering to the mobile WiMAX market," said Rudy Leser, corporate vice president of strategy and marketing for Alvarion. "Together we will provide a compelling value proposition to the growing market for mobile WiMAX solutions, as Alvarion expands its 4Motion solution by continuing to add best-of-breed partners."
Under terms of the agreement, Alvarion gains the right to resell the AAA Service Controller and associated modules for WiMAX on a non-exclusive basis around the world.
WiMAX Forum Announces Brazil Office, Appoints Director
July 05, 2007
The WiMAX Forum, an industry-led non-profit organization comprising more than 460 companies committed to promoting and certifying interoperable WiMAX products, today announced establishment of the WiMAX Forum Brazil Office in conjunction with appointment of the WiMAX Forum Brazil Director.
With the expanding interest in WiMAX technology and deployments in the region, in addition to active interest from WiMAX Forum’s Brazilian member companies, the WiMAX Forum has created a permanent presence in this market with the appointment of Brazil Director, Mr. Luiz C. Moraes Rego, faculty member of the Getulio Vargas Foundation Business School of Sao Paulo (FGV-EAESP).
"I am very excited to represent the WiMAX Forum in this rapidly developing region," said Rego. "WiMAX is a technology that matters for the emerging South American countries' economies. A standards based technology like WiMAX will allow for quick deployment over very broad areas to help bridge the digital divide and provide businesses with more broadband solutions."
Rego will manage all of the WiMAX Forum activities in Brazil, with a particular focus this year on addressing regulatory and member operator engagement. An important driver of new growth is to bring broadband wireless access to thousands of small and medium sized cities presently underserved or not served at all. The presence of a WiMAX Forum office and director in Brazil will help to ensure WiMAX plays a major role in this new growth.
Brazil, in particular, is a potentially significant market for WiMAX technology deployments, as WiMAX technology is already being deployed by service providers including Neovia, Brasil Telecom, Grupo Sinos, TVA and Embratel. In addition many operators, businesses have announced trials and would like to leverage WiMAX technology for broadband connectivity and digital divide.
"Brazilian Telecom Industry after years of fast growth fueled mainly by a new regulatory framework and a huge unsatisfied demand shows signs of deceleration," said Rego. "An important driver of new growth is the potential to boost overall economic activity. WiMAX would have a major role in that."
The WiMAX Forum Brazil Office is the organization's sixth office, with additional offices located in the United States, China, India, Taiwan, and Japan.
Announcement of WiMAX Forum Japan Office
June 21, 2007
The WiMAX Forum, an industry-led non-profit organization comprising more than 460 companies committed to promoting and certifying interoperable WiMAX products, today announced establishment of the WiMAX Forum Japan Office in conjunction with appointment of Japan Director and Vice Directors by the WiMAX Forum.
Japan plays a key role in mobile communication technologies and services and is also expected to lead next-generation mobile broadband services. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has completed the regulatory work for the 2.5 GHz broadband wireless access and also announced the draft license policy on May 15.
Given this regulatory situation and the high demands from the Japanese member companies of the WiMAX Forum, the WiMAX Forum decided to establish the Japan Office and also appointed its director and vice directors for managing all of the WiMAX Forum activities in Japan, particularly for addressing regulatory and marketing challenges.
"I will act as local representative for the WiMAX Forum to help make mobile broadband a reality in Japan by working with equipment vendors and operators to develop interoperable telecommunication services," said Dr. Tadao Saito, WiMAX Forum Japan Director.
The WiMAX Forum Japan Office is the fourth office of the WiMAX Forum after its offices in US, China and India.
WiMAX Forum Designates First North American Based Certification Lab
June 19, 2007
The WiMAX Forum announced the first, North America-based certification test lab today during the opening address at the WiMAX Forum Member Conference in Madrid. Established and operated by the WiMAX Forum’s lead certification testing partner, AT4 wireless, Inc., the lab will be located in Virginia and is due to open this October. The North America-based lab becomes one of five test labs for WiMAX Forum Certified products worldwide.
"Establishing a WiMAX Forum designated test facility in North America is very important strategically because the WiMAX Forum and key Telecommunications Industry Forums are located in the U.S.," said Luis Fernando Martinez, General Director of AT4 wireless. "We plan to quickly open a lab in the United States to support global certification testing for both Fixed and Mobile WiMAX devices."
The lab will initially be staffed by up to 25 - 30 employees and will conduct WiMAX Forum certification testing and radiated performance testing (RPT). AT4 wireless has the responsibility to develop and replicate the certification test beds to match other test beds globally so that interoperability for all WiMAX Forum Certified devices is assured. WiMAX Forum members in the Americas may submit devices for certification at the Virginia facility in October.
"A U.S.-based lab is important to help meet the needs of member companies as the demand for mobile certification testing increases in the U.S. market," said Ron Resnick, president of the WiMAX Forum. "We have great confidence in AT4 wireless and know they will deliver the essential task of ensuring WiMAX Forum Certified products are interoperable and ready for commercial deployment."
In the future, the North America lab may provide capabilities to support the convergence of emerging wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi with WiMAX and Bluetooth with WiMAX.
The WiMAX Forum plans to have five certification test labs located in the U.S., Europe, China, Korea and Taiwan by end of 2007.
Clearwire Completes Acquisition of AT&T Mobile WiMAX Spectrum
May 31, 2007
Clearwire Corporation today announced the completion of its acquisition of all the 2.5 GHz wireless broadband spectrum previously owned or controlled by AT&T Inc. and the former BellSouth.
With this acquisition and assuming closing of other pending spectrum purchases, Clearwire’s U.S. spectrum holdings increased to approximately 14.0 billion MHz-POPs, covering an estimated 223 million people with varying depths of spectrum. In addition, Clearwire holds approximately 8.7 billion MHz-POPs of spectrum in Europe, covering approximately 199 million people. Clearwire holds one of the world’s largest portfolios of next-generation wireless broadband spectrum in the frequency bands identified by the mobile WiMAX standard.
Wavesat Announces Availability of World's First 5.8 GHz WiMAX Mini-PCI Design
May 30, 2007
Wavesat, a leading designer of WiMAX 802.16d-2004 & .16e-2005 solutions announced today the immediate availability of its 5.8 GHz Mini-PCI reference design. Wavesat's 5.8 GHz Mini-PCI design is optimized to allow equipment manufacturers worldwide to rapidly bring WiMAX equipment to market.
The reference design in the form of an extended length Mini-PCI card facilitates system designs by providing a plug-and-play complete solution for the lower layer air interface and time critical low-level MAC functionality. It allows equipment manufacturers to tailor the motherboard providing the higher layer application processor and peripherals according to their specific needs, hence providing greater flexibility and reducing development efforts.
The 5.8 GHz Mini-PCI design is a development platform supporting ODMs efforts to design WiMAX-compliant wireless devices for the 5.8 GHz unlicensed band using Wavesat's Evolutive WiMAX™ DM256 chip. Based on the WiMAX Forum profile, the 5.8 GHz Mini-PCI design greatly simplifies the overall WiMAX CPE design, enabling customers to bring WiMAX solutions to market faster and more cost-efficiently, while allowing for flexibility to address further changes driven by the WiMAX emerging market dynamics, application diversity and customer profiles.
"Wavesat's WiMAX Mini-PCI reference designs offer OEMs and ODMs the unique opportunity to quickly develop a low BOM subscriber unit with minimum NRE investment and risk by using existing broadband CPE platforms," commented Vijay Dube, VP Marketing and Business Development for Wavesat. "Because 5.8 GHz is an unlicensed frequency band, it can be rapidly deployed by Wireless Internet Service Providers (WiSPs) around the world and especially in North America, where it is the only WiMAX Forum profile currently deployable."
picoChip first with WiMAX Wave 2 and MIMO basestation reference design
May 29, 2007
picoChip announced today the next version of its industry-standard WiMAX basestation reference design, with a software upgrade to support Mobile WiMAX Wave 2 and MIMO. The new PC8532 WiMAX platform has its first public display at WiMAX World Europe this week (Booth Number 204). It is the only basestation reference design to support WiMAX Wave 2 and IO-MIMO, and scales from access point (femtocell) to sophisticated multi-sector carrier macrocells. The PC8532 is used for WiMAX certification and has already demonstrated the widest range of interoperability with third-party terminals.
"The ability to upgrade our WiMAX basestations by software is fundamental to our strategic market advantage", said Paul Senior, VP Marketing of Airspan Networks and WiMAX Forum Board member. "picoChip's programmable PHY has been demonstrated to support IOT between systems running WiMAX Forum CertifiedTM 16d, 16e SISO, and 16e Wave 2 MIMO, all from a common hardware platform. This capability allows our customers to deploy WiMAX services today, confident in their ability to migrate to the latest features and performance enhancements as WiMAX evolves."
The PC8532 supports Wave 2 and IO-MIMO in both uplink and downlink. Wave 2 is the latest version of the WiMAX standard, adding increased support for mobility, while MIMO (Multi Input Multi Output) increases data-rate and reliability by simultaneously sending and receiving data by multiple antennas. The 2x2 MIMO system used in WiMAX significantly reduces CAPEX and OPEX for carriers, by increasing coverage and data-rate compared to other wireless technologies or to non-MIMO WiMAX. As a result, Wave 2 delivers maximum download and upload transmission speeds of 40Mbps and 12Mbps respectively.
"It is a testimony to the quality and maturity of our reference designs that so many customers and partners are already using them, including AT4 as the 'golden modem'. The addition of Wave 2 and MIMO as seamless upgrades will help our partners launch products faster and we are proud to be leading the way," said Guillaume d'Eyssautier, CEO and President at picoChip. "Certification and interoperability are absolutely critical to the success of communications technology; picoChip is highly committed to this process and delighted with the success we have demonstrated."
The WiMAX Forum has defined 2nd phase specifications of Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e) to ensure compatibility among systems and terminals by different vendors. picoChip is a leading participant at such events, which included the recent WiMAX Forum Third Public Mobile WiMAX PlugFest for Interoperability.
picoChip's proven WiMAX PHY is accepted as a de facto industry standard through the number of manufacturers using it and through partnership with AT4 (formerly known as CETECOM). AT4 is the WiMAX Forum's approved testing authority for the certification of WiMAX products and uses the picoChip WiMAX reference design as the core in its protocol conformance tester.
Nortel, Toshiba To Develop WiMAX Base Stations For Japan
May 22, 2007
Nortel and Toshiba Corporation announced an agreement for the joint development of mobile WiMAX base stations for Japanese and global markets. The base stations will be based on Nortel's broadband wireless technology and Toshiba's amplifier and miniaturization technology.
The new WiMAX base stations will offer low power consumption and will feature miniaturized equipment. The base stations' radio module will be developed by Toshiba, drawing on its strengths in miniaturization and high-efficiency amplifier technologies. Nortel will develop the digital module for the base stations. Nortel has extensive WiMAX R&D capabilities and expertise in OFDM and MIMO technologies that support high-speed wireless broadband communications. Building on these respective strengths, Nortel and Toshiba will develop a range of small, power efficient and cost effective WiMAX base stations.
"The initial focus will be on the joint development of WiMAX products, with Toshiba engineers contributing experience and expertise in radio technologies to Nortel's WiMAX solution," said Shunichi Kimura, corporate vice president, and president and CEO of Toshiba's Social Infrastructure Systems Company, the division driving this initiative. "In addition to Japan, there are many countries around the world that would benefit from the implementation of WiMAX technology and this cooperative effort will make a significant contribution to bringing WiMAX solutions to these markets quickly and cost effectively."
"Japan is an important market for us and this agreement with Toshiba is positioning Nortel to play a further role in helping Japanese and global service providers deliver high-speed mobile broadband services," said Peter MacKinnon, general manager, Nortel WiMAX and Wireless Mesh, and chairman, LG-Nortel. "It also offers a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate how two technology powerhouses can pool innovation to develop new WiMAX products that simplify business in this era of hyperconnectivity - where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected."
"This agreement marks a significant milestone for Nortel and Toshiba," said Nick Vreugdenhil, president, Japan, Nortel. "As Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications works to standardize ultra-broadband wireless technologies for the domestic market, we will be ready to respond to the needs of the Japanese market - and extend the benefits of this joint development alliance to other markets around the globe."
In Japan, Nortel and Toshiba jointly participated in the government's next-generation wireless trial using WiMAX solutions, and successfully completed the trial service provision in the Tohoku region of northern Japan during December 2006 to March 2007.
Nortel has been involved in development of OFDM/MIMO for more than eight years. Nortel is conducting WiMAX trials and completing network deployments around the world, notably with Chunghwa Telecom and the National Taiwan University in Taiwan, Austar in Australia, Quad-Cities Online and MSV in the United States, Wind Telecom in the Dominican Republic, Craig Wireless in Greece, Golden Telecom in Russia, Telefonica Moviles in Mexico and TVA in Brazil, as well as with Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Toshiba has experience and expertise in wireless transmission areas, such as wireless base stations, booster amps for base stations, ROF (Radio Over Fiber) and gap fillers, mainly in the Japanese market.
Maravedis and BWA Launch Industry's First Commercial WiMAX Deployment Database
May 17, 2007
Maravedis (www.maravedis-bwa.com) released WiMAXCounts (www.wimaxcounts.com), the industry’s first online database and service dedicated to tracking and analyzing WiMAX deployments worldwide. Developed from ground-up and comprised of key information on applications, service offerings, ARPU, pricing, target markets, subscribers and deployments worldwide, WiMAXCounts is a unique source of comprehensive information for the entire WiMAX ecosystem.
"As an emerging technology, the WiMAX industry lacked a bottom-up tool to track vital network deployment data," said Adlane Fellah, president and CEO of Maravedis Inc. "We have collected hard data directly from service providers worldwide to deliver an unbiased toolkit that enables operators and manufacturers to trail the key variables affecting the evolution of WiMAX adoption and network deployments."
WiMAXCounts is essential for both the service provider and equipment vendor communities. While service providers are acting in isolation from one another and have little access to the best practices in the industry, equipment manufacturers are eager to gain a clearer understanding of the market size and trends for R&D, strategic marketing and competitive purposes.
"Such detailed and neutral information is not easy to find in the WiMAX industry," said Eric Hamilton, CTO for Unwired Australia. "WiMAXCounts greatly enhances market knowledge among WiMAX service providers and helps us understand the current best practices in the market, network roll out and market entry strategies".
A dedicated team is permanently working on populating and updating WiMAXCounts to guarantee the WiMAX ecosystem with the most current information available. WiMAXCounts now covers more than 100 WiMAX operators in 36 countries and expect to add another 150 profiles across 34 additional countries by Q1-2008. It offers fundamental benchmarks to better evaluate the ongoing business practices, deployments and market conditions. A flexible reporting tool has been implemented to provide the information needed by decision makers and with unprecedented levels of granularity.
Maravedis complements its database with a quarterly newsletter that provides an executive summary analysis of recent service provider deployments and industry trends (investment, content, marketing programs, to name a few). WiMAXCounts is another indicator of Maravedis’ leadership that directly responds to market needs.
WiMAXCounts is a web-based service providing easy access to the latest WiMAX network deployment trends. It includes various dynamic tools to facilitate subscriber uses. With over 350 unique reports and graphics covering key variables, users can customize their research and export data into Microsoft Excel for easy manipulation and analysis. A Wikipedia-style feedback feature enables Maravedis to capture and execute improvements rapidly in response to user requirements.
Alvarion Partners with NDS and MobiTV to Demo Mobile Wimax TV
March 27, 2007
Alvarion announced that it is showcasing 4MotionTM mobile WiMAX high resolution TV in cooperation with NDS, the leading provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV, and MobiTV, the leader of mobile and broadband television and music services. By deploying this type of OPENTM WiMAX solution, mobile WiMAX operators can generate additional revenues and profits under a variety of business models.
4Motion is designed to fully integrate NDS’s digital rights management (DRM) and conditional access (CA) solutions, with MobiTV's end-to-end mobile WiMAX television services, to enable broadcast of live channels video on demand (VoD), interactive TV, and other value added video applications.
"Our companies are cooperating in order to demonstrate mobile TV over WiMAX anytime, anywhere and on any device," said Joseph Deutsch, VP Product Marketing, NDS. "Alvarion's 4Motion solution, together with our core VideoGuard CA and DRM solution, supports the full range of video services, giving carriers the assurance that only paying subscribers gain access to content while offering various business models to consumers and increasing average revenues per user (ARPU)."
"Combining Alvarion’s 4Motion solution with MobiTV’s mobile WiMAX client and content delivery system means that high quality video services can be made available to users at all times," said Kay Johansson, CTO of MobiTV.
Leveraging BreezeMAXTM, 4Motion is designed to enable service providers to offer Personal Broadband or fixed, portable, and mobile WiMAX services anytime, anywhere. Designed to be compliant with 802.16e-2005 and WiMAX Forum Network Working Group specifications, 4Motion is the basis of Alvarion’s OPEN WiMAX ecosystem with its best of breed network optimization and smooth and simple integration of third party applications and services. 4Motion is expected to be commercially released later in 2007.
The three companies are showcasing their joint mobile WiMAX TV solution at the CTIA show, booth #4969, being held this week.
WiMAX World Europe Conference 2007
Vienna, Austria
May 29-31, 2007.
The WiMAX World Conference and Expo series are the world's largest events showcasing next generation mobile broadband and WiMAX technology solutions. Now in it's fourth year, WiMAX World takes place on three continents and offers unrivaled business development, branding, sales, educational and networking opportunities.
Visit conference site: Europe Wimax World 2007.
Solectek and WNI Global Sign $10.7 Million Dollar WiMAX Agreement
March 24, 2007
Solectek Corporation, a leading manufacturer of long-range wireless broadband equipment, announced that it has signed an agreement with WNI Global, an international provider of broadband wireless solutions, whereby Solectek will deliver approximately US$10 million of its WiMAX base stations and consumer premise equipment.
"We are delighted and honored to work with WNI Global on their roll-out of WiMAX," said Dr. Eric Lee, President & CEO of Solectek. "WNI Global has a strong presence in key emerging markets such as Brazil, Mexico and the Middle East. In addition, they have the necessary expertise in broadband wireless to not only deliver a turn-key solution to carriers, but they also have highly trained technical staff capable of deploying any type of point-to-point and point-to-multipoint application, from WiMAX-based to mesh and WiFi systems for municipalities."
Jim Bletas, President and CEO of WNI Global, said, "After meeting with Solectek's engineering and marketing team it became clearly evident that the company has developed a market winning, value-oriented solution that is ideal for the markets we are focused on. What impresses me most is their platform’s ease of scalability and that it is a turn-key solution, complete with an EMS control system. This presents a simple, affordable solution for our customers that is easy to initially deploy yet also provides the ability to grow as their business expands. We are excited to work with Solectek to deploy their technology, initially in the 3.5GHz licensed frequency band."
Solectek's multipoint fixed broadband wireless access (FBWA) products are based on high-power radios and patented adaptive-polling software, which allow very high data throughput, flexibility, scalability and security. The SkyWay-MAX base station offers carriers a low-cost entry solution for each new market and the ability to grow capability as business expands.
Verso and Navini Form Strategic Alliance to Bring Voice to WiMAX
March 22, 2007
Verso Technologies, a global provider of next generation network solutions, and Navini Networks, a leader in providing portable, plug-n-play broadband wireless access solutions, announce today that a reciprocal partnership has been secured to globally market Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions to the Mobile WiMAX sector by introducing Class 5 telephony features to WiMAX networks. The alliance will provide both companies with mutual visibility and access to emerging VoIP over WiMAX opportunities in their respective niches.
WiMAX is a standards-based technology enabling the delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL. WiMAX is defined as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access by the WiMAX Forum, which was formed in 2001 to promote conformance and interoperability of the IEEE 802.16 standard, officially known as WirelessMAN. In areas without pre-existing physical cable or telephone networks, WiMAX is a viable alternative for broadband access. Prior to WiMAX, many operators had to rely on proprietary fixed wireless technologies for broadband services.
The Navini and Verso alliance will bring the Verso MetroNet VoIP Overlay solution (an open standards, cost-effective next generation softswitch platform) to WiMAX access infrastructure enabled by Navini.
The VoIP solution integrates and packages a standard set of features and capabilities which includes the Verso Clarent® endpoint (Class 5) and tandem (Class 4) switching technologies as well as other core switching capabilities and voice services. The vertically integrated softswitch offering is designed to enable an end user’s access to Voice over Broadband (VoBB) applications such as prepaid, voicemail and hosted PBX.
The combined solution was recently rolled out by joint customer, Direct on PC Ltd (DOPC), the leading ISP in West Africa, on their pre-mobile WiMAX network. DOPC is deploying in the 2.3 GHz band in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. The services will include customized Internet and intranet access for Banking, Corporate, Oil and Gas, Educational and Government sectors throughout the region. In addition, DOPC plans to offer Internet solutions for the Home and Small Medium Enterprise (SME) segments. DOPC expects to have over 15,000 users in 2007 and as they migrate to 802.16e Mobile WiMAX, they expect to radically change the broadband services and mobile telephony environment. The DOPC network and the VoIP offering will seamlessly migrate to standards compliant Mobile WiMAX via software upgrades to the Navini RipwaveMX platform.
"The Verso-Navini VoIP relationship is ideally suited for the emerging West African market, and we believe it has the potential to change the broadband and mobile landscape in the region. We expect to have the ability to substantially increase our subscriber base and to bring an unprecedented variety of services to the region using Verso and Navini next generation technologies," said Munish Sharma, managing director, DOPC.
Beceem WiMAX Chipset Selected by SANYO
March 21, 2007
Beceem Communications, a leading provider of chipsets for Mobile WiMAX technology, announced that SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. has chosen Beceem's BCS200 chipset as the foundation for its entry into the mobile WiMAX (802.16e) handset market. SANYO will use the BCS200 chipset and systems software in the development of a dual-mode CDMA/WiMAX mobile phone with wave 2 functionality.
"We are very pleased to be working with SANYO, a recognized leader in the CDMA handset market in both the United States and Japan," said David M. Patterson, Vice President of marketing at Beceem. "Our BCS200 solution is ideally suited for the CDMA/WiMAX dual-mode handset being developed by SANYO."
"SANYO has chosen Beceem because of its continued leadership in mobile WiMAX," said Tetsuhiro Maeda, Vice President of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. and Personal Mobile Group Telecom Company. "We believe that the BCS200 is a vital component in our ability to develop CDMA/802.16e handsets that deliver the features and performance that operators and consumers expect in a SANYO handset."
Beceem Communications BCS200 mobile WiMAX solution includes the BCSB200 baseband processor, BCSR200 direct conversion radio and modem software. Leveraging extensive field test experience in its wave 2 software, the BCS200 is ideal for meeting the unique requirements of mobile WiMAX handsets, which includes a small footprint and low power consumption.
Verso Launches Several WiMAX Technology Initiatives
March 19, 2007
Verso Technologies, Inc., a global provider of next generation network solutions, announced today several strategic initiatives designed to introduce Verso and its VoIP platform into the WiMAX technology arena.
Verso Technologies offers WiMAX network manufacturers the ability to bring to market an end-to-end voice solution by overlaying Verso’s voice and value-added applications, specifically the VoIP MetroNet Overlay, to a WiMAX network. In addition with this solution, Verso offers incumbents and mobile operators a cost effective VoIP platform that can ride over any access medium including WiMAX technology. Our solution allows carriers to introduce VoIP in order to reduce OpEx and increase ROI.
Specifically, as part of its WiMAX strategy, Verso has joined the WiMAX Forum, an international, industry-led, not-for-profit corporation of more than 420 industry members. The Forum was formed to promote and certify the conformance and interoperability of broadband wireless products using IEEE 802.16. The Forum works to promote global WiMAX deployments and to make WiMAX the platform of choice for broadband wireless. As members of the WiMAX Forum, Verso will participate in the Networking Working Group and the Marketing Networking Group, in alliance with several other telecom leaders, to promote the platform.
"Verso brings a strong value proposition to the sector. By partnering with Verso, WiMAX technology vendors as well as traditional operators can deploy revenue enabling VoIP networks and services specifically for voice over WiMAX," said Monty Bannerman, chief executive officer, Verso Technologies. "Verso has long been a pioneer in the VoIP space, and as the WiMAX market grows and pressure for revenue applications grows, Verso's portfolio of VoIP solutions will meet the needs of this new marketplace."
Altech and Samsung sign WiMAX deal
February 24, 2007
Altech and Samsung Electronics have agreed to co-operate for trial service of Mobile WiMAX broadband network in South Africa.
Following the successful test license application to ICASA, Altech and Samsung will install the Mobile WiMAX network in Gauteng, South Africa.
Altech is a leading South African multi-billion rand high-technology group involved in the design, development, convergence, manufacture, installation and distribution of telecommunications equipment, multimedia systems, IT solutions, electronic components, cellular telephony and industrial electronic products while Samsung is a leader and innovator of mobile technology.
According to the contract, Samsung will provide Altech with Mobile WiMAX infrastructure equipment along with various types of devices in the second half of this year. After the success of initial trial service, Altech will decide the mass deployment of Mobile WiMAX service in South Africa, said an official spokesman.
"Korea is one of the world's most advanced countries in developing and deploying wireless broadband networks. Samsung in particular has experience without peer in the deployment of these leading edge wireless technologies," said CEO of Altech Craig Venter.
"We chose them as our partner not only for their expertise, but because we believe that there is no other global technology player who can point to the depth of experience in the delivery of consumer IP services over wireless infrastructure."
The network service will be focused on the wireless delivery of triple play services, including video streaming, Internet access and Voice over IP. In addition, these services will be delivered to both next generation handsets as well as other devices such as laptop computers.
"As a frontier of Mobile WiMAX technology, we are very thrilled to work with Altech for deployment of Mobile WiMAX service in South Africa. I am pretty confident that Mobile WiMAX will bring the real benefit of the advanced telecommunication technology to South African people," said vice-president of Samsung Electronics Hyojong Lee.
Catalonian Gov. Plans to Test Mobile WiMAX
February 14, 2007
Alvarion Ltd. today announced that the Catalonian government is using its BreezeMAX system to extend advanced broadband services throughout the state. Building on its prior WiMAX deployments, the 3GSM host successes to ensure that all citizens of Catalonia receive equal broadband services, and some of them receive it using wireless access infrastructure. This project will be carried out by the Center for Information and Communication Technologies (CTTI), which has joined the WiMAX ForumTM.
Previously local operator Iberbanda—awarded its first broadband contract by the Catalonia government in 2004—had used Alvarion's BreezeMAX system to bring broadband to the Catalonian lands of Tarragona and Lleida. And with that project exceeding all expectations, Iberbanda is now extending broadband services to both rural and suburban areas in the two additional Catalonian lands – Girona and Barcelona country areas.
"The Catalonian government is a highly satisfied WiMAX user and believes in promoting the WiMAX advantage," said Jordi Bosch, Secretary for Telecommunications and Information Society. "Alvarion, the WiMAX worldwide proven leader, has earned the government’s trust during these two years of intensive commercial deployment throughout the region. We are adopting Alvarion's OPEN WiMAX, Best of Breed strategy, since we believe in this operator-centric approach, and now look forward to test Mobile WiMAX solutions."
"Iberbanda is completely committed to the deployment of this new access network bringing broadband services to a large number of Catalonia citizens, who were unable to receive these kind of services until now," said Luis Miguel García, CEO of Iberbanda.
BreezeMAX is Alvarion's award-winning, WiMAX Certified platform designed from the ground up according to the IEEE 802.16 standards and uses OFDM technology for advanced non-line-of-sight (NLOS) functionality. Its carrier-class design supports broadband speeds and QoS to enable carriers to offer triple play broadband services to thousands of subscribers in a single base station. Interested parties can view showcases and demonstrations of Alvarion's OPEN WiMAX strategy in Hall 2, Booth 225C at the 3GSM show being held in Barcelona, Spain on February 12-15.
"Once again we are taking a leading role in helping to bring broadband to Catalonia, a region already benefiting from WiMAX services provided by our BreezeMAX system," said Tzvika Friedman president and CEO of Alvarion. "We value the government's confidence in WiMAX and look forward to continued cooperation in Catalonia and with Iberbanda overall as we begin to promote our OPEN WiMAX solutions worldwide."
Samsung Demonstrates the Newest Mobile WiMAX Technology
February 13, 2007
Samsung Electronics demonstrated its newest Mobile WiMAX technology, 'Mobile WiMAX WAVE 2' at 3GSM World Congress 2007, Barcelona, Spain. 'Mobile WiMAX Wave 2' which supports Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) and Smart Antenna is a next generation mobile telecommunications technology created by the combination of Mobile WiMAX and 4G technology. It can realize 40 Mbps download and 12 Mbps upload transmission speeds in maximum.
The demonstration in Samsung booth, Samsung Electronics used 'Wave 2' systems and terminals to successfully demonstrate high-speed transmission of data at 34 Mbps for downloading and 8 Mbps for uploading. At this download speed allows the users to download MP3 music files (3 MB) in 0.7 second and a movie (700 MB) in 2 minutes and 45seconds.
In addition to the demonstration, Samsung also introduced its in-house-developed core chip for 'Wave 2', attracting interest from the global telecommunications industry including mobile telecommunications operators. 'Mobile WiMAX Wave 2' is to be deployed by Sprint and other operators by late this year.
Geesung Choi, President and CEO of Samsung's Telecommunications Network business said, "We will continue to develop innovative technologies such as Mobile WiMAX Wave 2 and will accelerate the commercialization of Mobile WiMAX in global market."
Samsung Electronics is now pursuing Mobile WiMAX businesses with 35 operators in 23 countries globally. The company has already concluded commercialization contracts or is implementing pilot service with nine operators in seven countries including the US, Europe, and South America.
Nortel Achieves Industry's First Multi-Vendor Live WiMAX Call
February 13, 2007
Kyocera Wireless and Runcom have achieved what is believed to be the industry's first multi-vendor, live MIMO call using innovative WiMAX antenna technology. This technology is expected to deliver mobile services three to five times faster and at a much lower cost than today's 3G networks. The groundbreaking call, which included both voice and streaming video, demonstrated the commercial viability of MIMO-powered WiMAX for networks and end-user devices.
MIMO-powered WiMAX will allow service providers to meet the high bandwidth demands of today's mobile society without being prohibited by huge costs. This advancement has the potential to offer consumers fully mobile access to entertainment and communication tools that traditionally have been restricted to the home or office. For example, true mobility could be extended to workers for secure access and unprecedented bandwidth wherever they go; video gamers could enjoy their favorite interactive games in real-time; and children could pass the time on long drives watching their favorite shows via streaming video.
"This solidifies Nortel's position as a leader in OFDM-MIMO which is the underlying technology of WiMAX and the basis for all 4G solutions" said Peter MacKinnon, GM of WiMAX, Nortel. "To ensure an ecosystem of MIMO-powered WiMAX, Nortel has brought together its leadership in 4G Mobile Broadband technologies with Kyocera Wireless' expertise in consumer devices and Runcom's pioneering developments in chipset technologies."
"In order to be successful in the market, mobile video must be affordable for consumers," said Monica Paolini, Senza Fili Consulting. "WiMAX, with its infrastructure, high capacity, and the proven ability to support mobility, is an excellent technology choice for operators looking to drive the costs out of mobile services while still offering the most competitive broadband speed performance."
"As the world's first handset manufacturer to demonstrate a MIMO-powered WiMAX device, Kyocera Wireless is in a leadership position to enable future products with the bandwidth-intensive features - like television and broadband Internet - that many consumers will demand," said Dave Carey, vice president of strategic planning, Kyocera Wireless Corp. "Kyocera Wireless has a long track record of innovation in the wireless industry and we're gratified to be working with Nortel and Runcom on yet another step forward in wireless technology."
"Leading edge WiMAX technology will allow mobile customers to enjoy enhanced communication services without sacrificing the flexibility and dependability that they have come to expect from their devices and networks," said Dr Zion Hadad, CEO, Runcom. "We expect this collaboration will provide the end to end MIMO solutions that can transform the wireless industry."
The call took place at Nortel's Advanced Technology Lab in Ottawa over live air using 2.5 Ghz commercial spectrums. The technology used was a prototype PCMCIA card from Kyocera Wireless powered by Runcom's MIMO chipset, and Nortel's WiMAX Base Station 5020. This is believed to be the industry's first multi-vendor, end-to-end WiMAX MIMO wireless broadband solution where all components are MIMO based. Nortel signed a working agreement with Kyocera Wireless in December to bring to market MIMO-based PCMCIA cards and other devices. Based on market demand, commercial products could be available later this year. In addition, Nortel will demonstrate the MIMO-powered WiMAX solution at its booth (#145 in Hall 8) at 3GSM World Congress taking place Feb. 12-15 in Barcelona.
Nortel's Mobile WiMAX solution is built on a foundation of MIMO, a combination of innovative transmission and antenna technologies that maximizes spectrum to deliver the lightning-fast speeds and high bandwidth essential to high-quality mobile video and TV. The power and performance of Nortel's solution provides substantial savings to operators because WiMAX delivers high-speed, broadband fixed and mobile services wirelessly to large areas with minimal infrastructure.
Study: Differentiation Key To Mobile WiMAX Success
February 13, 2007
Mobile WiMAX carriers will have to differentiate their services from cellular services if they are to survive, and even then, they will face many technical, cost, and competitive challenges in the United States, a study by In-Stat concludes.
However successful Mobile WiMAX (Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access) carriers turn out to be, they will create downward price pressure on incumbent cellular carriers, In-State noted.
"When WiMAX competes with cellular, cellular operators will be forced to decrease their prices for wireless data services over cellular," said In-Stat's study. "Even if WiMAX fails after that point, it is unlikely that cellular carriers will ever again be able to charge the amount they currently do for wireless data services."
Mobile WiMAX , based on the Internet Protocol, promises to accelerate wireless-data speeds well beyond what's offered by current 3G cellular networks and deliver basic voice service. Voice service will be based on the technology's Voice-over-Mobile WiMAX spec, a VoIP technology that In-Stat says isn't likely to be used much before 2009 in the United States.
Because WiMAX carriers will offer voice and data services like cellular carriers, they'll have to "differentiate WiMAX from cellular data and offer each for a different purpose," the study said. One way would be to promote WiMAX for wireless internet access from laptop PCs and PDAs, while cellular data will be used for cellular handsets.
However they position their service, startup Mobile WiMAX providers "will need to undercut a cellular service provider's price for service if they are to have any chance of succeeding," the study said. Such price cuts, however, "will make it more difficult for that WiMAX provider to pay back his network," In-Stat noted. "In addition, if the cellular operators in the area start to see significant movement to WiMAX, they will reduce their service prices to compete."
Cellular carriers that build Mobile WiMAX networks, such as Sprint, will likely succeed by using the cellular network for data and voice and WiMAX for data-only service targeted to PDA and laptop users. In fact, it is Intel's intent to incorporate WiMAX in laptop chips, In-Stat said. The differentiated dual-network strategy "gives the [cellular] company more flexibility because it can deploy WiMAX when it likes, and it can shift its wireless data load between
WiMAX and cellular however it pleases."
Mobile WiMAX faces many other challenges, including competition by well-established cellular carriers whose networks will likely be more reliable than startup Mobile WiMAX networks. Other challenges include the lack of a
single worldwide WiMAX standard or frequency band that would drive down end-user device costs through economies of scale, said analyst Allen Nogee. The WiMAX standard, he explained, is an umbrella that covers several "profiles," each of which has a unique channel width, frequency band, and sometimes different duplexing forms to fit into various countries' existing spectrum allocations, In-Stat explained.
Current 3G cellular devices cost under $250, and some are starting to drop below $100, In-State noted. At these levels, "WiMAX devices will have a difficult time competing on price, and it's unlikely that the number of WiMAX devices produced will reach just this year's cellular 3G numbers for many years to come," Nogee said.
As for infrastructure, when backup power and similar additions such as backhaul are taken into account, WiMAX base stations are roughly equal in price to smaller cellular base stations, he said.
WiMAX's key advantage over cellular is 20 percent to 30 percent greater spectrum-efficiency than current cellular technologies. Down the road, however, CDMA2000 1X EV-DO Rev. C technology will greatly accelerate cellular data speeds "and allow cellular to directly compete with WiMAX."
Cable & Wireless International Selects Alvarion Systems for Wimax Services
February 13, 2007
Cable & Wireless International (CWI) and Alvarion, the world's leading provider of WiMAX and wireless broadband solutions, announced the signing of a global frame agreement in which CWI has selected Alvarion's BreezeMAX system for fixed and mobile (802.16e) deployments. Alvarion's award-winning BreezeMAX is the most deployed WiMAX system in the world with over 300 installations in more than 100 countries.
CWI has already deployed the first network in Antigua offering service beginning in December 2006. The WiMAX network deployment provides broadband to business and residence customers, using the BreezeMAX Pro and BreezeMAX Si customer premises equipment.
"Alvarion's WiMAX strategy enables us to optimize all aspects of our WiMAX network deployments using the best systems from multiple companies. This further enhances the WiMAX ecosystem while deepening the business partnership between our companies," said Frank Mount, CWI Chief Technology Officer. "Alvarion's high capacity deployed network supports voice and broadband and is capable of meeting the mobility required by our customers, meeting a significant differentiator for CWI."
BreezeMAX, Alvarion's mature and field proven WiMAX platform, has been deployed in over 300 networks over the past 2.5 years. It is a complete offering, addressing all deployment types – fixed, nomadic and mobile – in rural, suburban and urban environments.
"We are proud to be selected by an innovative and international operator as CWI," said Tzvika Friedman, CEO of Alvarion. "Working together on advanced solutions and services will further assist Alvarion as market leaders. OPEN WiMAX combines our market-leading BreezeMAX system with complementary network systems from best of breed partners to serve as the future global standard for delivering Personal Broadband services over WiMAX."
First Ever WiMAX-LTE 4G IPR Report
February 12, 2007
Maravedis Inc. (www.maravedis.bwa.com) today strengthened its reputation as telecom's most innovative market research and analyst firm with the launch of the first ever report on WiMAX/LTE 4G Intellectual Property Rights(IPR), an exhaustive analysis of real-world IPR and patent data complemented by a comprehensive worldwide patent Database.
"We can't underestimate the impact of IPR on WiMAX/LTE 4G Technology. By the end of the decade, we expect that up to $300 million will have been spent annually on IPR for WiMAX alone" said Robert Syputa, Senior Analyst at Maravedis and author of the report. "The most successful companies focus R&D where they can benefit the most and leverage IPR. Unfortunately, many companies become so technology centric that they fail to align R&D with commercial success" Continued Syputa.
The WiMAX/LTE 4G IPR Policy & Market Report provides service providers with a powerful foresight on their upcoming IPR expenses, and helps manufacturer to truly position their IPR in the global patent scheme in order to direct their R&D and patent strategy. It also equips Investors and financial analysts with the right tools to gain insight on upcoming trends in the industry, identify potential investment, provide a solid foundation to build a strong marketing plan and understand how IPR and market trends may pressure new IPO's.
Maravedis invested many months gathering information, interviewing key industry players, and competently analyzing raw patents and IPR data to provide Stakeholders with a true effective, factual, detailed and forward looking set of data and analysis tools. "3GPP and other emerging technologies had databases and analysis enabling the industry to understand the potential of the technology, but no such tool was available for WiMAX/4G before. Through the expected market size, coupled with the rapid changes happening with the major players, there was a clear need to look ahead at the impact IPR and patent issues will have on the industry". said Adlane Fellah, President of Maravedis.
The report covers IPR policies, regulations, climate, forecasts, to name and few, and reveals several important IPR trends that indicate the role major players could have in the emerging WiMAX/4G markets.
Key Findings from the Author:
- Recent IPR trends, consolidation among smaller players and entrance of incumbent suppliers indicates further acquisitions by the larger players, such as Intel, Qualcomm, Samsung and Motorola, who will play a significant role in determining overall IPR costs in the WiMAX/LTE 4G market
- Qualcomm's position in 802.16e is limited but presents a stronger position for technology advances that will impact 4G.
- Samsung own the broadest field of OFDMA and related technologies used in WiMAX and LTE 4G.
- Wi-Lan, an IPR corporate licensor, has early agreements for WiMAX and related IPR licenses with Redline Communications, Cisco and Nokia, which sets benchmarks for commercial precedents of IPR agreements.
Maravedis expects that IPR disputes for WiMAX/4G will be less onerous than experienced in cellular due to the processes and policies developed, as well as the maturity and cross-discipline diversity of technologies comprised in emerging systems.
Redline and Wavesat Advance with Proven Vendor Interoperability
February 12, 2007
Redline Communications Inc., a leading provider of standards-based WiMAX and broadband wireless infrastructure products, and Wavesat, a leading supplier of WiMAX chipsets, software and reference designs, today announced the companies have completed independent interoperability testing between Redline's WiMAX Forum Certified RedMAX base station and Wavesat’s WiMAX Forum Certified Evolutive CPE design. The independent testing confirms the availability of a wide range of fixed and portable WiMAX end-user devices, including PCMCIA cards, USB devices, desktop and outdoor units to support a wide range of applications such as Voice and Video over IP for carrier networks.
The independent testing also confirms Redline as a WiMAX base station vendor for devices based upon Wavesat's certified 802.16-2004 CPE design. Redline and Wavesat will display their WiMAX products at the 3GSM 2007 event in Barcelona from February 12 to 15, 2007, booth 2.1 C58.
"The WiMAX Forum Certified solutions now available are enabling carriers around the world to establish broadband wireless networks today that deliver the services subscribers want and build a profitable business model for operators," said Monica Paolini, Senza-Fili Consulting. "Vendor interoperability will be a key driver in the continued growth of the WiMAX market, providing more choice and ultimately lower cost devices for both operators and their customers. The increased number of fixed WiMAX products now available gives carriers the ability to deliver more advanced services and generate a rapid return on their WiMAX network investments."
"The successful completion of interoperability testing with Wavesat represents Redline's latest milestone in the advancement of our RedMAX products," said Kevin Suitor, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, Redline Communications Inc. "We continue to experience strong demand for our fixed WiMAX products, particularly from incumbent and competitive carriers in high-growth markets. We are focused on advancing our current technologies to provide additional benefits to our customers and we expect to remain among the leaders in the development of WiMAX technologies based on emerging standards."
"We are extremely proud to welcome Redline to our growing list of base station vendors who have successfully completed interop testing," says Frank Draper, VP Strategic Development for Wavesat. "We see an increasing number of WiMAX CPEs based on our WiMAX Forum Certified Mini-PCI design. As a market leader, we will continue to focus on enhancing our current product portfolio to bring additional cost reduction, easy upgradeability and design flexibility to our unique architecture".
Wavesat Announces Product Strategy for 802.16e Mobile WiMAX
February 12, 2007
Wavesat's leadership in the WiMAX space is further strengthened with the announcement of its IEEE 802.16e Mobile WiMAX strategy, centered around its UMobile family of WiMAX chipsets supporting all features of Mobile WiMAX Wave 2 profiles in a cost effective, flexible and highly programmable architecture.
The first chipset in the UMobile family, codenamed Panther, features a highly cost efficient and ultra low power consuming SOC, supporting the IEEE 802.16e-2005 standards for WiMAX mobile networks. Wavesat Panther chipset implements all MAC and PHY features required for Wave 2 WiMAX certification in a single chip, and includes advanced MIMO and beam forming technologies.
Panther's unique advantages include:
- Very high performance and fully programmable PHY & MAC solution, including smart antenna features such as MIMO 2x2.
- Lowest cost solution and footprint in the industry with on-chip DRAM in a 9x9mm package (no external memory required), allowing very easy integration into small form-factor applications such as wireless dongles, consumer appliances and mobile handsets.
- Very low power consumption at 150 mW in receive mode by using ultra low power DSP technology and enhanced power saving modes
- Highly programmable architecture supporting multimode operation including ODFMA / OFDM / and legacy 802.11a & g.
"Wavesat maintains its leadership in WiMAX chipsets and solutions with the announcement of its UMobile product strategy for 802.16e WiMAX," said Michel Guay, President and CEO, Wavesat. "Our deep understanding of the WiMAX marketing and customer's needs has translated into a unique and cost-effective architecture, offering a mix of flexibility and performance allowing our customers to very easily integrate our UMobile chipsets into their WiMAX solutions".
Adlane Fellah, CEO and Founder of Maravedis commented "We predict that there will be an accumulated 87 million broadband Wireless Access subscribers (excluding cellular) by the end of 2012, 67 million of which will be WiMAX subscribers. WiMAX will represent 90% of subscribers who are added in 2012, of whom 75% will be using 802.16-2005 technology. WiMAX chipsets will start to be embedded into laptops in the beginning of 2008, into handheld devices in the beginning of 2009, and into consumer electronics in the beginning of 2010. In this context, Wavesat who has been a pioneer in the development of WIMAX SOCs is well positioned to tap into this future competitive WIMAX mobile market."
Wavesat is conducting detailed IOT testing with prototype Panther units, and commercial samples will be available in Q4/07. Wavesat will be exhibiting at 3GSM, February 12-15, 2007 in Barcelona booth 2.1 C58.
UHT to build the first commercial WiMAX network in the Ukraine
February 08, 2007
Alvarion announced that telecommunications provider Ukrainian High Technologies Ltd. (UHT) is using its BreezeMAX 3500 to build the first commercial WiMAX network in the Ukraine. Building on successful deployments in Kiev and Kharkov, UHT plans to use its exclusive IEEE 802.16 license in 3.5 GHz spectrum to extend its WiMAX network starting with Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Odessa, and Lviv. Alvarion local partner S&T Soft-Tronik, being a leading systems integrator in Ukraine, has performed system delivery, network deployment and will provide ongoing support.
"BreezeMAX gives us many technological and economic advantages in bringing WiMAX services to the Ukraine," said Yuriy Chuikov, General Director of Ukrainian High Technologies. "Our successful launch of WiMAX networks in Kiev and Kharkov--with their demanding business and private subscribers--demonstrates the viability of using the BreezeMAX 3500 to serve densely populated urban areas. Alvarion is our WiMAX partner in fulfilling our commitment to provide broadband services to the general population of the Ukraine."
"We are pleased to be working with two world leaders--UHT and Alvarionin deploying advanced networks delivering WiMAX services," said Yuri Lisetsky, General Director of S&T Soft-Tronik. "Our relationship with Alvarion is for the long term, and we welcome the opportunity to help bring broadband to all parts of the Ukraine. Being a leading system integrator in Ukraine we pay special attention to complex and innovative projects. They are both an opportunity and challenge that only a few companies in our market can take. This project has been of this kind and we are pleased with its current development."
"The Ukraine is an expansive country with a large population, and Ukrainian High Technologies is an innovative challenger that sees the vast potential of using WiMAX to make broadband widely available there," commented Tzvika Friedman, president and CEO of Alvarion. "This is another example of BreezeMAX being the industry benchmark by bringing WiMAX services quickly and cost-effectively to new areas of the world. With our initial deployment successes, we look forward to strengthening our relationship with UHT as they deploy BreezeMAX throughout the Ukraine."
ClearSpectrum BWA/WiMAX Licensing Database Receives WiSOA Endorsement
February 06, 2007
Maravedis Inc., the leading broadband wireless market research and analyst firm, today announced that its ClearSpectrum licensing database has received official endorsement by the WiMAX Spectrum Owners Alliance (WiSOA).
This is the first time WiSOA has given its official seal of approval to a research report such as ClearSpectrum. "WiSOA is pleased to provide its endorsement for the ClearSpectrum database," said Patrick Cruise O'Brien, WiSOA's secretary general. “Clear, concise and complete information is not easy to find in the WiMAX industry. We feel that a reliable and organized database such as ClearSpectrum will greatly enhance market knowledge among regulatory authorities, service providers and equipment vendors around the world."
"The members of WiSOA appreciate how such information can positively impact the understanding of WiMAX spectrum and regulation situation," said Adlane Fellah, President and Founder of Maravedis Inc. "We are truly honored to receive this prestigious endorsement, which we feel confirms the value of ClearSpectrum for our customers."
An enhanced database online provides significant time savings.
Maravedis also announced the official launch of the enhanced ClearSpectrum online BWA/WiMAX licensing database. Customers will now be offered the possibility to tailor their research by customizing the information by country, frequency and alphabetical sorting. The Online version also features a user-friendly search engine supporting various research fields, including country, frequency and license holder. Moreover, the user will now be able to create its own customized reports, use the Print Friendly option or even export data to Excel for manipulations
"Providing our customers with the most comprehensive and up-to-date research and analysis is an ongoing objective of Maravedis," said Fellah. "The new online and interactive features we've added to ClearSpectrum will enable our customers to always have access to the latest information, how they want it, when they want it and where they want it."
Proxim Wireless Pioneers the Convergence of Wi-Fi Mesh and WiMAX
February 05, 2007
Proxim Wireless Corporation, a global pioneer of end-to-end solutions in Wi-Fi mesh, WiMAX, WLAN, and wireless backhaul and wholly owned subsidiary of Terabeam, Inc. , announced MeshMAX, a new multi-radio product line that incorporates WiMAX, Wi-Fi mesh, and Wi-Fi access. Proxim MeshMAXTM products are available in both the unlicensed and licensed frequency bands. Proxim Wireless is the first company to enable the convergence of Wi-Fi mesh, WiMAX, and Wi-Fi access in a single integrated device. MeshMAX provides significant benefits to service providers, municipalities, and customers planning to deploy Wi-Fi mesh and WiMAX. MeshMAX enables a new deployment architecture that increases the capacity of mesh networks, simplifies their deployment, and provides outdoor mobility for the 300 million-plus Wi-Fi clients.
"Proxim's MeshMAX is the right product line at the right time," said Daryl Schoolar, Senior Analyst, In-Stat. "The convergence of WiMAX and mesh is a natural evolution in broadband wireless, as it maximizes the strengths of both technologies. Proxim Wireless is well-positioned to deliver this integrated product family because of the company's long history of providing enterprise-class wireless networking products and point-to-multipoint distribution systems."
Proxim MeshMAX products are currently being evaluated by service providers in a number of countries including Chunghwa Telecom, one of the largest telecommunications operators in Taiwan. Commenting on the new MeshMAX product line, Dr. K.S. Huang, Chunghwa Telecom Labs, said, "Proxim's MeshMAX successfully integrates WiMAX and Wi-Fi mesh in the same unit. The advantage of this integration is that it guarantees Quality of Service for optimal voice and video, which can allow us to quickly and cost effectively bring Internet connectivity and applications to rural areas."
Explosive Growth in WiMax Patent Activity Promises Surge in Industry
February 03, 2007
Mountain View, CA, PRWeb - A new report from WTRS finds dramatic growth surge in WiMax patent activity. Completing intensive study of almost 500 WiMax related patents, WTRS now predicts phenomenal increase in WiMax industry, but IP litigation activities will affect market leaders.
WTRS announces 2007 edition of its unique WiMax Patent Directory. This Report demonstrates the enormous growth in innovative WiMax activity; last year's Directory covered about 50 new patents and this year's new Report studies over 475!
The Report offers analysis of current and pending WiMAX-related patent litigation, and analysis of IP and Patents with registered IEEE Letters of Assurance.
Patents are tracked for mobile and fixed WiMAX and related technologies such as WiBRO. Both US and worldwide patents are evaluated by company with a focus on fundamental network architecture, enabling software, and RF chipsets. Detail is extensive and the 500 page Report is both comprehensive and accessible, organized with an easy-to-use interface; patents to claims are hyperlinked within the document.
"The Wireless Triple Play industry will be dominated by WiMax in both fixed and mobile forms," according to Principal Analyst Kirsten West. "We are starting to see examples of WiMax used to solve actual business pain and that is the prerequisite for broad adoption in the Wireless Triple Play market."
In the past this Report has been purchased by OEM's, but also by a diverse Group, including a law firm and even a University Department. A previous version was even purchased by another Market Research firm! This is a unique publication, without a comparable offering from any other firm, but also is a tool allowing purchasers to identify those individuals making significant contributions to the WiMax universe.
Using only publicly available information, meticulously gathered from public patent sources, company information, and other research this report is truly an invaluable resource for any company participating in the WiMAX sector, or planning a potential entry into this market.
Kyocera Wireless and Runcom Announce Collaboration
January 27, 2007
Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading global supplier of CDMA wireless devices and accessories, and Runcom Technologies, the pioneer in OFDMA enabling technologies for Mobile WiMax, disclosed today a development agreement aimed at leveraging Kyocera's expertise in wireless device development and Runcom’s leading chipset technologies. The companies are working closely to develop exciting new consumer electronic devices employing the latest in broadband Mobile WiMAX technology.
WiMax delivers high-speed broadband fixed and mobile services wirelessly to large areas using considerably less infrastructure than previous wireless protocols. When paired with new MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) technology, it can deliver mobile services three to five times faster than today's third-generation (3G) standards at a lower cost. A growing number of wireless service providers around the world are planning to use WiMax's multimedia capabilities to complement existing cellular networks and service offerings.
"Mobile WiMax devices and their diverse capabilities will change the landscape of wireless services available to consumers, truly offering a 'quadruple play' of cable television, broadband Internet, home telephone and mobile telephone functionality," said Dave Carey, vice president of strategic planning for Kyocera Wireless Corp. "Users will enjoy an unprecedented combination of productivity, connectivity and entertainment that’s as mobile as they are. Kyocera is determined to be at the leading edge of this evolution and we are pleased to be working with Runcom, a company that clearly shares this vision."
Kyocera and Runcom worked closely over the last several months in the early development of multiple classes of Mobile WiMAX terminals, such as PC cards, customer-premises equipment (CPEs), residential gateways and others. At the heart of these devices, the companies anticipate incorporating Runcom's RNA 200 Mobile WiMAX baseband ASIC with MIMO capability.
"Runcom is proud to offer the world’s first MIMO-powered WiMax chipset and we are confident it will lead the wireless industry into true 4G services," said Israel Koffman, vice president of marketing at Runcom Technologies.
Nexcom First to Market to Offer WiMAX in Bulgaria
January 26, 2007
Nexcom Bulgaria (www.nexcom.bg), a leading telecommunications operator with more than 8 years of experience in Bulgaria, has announced today that it has launched the 1st commercial WiMAX network in Bulgaria and the Balkans. The network spans 10 cities and is based on the fixed 802.16 standard using the BreezeMAX™ suite from Alvarion – a WiMAX Forum founding member and worldwide leader in WiMAX deployments.
"The good news is that WiMAX is not just a promise for high-speed wireless voice, data and video transfer. WiMAX is already a reality in Bulgaria," said Emil Nikolov, CEO of Nexcom Bulgaria. "We are proud not only to be the first company to offer WiMAX service in Bulgaria, but to be a pioneer in market liberalization, providing the first real alternative to the incumbent operator. We are excited with the huge potential of WiMAX and we plan to quickly expand in more than 30 cities in 2007 covering 85% of the Bulgarian population."
Nexcom’s WiMAX network supports a myriad of applications and services, ranging from voice and high-speed data – both for residential and business customers, to leased line replacement and VPN for corporate users. Currently the company will provide fixed wireless solutions, progressively upgrading in 2007-2008 to nomadic and mobile services.
Sprint Nextel and Nokia in WiMAX Pact
January 05, 2007
Sprint Nextel today announced that Nokia has been named a key infrastructure and consumer electronic device provider for its 4G WiMAX next generation mobility network. Nokia joins Intel, Samsung and Motorola in creating the advanced network infrastructure and access devices which will be designed to allow consumers, businesses and governments to experience high bandwidth mobile Internet connectivity at access speeds significantly higher than today's wireless networks beginning late 2007.
Sprint Nextel last August announced the selection of WiMAX (IEEE802.16e-2005) technology for a next generation wireless network which would utilize the company’s extensive 2.5GHz spectrum assets, and formation of a unique business ecosystem designed to spur widespread adoption of WiMAX devices and services. This combination creates a time-to-market advantage for implementing the first large scale mobile WiMAX network expected to cover at least 100 million people by year-end 2008.
"Sprint Nextel is forming a world class ecosystem around mobile WiMAX technology to deliver unprecedented mobile broadband services to customers," said Barry West, Sprint Nextel president, 4G Mobile Broadband. "A company of Nokia’s global stature fortifies the foundation of Sprint’s mobility vision and will help make Sprint's WiMAX multimedia services pervasive and indispensable for customers."
The strategic relationship with Nokia involves network infrastructure, mobile device and market development commitments. Under the agreement Nokia will:
- Be a major supplier to Sprint for WiMAX network infrastructure, including the market-leading Nokia Flexi WiMAX base transceiver stations which bring significant site and operating cost savings.
- Develop and market WiMAX-enabled mobile devices in significant volumes, including multimedia computers and Internet tablets.
- Jointly develop mobility services and applications to improve the customer experience
-Conduct co-marketing efforts to drive market development and support global adoption to help establish worldwide roaming.
"Nokia shares Sprint Nextel's mobile broadband vision and is proud to join its industry-leading WiMAX ecosystem," said Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, President and CEO, Nokia Corp.
"WiMAX is an ideal technology for open Internet models in all major global markets. With Sprint's leadership, the next generation network will offer innovative mobile broadband services, connecting people with content and technology in new and exciting ways."
Sprint Nextel is expecting to invest up to $800 million in 2007 and between $1.5 billion and $2 billion in 2008 relating to the 4G WiMAX mobile broadband network. Sprint Nextel’s goal is to have a broad range of mobile WiMAX-enabled chipsets and modules and an array of portable data, multimedia and consumer electronics devices available from multiple vendors which work seamlessly among Sprint's network offerings. As a result, customers will experience an interactive mobile data network that is designed to offer faster speeds, lower cost, greater convenience and enhanced multimedia content.
NDS Partners With MobiTV To Demonstrate First Mobile WiMAX TV Service
January 03, 2007
DS, the leading provider of technology solutions for digital pay-TV, announced today that it has partnered with MobiTV to demonstrate the first-ever secure delivery of Mobile WiMAX TV to Ultra Mobile PCs. The integration of NDS VideoGuard with the MobiTV® service enables Mobile WiMAX operators to offer premium mobile television over a two-way IEEE 802.16e network while maintaining content rights and protecting service revenues. The new technology will be demonstrated at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show.
The solution integrates the NDS VideoGuard DRM and Conditional Access (CA) Server with MobiTV’s backend system to support the encryption of content and management of subscribers. On the client side, the two companies have integrated the NDS VideoGuard DRM and CA client into MobiTV’s mobile TV client which runs on an Ultra Mobile PC. An Ultra Mobile PC is a new category of mobile devices optimized for specific usage such as Internet-to-go, Entertainment-to-go, and Education-to-go, while providing full PC capability and versatility.
The MobiTV client connects to the video sent over the WiMAX network and displays it only after verifying subscriber rights for the service. This type of integration enables operators to protect the revenues generated from the MobiTV service, ensuring that only paying subscribers can gain access to the available channels.
The integration of the MobiTV service with NDS VideoGuard demonstrates an end-to-end pay-TV platform for WiMAX service providers. The service includes an efficient delivery mechanism for video, an electronic service guide (ESG) with channel and program information, and a TV client application. The integrated DRM offering allows operators to enforce content rights and to apply various business models to the content that is being delivered, including subscription, pay-per-view, pay-per-time, and others, appealing to different subscriber profiles.
“MobiTV offers the leading platform for delivery of TV to mobile devices and PCs. Our demonstration at CES shows how Mobile WiMAX operators can generate revenues from mobile video by supporting multiple business models and protecting their content at the same time,” said Joseph Deutsch, Vice President of Product Marketing for NDS.
Kay Johansson, CTO for MobiTV remarked: “Video and television delivery will obviously be one of the key applications for Mobile WiMAX, and a well thought out, mobile television solution providing multicast and unicast streaming is crucial for WiMAX operators trying to maximize ARPU. By integrating our solution with a key DRM player like NDS, we are showcasing how such an offering works and could be implemented with ease.”
FINTEL Covers Fiji Islands With WiMAX Using Alvarion's BreezeMAX
December 26, 2006
Alvarion announced that Fiji International Communications Limited (FINTEL), the country's international telecommunications provider, has selected BreezeMAX to offer WiMAX data services to the businesses and residents of the Fiji islands. Working with Paclink, a leading South Pacific systems integrator, FINTEL will start by offering services in the capital city of Suva, later expanding to more of the 330 islands in the south Pacific archipelago.
"We are pleased to be able to bring the '4G' services of WiMAX to the Fiji Islands," said Mr. Jone Wesele, Commercial & Business Development Manager of FINTEL. "As a complement to our existing fiber and satellite networks, BreezeMAX has proven to be ideal for our island terrain. It's a robust, ruggedized system with exceptionally high performance for our non-line-of-sight environment and meets the demanding bandwidth and service requirements of our busy tourist industry."
BreezeMAX is Alvarion's WiMAX Certified platform designed from the ground up according to the IEEE 802.16 standards and uses OFDM technology for advanced non-line-of-sight (NLOS) functionality.
"Bringing WiMAX to the Fiji Islands is very exciting, and we are thrilled to plan and deploy such a significant addition to FINTEL's network capabilities," said Philip Martyn of Paclink. "We look forward to growing our relationship with Alvarion to offer more network solutions to FINTEL and other carriers in our region."
BreezeMAX carrier-class design supports broadband speeds and quality of service (QoS) to enable carriers to offer triple play broadband services to thousands of subscribers in a single base station. Since its launch in mid-2004, BreezeMAX has been successfully deployed in over 200 installations in more than 80 countries around the world.
"As [WiMAX] deployments in Asia Pacific increase..." said Tzvika Friedman, "WiMAX services will give the Fiji tourist industry a substantial boost with the corresponding economic benefits."
WiMax IPOs on the Horizon
December 25, 2006
By Olga Kharif - Business Week Online
On Dec. 18 and 19, two wireless upstarts -- NextWave and Clearwire -- filed to go public with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Based on their S-1 forms, both companies hope to make their fortunes on WiMax, a broadband-wireless technology expected to start making significant inroads in the telecom market next year.
Market researcher Gartner (NYSE: IT) Dataquest expects the North American WiMax services market to swell from 30,000 connections in 2006 to 21.2 million by 2011.
What's the appeal of WiMax? The wireless technology could provide consumers with a new source of high-speed broadband services, threatening to displace digital subscriber lines (DSL), cable modems, and today's slower cellular and WiFi services.
For WiMax operators, product suppliers, and software vendors, the technology represents a huge opportunity to shake up the telecom market -- one that Clearwire and NextWave are hoping investors will be quick to appreciate.
Strong Investor Appetite
Will investors snap up Clearwire and NextWave's offerings? The answer could differ by company, even though, at first glance, the two outfits appear to be very similar: Both are swimming in operating losses and both hope eventually to make their money, at least in part, from building out WiMax networks.
The two companies also expect to go public in early 2007, capitalizing on a revival of the tech initial public offering market -- the strongest it's been since 2000, says IPO expert Tom Taulli. On Sept. 21, wireless broadband gear maker Riverbed Technology (Nasdaq: RVBD) priced above its expected range, and the company's shares have rallied 210 percent since, to US$30.19, indicating strong investor appetite for wireless broadband-related stocks.
Yet Clearwire's shares might receive a different reception, and attract very different investors, than NextWave.
One reason: Clearwire has A-list investors: chipmaker Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) and cell phone manufacturer Motorola (NYSE: MOT) . It also has legendary telecom executive Craig McCaw at the helm.
"There's a natural comfort that comes with the fact that Intel and Motorola are interested, and McCaw runs it," says Michael Mahoney, managing director at EGM Capital hedge funds in San Francisco. Years ago, McCaw cobbled together the first nationwide cellular empire in the U.S., which he sold to old AT&T (NYSE: T) for $11.5 billion in 1994.
Spectrum Speculators?
How much Clearwire could raise in an IPO is yet unclear. Some estimates suggest the figure could be around $400 million.
Clearwire, which originally planned to go public earlier this year but withdrew its application due to adverse IPO market conditions, already has 188,000 subscribers, up from 1,000 users in 2004. Its network is deployed in 34 markets in the U.S. and in certain locales abroad. It also has $1.25 billion in cash, equivalents, and short-term investments, according to documents filed with the SEC. Clearwire officials did not respond to requests for an interview.
NextWave is famed in its own right, but for different reasons.
...
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Alvarion Introduces a New Converged Wimax Wi-Fi Solution
December 07, 2006
Alvarion Ltd. introduced two new converged solutions combining Wi-Fi functionality with both WiMAX and pre-WiMAX products. The BreezeMAX WI2 and BreezeACCESS WI2 enable carriers to capture additional revenues, while moving toward advanced Personal Broadband services, providing a powerful cost-effective, converged network that combines high performance Wi-Fi portability for IEEE 802.11b/g devices with WiMAX quality-of-service (QoS).
Each WI2 solution consists of an outdoor Wi-Fi access point with integrated power module capable of connecting to various commercial power sources, either a BreezeMAX or BreezeACCESS VL unit for backhaul and network management software.
As a fully ruggedized, all-outdoor Wi-Fi access point solution for hot zone applications, service providers now deploying WiMAX networks can extend their BreezeMAX networks in 2.3, 2.5 or 3.X GHz and BreezeACCESS VL networks in 5 GHz with Wi-Fi hot spot coverage. The result is full support in a single broadband network for both WiMAX users and subscribers using standard Wi-Fi devices such as laptops, PDAs, smart-phones, and portable gaming devices.
"Wi-Fi supported by WiMAX QoS answers the many demands of both public and private sector including public broadband access, traffic management, video surveillance, connecting city offices, homeland security, as well as growing number of Personal Broadband applications," said Rudy Leser, Alvarion's corporate vice president of strategy and marketing. "And with both WI2 products, existing broadband wireless operators can now leverage their current infrastructure to capture consumer and business/government segments for bandwidth-intensive applications in a mobile environment. This gives them an early market advantage towards mobile broadband services and the offering of Personal Broadband."
Intel Demonstrates Its First Mobile Wimax Baseband Chip
December 05, 2006
In the next step toward integrated WiMAX/Wi-Fi Technology for future laptops and mobile devices, Intel Corporation announced design completion of its first mobile WiMAX baseband chip. Combined with the company’s previously announced single-chip, multi-band WiMAX/Wi-Fi radio, the pair creates a complete chipset called the Intel WiMAX Connection 2300. This development marks another major step in Intel’s efforts to deliver an “always best connected” mobile Internet experience for future laptops and mobile devices.
The Intel WiMAX Connection 2300 chipset design was demonstrated during Executive Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Sean Maloney’s keynote at the 3G World Congress and Mobility Marketplace in Hong Kong.
Maloney showed an Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology-based laptop with mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e-2005), Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11n), and high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) 3G capabilities successfully accessing the Internet at broadband speeds over a mobile WiMAX network. The demonstration illustrates the high-speed and quality of service capability of WiMAX for handling content-rich applications that can be extremely responsive without interference from other wireless technologies residing on the same system.
"Intel continues to drive innovation in mobile broadband access by eliminating the seams that prevent ubiquitous wireless connectivity," said Maloney. "The Intel WiMAX Connection 2300 will help speed the deployment of mobile WiMAX, and accelerate the availability of a new wave of “personal broadband" laptops and mobile devices that deliver the real Internet."
With the initial Intel WiMAX Connection 2300 chipset design now complete, Intel plans to focus on validating and testing the product, with plans to sample both card and module forms beginning in late 2007.
Wimax via Motorola sets soon
November 28, 2006
Wimax is the next hot thing in the Indian telecom market. After rolling out the first Made-in-India mobile,
Motorola plans to cash in on the demand for wireless broadband (high speed Internet) in the country. The world's second largest maker of mobiles is in discussions with telecom operators to provide network and equipment for offering Wimax (high-speed Internet access over a wireless connection).
The annual broadband wireless equipment market
opportunity in India is pegged at around $4.5 billion by '12 and Motorolavis keen to bite into this pie. "Motorola will design networks and provide customer premises equipment (CPEs) and handhelds. Our end-to-end solutions will be deployed by operators beginning next October," Mr Amit Sharma, vice-president, strategy and business development, Motorola Asia Pacific said.
India is targeting 30 million broadband (high speed Internet)
users by 2010 while the current base is just 2 million. The most difficult part of providing broadband access is last mile, the final leg of delivering connectivity from a communications provider to a customer, as it requires
fanning out of wires and cable.
Wimax is an easy solution as it doesn't require a direct line of sight between the source and endpoint. With a service range of 50 km, Wimax supports peak data rates of 23 Mbps. Samsung and Alcatel are other vendors eyeing the Indian wireless broadband market.
Mr Sharma said Motorola is undertaking pilots for Wimax in
some areas. "It's much easier to deploy Wimax access points and power requirements are also less (compared to wireline networks). We don't think this is a replacement for mobiles. Wimax will be used for data
applications while cellular networks will continue to be used for voice services," said Mr Sharma.
Existing service providers can
overlay their cellular networks with Wimax while new entrants can use Wimax for
greenfield installations of broadband networks.
Motorola Wimax handhelds will be a PDA-like device, with high computing powers for data access. While CPEs and handhelds will be imported to begin with, manufacturing is likely to be localised over time. Motorola is already setting up a mobiles manufacturing facility at Sriperumbudur, near Chennai.
Intel is the technology partner for Motorola. "Intel is supplying us chips. We box them and give it to service providers," Mr Sharma said, adding that Wimax will allow the country to leap from from the 2.5G voice-centric networks to 4G data-centric networks.
Telecom Giants Stake Out WiMAX Turf For Broadband On Horizon
November 23, 2006
While mobile broadband is mostly "a business of tomorrow," some early consumer response is quite promising. Clearwire, a startup with $2 bil. in financing including investments by Intel and Motorola, says it has achieved penetration rates of 10%-15% in seven areas where it has offered its wireless broadband service for at least 11 months.
"This low-double-digit penetration rate from Clearwire is about double expectations of a mid-single-digit penetration," notes Kagan Research senior analyst John Mansell.
Telecommunications giants are scrambling to carve out a beachhead in wireless broadband either with their own proprietary systems or aligned with the WiMAX Forum, an industry group setting standards. Broadband wireless will require billions of dollars for spectrum licenses, technology development and infrastructure to deploy nationally; current cell phone technology and infrastructure is inadequate.
"The holy grail is true mobility in wireless broadband that would be analogous to today's cell phone service but with faster speeds," says Mansell, who will moderate a Dec. 7 audio conference on WiMAX. "But we're not there yet. Service providers today are offering at best just portability that is experienced in 'hot spots.'"
WiMAX aims to drive down costs by standardization, which also will facilitate roaming capability allowing customers to be handed off between different carriers.
"While there's a growing consensus WiMAX faces a significant set of financial, technical and regulatory challenges, there's also tremendous upside," Mansell writes in a Kagan Research report, JupiterKagan Concept Report: WiMAX: Friend or Foe to Incumbent Carriers? "At mid-year, of the 400 mil. with Internet access worldwide, there were about 100 mil. dial-up and 300 mil. broadband subscribers. Only 1%-2% of the broadband subscribers were wireless."
The leading cell phone carriers are evolving already established standards, notes Mansell, while WiMAX has strong support from rural carriers and new entrants.
IRAQTEL selects Redline to establish Iraq's first WiMAX network
November 19, 2006
Redline Communications, a leading provider of
standards-based broadband wireless equipment, and IRAQTEL, the telecom subsidiary of Al Emaar Holding Group - Iraq, today announced it will deploy the first WiMAX network in Iraq using Redline's WiMAX Forum Certified(TM) RedMAX products. Vision Valley, a specialist in systems integration, network design and implementation, will provide its regional expertise to ensure the network is effectively established. IRAQTEL will deliver advanced voice and broadband services to thousands of businesses and residents throughout its region via the Redline network.
IRAQTEL will begin its RedMAX deployment in Basrah, and will expand its WiMAX network to include additional regions across Iraq. The Redline solution will enable IRAQTEL to quickly and cost-effectively establish broadband wireless network to deliver the voice and broadband services its enterprise and government customers need and extend its network to reach more businesses, residents and municipal organizations.
"IRAQTEL has been searching for a WIMAX solution that would provide a cost-effectively alternative to VSAT networks, which have been the only available solution for establishing broadband connections because of the lack of copper line infrastructure ," said Sheikh Fawzi Al Lami, Chairman of IRAQTEL. "We chose Redline's RedMAX products to establish a carrier-class telecommunications backbone capable of supporting a scalable, high performance
network."
As the first to bring WiMAX technologies to Iraq, IRAQTEL joins a growing roster of leading telecommunications carriers that have chosen Redline's RedMAX products. The most widely-deployed WiMAX Forum Certified(TM) system, RedMAX enables carriers to establish WiMAX networks that will deliver the performance and features they need to deliver increasingly advanced communications services and expand their subscriber base over time.
"In choosing RedMAX, IRAQTEL has demonstrated its commitment to meeting the communications requirements of its growing customer base," said Majed Sifri, President and CEO, Redline Communications.
"IRAQTEL will deploy one of the world's most advanced WiMAX networks to address the lack of existing communications infrastructure with a vision to serve the people of Iraq with innovative and affordable wireless communications services."
"We have worked closely with Redline to design and deploy the WiMAX network for Iraqtel and other major telecommunications companies throughout the GCC," said Mahir Elfadil, Chief Executive Officer, Vision Valley." RedMAX products enable operators to position themselves at the forefront of the telecommunications industry, by delivering the most advanced wireless communications technologies available today."
Aperto Unveils Mobile Wimax Strategy
November 14, 2006
Aperto Networks, has unveiled its strategy to support a wide range of deployment options for network operators looking to capitalize on the IEEE 802.16-2004 fixed and IEEE 802.16e-2005 mobile WiMAX standards.
Aperto's mobile WiMAX offering is based on an extension of Aperto's industry leading PacketMAX architecture, including the PM5000, the first base station to be certified by the WiMAX Forum. Aperto has adapted PacketMAX to accommodate the mobile WiMAX standard through 802.16e-2005 compliant radio controller modules and software selectable subscriber units allowing spectrally efficient collocation of the equipment based on the fixed and mobile WiMAX standards, or an elegant migration from fixed to mobile WiMAX.
"Aperto has been a strong solutions partner for GTS Poland for a long time and their introduction of "e" or mobile WiMAX fits squarely into our plans," said Pawel Kozlowski, field and access engineering director, GTS Poland. "With PacketMAX subscriber units we can run the "fixed" standard or the "mobile" standard depending on software load; and the PacketMAX 5000 base station gives us the flexibility we need to run both standards in the same footprint making technology migration straight forward. By executing on this strategy, Aperto has proven its ability to solve real operator problems."
With advanced technologies such as MIMO, antenna diversity and space-time coding (STC), the PacketMAX platform will evolve to yield even greater link budgets to enable more effective communications for WiMAX users, no matter where they are located, whether at the office, at home, or on the move. PacketMAX will also include multiple base station form factors for mobile WiMAX, such as single sector, multi-sector and pico-cell base station, allowing network operators to optimize their deployments.
Maravedis Predicts Internet Penetration in Canada to Exceed 70% by 2017
November 09, 2006
The leading telecom market research and analyst firm Maravedis introduces its new Canadian Internet Database, called CID. In addition to providing information on Canadian Internet penetration rates by year, region and technology, CID offers the unique capability to access precise information classified by Postal Code, a first in the industry.
"We understand the investment implications of offering Internet access, and we believe this substantial database is essential to Internet Service Providers (ISP) looking to enhance revenues, improve customer loyalty, identify new prospective clients, create new customized service offerings and increase addressable market," explained Julien Regoli and Adlane Fellah, the architects and originators of CID.
The analysis demonstrates an intrinsic correlation between Internet usage and specific demographic factors. Age, income, education and location are the most influential factors. "We have created an equation to represent this correlation and used it to estimate the level of household penetration in each of Canada’s Forward Sortation Areas (FSA), which provides users with higher quality projections taking into account the detailed socio-economic characteristics of this market," continued Fellah.
Over 95% of Internet users on broadband access by 2017
According to Maravedis, Internet penetration per household in Canada will exceed 70% by 2017, and it is anticipated that 95% of Internet users will have subscribed to a high-speed (broadband) connection.
"The average monthly bandwidth usage per residential subscriber has increased from 50 Mbps in 2003 to 300 Mbps in 2005, which definitely makes dial-up service an increasingly frustrating experience," says Adlane Fellah. Dial-up Internet subscribers are typically new or occasional users. And, as they increase their use, subscribers are likely to upgrade to a high-speed connection at some point.
Canada is a leading country when it comes to Internet penetration as well as broadband deployment, and they continue to intensify although at a slower pace than in the past few years. CID clearly projects a growing gap in penetration rate between the Atlantic and the Western Provinces. By 2017, British Columbia is expected to possess the highest Internet penetration rate at close to 80%, followed by Ontario and Alberta in the high 70s%. In contrast, Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland are expected to reach around 55% penetration.
Although growth has decelerated, the Canadian Internet market will be interesting to watch in the coming years. Between changes in regulation and the introduction of new technologies such as Broadband Wireless Internet through WiFi and WiMAX, we expect an exciting future ahead as Wireless technologies are deployed, providing subscribers with portability and mobility features. As a result, Maravedis foresees there will be several subscriptions per household - a phenomenon Canadian households are experiencing today with cell phones.
Maravedis' CID also includes a WiMAX supplement with all the vital information on current license holders in the 2.5 GHz band in Canada.
Intel Ships its Next-Generation WiMAX Chip with Support for Mobile Networks
October 11, 2006
Accelerating the availability of broadband wireless access, Intel Corporation today announced the availability of the Intel® WiMAX Connection 2250, the company’s next-generation system-on-chip and its first designed to support mobile networks in addition to fixed networks.
The Intel WiMAX Connection 2250 is the industry’s first dual-mode baseband chip, and when paired with Intel’s discrete tri-band WiMAX radio, the solution is capable of supporting all global WiMAX frequencies.
Speaking at WiMAX World today, Sean Maloney, executive vice president and general manager of Intel’s Sales and Marketing Group, also announced that Motorola Inc. currently intends to integrate the Intel WiMAX Connection 2250 into its CPEi 200 Series of WiMAX customer premise equipment. Motorola joins several other leading telecommunications equipment manufacturers currently expected to deliver Intel WiMAX Connection 2250-based products in 2007.
“Intel is bringing its first mobile WiMAX compliant product to market, marking an incredibly important step in the launch of mobile WiMAX,” said Maloney. “The first with dual mode support, the new chip bridges the worlds of fixed and mobile WiMAX, helping equipment manufacturers build customer premise equipment at increasingly attractive price points, and service providers to break ground on upgradeable networks.”
WiMAX is a standards-based wireless technology for providing high-speed, last-mile broadband connectivity to homes and businesses and for mobile wireless networks. Intel’s WiMAX silicon delivers the features needed to enable cost-effective, high-speed wireless modems for homes and businesses.
Service providers may benefit from the versatility and faster time to market afforded by the dual-mode support of the Intel WiMAX Connection 2250. Compliance with both the IEEE 802.16-2004 fixed standard and the more ad