Deployment

Infotel May Choose WiMAX Over LTE In India

Michael Licata on July 13, 2010 | 1 comment

InfoTel might choose WiMAX over LTE in deploying 4G broadband services across India, according to a recent report. Indian telecom operators are deciding between the two competing technologies after the spectrum auction netted $8.22 billion.

IntoTel was the lone operator that was awarded spectrum space across all of India. They will lead the way in deploying 4G in India. Broadband penetration is less than one percent and the subscriber base is merely nine million people. Large international companies support the different technologies. Qualcomm supports LTE deployment while Intel supports WiMAX deployment in India.

Reliance Industries purchased a 95 percent stake in Infotel for Rs4,800 crore. It was thought that the company would choose LTE. A senior RIL official hinted at choosing devices that supports both WiMAX and LTE. Many companies rushed to establish themselves as device suppliers for the network deployments. Samsung will offer the migration of WiMAX devices seamlessly to LTE once the technology is mature in the market.

“LTE is a technology that is a future technology. It is expected to come in two years. What is available today is WiMax,” Hung Song, vice-president, global sales and marketing, telecom systems, Samsung Electronics, said, “The answer is a natural progression.”

Samsung is the only company offering LTE devices to TeliaSonera’s Scandinavian network. DoCoMo and Verizon Wireless are two carriers set to launch LTE services in Japan and the U.S. respectively. AT&T gave equipment contracts to Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson for LTE deployment in the U.S. in 2011.

This shows that LTE isn’t far off, but the market hasn’t matured. WiMAX is now and the speeds are faster and more available that the 3G signal provided to Indian broadband users. They’re hoping the equipment providers can provide the dual-mode devices that cover both technologies. It is something that would work in India. The market is so valuable for all involved, from the operators to the equipment suppliers to the end users, the technology choices could make the operators millions of dollars.

Other operators are waiting for RIL to make their decision. They’ll pace the rest of the operator field because they have such an advantage over the rest of the operators that were awarded spectrum space. It’s important to get the deployment right. They’ll probably start out deploying WiMAX first and then migrate to LTE over time. Clearwire is also planning the same transition in the U.S., … Read the rest

Sprint Begins 4G Service To 7 More Markets

Michael Licata on July 12, 2010 | 1 comment

Sprint has begun offering 4G in seven new markets. End users in Rochester and Syracuse, N.Y., Merced and Visalia CA, Eugene, OR and Tri-Cities and Yakima WA will now be able to experience the fastest wireless speeds on the market. Sprint offers 4G in 43 markets and expects to expand to a lot more by the end of 2010. Customers will be able to the HTC EVO 4G, the only 4G phone available on the market in the U.S.

“We are hearing a lot of positive feedback from our 4G customers who are using HTC EVO and mobile broadband connectivity,” said Matt Carter, president of 4G, Sprint. “People are hungry for faster wireless speeds, 3G/4G smartphones and unlimited data plans – and, Sprint offers all of these. With Sprint 4G, we are entering a new world of wireless possibilities.”

4G users get the fastest mobile downloads, high quality streaming video and superior Internet browsing. 4G technology, title WiMAX, enables the speeds and the first video chatting software using the HTC EVO called Qik. Users can talk to their families while traveling or businesses can hold meetings from anywhere within the 4G coverage area.

Sprint will also offering many great deals for first time 4G buyers. They’re currently offering Sprint Free Guarantee, a trial service where users can experience for 30 free-of-charge and return the service and device with the opportunity to be fully refunded. Sprint also offers the Everything Data plans, which include unlimited Internet, text and calling on the Sprint network for one price.

Sprint 4G service isn’t limited for users in that particular market. Summer travel season is upon us. 4G users can travel across the country and have the ultra fast 4G service in Merced and Visalia, California, Atlanta and Milledgeville, Georgia, Honolulu and Maui, Hawaii, Boise, Idaho, Chicago, Baltimore, Kansas City, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, North Carolina, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Reading and York, Pennsylvania. In Texas, 4G is available in Abilene, Amarille, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, San Antonia, Waco and Wichita Falls. In Utah, 4G is available in Salt Lake City, Richmond, VA, Seattle, Tri-Cities and Yakima, Washington.

Sprint offers other great devices, including the Overdrive mobile hotspot, which connects up to 5 Wi-Fi-enabled devices to the 4G network. There’s even a feature to add a 3G connection in areas where 4G isn’t available yet. It’s a great way … Read the rest

P1 Celebrates Two Recent Milestones

Michael Licata on July 7, 2010

P1 recently celebrated two important milestones in the company’s advances in WiMAX deployment and devices. They are the investment partnership with SK Telecom and Malaysia’s first WiMAX-enabled laptops.

The Malaysian WiMAX operator promised to bring the first WiMAX-embedded laptops to the market in 2010. P1 teamed with Intel and other equipment manufacturers to deliver the one of the first 4G laptops. They worked with Acer, Asus, Dell, Lenovo, MSI and Toshiba to develop the 4G-enabled laptops.

“WiMAX-Inside 4G laptops will change the way we stay connected to the Internet, making it easier than ever before to get connected. When we make getting connected easy, more and more people will go online,” Michael Lai, Chief Executive Officer of P1, “Combine that with one of Malaysia’s fastest growing wireless networks, we are well on our way to fulfill our promise of “Broadband for all.””

SK Telecom recently purchased about 25 percent of P1 for about $100 million. They’re now the second largest shareholder in the company, after Green Packet, the parent company. Intel initially invested $15 million through Green Packet to support the WiMAX deployment in Malaysia.

The SK-P1 partnership will enhance P1′s network along with positioning SK Telecom to many other WiMAX and wireless broadband opportunities across Southeast Asia. Malaysia wants to have a broadband penetration goal of 50 percent target by the end of 2010. The current market penetration stands about about 33 percent. They hope to have 45 percent population coverage by the end of this year.

P1 along with Green Packet lead the way in developing WiMAX in Malaysia. Green Packet is able to extend its reach in Southeast Asia with the deal with SK Telecom while improving their core network.… Read the rest

Mandarin WiMAX Bringing 4G to Sicilian Area of Modica

Michael Licata on July 7, 2010

Mandarin WiMAX Sicily will bring the 4G technology all areas of Modica, including the remote rural areas. It will provide broadband Internet to places that were unable to connect because of land line restrictions.

Local governments in Sicily are attempting a new approach by offering wireless technologies to meet the needs of households and businesses that need a super fast wireless Internet connection in places where DSL services aren’t being met by the local telecom operators.

Mandarin WiMAX is a regional telecommunications company. They won spectrum space on the Italian island in the 3.4-3.6GHz frequency. The venture consists of a group of Sicilian businesses, Medianet Communications, Korec, Group Franza and Temix. Mandarin will try to build a transportation network with voice and data services that connect wireless reliability and security, covering the entire Sicily region.… Read the rest

First Media Launches First WiMAX Network in Indonesia

Michael Licata on July 2, 2010 | 5 comments

Sitra WiMAX launched Indonesia’s first 4G network on June 28, 2010. Users in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi, Banten area, Northern Sumatra and Aceh area can now experience the fastest wireless speeds on the commercial market.

“We are proud to announce the First Media can provide the first WiMAX-based services in Indonesia,” said Hengkie Liwanto, President Director of PT First Media Tbk.

First Media was granted a tender from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in July 2009, securing a license in the 2.3 GHz frequency to develop WiMAX. The services will begin in July with expansion planned to other parts of the country. First Media invested $50 million initially and will invest up to $350 million for this deployment.

First Media is on record as saying LTE hasn’t matured yet and is still an unknown, that’s why they chose WiMAX over the other 4G technology. It’s a strong endorsement for WiMAX because it helps grow the WiMAX market in Asia Pacific. APAC is quickly becoming an important area for the development of 4G technology.… Read the rest

Aptilo Networks Announces Latest Deployments

Michael Licata on June 16, 2010 | 1 comment

Burco Electronics Systems and Aptilo Networks teamed up for the first WiMAX network in Malawi. Burco chose Aptilo’s WiMAX CSN System for their eWiMAX serivce. It will be the first mobile WiMAX based Internet service in Malawi.

The network uses the latest WiMAX Forum NWG standard. Burco can use a multi-vendor approach to build their network with the most cost effective components. The network uses radios from RuggedCom, ASN gateways from WiChorus and different wireless equipment from many different manufacturers. The low cost allows Burco to expand to the residential market.

“We decided from the start that going for a vendor-independent full WiMAX Forum NWG- compliant network design was the only way for us, in order to minimize risks and ensure a healthy competition among vendors,” Dave Varndell, Managing Director, Burco, said, “The natural choice of WiMAX AAA vendor was clearly Aptilo as they are delivering a more complete CSN solution which also works seamlessly with the majority of vendors.”

Aptilo’s policy control functionality allows Burco to utilize a different charging structure to control bandwidth between residential customers. It means end users can enjoy lower prices after peak hours. It also provides businesses with more bandwidth during the day. The software is integrated with ATM machines through voucher codes for the different bank systems. Consumers can re-fill their prepaid accounts through the ATM system.

“We are impressed to see how a local operator like Burco is one of the first in the world to deploy a truly vendor-independent network architecture according to the latest standards,” said Torbjorn Ward, CEO, Aptilo Networks. “Africa is a strong region for WiMAX in general and for us in particular as many operators appreciate our pre-integrated approach where the benefits of implementing a complete solution, rather than taking a piecemeal approach, are significant.”

WIND Telecom deployed Aptilo’s WiMAX CSN System in Santo Domingo and Santiago in the Dominican Republic. The Samsung-enabled network will use Aptilo’s WiMAX AAA+, policy control, prepaid and hotlining features to regulate usage and pay fees by the end users. WIND Telecom will integrate the software with a portal solution developed in-house.

“With the flexibility to integrate with literally any ASN vendor of choice, Aptilo Networks has helped us aggressively expand our WiMAX service,” said Manuel E. Bonilla, CEO, WIND Telecom. “Also, Aptilo’s solutions help us stay one-step ahead by enabling us to leverage Wi-Fi as an additional revenue-generating business model.”

… Read the rest

Acme Packet Unveils Latest Deployments in APAC Region

Michael Licata on June 14, 2010

Acme Packet announced its latest customers. Acme Packet’s Net-Net session border controllers to control IP communications across borders to their customers. The four customers will deploy the the wireless broadband access borders to support residential and business services. Acme Packet SBCs are now deployed by over 100 operators in 19 Asia Pacific countries.

“Acme Packet’s Net-Net session border controller is a key element for our business voice services, protecting our network and maximizing our service reach while satisfying our customers’ needs,” Vajira Jayasinghe, Chief Technology Officer for Suntel, said, “With Acme Packet’s solutions we are able to deliver a reliable and secure hosted business voice service and a SIP trunking service with assured interoperability with our customers’ existing IP PBX systems.”

Packet One Networks, SingTel, Suntel and TOT all choose Acme Packet solutions. The fixed and wireless broadband access borders supports residential and business services. The solution has control functions, satisfies security, service reach maximization, SLA assurance, revenue and profit protection.

P1 will use Acme Packet SBCs to secure, control and quality-assure P1′s WiMAX border. P1 offers WiMAX in Malaysia , offering VoWiMAX services using the Acme Packet SBCs to secure, control and quality-assure the border. SingTel deployed the Net-Net as part of its i-PhoneNet service to deliver secure SIP trunking and hosted voice services for business users. Suntel will use in its next-generation network along with IMS access networks to offer hosted IP PBX, PSTN emulation and SIP trunking services to business customers. Suntel utilizes Acme Packet’s Qox monitoring capabilities to monitor quality in their network in Sri Lanka. TOT deployed SBCs to host voice and secure SIP trunking services. TOT uses Acme Packet SBCs to protect the core network and provide interoperability to endpoints.

Infonetics Research latest report that operators will invest $4.3 billion in VoIP and IMS equipment from 2010-12 to service over 100 million residential and business users in 014 in the APAC region.… Read the rest

P1 Launches Nine WiMAX Community Broadband Centers

Michael Licata on May 21, 2010

Packet One Networks now offers WiMAX to 3,500 in Malaysia by launching nine Community Broadband Centers. The deployment aids communities through broadband Internet education in under-served areas of the country.

“P1 lives and breathes our mission of ‘Broadband for All’. With the strong support from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in this public-private sector partnership,” Michael Lai, Chief Executive Officer of P1 said, “We’re able to speedily deploy what we believe is the world’s first 2.3GHz WiMAX CBCs in Malaysia.”

The company completed the first 2.3GHz WiMAX Community Broadband Centers a week ahead of schedule. The project will provide wireless broadband internet to over 21,000 people in the Federal Land Development Authority settlements under the Universal Service Provision Fund.

The nine broadband centers are located in Perak and Kedah in Sungai Behrang, four different points on Gunung Besout, Trolak Utara, Sungai Klah and Ijok in Perak along with a one center on Gunung Bongsu in Kedah. It helps in P1′s goal of reaching 50 percent national household broadband penetration by the end of this year. Broadband penetration currently stands at 33 percent.

The Malaysian government commissioned P1 on November 30 to provide WiMAX access for at least five years. The centers were fully approved for operation in late March. 50 visitors a day go to the centers, mostly students that research information for their school projects. The centers also offer skills training, printing and scanning services.

It’s a great way to get WiMAX to the people. By setting up these centers where under-served people can come and learn through the internet, it sends a great example to other operators that want to launch WiMAX in under-served areas across the globe.… Read the rest

Imagine Wireless to Launch First WiMAX Network in Ireland

Michael Licata on May 18, 2010

Imagine Wireless will launch the first WiMAX network in Ireland. Imagine teamed with Motorola and Intel to roll out a nationwide high speed wireless network. The project expects to cost EURO100 million to begin.

OECD, a research firm that ranks broadband speeds, showed Ireland at the bottom in broadband speeds across Europe. Imagine Wireless knows that WiMAX will help get Ireland out of the basement of the list.

“This week’s OECD statistics show that Ireland has dropped to 29th position for broadband speeds, after being placed 26th in September 2008,” Imagine Wireless Commercial Director Brian O’Donohoe said, “The new 4G WiMax network is faster and more reliable than 3G, has no expensive line rental charges like DSL and is available at half the cost of older technology providers like Eircom .”

Imagine will offer faster Internet services and cheaper phone rates once the network becomes commercially available. Imagine will be able to provide reasonable rates in Dublin, Wexford, Kildare, Sligo, Louth, Westmeath and Longford counties. WiMAX will be unveiled in an additional 30 new locations per month until the entire island is covered.

It’s interesting to see how long it has taken to roll out WiMAX in a major European country. The launch could change how Ireland gets their internet. Imagine Wireless will offer home modems, along with USB modems for mobile applications from Motorola.

Photo Courtesy of tomfoley via Flickr… Read the rest

Ceragon Powers Ergon Energy’s Latest Wireless Infrastructure

Michael Licata on May 18, 2010 | 1 comment

Ergon Energy will deploy Ceragon Network’s FibeAir solution. Ceragon will provide a telecommunications network based on a combination of wired fiber optics and microwave architecture. It will support a mix of SDH and IP data traffic.

The project will cover most of Queensland, Australia with high speed wireless internet solution. Ergon Energy provides power line infrastructure to distribute electricity to regions of Queensland. Ceragon’s FibeAir platform includes the FibeAir 3200T all-indoor solution. The technology will enhance Ergon’s capacity and functionality of the wireless part of the network. Ceragon’s solutions will provide protection switching, metering and intelligent monitoring, storage and disaster recovery and high speed communications between more than one site.

“We are very happy to be selected by a forward thinking company such as Ergon Energy,” Ira Palti, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ceragon,said, “Utility companies all over the world are moving towards smart grid technology, which also requires an intelligent backhaul infrastructure. Wireless solutions, such as our high-capacity platforms, can be deployed more quickly and cost effectively than wireline alternatives. Once the network is in place, it can also be used to transport so-called traditional services such as high-speed internet, video, voice and more.”

The phase one and two equipment orders are already valued at over $1 million. Ergon Energy services 650,000 customers in Queensland, stretching 150,000km. Ergon Energy also operates 34 stand alone power stations that supply isolated areas in Queensland.

This showcases how utilities companies can use wireless technology to improve their network. LTE and WiMAX enables smart grids. Smart grids are the way of the future for utilities companies. Monitor use of electricity with smart meters using wireless high speed internet. Live video surveillance is another application for smart grids.… Read the rest

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