WiMAX Deployment News
This page will bring you the important deployments of WiMAX systems which have a potential to influence the WiMAX industry.
While WiMAX has undergone trials in over 300 networks, major commercial deployments are always important in shaping the industry. We bring only such news here, along with our comments.
Time Warner Cable's Mobile WiMAX 4G to launh on Dec 1,2009
The long wait seems to be over for WiMAX to get real and fast. TWC will launch its 4G network ( called Road Runer Mobile) on Dec 1,2009 in select markets in North Carolina ( Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh). If the claims of prividing upto 6 Mbps connectivity turn out to be right, this will unveil a new era in the WiMAX world. With the service being targeted at $39.95 ( with a 2GB Cap) a month to customers of TWC, it will give a run for its money to existing broadband services. The customers would do well to go with the unlimited plan of $ 49.95 a month, as a 2GB transfer is too small a monthly target for a 6 Mbps link.At present the offering is via USB modems, which still makes it look like an EV-DO service, but much faster.We will need to wait and see what types of devices it is available on including the use on mobile phones.
Comcast is also now marketing its WiMAX offerings delivered via the Clearwire network in Atlanta and Porland,Or. The services are branded as speed2GO.
US Shows the way for Rural WiMAX with ATC and Funding
Jan 13,2009
The prospects of Rural broadband through the WiMAX technology have got a philip with Open Range Communications completing its funding and being on a firm path to launch the services using the Global Star satellite and the ancillary terrestrial component. Back in Nov 2008 the FCC had permitted the Globalstar to use the ATC to provide terrestrial extension of Satellite delivered broadband using WiMAX technology. Globalstar had been permitted the use of 19.75 MHz of ATC spectrum by the FCC in April 2008. The use of WiMAX was enabled by the FCC order in Nov 2008 and puts at rest any doubts on this technology being an ideal candidate for rapid rural rollouts.
The Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Program had earlier committed $267 Million as loan funds for the rural connectivity program which will cover 15% of America’s rural population. Open range communications has now completed the funding with $100 Million committed by One Equity Partners.
Open Range Communications plans to use existing infrastructure such as towers where available for a rapid and cost effective rollout.
The coverage map of communities covered is here.
http://www.wimaxbook.net
Mobile WiMAX gets disruptive in Yota Russia
Nov 21, 2008
Scartel, which operates a Mobile WiMAX network in Russia( Yota) has demonstrated what the industry forecasters have been saying for long—that the Mobile WiMAX is set to be unleashed as a truly disruptive industry.
Using an HTC Touch 4G-WiMAX and Triple band GSM handset ( HTC MAX 4G) ( see video preview here) Yota now offers 14 channels of Live TV, access to online music catalogue of over 50,000 titles and a video-on demand service). The Touch-screen handset has a 5 Mp camera, a 3.8-inch 800x480 WVGA touch-screen display , TV out capability, integrated GPS and Windows Mobile 6.1 OS. The mobile WiMAX operates in the 2.5 GHz range.
What has been done in Yota should leave many GSM operators with worries as Mobile WiMAX networks rolls out. The fact that when both subscribers have the capability to receive Mobile WiMAX, the call is automatically converted to VoiP is important. What we are really talking about is this happening worldwide in the next 2-3 years.
Also the TV channels ( TV:14 channels) via Mobile WiMAX leads the way in Mobile Broadcasting, leaving the standard terrestrial technologies redundant.
Sprint Nextel WiMAX Service XOHM Now Launched !
Sept 30,2008
One of the most awaited events of the year has now happened. The XOHM service, which was being seen as now ON and now OFF, has finally emerged from the veils. This is the forst 4G launch in the USA with $30 monthly plans and speeds of 3-5 Mbps as of now. See a short review of the XOHM Service in Baltimore
Here.
Expect to see new cool applications soon!
Mobile WiMAX deployment in Russia – Heralding a new broadband Era
Sept 3, 2008
With the commissioning of the Mobile WiMAX network of Yota in Moscow and Petrograd, the veil has lifted on yet another Mobile WiMAX network for commercial operations. The initial installation with 150 base stations in Moscow is expected to begin with a partial coverage which will be upgraded to full coverage by year end.
The use of the 2.5-2.7 GHz band for these installations insures that client devices such as USB modems are available off the shelf. This approach is more pragmatic than in Europe which has been battling with the 3.4 GHz frequency bands. As expected the initial devices to be used are Samsung and ASUS USB Modems and Express Mobile WiMAX Cards.
This also signals an extension of the virtually unlimited run which Samsung and ASUS have been having in the Mobile WiMAX devices arena and has great significance as new countrywide networks roll out in other countries such as India.
China Scrambles to Provide Mobile TV services during Olympics
Aug 09, 2008
The Grand opening ceremony of the China Olympics could only be seen by a very small number of Mobile customers as China scrambled to put together content and technology just before the inauguration of the games. China Mobile, the largest mobile company in China with nearly 400 million users made available Mobile TV over its 3G network with around 15 program channels. These were organized in different sections such as “ Live”, “ Star Events” and “ News” etc.
However the customers are being charged on a per MB basis rather than the usual charging methodology of flat user charge. The 3G network of China, based on the TD-SCDMA technology had been readied just in time for the event. In fact the tender for handsets was floated as late as July for the CMMB technology. In fact, as late as Dec 2007, the CEO of China Mobile had been reported to be seeking the standards for Mobile TV. The problem is that despite the growth of Mobile users the 3G licenses have not been issued and they are to be based on the TD-SCDMA technology, of which China will be the first major user.
The absence of a Broadcast technology available to view mobile TV programs is taking its toll on the reach and the viewership in the World’s largest mobile network. The other alternative which was made available was the analog TV, which many receivers are capable of receiving. Those having access to wireless internet e.g. with MP3 players were also able to view some streaming content.
Earlier, China had kept industry watchers on the edge as the slow progress on Mobile TV led many to wonder whether any Mobile TV service of any significance will be launched during Olympics. Trials had been launched by SARFT based on the DMB technology and the China Unicom, the other major player had launched its trials as well.
The plans of using Satellite based Mobile TV delivered through the CBMstar satellite to be launched jointly with Echostar had come a cropper earlier this year after it became known that the satellite would not be in place in time for the Olympics. SARFT had subsequently cancelled the contract for the satellite putting an end to countrywide Mobile TV services parallel to the S-DMB services in Korea.
It is uncanny how in World’s two largest markets, China and India, the 3G licenses have been delayed, when allocating such licenses could have generated revenues which would have been a measurable percentage of GDP. ( China has over 500 million mobile customers, while India has about 300 million). This shows that the type of Telecommunications Administrations and Regulators have no bearing of how fast the customers would be able to receive advanced multimedia services.
After the FIFA world cup was telecast live across Europe and other regions, it was being taken for granted that any major sports event would now be telecast live to Mobile handsets.
It will not be out of place to mention that with the Olympics mobile rights having been given to China Mobile, Companies such as China Netcom had to relinquish their rights to provide mobile services during the 2008 Olympics.In any event its services were based on home grown standards such as Mc WiLL based on SCDMA, at least in the trials conducted.
DigitalBridge WiMAX Launch has lessons for New Players in the Broadband Markets
June 30,2008
DigitalBridge USA, a company which had received $20 million in funding in Jan 2008 has taken the lead in announcing the launch of WiMAX services. It has commenced services initially in markets of Jackson,Wyo, Idhaho Falls and Appomatox,VA which will be expanded to other markets in the near future.
The initial service launch branded as “ BridgeMaxx” has been offered at $ 25 per month and can be used with WiMAX enabling add on cards or USB modems. The demonstrations of the initial roll out featured YouTube Videos in moving vehicles among other applications.
By being ahead of majors such as Sprint XOHM, it demonstrates that it is not necessary to have large capital outlays as a precursor to launch of these services as is usually made out to be. The technology is also not one which remains to be proven, as trials in over 300 locations have reinforced, nor is the availability of Customer devices such as modems such a major issue.
Incidentally this also reflects a similar trends seen in other countries, and makes WiMAX one of the technologies to get ahead of established companies whose infrastructure can not be matched by newcomers But the services can, as well demonstrated by the $25 per month broadband access offering launched this month.
One of the advantages touted by the CEO of DigitalBridge P.Kelly Dunne is the fact that such networks can be built to tailor to areas with unmet demand and networks built modularly.
Max Telecom rolls out Mobile WiMAX in Bulgaria
April 2008
Max Telecom ( www.maxtelecom.bg) , Bulgaria has started rolling out its Mobile WiMAX network. It offers both voice and data services using the new WiMAX network. The WiMAX network can be used through its PCMCIA cards ( called MaxCard ) or a portable modem ( Max DSL). Its voice services ( provided by prefixing by 0999) are free on the Max network and are charged when connected to other operators. It also provides MaxTV services via its network.
The coverage already includes Sofia, Pazardzhik, Plovdiv, Burgas, Petrich and some other cities. It is expected to be nationwide as the rest of the country is covered.
( Picture Courtesy Max telecom)
Canadian WIMAX Network Launched
2 April 2008
A joint venture between Bell Canada and Rogers communications have launched the first phase of a future countrywide WiMAX network in Canada. The target at present are the unserved rural markets and the pricing of services at CAN $ 45 per month reflects this approach. A 3 Mbps service goes up to CAN $ 60 per month At present the network uses pre-certified devices, but these are expected to get WiMAX forum certification in due course. The joint venture company providing the network is Inukshuk Internet (http://www.inukshuk.ca ).
Inukshuk is presently operating a broadband wireless network in Canada.The Inukshuk broadband wireless network is at present largest of its kind in the world and covers a number of markets in all territories. As compared to most other wireless networks it features non line of sight working (NLOS) and self install modems. The network also features nomadicity.
The technology solution for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games includes all voice data and Internet services, broadcast and audio services, wireless services (PCS, WiFi, WiMAX, and private radio), CATV, etc.
Horizon Wi-Com launches Mobile WiMAX in nine US cities
Dec 2007
Horizon Wi-Com has launched its mobile WiMAX network starting with 9 cities in the 2.3 GHz band. As may be seen the deployments are mostly in the urban agglomerations in the north east with coverage of more than 70 million POPs.
The launch of Mobile WiMAX by WiCom infact is a brave move to be ahead in the market as new WiMAX devices become more readily available. Even though the crash in CPE prices will happen only with the launch of other major networks including XOHM from Sprint Nextel and Clearwire, the initial launch helps get the company ready with the network overcoming the challenges said to be dogging WiMAX networks. With PC WiMAX cards, USB dongles already available and WiMAX UMPCs, Handsets being launched, Wi-Com should see an excellent ecosystem before the year is out.
WiMAX on strong growth track in Latin America
Together with Asia, Latin America has proved to be one of the growth areas for WIMAX. No doubt the main reason has been the lack of alternate connectivity e.g. with Optical fibers or other media, nevertheless the growth in different countries is indeed astonishingly fast. The stage of granting of licenses is now over and a number of licensees in different countries have started rolling out the networks.
Ertach in Argentina was one of the early adopters of WiMAX technology with the network primarily designed for corporate customers and public service agencies. Its fixed WiMAX services had commenced in 2004. It is now implementing Mobile WiMAX with Alvarion technology. In Brazil, Embratel, has completed the first phase of the WiMAX rollout by covering the 12 state capitals. Like the first implementation in Argentina, the Embratel implementation features the use of Fixed WiMAX.
In Peru, a pre-WiMAX mobile WiMAX network has been launched by EMAX S.A., which is an ISP engaged in providing broadband services. The technology used is from Navini in the 2.5-2.7 GHz band. Additional licenses in the 2.5-2.7 GHz band are being auctioned in Peru. In Chile, Telmex ( which also owns Embratel Brazil) has been operating a Fixed WiMAX network. It has recently upgraded this network to cover most of the country. A mobile WiMAX network being built by VTR ( a cable TV and internet operator) is now nearing completion. This will be used for triple play services as well as enabling WiFi hotspots. 700 MHz spectrum is also planned to be auctioned in Chile by its telecom regulator subtel.
In Bolivia, Entel is building a Mobile WiMAX ( IEEE802.16e-2005) band based on technology provided by Alcatel Lucent. The network is designed to be used for multiple applications including Video, VoIP and broadband data services. In addition Telcel S.A. which holds a license for WiMAX in the 3.5 GHz band has been operating a Fixed WiMAX service which is further being expanded to cover all areas in the country.
In Equador, WiMAX is planned to be provided by PuntoNet in the 5.85 GHz band by using technology from Airspan. WiMAX services in Colombia are being provided by Orbital, a broadband operator using technology from Siemens.
Pipeline Wireless USA gets FCC Nod to rollout Nationwide WiMAX network in the 3.65-3.7 GHz Band
The new frequency band of 3650-3700 MHz has been shrouded in controversy since the last two years, when the reports of WiMAX interfering with the satellite C-Band communications (3700-4200 MHz) and the lower extended C-band communications ( 3400-3700 MHz) had come begun to come in. In fact the interference was reported even though the WiMAX systems under observation were those in the 3400 MHz range. In fact the WRC held in Nov 2007 has also come to the conclusion that WiMAX systems as far as 10 Km away can severely interfere with a satellite receiving station.
Now with the WiMAX being allowed bang next to the C-band, the FCC has embarked on a new frontier. As per FCC regulations for the use of this band, contention based systems (including WiMAX) are explicitly allowed to be used in this band. Also the power which is permitted is quite high i.e. 25 watts EIRP for a base station with 25 MHz bandwidth. All base stations however are required to be registered.
This may put a question on unhindered use of C-band communications in the US in the next 2-3 years as the systems roll out. At present the WiMAX Forum has no profiles for certification in this band for mobile WiMAX, and this may take a while to be in place. The CPEs and base stations will also be available for this frequency band once the investments in the networks begin.
Many countries in Asia have put on hold even the licensing of systems in the 3.5-3.6 GHz range due to interference issues. The new policy of FCC to permit WiMAX in all available bands will open up a new policy debate on the use of C-Band in many countries. C-Band satellite systems have a planning cycle of 3 years and a life of 15+ years. This implies that new systems can impact the deliverable services anytime during the life of a satellite putting a question mark on the valuation of many satellite companies.
Already interference from WiMAX systems has been reported from Australia, New Zealand, Russia and Hongkong amongst others.
The auction of the 700 MHz band made free as a result of the digital dividend by the FCC( which incidentally raised over $19 billion for the three blocks) is also no less controversial in terms of end usage. While the WiMAX Forum had announced the adaptation of future certification profiles in the 700 MHz band in order to be ready to enable systems when companies winning the auction were getting ready to deploy these systems, the news of AT&T and Verizon winning the major blocks and AT&T planning to use these for LTE has left many questions open before policy watchers in other countries. One of the reasons cited for the profiles in the 700 MHz band was that these have much lower losses and are suited for in-building use. However the same argument goes against the use of 3.65 GHz for mobile WiMAX.
Are we really, on a worldwide basis getting ready for technology neutral use of these bands? Are WRC observations, which have been considered sacrosanct so far are to be interpreted as national requirements? We will need to seek an answer to these questions, as at present we do not find any.
60 Days to have the first WiMAX device on XOHM: Barry West
April 2008
The announcement by XOHM on having the first device approved within 60 days is significant as it unveils the first positive step in the last few months towards a definitive roll out. Industry observers have been witnessing a significant increase in activity in the last two months on the mobile WiMAX front. This has included wave 2 certifications by the WiMAX forum, availability of over a dozen chipsets, wave 2 compliant test instruments and base station simulators et el. Mobile Wimax network launches such as those in Bulgaria, Venezuela, Pakistan, Korea and some of the US states are now lending greater credence to the mobile WiMAX being able to present a new alternative to mobile internet delivered via cellular mobile networks. As for LTE, it is at a stage where mobile WiMAX was 3 years back and with this reckoning needs another five years, whatever its proponents say.
WiMAX In Germany
Dec 2007
WiMAX has been launched in Germany by VSE Net, which also demonstrated a video live connection over the wireless medium. The network is based on Mobile WiMAx standards and has been built by Alcatel Lucent. The network is based on IEEE 802.16e and the services supported include wireless broadband internet, data links and VoIP. Another WiMAX operator NeckarCom has also launched a WiMAX based data and VoIP service.
The launch of Mobile WiMAX in Germany is welcome, this was a much awaited event after the spectrum auctions. Particularly notable is the transmission of video as one of the early uses of the Mobile WiMAX network. The setting up of the network in just 4 months highlights one of the greatest strengths of WiMAX i.e. almost immediate wireless broadband overlay connectivity.
This should also be a cue for other countries in Europe to move ahead with Mobile WiMAX. Perhaps we will see one the earliest cases of Mobile WiMAX roaming in Europe as was the case for GSM, which ultimately engulfed the entire world.
XOHM Launch delayed again
CTIA Wireless, April 2008
The launch of XOHM, the pioneer mobile WiMAX service from Sprint which was expected in April 2008 after the commercial trials in three markets ( Chicago, Washington and Baltimore), has been put off again, with no announcement yet on the exact launch dates.
The launch delay in the XOHM service was expected considering that the bulk of new mobile WiMAX devices are expected to be available only by June 2008 onwards. The Wave 2 certified devices (Certification by the WiMAX forum) are also expected to be available at the same time.
On the whole it is better to have a well matured launch rather than one with unwired turnouts.