Eliza Nguyen

Clearwire is tied to WiMax until 2011

on October 10, 2009   |   1 comment



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Clearwire, LLC. cannot switch from mobile WiMax to Long Term Evolution (LTE) until 2011 due to a contract the corporation has signed with Intel Corp., Unstrung reports.

Even though Clearwire CEO Bill Morrow is open to switching to LTE in the future, the company’s most recent Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in August, shows that an agreement with Intel, WiMax’s biggest promoter, ties Clearwire to the  wireless broadband technology.

Clearwire might consider switching to LTE for competitive reasons, such as lower cost and vendors developing and deploying alternative technologies. Finally, Morrow noted that Clearwire was a WiMax company for the “foreseeable future,”– and it’s clear now that this will not change until at least the end of 2011.… Read the rest

New WiMax MIMO RF Transceiver is now available at Maxim

on October 9, 2009  



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According to TMCnet, Maxim Integrated Products, a company that designs and markets analog and mixed-signal engineering solutions, has introduced the new MAX2839AS chip, a WiMax MIMO RF transceiver, that uses 2.3GHz to 2.7GHz.

The innovative product detects low volumes with a 2.3dB, -81dBm sensitivity for a 64-QAM signal at 5MHz channel bandwidth. The company also says that the chip features a programmable channel filter, and has carrier leakage detection circuits. Furthermore, it shuts down using only 10microamps to save power in standby mode.

Compared to single-receiver chip architecture, MAX2839AS’s dual-receiver (for MIMO) structural design  allows it to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by as much as 10dB. This improvement allows for increased data throughput and radio-link range of mobile WiMax applications.

Reportedly, the new MAX2839AS is most compatible with mobile 802.16e mobile WiMax, Korean WiBro, 802.11g or n WLAN with MRC or MIMO Down Link and proprietary wireless broadband systems. The chip comes in a 3.7 mm x 5.2 mm wafer-level package and can be purchased at http://www.maxim-ic.com/ for $8.62.… Read the rest

Asia-Pacific Deployment to Double if China Licenses WiMax

on October 8, 2009  



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Cellular-News reports that the Asia-Pacific region is the front runner in the 2009 WiMax innovation race. Tier-1 operators such as Japan’s KDDI, India’s Tata Communications, Reliance Communications, and Korea Telecom continue to heavily invest in the technology. The APAC region is also the stage to non-conformist WiMax operators that are breaking ground for non-incumbent operators to use the technology.

Surprisingly, 3G spectrum and broadband connectivity are still missing in much of  the APAC region; yet, “[…] the region holds the best prospects for WiMax services in terms of subscriber uptake and future innovation,” says Frost & Sullivan industry analyst Shaker Amin.

According to Huawei, China’s leading infrastructure giant, “the Asia Pacific Region embodies the first potential market to which WiMax is likely to be widely deployed. However WiMax is currently in its infancy, and [Huawei is] looking forward to its evolution and, by 2010, a wide subscriber base.”

At the end of 2008, Amin estimated that some 3.6 billion people in the underserved territories of APAC will yet have to adopt some type of broadband services. This niche market indicates strong likelihood for the WiMax life cycle to remain longer in the growth stage.

Despite the great expectations, potential operators face deployment challenges due to Chinese government’s refusal to license WiMax. “The fact that China has not supported WiMax, preferring instead to back the homegrown TD-SCDMA 3G standard, is particularly unnerving for the technology’s prospects in the region,” Amin states. “Even grimmer still, important markets such as India and Thailand, both of which also hold great potential for WiMax, have fallen behind in issuing WiMax licenses and spectrum allocation in the 2.3 and 2.5GHz bands,” he adds.

Ironically, Huawei Technologies and ZTE, two key Chinese technology providers, are among the largest WiMax dealers globally.

A new market research analysis conducted by Frost & Sullivan estimates that the WiMax subscriber base in the region – covering 17 APAC countries excluding China – might top 24 million by the end of 2014, which would convert into revenues of an estimated US$6.4 billion. Amin believes that these approximations could double if the Chinese government were to change their position on WiMax.

While some Asian markets have been slow in allocating spectrum to WiMax, other markets such as Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore have seen substantial increase in the wireless broadband subscriptions. Despite the odds, “with HSPA gaining momentum … Read the rest

MediaG3 enters the WiMax market

on October 5, 2009   |   1 comment



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MediaG3 enters the WiMax market MediaG3, Inc. a Santa Ciara, California, based Internet service provider has announced today in a press release that they will be offering WiMax services under the umbrella of their Imperial Wireless(TM) 4G WiMax platform. The service will be launched in Boise, Idaho and will mobile internet service at true broadband speeds. The company plans to reach up to 70 markets consisting of over 10 million people by the end of 2011.

Currently Media G3, delivers mobile internet service to 20 US markets, targeting both commercial and residential consumers. “We have great expectations that our roll-out strategy will be met with substantial demand from the markets we are pursuing, said Joseph L. Anzalone, President & COO of MediaG3. “Current estimates show that the growth potential of the market for mobile Internet services is approximately $55 billion over the next few years.”… Read the rest

India auctions off licenses for 3 WiMax spectra

on October 3, 2009   |   1 comment



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According to Network World, the Indian government plans to auction off three WiMax spectrum licenses in the country in December. 10 days before the WiMax auction, the government will be completing the issue of three 3G licenses. The bid for the 3G spectrum starts at $716 million per operator and at $360 million for the WiMax spectrum.

The licensing of 3G mobile-phone services and fixed wireless broadband (IEEE 802.16d WiMax standard) services will make India about $5.1 billion, India’s IT/ Telecommunications Minister, Andimuthu Raja said. “Since the number of slots are only four, the auction price will be more,” Raja stated and he has a good point. Given that the auctions are open to foreign companies, there will likely be intense competition to win the licenses among the local operators and foreign giants such as NTT DoCoMo, AT&T and Deutsche Telekom, skyrocketing the prices into the billions.

The Indian government already handed out 3G licenses to the state-owned service providers Bharat Sanchar Nigam and Mahanager Telephone Nigam, in early 2009. India is the second largest wireless market worldwide with 415.25 million current subscribers according to figures from c. Nevertheless,  most of it comes from mobile voice and SMS function rather than from wireless Internet access.

The WiMax Forum predicts that India will comprise 20% of the WiMax market (or 19 million subscribers) in 2012. The Economic Times of India reported that a study by US market research firm Strategy Analytics believes India will become the largest WiMax user base in the Asia-Pacific by 2013, reaching 14 million by 2013 and growing annually at 130%. With these forecasts, the future looks bright for the four companies that will win the WiMax spectrum. Taking into consideration a population of one billion, it may be one of the greatest ROI currently offered in the global market.… Read the rest

Clearwire launches WiMax Service in Salem, Oregon

on October 1, 2009   |   1 comment



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According to a press release, Clearwire publicized today that it has officially expanded its 4G network coverage to Salem, Oregon, enabling Clear account holders to access Internet anywhere within the WiMax coverage area at true broadband speeds. “CLEAR is excited to bring to Salem residents the super fast mobile Internet experience they’re used to having at home or the office, anywhere around town or on the go,” said Tim Ross, Regional General Manager of the Northwest region. “We’re providing a valuable new category of Internet service designed to make people’s lives more enjoyable and more productive, wherever they happen to be in our coverage area.”

WiMax is different from WiFi in that its range is no longer a few feet, but can carry over distances as long as 30 miles. Also compared to 3G, WiMax has Internet download speeds up to four times faster than those of 3G networks.

Clearwire will offers several plan options including $25 per month for home Internet service, $35 per month for mobile Internet access, or a combination package of home and mobile for $50 per month. Customers can also purchase a day pass for $10 or subscribe to the dual-mode 4G/3G plan that is available for $70 per month with a two-year service agreement. WiMax devices such as WiMax enabled laptops or USB modems can be obtained at Best Buy stores or at other authorized Clearwire retailers.… Read the rest

Dell’s New Latitude Z laptop charges wirelessly

on September 30, 2009  



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According to Computerworld.com, Dell Inc. introduced an ultra-thin laptop on Tuesday that is the first that lets users charge the laptop without a power cable. Starting at $1,999, the Latitude Z recharges when placed on a special notebook stand that creates an “inductive charging” field similar to cordless toothbrush or electric shaver chargers, said Steve Belt, vice-president of engineering at Dell. The coil and elevated notebook stand come together as a set at a cost of $199,. With an additional $199 for the docking station, the near-wireless Latitude Z system adds up to an additional $400 on top of the laptop’s $1,999 base price.

Conveniently, the Latitude Z needs to only be about 9 feet away from the docking station for it connect wirelessly to ports and devices, Belt explained. Beyond inductive charging, Dell’s really swinging for the fences with the Z’s feature set, including all (yes, all) of its top-drawer goodies in one machine. The right bezel of the 16-inch monitor showcases Dell’s EdgeTouch quick-access controls, and the trackpad is multitouch. The Z runs on an Intel Core 2 Duo processor starting at 1.4Ghz, and can fit one or two solid-state hard drives up to 256GB. Latitude Z users can also choose to connect to the web via integrated mobile broadband such as WiMax or 3G data networks. Finally, Belt added that the devices were “architected and conceived by Dell,” and would help Latitude Z owners maintain a “nice, clean desk.”… Read the rest

Alvarion opens Taipei Office

on September 30, 2009   |   1 comment



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PRNewswire reported that Alvarion Ltd., a leading Wimax equipment provider, today announced the opening of an office in Taipei to keep up with the growing demand for 4G technologies in Taiwan. The Taipei office will serve as a R&D, customer support and retail center. Alvaion will celebrate its expansion in the Asian market with a grand opening, at which Taiwan’s Vice President Vincent Siew plans to make an appearance as guest of honor.

“Alvarion has been active in Taiwan for many years and is playing an integral role in the development of WiMAX industry in the country,” said Tzvika Friedman, president and CEO of Alvarion. “We are enhancing our presence in the country to re-enforce our commitment to Taiwan and to bring key resources closer to our customers.” Presently, Alvirion counts over 250 WiMax deployments worldwide.… Read the rest

WiMax Visionaries to Meet in Fort Lauderdale

on September 29, 2009  



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Acccording to a Wimax Forum Press Release, the WiMax Forum, a not-for-profit organization established to advance the compatibility and interoperability of WiMax devices, unveiled today that they plan to hold the second annual Congress Americas show in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 2 – 3rd, 2009.

The WiMax Forum with their official Congress partner Clearwire plan to unite WiMax representatives from North and South America at the Congress, where a line-up of international speakers from over 30 WiMax service providers, 13 analysts, 5 governments and 3 consumer electronics companies will be presenting. Topics will cover WiMax business models and retail strategies, operational challenges, spectrum and standards (including 3.65 GHz and 700 MHz). Other topics discussed will include vertical market expansion opportunities for WiMax and the prospects for WiMax in the CALA region. The event will also devote Dec. 1st to focus on the $7.2 billion Broadband Stimulus Package signed by President Obama and speakers will explore how WiMax carriers can use NTIA BTOP funding to expand their WiMax networks into rural America in a sustainable fashion.

Moreover, local WiMax provider Sling Broadband will offer attendees a tour to their Florida headquarters where visitors can test live WiMax connectivity. Parallel to the conference will be a free two-day long expo featuring companies such as Samsung, Airspan, Clearwire, WiTech, Ciena who will demonstrate their latest product developments.

“With more than 500 commercial deployments in 154 countries, the WiMax market has developed into a mature and diverse ecosystem that is changing lives worldwide,” said Ron Resnick, president of the WiMax Forum. Registration can be completed at www.wimaxforumglobalevents.com/americas.… Read the rest

WiMax iPhone? Apple signs with South Korea’s KT

on September 28, 2009  



wimax-phoneAccording to Reuters, South Korea’s KT Corp plans to introduce Apple’s iPhone supporting WiFi and WiMax technology in South Korea. KT’s chief strategy officer Pyo Hyun-myung told Reuters that it also plans to release WiFi and WiMax enabled 3G smartphones from Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, which will be available from late November.

A local media source, MaeKyung, reported on Sunday that KT and Apple have signed an iPhone offering contract; yet, details such as whether KT obtained exclusive iPhone distribution rights in Korea are unconfirmed. According to Telecoms Korea, Apple received approval from the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) radio research laboratory that will accelerate the long-awaited smartphone launch in Korea’s cellular market.

According to Telekoms Korea, iPhone’s LBS (location-based service) features, such as “Google Map,” and “Find my iPhone” violate local rules set by regulator KCC, media source Maekyung’s reports. A similar case arose in April, when Nokia released its navigation-enabled smartphone, the Nokia 6210s, without a navigation utility to avoid a legal dispute. However, KT decided to allow WiFi connectivity as it is fiercely wanted among prospective iPhone buyers.

Presently, the Korean mobile market is highly saturated, with 97 percent of the Korean population owning a mobile phone. “Consumers are generally happy with voice services, but they have lots of complaints regarding mobile data –those new handsets will become the mainstream,” Pyo said. He also revealed that once the government will finalize it subsidiary program to promote mobile technology, KT would expand its WiMAX network, presently limited to Seoul and adjacent areas, to the entire country.

Unfortunately, Korea’s cellular market is dominated by a near duopoly comprised of Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics. Controlling 80 percent of the cellular industry’s market share, the two giants sell their products in Korea at mobile phone ASPs (Average Sales Price) higher than in other countries. The introduction of Apple’s iPhone into the local market could mean an end to the duopoly and a warm welcome to competitive prices.

According to Comtex, IE Market Research Corp., the Canadian-based provider of market intelligence services, just published its 2Q09 South Korea Mobile Operator Forecast, announcing that the number of total subscriber in South Korea will increase from 45.6 million in 2008 to 52.6 million in 2013. SK Telecom will continue to be the largest operator in the country with 26.6 million subscribers in 2013, followed by KTF … Read the rest

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