This section will bring all the new developments in WiMAX with comments and analysis.
Mobile WIMAX at CES Las Vegas 2009
13 Jan 2009
The Consumer Electronics Show is always interesting for the exotic devices which find their way here. With WiMAX set to be one of the main wireless growth drivers in 2009, the show had a lot for those looking at new applications of WiMAX.
First, the demonstration of technology itself. Mobile WiMAX was demonstrated live using a “ WiMAX car” by Intel. This had been already done at Chicago, but for Vegas it was the first live one. Using WiMAX spectrum from Clearwire and base station equipment from Motorola, the car which was internally WiFi enabled used WiMAX for long haul connectivity. No innovative devices in the car- most worked off WiFi and demonstrated on-demand streaming and location based services. ( See Video Here).
But let’s talk about devices, which CES is all about. All eyes were on Clearwire, which had launched its services in Portland and Baltimore. Apart from the usual USB modems and PC cards, Clearwire demonstrated a WiFi Hot Spot generator using a WiFi router coupled with a WiMAX USB modem.
WiMAX enabled notebooks came from a number of vendors including Samsung, ASUS, Dell, Fujitsu and Panasonic. However there was some disappointing news with Nokia announcing the withdrawal of the Nokia 810 Mobile Internet device.In terms of devices, Motorola had its WiMAX/ WiFi integrated CPE ( only 802.11 b/g !).
However there was no dearth of cutting edge products which would enable devices in the next 6-12 months. This included the ComMAX™ CM1125 multimode mobile WiMAX/EDGE baseband processor from Comsys which was demonstrated using a prototype of their S370 Personal Internet Communicator working on both Mobile WiMAX and GSM networks. I like it because of its native support of WiMAX VoIP coupled with roaming support to GSM using IMS. This is the only practical way today to use WiMAX VoIP with traditional voice networks, both fixed line and wireless. The built in GPS is a bonus.
Top Ten Wireless Trends for 2009!
- WiMAX Capable Mobile Platforms to Emerge in 2009
Mobile WiMAX has seen considerable progress in 2008, with many countries worldwide having launched Mobile WiMAX networks. The rapid growth in Mobile subscribers and the need for higher bandwidth services will see a major move towards vendors providing platforms for operation in the 2.3 and 2.5 GHZ bands with LTE and Mobile WiMAX technologies. These platforms will include Mobile VoIP implementations.
- WiMAX and LTE to Continue as Two Prongs of Development
Even though Mobile WiMAX now has a stable architecture with certified products, LTE and WiMAX will continue to lead independent thursts of development, with LTE riding on the strength of 3GPP. Implementation of Femato-cells has achieved some momentum and this is expected to continue.
- Smartphones Likely to get Smarter
Smartphones have been operating in a stable environment of 3G/GSM/WiFi connectivity, a model which now needs to evolve to encompass new generation of wireless services with native support of applications such as Mobile VoIP, Multimedia based Mobile 2.0 services ( Presence,IM being examples) and multiple air interface support. The foundation of such a smartphone architecture has been unveiled by Nextwave® in its NW1100 WiMAX baseband mobile subscriber SoC (System on a Chip). The architecture supports not only multiple spectrum bands, roaming across multiple network types, but also support of WCS( wireless Communication Service) and EBS/BRS (Educational Broadband Service/Broadband Radio Service) bands in America. HTC T8290 4G Smartphone for Yota in Russia is an example.
- New Generation of Wireless Broadcast Solutions to Firmly Advance
Mobile Broadcasting using Wireless ( including 802.11n for indoor applications and 3G,Mobile WiMAX for outdoor) is likely to expand to include a range of mobile devices from cellphones to media players. The new devices will move towards a common core architecture encompassing mobile gaming, media players and transfer and full resolution web applications. The formalization of standards for terrestrial broadcasting to Mobiles (ATSC-M/H) in Dec 2008 is also expected this trend to get stronger.
- Spectrum Availability for Wireless Networks Set to Increase Dramatically
While the potential of Wireless applications has been well recognized, the spectrum for such networks had been lagging. A number of new frontiers have been opened by the wireless industry for a dramatic increase for availability in a number of additional bands ranging from the 700 MHZ UHF to 5 GHz encompassing the traditional WiMAX bands, lower extended C-band, WCS, BRS and other bands. A number of Spectrum auctions have already begun (including those in India and China the two largest mobile markets) which will lead to availability of WiMAX, Wireless and LTE spectrum for new network rollouts.
- Wireless Environment To get Formalized
Most companies have been using the wireless access including Mobile wireless access based on available services. With a greater availability of WiFi, WiMAX and Mobile services such as 3G,HSPA and EV-DO, the companies will move towards a better definition of usage of corporate applications over Wireless media, security architecture and Wireless value chain. They need to recognize the availability of media such as Mobile WiMAX e.g. XOHM as well as greater possibilities of new applications over the wireless media.
- Availability of Wireless Based Applications to Increase
The year 2008 has seen a number of wireless applications find greater acceptance such as the Amazon Kindle®, Apple TV etc. The trend is set to increase dramatically with new applications being available in the areas of wireless information systems, wireless advertising and marketing, wireless payment systems, location-based portals, and mobile trading and sales systems. In addition most enterprise application clients will upgrade to include mobile WiMAX and related technologies. These will include usage with multiple air interfaces.
- Wireless ARPUs to remain Flat in 2009
Wireless ARPUs are expected to remain flat through 2009 owing to flat unlimited usage rate plans. The ARPUs will however be available across a significantly rising user base. This will also encourage a range of applications to come to be used with wireless as a preferred medium.
- Islands of Wireless Growth will Diffuse Out
Wireless will have greater growth rates in areas unserved by Fiber for broadband access. The BRIC countries, all of which have taken major initiatives in WiMAX will be the largest drivers of wireless broadband growth.
- Location Based Services and Wireless will Integrate
Location based services will integrate with Wireless networks including WiFi and WiMAX to provide integrated 3D applications usable in outdoor or dense urban environments. The WiFi positioning systems developed by Broadcom are an indicator of the trend.
3G and WiMAX Auction starts to roll in India with release of Information Memorandum!
12 Dec 2008
The Department of Telecom has today released the Information memorandum setting in motion the process of 3G and Broadband spectrum auction. The document is available on the DOT website ( http://www.dot.gov.in/as/Auctionindex.htm) The start of the 3G auction is from 16 Jan 2009 and the BWA auction begins two days after the closure of the 3G auction.
For WiMAX, the spectrum will be auctioned in the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz bands. Three blocks of 20 MHz are on the block for auction. The exact frequencies vary from service area. For Delhi and Mumbai these are as follows:
2305.0-2325.0 MHz
2327.5-2347.5 MHz
2535-2555 MHz
Spectrum in the 2635-2655 MHz band with 20 MHz bandwidth has been assigned to MTNL in Delhi and
Mumbai and to BSNL in all the service areas except three service areas where they have been assigned spectrum
in FDD mode.
The eligibility requirement is to be ( or become) a Class A ISP, or a Universal Access Service Provider ( UAS) or a Cellular Mobile Service Provider ( CMTS).
DoT guidelines stipulate that a UAS license can only be awarded to an Indian Company. Hence, foreign applicants will need to form an Indian subsidiary to obtain the UAS license. However they are allowed to participate
in the Auctions directly, and apply for a license subsequently. ISPs as per present policy can have FDI upto 74%.
There is a rollout obligation of coverage of 90% of service area within 5 years.
In addition to the money paid for auction there is an annual charge of 3% of adjusted gross revenues (AGR). In case of BWA ( WiMAX) the revenues to be counted include those from VoIP, IPTV and regular internet access.
The license will be valid for 15 years.
More on this later..
hhttp://www.wimax-home.com
All Set for WiMAX Frequency Auctions in India on Jan 16, 2009
Nov 26,2008
Major broadband operators who have been trying to make the best of WiMAX technology may now have reason to cheer as the DOT plans to auction the prime WiMAX spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band. This auction, which forms a part of the pre-announced plan for the auction of 3G and WiMAX spectrum is being considered very important by the potential bidders owing to many reasons.
First, the 2.5 GHz band is ideally suited for Mobile WiMAX and WiMAX Forum approved profiles and devices certified for the profiles are readily available. The Mobile WiMAX is a generation ahead of the Fixed WiMAX which the Indian operators have been trying to deploy for enterprise applications.
However it is only Mobile WiMAX which brings with it the possibility of use by numerous mobile devices with guaranteed QoS. The Mobile WiMAX standards provide for sub-channeling in both uplink and downlink directions and make possible very low frequency resources to be allocated to each device thereby reducing power consumption and making possible the simultaneous operation of a large number of devices in the coverage area.
The Indian regulations price the WiMAX spectrum very attractively with all India Spectrum base price being only $200 million and a 1% spectrum charge. being able to use it for both voice and broadband services pits it squarely against 3G technologies. The IMT 2000 has already accepted OFDMA-TDD as one of the access technologies under the 3GPP and it is possible to use Mobile WIMAX much like 3G technologies for launch of mobile voice services. It can easily be adapted to the 3GPP architecture using IP Multimedia System ( IMS ) which remains the most popular technology for integration of broadband and mobile networks.
Over a period of time Mobile WiMAX is expected to see a slew of new devices ranging from Mobile handsets to media players which work natively on Mobile WiMAX networks. The launch of the XOHM network in USA has already become a powerhouse of new devices based on Mobile WiMAX ranging from Nokia Internet tablet to Phones such as LG 4G MAX. And yet, this is only the beginning.
The process of auctions will begin on Dec 8th with the issue of Information Memorandum.
Mobile WiMAX Spotlight on India
21 Nov 2008
With a number of companies moving ahead with investments on rolling out Mobile WiMAX in India and the stage being set for the auction of prime 2.5 Ghz spectrum in the next quarter, the spotlight is now India.
The Indian mobile sector has proved its mettle with a monthly growth figure of 8-9 million customers a month even in difficult economic conditions. The base of subscribers, now standing at 300 million is set to double in the next three years to over 600 million customers. All this is happening with serious gaffes in spectrum allocation.
The stage is now set for the auction of 2G and Mobile WiMAX 2.5 G spectrum and that is what is set to be yet another inflection point in the fastest growing telecom market in the world. With the 2.5 G spectrum falling under the ambit of IMT2000, the battle for the spectrum is set to be keen.
In a separate decision, the government has decided to take away the 3.4-3.6 GHz spectrum away from existing applications such as satellite TV. This is again set to be allocated to users for WiMAX and broadband applications.
With the agenda for WiMAX set for India, Sprint Nextel, which has already launched Mobile WiMAX services in Baltimore has announced its intention of launching WiMAX consultancy in India. As per Barry West president of XOHM, the time is right for such a move as companies in India gear up for a new ecosystem of networks and devices targeting the mobile world with a new technology.
In a similar development Intel has also revealed its plans for investing in the Indian WiMAX story. Known for its investment of $1 billion in Sprint’s XOHM network, Intel is set to be a prime beneficiary of growth in consumer devices and its chipsets. The Indian effort is being spearheaded by Mr Sriram Vishwanathan, General manager for the WiMAX program who has voiced his optimism for the technology in no uncertain terms.“ It is for the first time that India will be able to take a lead in technology evolution. The country presents a phenomenal opportunity for WiMAX.”
Not to be left behind, vendors such as Samsung and Motorola, which have been prime drivers of the Korean WiBrO and XOHM in USA with WIMAX modems, chipsets, USB cards and mobile devices have decided to give a new thrust to their presence in India. Motorola already has successful deployment in Pakistan ( Wateen Telecom) and is set to expand its presence in the region. For Samsung, known for its advanced handsets and leading presence in the WiMAX segment, India today presents the right time, opportunity and scale of growth as per the sentiments expressed by Mr Paul Thurneysen, responsible for 4G/ WiMAX business lines.
The deck is now cleared for the next stage i.e. the auctions which will determine which companies can go ahead with their investment plans.
A Momentous Week in US History
6 Nov 2008
This week has been a momentous one in US history and not only for Obama. The FCC has taken two pathbreaking decisions this week which give a legup to WiMAX and mobile broadband in the country.
The FCC has permitted the use of White Spaces in the TV spectrum for Mobile Broadband services in another decision. The decision by FCC is indeed a key one for many reasons. First, the spectral resources can no longer be afford to be wasted, and white spaces deserve to be allotted to users. Second, the Sprint Nextel-Clearwire combine hold a bulk of WiMAX spectrum in the higher bands and the growth of WiMAX in US is now linked to the performance of these companies. Third, the lower bands of 700 Mhz are important for Mobile devices particularly as these are better suited for indoor penetration. Fourth, the mobile broadcasting will be a key area of growth and innovation and it will take more than the 3G technologies to deliver it.
In another major decision, the FCC has permitted Sprint to hive off its WiMAX to Clearwire to create the biggest WiMAX company worth $14.5 Billion. This will now clear the path for growth of WiMAX network across the US.
Both the decisions, coming in a week of historical changes in the US, signify a lot for the broadband users in the country. The months ahead will change the landscape of WiMAX broadcasting in the country as the key wireless technologies get enabled to enable America to keep its lead in innovative devices and services.
WiMAX Forum in India Comes Face to Face with the Reality of Mobility
New Delhi, Oct 15,2008
The WiMAX Forum Expo in India, organized by the WiMAX world Forum with Intel was an important event, if the new directions it has pointed out for the industry are any clue.
When the it predicted 19 million users in India by 2012 it did not in any way overestimated the potential of this market. In fact they have hit the nail on the head by basing it on the Mobile user growth of 8-9 million a month and the miniscule number of broadband subscribers at 4.5 million. The fact remains that mobility is the key to usage of services today. The fact that Mobile WiMAX provides much superior broadband usage capability than mobile networks is well known today. However it is the enabling factors such as Spectrum and Licensing for Mobile WiMAX which hold the key as brought out by the WiMAX forum.
The WiMAX Expo was held in the backdrop of a very successful launch of Sprint’s XOHM network in Baltimore in Sept 2008 with performance which equaled three times that on 3G networks. This is important for a country just going in for 3G auctions in Dec 2008 and puts the two technologies in the proper perspective. With 1 Mbps+ speeds on the uplink and 5 Mbps on the downlink, with mobility added, the technology today stands apart. This is more so in today’s video based applications.
The fact remains that if WiMAX technology is to break out of its eggshell, it will need to focus on two things: first the development of new generation mobile applications and second the integration with existing Mobile networks as over 300 million users in India alone can not be wished away. Towards this objective the application development Lab which is planned may hold the key.
Mobile WiMAX has to position itself as more than USB modems and Express cards which today operate on Mobile networks as well. It is the new mobile devies which hold the key.As do new applications which can operate on Mobile Phones in the 3G environment using IMS.
The target for the Mobile WiMAX should not therefore be looking at 4.5 broadband subscribers but at coexisting with the 300 Mobile handsets in use- a number which will exceed 500 million by 2012. Just 10 % penetration of this number with dual mode handsets is no less than 50 million users.
Sprint’s WiMAX Network XOHM officially launches on 8th October 2008
Sept 23,2008
The Mobile WiMAX network of Sprint, XOHM, is now officially being launched on the 8th of October 2008 at Baltimore. The announcement of the official launch comes after many delays and postponed launches for the network for a variety of reasons. The wait is finally over, with the network already “running” and providing performance as expected.
While there are many Mobile WiMAX networks in operation around the globe, the one from Sprint has always held a special place owing to the scale of the launch, the quantum of spectrum held by the Sprint, Clearwire combine and the new devices from Intel, Samsung and Nokia which are moving in tandem with the proposed launch. It is the new devices and their performance which will distinguish the new wireless medium from the broadband provided by Mobile Networks and expectations are high that once Mobile WiMAX delivered wireless connectivity is available, the existing networks will start looking more and more as relics from the past.
The industry expects the Mobile WiMAX networks to prove themselves in an environment as the Mobile industry moves onto new products with HSDPA and EV-DO connectivity.
The partnership of Google, Intel and Cable companies such as Comcast point to a whole new world of devices, applications and delivery models for mobile media. With Intel having announced embedded devices with WiMAX capability in addition to 802.11 b,g and n WiMAX can be expected to become common in the not too distant future.
What distinguishes the WiMAX launch in the US is the scale of the launch as well as the mindboggling amount of spectrum which is available with Sprint and Clearwire, which can enable many Video based applications and give a new meaning to existing services such as YouTube.
Perhaps, before the end of the year it may become the "in-thing" to design devices around WiMAX connectivity as they are done today with 3G or HSDPA.
Barry West Kindles Hope: WiMAX rollout ahead of Schedule; over a thousand Base stations commissioned
Sept 04, 2008
The markets wanted nothing as eagerly as the announcement by Barry West, Chief of XOHM WiMAX network that its planned rollout was now running ahead of schedule. The commissioning of over a thousand base stations and availability of devices such as Nokia 810 WiMAX Internet Tablet, dual mode handsets etc. has finally signaled that the technology risk is over. In fact the new networks as they roll out in Baltimore, Washington DC and Chicago should provide the users an experience which is far beyond the present cellular networks. Else, all the discussions on the Mobile WiMAX would have been in vein.
The rollout of WiMAX has been particularly spectacular in Asia , parts of Europe and Russia.
With speeds reaching 3-8 Mbps depending on the location of the user, the way the applications are written or data presented would change dramatically. We are now talking of an environment which is not in the realm of existing devices to exploit at all. Not that there is dearth of open devices waiting to enter the markets from the Google and Android stables.
We should also see a resurgence of Linux and use of Java in a number of new open applications.
Mobile WiMAX Moves Swiftly Ahead as Ecosystem falls in place
July 23, 2008
Mobile WiMAX providers have faced many an anxious moment in the past as the technology seemed to be facing a tough market owing to high prices and unproven performance in field conditions. Fortunately those days are over now and Mobile WiMAX is rolling ahead swiftly with network rollouts and fall in the prices of Chipsets which go in the CPEs and consumer devices.
The Chipsets for WiMAX comprising of the Baseband SoC and the RF Chipset have fallen in the range of $30-40 from over $100 a year back and the projections based on volumes of shipments are likely to take these to Sub $10 levels. At these levels the WiMAX chipsets will be as competitive and hence ubiquitous as the WiFi modules installed almost universally in all mobile devices.
This is not surprising considering that the global subscribers of Mobile WiMAX will exceed 100 million by 2012 and the market for WiMAX services will be worth $5.5 Billion as against just $58 million in 2007.
Recent WiMAX plans announced include those by Newport Digital Technologies in Italy, Comstar in Russia, Armenia and other countries, Max Telecom in Bulgaria etc. Tata Communications and other operators in India have also been aggressively expanding the networks to provide complete coverage of important cities.
In the meantime, Barry West, CEO of XOHM has announced, after many delays and restructurings, the launch of the services in Baltimore and Chicago by Sept 2008. Intel is also working aggressively in WiMAX embedded products which will support the market for WiMAX services.
WiMAX Blooms in Asia
June 27,2008
If there was anyone who needed to be convinced that WiMAX is here and will indeed be as revolutionary a technology as it is touted to be, all that one needed to do was to visit Boradcast Asia and ComminicAsia 2008 ( 17-20th June 2008) Singapore.
Being a convergence event with Broadcasting, Communications and Interactive DME ( digital media and content), it is one of the most effective forum for a technology showcase of unprecedented magnitude.
If one was willing to look beyond the Super High Definition TV which was showcased for the first time and hogged media attention, it was the IPTV and the WiMAX based media services which were present as a bedrock of technological stratum.
All the WiMAX majors were present, offering, for the first time a full ecosystem for Mobile WiMAX and its applications. The ecosystem included base station equipment. Antennas, ASN gateways, Customer premises equipment (CPEs), WiMAX enablers( Plug in devices and PC cards) , gaming devices. Applications on display included WiMAX gaming, Broadband internet access and WiMAX TV, the later being the most prominent display.
Figure: The ZTE Pavillion had the Mobile WImAX demo live and had a full ecosytem of products including for XOHM in USA
The prime displays were in the ZTE and the FlyVo exhibits amongst other vendors. The ZTE pavilion was a showcase of every aspect of WiMAX technology and displayed some of the CPEs which will be used in the XOHM network of USA.The FlyVo pavilion was alive with displays of WiMAX IPTV and a variety of adopters and gaming devices for Mobile WiMAX.
SK Telesys was displaying its ecosystem of Mobile WiMAX compliant with IEEE 802.16e-2007.Deployment of WiMAX applications today, which are dominated by the Mobile devices complaint with 3GPP requires the use of IMS( IP Multimedia system), and this one of the offereings of SK Telesys i.e. a VoD and VoIP service offerings platform using Mobile WiMAX integrated with the IMS. ( See http://www.wimaxbook.net/bookcontents.aspx). Also on display were a variety of base stations, RAS, ASN gateways and management systems. One of the unique offerings included the Access point with Distributed Radio Structure) with WIMAX forum wave 2 compliance. Optical repeaters and Micro/ Pico base stations were the other elements.
WiMAX and Mobile transmitters were on display from Axcera. These included the transmitters for DVB-H,DVB-SH,MediaFLO , WiMAX and Wireless ( DOCSIS) transmitters and gapfillers.
Intel Centrino 2 Laptops with WiMAX
Fitel Taiwan’s WiMAX network is set to be the selected one where Intel is demonstrating its Centrino 2 Laptops with its WiMAX module. The WiFi Module used is the Echo Peak which is a combo card for WiMAX and WiFi. The Chipset and the inbuilt antennas have the FCC approval and the device which will showcase the technology is the Asus M51VA laptop from Asustek. The ASUS M51VA is based on Penryn P8600 2.4 GHz processor. The demonstrations using FiTel,s network have as per expectations.
This marks a significant development as Operators planning WiMAX networks can now factor in the availability of WiMAX enabled Laptops from many vendors by the third quarter of 2008. It will also be helpful in making network rollouts such as those of XOHM more useful. With roaming agreements in WiMAX networks beginning to shape up, the Laptop could become a universal use device, permanently connected.
What to Expect at WIMAX Forum World Congress 2008?
(June 17-18 2008,RAI Exhibition Centre, Amsterdam)
June 2,2008The WiMAX Forum World
Congress is always a sought after event for industry watchers but this time it is something special. The focus has now clearly shifted to real life implementations of WiMAX and it is no surprise that the event begins with an impressive broadside from Barry West,CTO of Sprint Nextel speaking on the rollout plans of XOHM and its impact on the WiMAX markets worldwide. With Barry having already announced the success of trials of XOHM, the observers are expecting much more punch in his opening address. Comes as it does after the historic JV between Sprint, Clearwire, Comcast and Time Warner Cable along with Google and others, the focus is evidently on implementation applications and new devices to propel growth. The Cable majors evidently see a lot in the WiMAX networks for wireless delivery of video content.
WiMAX also weighs heavily on the minds of Cable and Satellite Operators in Asia, both for its potential benefits and threats to existing businesses. Halfway around the world, in Singapore, the forum of CASBAA ( Cable and Satellite broadcasters Association of Asia) opens on June 16 with a session on the
“WiMAX Wars”. Featured are an equally impressive who’s who of the satellite, Broadcasting and Cable TV Industry with David McGlade and Dan Goldberg, the CEOs of global satellite operators Intelsat and Telesat, delivering the keynote addresses. Other featured speakers will include Star COO Laureen Ong, Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall, Asiasat CEO Peter Jackson, Protostar CEO Philip Father and Asia Broadcast Satellite CEO Tom Choi.
Coming just before the Broadcast Asia 2008 and CommunicAsia 2008( June 17-19th) at Singapore both the Fora are going to be highly focused on the WiMAX as the new mobile Internet technologies and its applications for broadcast networks, regulations and spectrum allocations. Asia and emerging markets have been the largest users of WiMAX technologies so far and hence the focus on the technology as it graduates out of the trials and gets into major networks. WiMAX deployment is critically dependent on the regulatory environment, applications and enabling provisions such as spectrum allocations in markets worldwide and two fora being held simultaneously at Singapore and Amsterdam with perfectly synchronized dates do not unfortunately help. Telecom executives and regulators in Asia consider these events an annual “must”.
Neverthless the WiMAX Forum World Congress has an impressive line up in its track on Spectrum and Regulation ( for WiMAX). The focus is on global harmonization of bands, possible roaming arrangements and cost effectiveness of different spectrum bands. There is also a focus on the use of the newly announced 700 MHz band and the present deployment momentum in the 3.5 GHz bands. However the session is woefully silent on the co-existence with other networks, which form the central theme of regulatory discussions such as CASBAA. However it is the applications and services which take the centre stage at the World Congress. The availability of new WiMAX devices and the global harmonization of bands are key inputs which the participants are looking at to see if 2008 will indeed be the Year of the WiMAX.
India to Set 3G and Mobile WiMAX Spectrum allocation rules by June 2008
May 27,2008
The Indian telecommunications minister Mr. A Raja has gone on record ( 23rd May ) to state that the Policies and guidelines for the allocation of 3G Spectrum will be issued by June 2008.
This is quite ambitious, considering that the submission of comments to the Indian regulator TRAI on the allocation of 3G and WiMAX spectrum has closed on 23rd May 2008. The process of review and public consultation could take the best part of June 2008. Thereafter the DoT and the other agencies need to decide on the modalities of its auction.
The Indian mobile operators lobby has been traditionally very strong ( not surprising considering that they have over the quarter of the population of India as their subscribers) in wresting concessions in their favour. As expected their chorus has been to consider only existing GSM operators for such allocation. However in this instance the telecommunications minister Mr Raja has been holding his fort strongly to permit even the foreign bidders in the process.
We have always maintained that the implementation of policies which have a long term bearing on the entire nation need to implemented with considerable care. It is not easy to undo such allocations and serious distortions in quality of services and prices to customers can arise owing to faulty policies.
The TRAI has already sounded a note of caution on the question whether the mobile operators should also be allowed to accumulate the Mobille WiMAX spectrum and if so to what extent. It is well known that after the WRC 2007 , which made OFDMA-TDD ( one of the profiles of mobile WiMAX) a part of the IMT-advanced air interfaces the mobile operators have been spoiling for grabbing the mobile WiMAX Spectrum. However as things turn out in such cases, while the TRAI has recommended the grabbing of new spectrum by the existing mobile operators only, the minister Mr Rajah, true to his name, stands in the way like a King! If it spoils the party for some, so be it.
Completion of Sprint WiMAX trials set the stage for network launch
May 18, 2008
The Washington DC- Baltimore trials which were the staging ground for mobile WiMAX of Sprint Nextel under its XOHM brand have now given the signal for the final launch of the Mobile WiMAX network in USA which will cover over 140 million people by 2010.
The signal for commercial launch came after the trials were declared successful having validated an extensive set of parameters including data rates, handoffs and roaming, MIMO, reception by a range of consumer devices and many more. The trials validated the initial WiMAX devices from Samsung which have been designed to comply with the WiMAX Forum profiles for release 1 wave 2 and will form a part of the initial ecosystem which will be available. Handoffs, synchronization of base stations and delays in handoffs which have been the key differentiators from the Fixed WiMAX technologies have been proven to be acceptable as has the use of the spectrum which will be used for a countrywide rollout.
The signal for the commercial launch of the XOHM service coincides with the announcement of Joint Venture involving Sprint, Clearwire, Intel, Comcast, Time Warner and Google. The cash infusion which the partners are bringing in will enable the physical rollout across the United States as supporting revenues build up from subscription and use.
If the remarks of Barry West, CEO of Sprint are anything to go by, the market for Wireless services and devices is set to take a quantum jump in the USA, much beyond the incremental technologies such as HSDPA and EV-DO have been providing. The new ecosystem of high speed wireless connectivity will generate a host of new applications which were so far not possible owing to the limited set of capabilities in the mobile devices as well as the connectivity via mobile networks. The open architecture of the WiMAX will essentially make the Internet truly mobile and also lead to faster adoption of 3G in the networks.
Seems to be the beginnings of a very exciting era, one which has taken a long time to arrive but is here today like a rainbow with all the colors, excitement and yet always with an element of the unknown.
Sprint,Clearwire,Intel,Google and Major MSOs come together in a joint venture for WiMAX
Scene 4: And the 4th Generation Network Gets Set to Go!
May 08,2008
The latest news of Sprint and Clearwire coming together( in a joint venture) to launch the largest WiMAX network was always seen as the beginning of new era of universal connectivity, new devices and new architectures. However, back in mid 2007,the news that Sprint and Clearwire had decided go ahead on independently with their respective rollouts ( Scene 2) had brought in gloom to the industry. At one stage, it was even being said that the technology had serious problems and hence the delay. Next came the news of the major MSOs and Intel supporting a new initiative with fresh infusion of funds. This was scene 3 and the trial launches of XOHM in three markets went ahead. Now we finally have the news of Sprint and Clearwire coming together again, but this time with Time Warner, Comcast, Intel and Google also pitching in to form a joint venture.
Each one of the players is a winner, an innovator and embraces the latest technologies and is a leader in its field. In the new launch, do not expect merely a network such as WiFi but a new ecosystem of devices and applications based on QoS which is guaranteed by WiMAX.. The presence of Google signifies a range of applications developed around the Google portal, mobile and desktop as well as Google Talk, Android phones, Google maps and Google earth to be available in an integrated manner without the limitations of the traditional internet. The Cable MSOs will get the better of quadruple play services with interactive television, broadband wireless internet, VoIP and Video streaming.
As is always the case, when such a large ecosystem falls in place, it emerges with extremely disruptive technologies. The curtains are now up and the new scene about to be begin.
http://www.wimax-home.com
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India Issues consultation Paper for Mobile WiMAX and IMT-Advanced bands of 2.3 and 2.5 GHZ
May 05, 2008
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India ( TRAI) has issued an important consultation paper on the proposed auction of spectrum in the bands which are considered as “ Prime” for mobile WiMAX. These bands are 2.3-2.4 GHz and 2.5-2.69 GHz, which have been recognized by the WiMAX Forum for its certification profiles and where wave 2 certified mobile devices are becoming available. Globally all WiMAX systems are now largely using these bands for future systems.
The TRAI consultation paper comes at quite an appropriate time as the Indian government is getting ready to allot the 3G spectrum. The consultation paper became necessary owing to certain recommendations of the TRAI on the allocation of spectrum which were self contradictory as well as at variance with global practices. The consultation paper also comes in as some of the mobile operators have started demanding that the 2.5-2.69 GHz be kept reserved for 3G-LTE after the WRC 2007 in Nov 2007 had adopted OFDMA-TDD as one of the approved air interfaces under the IMT-Advanced systems.
The paper proposes that the prime bands of 2.3-2.4 GHz and 2.5-2.69 GHz be got vacated by the scattered existing users and be earmarked for Broadband wireless ( meaning WiMAX) or 3G-Long term evolution (LTE). The Regulator has sought comments on whether the use should be technology neutral as in the United states or be specific to WiMAX or LTE. It has also sought comments on the pricing recognizing that the previous reserve prices particularly for BWA were extremely low and in most cases capped at 25% of the prices for 3G. The emergence of Mobile WiMAX worldwide as a strong technology in use in many networks has considerably increased interest in the spectrum and consequently the value which bidders are willing to pay considering that the spectrum is limited. Parts of the spectrum in the 2.5-2.69 GHz are presently in use by the Dept of Space with operating satellites and may not get vacated leaving only limited spectrum for the rest of the bidders of which one needs to be BSNL or MTNL, the state carriers. With 3G players also eying the same spectrum the number of suitors has gone up considerably for the balance left for allocation.
Unlike many countries such as Japan and Korea, India has not placed restrictions on the mobile operators also accumulating valuable wireless and WiMAX spectrum. This has led to the possibility of complete monopolization of the market by some of the existing mobile operators by having both the GSM/CDMA as well as the WiMAX spectrum which they hold in the 3.4-3.6 GHz band. This includes all the major cellular players. The operators have already wrenched a decision in their favor of keeping
foreign bidders out of the forthcoming 3G spectrum auctions despite the ministry of communications seeking to bring in additional players.
The responses and decisions on the present consultation paper will be important in determining whether the existing players will also be able to get the prime spectrum for Mobile WiMAX and LTE and keep other potential bidders which may be willing to offer much higher prices out. The TRAI, seeing a potential Frankenstein’s Monster of cartelization being created step by step in India has now put a question on the cumulative spectrum which a bidder can hold in these bands.
The decisions on this consultation paper are set to be some of the most important policy decisions which India is expected to witness in the current year considering the long term implications of these recommendations. It will also determine how open India’s market will be for foreign players who now have to play second fiddle to a local operator. It will also determine whether other players in the convergence era such as IPTV providers, broadcasters or wireless ISPs can expect to be in fray for new technologies or simply be swept by the wave of cartelization which is today the name of the game in spectrum.
Mobile WiMAX gets set to rollout aggressively in Europe as Spectrum Gaps fill up
April 2008
Yet another indicator for rollout of WiMAX in Europe has now turned green with spectrum for Mobile WiMAX being allocated in Italy, one of the last bastions where the auctions were completed in this February. The licenses (35 licenses in all) for three blocks of 21 MHz each ( paired) for all the markets were auctioned in Italy for Euros 136 Million. These licenses were auctioned in the 3.5 GHz band. The largest successful bidder was Linkem with nationwide footprint. It is now launching its first network in the city of Bari with the services “ Wireless DSL” and VoIP. Mobile WiMAX services are already being provided in UK, Ireland and Iceland.
The Italian auctions follow those in Germany ( Euros 86 million) and France.
The German operator DBD has already commenced building the network with orders of over 500 base stations placed with Airspan and commenced service in select cities. WiMAX has already been launched in France by SHD and some of the recent launches include WiMAX Virtual Network Operators.
In the meantime the remaining countries have all announced WiMAX spectrum auctions to enable early network rollouts. Serbia , Portugal and Georgia have announced 3.5 GHz spectrum auctions recently. A common feature of the use of the 3.4 Ghz spectrum is that mobility is to be permitted as per the WiMAX forum profiles. Those supporting include amongst others the Ofcom UK and Portugal.
Mobile WiMAX is now entering the premier league with many countries announcing opening auctions for prime spectrum in the 2.5-2.6 GHz band. This includes the Ofcom UK (2010-2025 MHz and 2500-2690 MHz), Austria ( 2500 ~ 2690 MHz) and Sweden ( 2500 ~ 2690 MHz). Norway has already auctioned Spectrum in the 2.6 GHz band. In Norway the spectrum for 2.6 GHz has already been auctioned to five companies for $42 million. Spectrum in the 2.5-2.6 GHz is considered prime owing to better reach of the WiMAX radios in buildings and greater availability of devices and fetches nearly double the pricing as that for the 3.4 GHz band.
Technology neutrality, which was a basic tenet of use of spectrum announced by the EU in 2007 will guide the use of spectrum in many of the countries of EU. In contrast to its earlier preferred spectrum of 3.5 GHz for WiMAX, the 2.5-2.69 GHz spectrum is now being favored for use in mobile WiMAX, if the ongoing and announced auctions are any indications. This is set to bring in a major compatibility in the mobile WiMAX networks in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
News from WiMAX Forum World Congress April 9 2008, Singapore
The WiMAX Forum World Congress was held on 9-10 April 2008. One of the biggest events in the region, and not belying expectations, news from the event has started rolling out heralding major developments.
One of the awaited happenings was the WiMAX forum certification of base stations, chipsets and CPEs which can be used interoperably in various networks.
Samsung has now reported receiving the “Formal seal of approval” from the WiMAX forum for its Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e-2005) products. These include the 2.3 GHz base station, PCMCIA WiMAX card (incorporating Samsung Chipset) and the WiMAX “mobile station”. These are for the WiBro network and are wave 1 compatible.( i.e. do not support MIMO).
Some of the other devices and Chipsets which obtained the WiMAX forum certification include the Runcom for its mobile WIMAX chipsets and POSDATA for its FLYVO base station and USB modem, all for the 2.3 GHz profiles.
While many devices and chipsets claim conformance to WiMAX Forum profiles for wave 2 including MIMO, the formal certification for these will happen later in the second quarter. 2008 has been characterized by a slew of product announcements such as the Nokia 810 WiMAX Internet Tablet, Samsung handsets, Intel WiMAX/ WiFi modules and devices from Motorola, ASUS and others, the year going ahead will be a true test as the same devices operate in multiple networks. Taiwan for example has WiMAX networks operated by FiTEL and Global Telecom the later of which has also WiMAX roaming agreements with Asian carriers.
With many countries in Asia embarking on the rollout of Mobile WiMAX networks such as Singapore, such developments will lend support to a wide region WiMAX roaming alliance on the lines of GSM or 3G-UMTS..
Intel Announces prices for Mobile WiMAX/ WiFi Modules
Intel has announced the prices for Mobile WiMAX ( IEEE802.16e-2005) and WiFi ( 802.11 a/g/n) modules. These modules have been designed for Intel’s Montevina™ based notebooks. The module called “Echo Peak” will be available in two versions. The 1x2 MIMO version will be priced around $44 while the 3x3 MIMO will be priced at $54.The modules will be available in the Mini card form factor.
The announcement of pricing of WiMAX mini cards by Intel was widely expected before CTIA 2008 and the expectations have not been belied, on the announcement or the price. The price of $44 for 1x2 MIMO and $54 for 3x3 MIMO is well below the expected range considering that the volumes have yet to pickup. The CPE prices of $50 are much more affordable than over $100 which were prevailing earlier for similar WiMAX CPEs.
The WiFi 802.11n and Mobile WiMAX 802.16e-2005 wave 2 present the best combo option for high speed applications such as Video. The WiFi 802.11n can be used for live streaming video at full resolution in a WiFi hot spot owing to its high peak speeds of over 100 Mbps.
CTIA Wireless 2008: Nokia Unveils the WiMAX Internet Tablet N810
April1,2008
The long wait is finally over and the predictions of industry observers have come true. With Nokia formally announcing the N810 internet tablet, one more device based on native use of WiMAX (and WiFi) gets added to the domain of WiMAX enabled devices.
With many of the international operators placing their bets on Mobile WiMAX, the availability of devices and their pricing has been the main factor for their networks taking off just the way mobile networks did a decade back.
The news on further expansion of XOHM (beyond the initial launch cities of Chicago, Washington DC and Baltimore) remains eagerly awaited. Versions of the Nokia N810 are expected to support the XOHM specifically (Nokia N870). XOHM has also announced a WiMAX phone developed jointly by Samsung and XOHM.
The internet Tablet is designed to provide mobile wireless access to internet using an open core architecture independent of the cellular networks and 3G-evolved technologies such as EV-Do by using the combination of WiFi and WiMAX.
The internet Tablet joins the mobile Wimax internet space with other devices such as those for gaming (POSDATA) being already available in addition to a variety of PC cards and USB adapters.
\Mobile WiMAX to enter Premier League with ultra low power convergence devices
A number of ultra low power Chipsets and Systems on Chip( SoC) have been announced which will make mobile WiMAX to go beyond devices such as UMPCs or laptops. The ultra low power and small space footprint SoCs will enable WiMAX to be ported on tiny devices such as music players, gaming devices and of course PDAs and Laptops.
An example is the ultralow power convergence SoC from Redpine Signals. The product called Lite NMAX provides the mobile WiMAX wave 2 functionality as well as the wireless 802.11n ( draft 3) in the same SoC. All the features such as Space time block coding (STBC) and beamforming are also supported.
WiMAX Forum Updates Progress on WiMAX Forum Wave 2 Certification
Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, Feb 2008
The WiMAX Forum has made public the progress on certification of Mobile WiMAX wave 2 devices. There is great interest in the wave 2 devices which involve the use of multiple antennas or advanced antenna systems (AAS). Use of multiple antennas makes the reception much more robust in non line of sight conditions(NLOS). In line of sight conditions upto 80% higher speeds can be achieved using 2x2 MIMO. This has led to the industry players focusing on Mobile WiMAX wave 2 devices for their network design almost exclusively.
While the wave 2 compliant chipsets and CPEs ( such as PC cards, USB modems etc.) have been available for over a year now, the WiMAX forum is now set to give its stamp to such products. As per information provided by the forum over 28 products had been received by them for testing and should be released as certified products by 2Q of 2008.
With the WiMAX forum having established certification labls in Taiwan and India in addition to those in the United States and Europe, the certification and growth of networks is set to accelerate in 2008.