Global Mobile will begin rolling out WiMax services in Taipei starting January 19. Global Mobile and other telecom companies in Taiwan are rushing to set up WiMax networks across the country because of the imposed deadline by the Taiwanese government.
The company signed contracts to start service at the Neihu Science Park in northern Taipei, with expansion to other areas of Taipei in the next few months. Complete coverage of Taipei should occur around the middle of the year.
Global Mobile launched its first WiMax network late last year in the Hsinchu Science Park and will announce service for the rest of Hsinchu City by the end of February. The company is offering a range of service plans, and if users sign up for two years, they are offered an all-you-can-use service with a free USB WiMax dongle with a monthly fee of NT$679 (US$21.36).
When licenses were granted to bidders, the government stipulated that WiMax networks must be open by March. Two of the other six companies have started up service in Taiwan and other license holders should have service up and running by March.
Far EasTone launched its WiMax network in Taichung City in December and Tatung InfoComm launched the first WiMax network in April 2009 on Penghu. Deployment of service has also begun in Kaohsiung and networks will be formally announced in Hualien, Penghu and Kaohsiung County very soon.
Vmax Telecom, Vee Telecom and Fitel however, still need to launch WiMax networks. Vmax has started signing up users throughout Taipei who will be able to access its WiMax network free-of-charge.
As part of M-Taiwan, the government promoted WiMax developement by offereing generous research grants and co-investment into companies. The government will continue to provide finance for WiMax applications and testing facilities to make the service more attractive. The government also hopes that by promoting the technology now, Taiwanese manufacturers will benefit from the global deployment of WiMax products.
Photo Courtesy of Henryleongh via Flickr
