February 2010

BSNL Starts WiMax in Assam

Michael Licata on February 4, 2010 | 1 comment

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. is now offering WiMax service in in the northern Indian state of Assam. The network services were launched at Chaygaon in the Kamrup district of Assam, providing rural areas with broadband speeds of 7 mbps.

WiMax allows for video conferencing, tele-medicine service and tele-education. The local government will be able to check meters, issues involving birth certificates, land records and online vehicle registrations. Fees in rural areas will be reasonable at only Rs.140 per month.

BSNL is also building a fiber optic cable network in the northeast part of India, including a 800km line in Assam to provide connectivity in the telecom sector. To increase the quality of the GSM network, BSNL will set up 843 mobile towers, delivering telephone and broadband services to the most remote parts of India.

Photo Courtesy of Rita Wallaert via Flickr… Read the rest

Nth Air and Tranzeo Partner for WiMax Build Out

Michael Licata on February 4, 2010

Nth Air has chosen Tranzeo Wireless Technologies to help with building a WiMax network.

The purchase order for Tranzeo equipment is $4.5 million. In the agreement, Nth Air will begin buildout of an initial network for 28,000 subscribers in California, Florida and Texas starting this month. The company plans to roll out additional networks later in 2010, with plans of an extensive network that will cover most of the U.S.

“Nth Air has the vision, enthusiasm, and contracts, to build out one of the largest broadband wireless networks in the US,” said Dave Gelvin, President of Tranzeo Wireless USA. “We are excited to be working closely with Nth Air to offer a combination of WiMAX and WiFi solutions to provide the most cost-effective services to underserved areas of America.”

Photo Courtesy of Jose Antonio Galloso … Read the rest

Infonetics Surveys Global Service Providers

Elizabeth Dickey on February 3, 2010

Infonetics Research recently published a study entitled “Mobile WiMax Infrastructure Vendor Ratings: Global Service Provider Survey”.

The survey was conducted in December 2009 and January 2010 and involved input from mobile WiMax network equipment purchase decision-makers at 21 service providers from around the world regarding their choices of equipment and decision criteria for choosing vendors. Survey respondents represent current and near-future WiMax equipment customers with over half already operating a mobile WiMax network. Carriers hail from Asia Pacific, Central and Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and North America.

The survey features service provider ratings of the most important features in a connectivity service network (CSN)/home agent, access service network (ASN) gateway, and WiMax base transceiver station. Service providers also rated six mobile WiMax vendors (Alcatel-Lucent, Alvarion, Cisco, Huawei, Motorola and Samsung) on eight criteria: technology, security, management, price-to-price performance ratio, pricing, financial stability, service and support, and product roadmap.

Analyst Richard Webb noted that, “Mobile WiMax service providers we surveyed recently have highest ratings to Alvarion, Alcatel-Lucent, and Motorola based on various criteria such as WiMax technology, pricing, and service and support, although no one vendor was rated strong across the board. Cisco and Huawei also have good ratings, suggesting they are capable of closing ground on the top three. As the WiMax market consolidates to a remaining handful of vendors and becomes more competitive, the perception of different aspects of the business will come under increasing scrutiny.”

… Read the rest

Latest Clear Modems Available

WiMAXian on February 3, 2010

CLEAR officially offering Ubee PXU1900 on their official website.CLEAR named it CLEAR 4G Mobile USB and sell for $59.99 + tax and lease for $4.99 + tax.

CLEAR 4G Mobile USB is WiMAX USB modem that so small and fits in your pocket. Its internal antenna has been improved for better reception but consume less power.

It also has a hinged/swivel design, meaning you can flip it up instead of having it stick straight out of your notebook. So it more flexible and prevent from broken.

CLEAR also offering CLEAR Performance Dock for $9.99 + tax. Basically it’s an additional external antenna for CLEAR 4G Mobile USB. Instead of connecting the WiMAX USB modem directly to your notebok, you simply plug in to the Performance Dock and then connect the Dock to your notebook via USB.

CLEAR Performance Dock only compatible with the new CLEAR 4G Mobile USB not for previous CLEAR WIMAX USB modem or CLEAR 4G+ (U300) modem.

CLEAR 4G Mobile USB support Windows(XP,Vista,and 7) and Mac OS X ( 10.5.x and 10.6.x)

WiMAXian is a blog about WiMAX technology,WiMAX News,WiMAX deployment,WiMAX devices and WiMAX providers around the world. Read the original article.

… Read the rest

New Amplifier From Anadigics

Michael Licata on February 3, 2010 | 2 comments

Anadigics just introduced a new power amplifier that will improve WiMax trasceivers. The AWT6283R is the first power amplifier to deliver high linear output power with exceptional efficiency and consistent RF performance over full WiMax frequency bands.

The device is perfect for mobile WiMax applications and includes a step attenuator, a power detector and a reference voltage regulator in a small package, saving board space.

“With the introduction of the AWT6283R, we’re expanding our product portfolio in the fast-growing WiMAX space to deliver the most efficient, high-performance components that ultimately improve the end-user experience,” said Joe Cozzarelli, director, Broadband RF Product Line for ANADIGICS. “The AWT6283R complements our existing line of WiMAX devices and offers the linearity, reliability, temperature stability and ruggedness that our customers demand.”

Anadigics is the leading supplier of WiMax power amplifiers by enabling early market leaders like Intel. The device is optimized for the 500 MHz bandwidth for quality work across the 3.5 GHz frequency band. The AWT6283R is the first device that has a match on both the input and output RF ports, a reference voltage regulator, power detector and step attenuator. The voltage regulator eliminates need for external precision reference voltage and the attenuator allows the device to be used with any OEM’s chipset.

Photo Courtesy of Anadigics … Read the rest

Alvarion Releases 4Q Report

Michael Licata on February 3, 2010 | 1 comment

Alvarion just released its financial report for the fourth quarter of 2009 along with its yearly report. In the last part of 09, WiMax revenue went up five percent to $42.7 million.

Total revenue for the WiMax company increased by 3.1 percent from the third quarter to the fourth quarter of last year from $58.4 million to $60.2 million. Alvarion saw its revenue from WiMax products increase in 2009 to $179 million while its WiMax shipments decreased 20 percent from 2008 to 2009.

“We are pleased with the increase in WiMAX revenues in 2009 and our ability to deliver a non-GAAP profit in the face of business challenges arising from the worst global economic crisis in a generation,” said Eran Gorev, president and CEO of Alvarion. “Throughout the year, operators’ interest in deploying WiMAX networks remained robust and the WiMAX ecosystem continued to expand.”

Gorev added “By Q4, there were over 120 WiMAX Forum-certified subscriber devices available. As additional devices are introduced, more spectrum is allocated, new vertical market applications are launched and additional funds are made available to help conquer the digital divide, we believe the future of WiMAX is bright.”

Q4 Highlights:
- GAAP operating loss of ($1.3) million; non-GAAP operating profit of $0.6 million
- GAAP net loss of ($0.02) per share; non-GAAP net income of $0.01 per share
- WiMAX revenues up 5% sequentially to $42.7 million

-WiMAX shipments down 9% sequentially to $34.2 million

2009 Highlights (compared to 2008):
- Reduced GAAP operating expenses by 16%; reduced non-GAAP operating expenses by 14%
- GAAP operating loss of ($8.0) million; non-GAAP operating loss of ($0.6) million
- GAAP net loss of ($0.12) per share; non-GAAP net income of $0.01 per share

In the fourth quarter of 2009, total revenues were $60.2 million, an increase of 3.1% from $58.4 million in the third quarter of 2009, and a decrease of 14% from $70.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.

GAAP net loss in the fourth quarter of 2009 was ($1.3) million, or ($0.02) per share, compared to a net loss of ($1.0) million, or ($0.02) per share in Q3 2009. GAAP net loss in the fourth quarter of 2008 was ($4.8) million, or ($0.08) per share.

Excluding the amortization of intangibles, stock based compensation, restructuring and other charges, on a non-GAAP basis the company reported net income of $0.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, … Read the rest

Spectrum Auction Delayed in the U.K.

Michael Licata on February 2, 2010

The 2.6Ghz spectrum auction has been delayed until 2011 according to a government appointed spectrum broker. Reasons for this delay include a T-Mobile/Orange merger and potential legal action from British Telecom.

The auction official wants Vodafone and O2 to receive part of the 800MHz spectrum, but to do so they have to vacate an equal amount of 900 MHz spectrum. T-Mobile and Orange will be able to bid for a limited spectrum space in the 2.6GHz unless they too vacate space in hte 1.8 Ghz or 2.1GHz space. The official also plans to make 3G licenses indefinite in length and wants commitments from the telecommunications companies to improve 3G coverage.

All carriers are being offered indefinite extensions in return for investing into a mobile broadband internet technology.

Photo Courtesy of express000 via Flickr… Read the rest

Mobile WiMax Coming to Dominican Republic

Michael Licata on February 2, 2010 | 2 comments

Wind Telecom has chosen Samsung to construct a mobile WiMax network in the Dominican Republic. Samsung will begin installation and network deployment in the second quarter of 2010. The company will start to offer commercial services in both Santo Domingo and Santiago.

“We are very pleased to team up with Samsung for our mobile WiMAX business and we are very confident of the time-to-market launch and successful business with Samsung’s technical leadership,” Manuel E. Bonilla, CEO of Wind Telecom, said, “We believe that Mobile WiMAX is the most efficient 4G communication technology to satisfy the growing market needs like broadband internet and VoIP in the Dominican Republic. Together with our current subscription TV services, we will also provide high quality triple-play service.’

Samsung will provide full support for systems, terminals, training and engineering services. Wind will offer the service as a triple-play option, selling TV, broadband and WiMax.

Photo Courtesy of Storm Crypt via Flickr… Read the rest

Clearwire Changing Business Plan

Michael Licata on February 2, 2010

Clearwire is currently changing its business model as it becomes more of a wholesaler. The company plans to focus on leasing space on its WiMax network to other telecommunications companies like Time Warner Cable, Sprint Nextel and Comcast. WiMax networks currently cover 30 million people in the U.S., though Clearwire has less that one million subscribers. Clear is the service end of Clearwire’s roll out plan.

Some operators have previously released specifications for the purchase of their CPE products to the market, however these products will not always be purchased through Clearwire‘s supply chain.

Clearwire currently offers service in 27 markets throughout the U.S., including Las Vegas, Chicago and Philadelphia. There have been rumors that Clearwire may team with Wal Mart to roll out complete coverage across the U.S. and they are also in the process of making a big push to get into two more vital markets, New York and San Francisco.… Read the rest

RUS Grants Gifted

Michael Licata on February 1, 2010

United States Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced which applications will get funding from Rural Utilities Service. The 14 projects will get $309,923,352 for middle-mile or last-mile network build out. An additional $3,551,887 from private investors will bring the total figure to $313,475,239.

Nine of the fourteen projects will use a fiber connection. LaMotte Telephone received a $187,815 grant, and $187,815 loan to build a 300-foot tower for WiMAX network installation for wireless broadband service in the surrounding area of Springbrook, Iowa.

United Utilities received a $43,982,250 grant and $44,158,522 loan for middle-connectivity to 65 communities in southwestern Alaska. RUS granted the Butler Telephone Co. $3,892,920 for high-speed DSL service to remote areas of its rural territory in Butler, Alabama. BEK Communications Cooperative was given $1,986,473 in grant money, $2,016,571 in loans and $2,016,572 in leveraged funds for a fiber-optic connection directly to under-served homes and other institutions in Burleigh County, North Dakota to help small businesses grow through E-Commerce. The Halstad Telephone received $$2,027,600 grant, $2,027,600 loan and $10,000 in leveraged funds for fiber-optic build out to rural homes and businesses in Traill County N.D.

NTELOS Telephone got a $8,062,088 grant and a $8,062,088 loan for broadband build out to un-served homes, businesses and community institutions in Alleghany County in Virginia. It is another fiber-based project, enabling people to work from home and aimed at improving health, education and public safety services. The Rural Telephone Co. received funding to serve 99.5 percent of people that were previously underserved by providing infrastructure for businesses, education and healthcare. It is a cooperative company with seven businesses that is a partner with RUS on 32 other projects.

The funding was aimed at projects that were deemed ‘shovel ready’, meaning there had to already be infrastructure in place to build out a broadband internet connection. WiMax and other forms of wireless broadband still cost more and take longer to build-out than most fiber-optic solutions.

Click Here for a complete list of spending and figures from RUS

Photo Courtesy of LeeBrimelow via Flickr… Read the rest

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February 2010

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