Airspan Networks introduces WiMAX into the 1.4~1.5 GHz bands

Spectrum allocated for legacy TDM radio relays get new legs in the broadband era.

Airspan Networks has introduced a new fixed WiMAX (IEEE 802.16-2004) system that supports the 1.4~1.5 GHz frequency bands. The solution includes base station equipment and a suite of subscriber devices including models with support for Voice over IP and Wi-Fi.

Legacy TDM radio relay systems in 1.5 GHz were often deployed for voice services by operators with universal service obligations. Now, many countries are pursuing those same obligations for broadband. The Airspan introduction provides a broadband product in the same frequency and offers lifeline quality voice when coupled with the company's VoiceMAX box for VoIP (Voice over IP) QoS (Quality of Service) over a WiMAX network.

"Legacy systems were providing line-of-sight connectivity with a very low spectral efficiency," said Paul Senior, Airspan's CTO. "Our new WiMAX solution solves these problems and significantly increases the coverage and capacity." The company said its new product offering includes a MicroMAX Base Station model and subscriber units in the EasyST, ProST, and ProST-Wi-Fi families.

While WiMAX Forum has not blessed the lower spectrum with a coveted certification profile, countries with an existing allocation at 1.5 GHz could realize several benefits. "For example, there is a range increase of about 40 percent for 1.5 GHz compared to operating at 2.5 GHz that translates to half the number of base stations required for the same coverage area," adds Senior. Re-use of existing allocations for broadband and voice services provides a boost for the entire ecosystem.

By Jeff Orr, ORR Technology, LLC

Thursday, August 07, 2008 in Equipment  | Permalink |  Comments (0)

India's spectrum auction plans for WiMAX released

Two bands will be auctioned for broadband wireless and Tata Communications announces deployment progress and expansion goals.

After much anticipation, the government of India has published policy and guidelines for initial 3G and WiMAX licenses.  Spectrum will be auctioned in the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz bands for broadband wireless data services.

Entities eligible to bid for the spectrum include those holding or qualified for a Universal Access Services license or licensed category 'A' or 'B' ISPs.  Licenses will be valid for 15-years with licensees paying 1% of gross revenues starting in during the second year.  Two 20 MHz blocks in each band will be auctioned per telecom service area with a reserve price per MHz set at 25% of the 3G reserve price.  Government telecom providers MTNL and BSNL were automatically granted one of the 20 MHz blocks (MTNL in the Delhi and Mumbai/Metro service areas; BSNL in all other service areas) at a price matching the highest auction bids in those service areas.

Provisions were also established for future auctions of the 700 MHz and 3.3-3.6 GHz bands when they become available.  Now that guidelines have been communicated, roll-outs in the new broadband wireless bands are expected to occur in the middle of 2009.

Shortly after the government announcement, India's Tata Communications announced it will grow its WiMAX roll-out from 60 to 115 towns in its next fiscal period.  As a result of the additional spectrum licenses coming to auction, the operator is considering additional coverage for Indian cities.  "Once the spectrum is alloted, we plan to take the broadband-WiMax services to four-five cities," Tata Communications CEO and MD N Srinath told shareholders.  Backhaul connections for rural WiMAX are currently using an underground cable network, which the carrier expressed concerns over quality.  As a result, the provider plans to invest US$2 billion over the next three years to laying sub-marine cable systems in addition to its WiMAX service expansion.

By Jeff Orr, ORR Technology, LLC

Thursday, August 07, 2008 in Deployments  | Permalink |  Comments (0)

Sprint and Clearwire Fire Back at AT&T

Sprint and Clearwire have filed a Joint Opposition document to AT&T's opposition to the Clearwire Merger with Xohm.

Obviously not pleased with AT&T's opposition to their plan to combine their 2.5 GHz spectrum, Sprint and Clearwire have filed their own dissenting document to AT&T's objections.

The joint filing cites the opinion of approximately 100 parties who have filed comments on the matter in favor of approval. Sprint and Clearwire also note that this merging of spectrum assets will offer the potential for a true nationwide network in a spectrum band that previously was heavily underutilized.

Sprint and Clearwire note that only three entities have opposed the merger of spectrum assets including Vonage (which partially supports the move), the Rural Cellular Association and AT&T.

If weight of opinion matters, Sprint and Clearwire clearly feel they have that on their side. In any event, the filing is long and detailed and for the policy wonks out there is a must read I think. What is my opinion? I think this merger will go forward just fine.

The filings by AT&T and others might delay it slightly, which could be the whole point. What is interesting is that AT&T clearly considers this a threat, which might be the biggest compliment of all.


Tim Sanders
www.TheFinalMile.net
 

Wednesday, August 06, 2008  | Permalink |  Comments (1)

User anticipation builds as P1 Malaysia turns on WiMAX

A free modem and thirty day no-cost trial attract early subscribers to the start of Malaysian WiMAX service.

Packet One Networks (P1) in Malaysia turned on mobile WiMAX in the Klang Valley last week.  The soft launch was timed with the PC Fair 2008 at the KL Convention Center and offered would-be subscribers a chance to see WiMAX in action and an opportunity to participate in a no-cost trial of the service. 

Initial WiMAX coverage is available in Kuala Lumpur City Center, Gombak, Sentul, Setapak, and selected areas in the Subang high-tech area, Subang Jaya, and USJ 1 and 2.  P1 CEO Michael Lai estimated that 65% of the country will be covered by 2012.

The P1 network incorporates the 802.16e-2005 standard for WiMAX equipment and operates in the licensed 2.3 GHz frequency band.  Attendees at PC Fair were informed that downlink speeds would be 10 Mbps for fixed residential service.  "So far WiMAX is giving me a positive image," notes Ka Hoong Lee, a part-time student at University Technology Malaysia who toured the P1 stand over the weekend.  The operator showed off a glossy black desktop CPE with the P1 logo, which Lee managed to snap a photo from the crowd. 

"The best thing is we can actually test the WiMAX at the luxury of our home," wrote Mohamad Zaki on his blog.  "They are currently giving out free WiMAX modem to everyone signing up.  You will be able to test the speed, latency etc for one whole month, which in my opinion is a pretty good deal." It wasn't obvious when users would receive their modem or what the monthly subscription fees would be after the trial concludes.  According to the company, monthly subscription costs are expected to be below RM100 (~ US$30.60).

By Jeff Orr, ORR Technology, LLC
 

Tuesday, August 05, 2008  | Permalink |  Comments (0)

Sloka Telecom unveils second-generation 5.8 GHz fixed wireless

The four-year old Bangalore manufacturer has big hopes for its launch of a diminutive WiMAX base station for fixed wireless.

Sloka Telecom announced the launch of its second-generation 5.8 GHz suite of fixed WiMAX (IEEE 802.16-2004) products.  The radio access network utilizes the unlicensed frequency spectrum available in several countries allowing wireless Internet service providers (WISPs) to deploy wireless broadband access networks without having to obtain frequency licenses.  The line-up includes: base stations, subscriber stations, an Authentication Authorization and Accounting (AAA) server and a Network Management System (NMS).

Designed to occupy little space, the Bangalore company claims its all-outdoor base stations are among the smallest units in the world.  Less weight and fewer physical components to mount reduce the labor and installation costs associated with system deployment.  "We believe that small-to-medium WISPs will contribute to bridging the digital divide in developing countries around the world, says Sujai Karampuri, CEO and cofounder of Sloka Telecom.  "During our WiMAX product development, we focused on delivering lowest cost base stations that would also be easy to deploy."

The new WiMAX system leverages the experience Sloka gained from its first generation systems that operated in the 3.5 and 5.8 GHz frequency bands, where it provided broadband wireless network equipment to customers in Canada and France.  The manufacturer claims its integrated design and low-cost architecture has gained favor within India where the emerging market is extremely price sensitive.  Sloka partnered with Canada's Wavesat for WiMAX chipsets on this new series.

Sloka Telecom has already deployed a 5.8 GHz WiMAX system to connect government offices in France.

By Jeff Orr, ORR Technology, LLC

Tuesday, August 05, 2008 in Deployments  | Permalink |  Comments (0)

Cablevision Launches a WiFi Network

Cablevision plans the Launch of a WiFi Network in its core markets.

Cable giant Cablevision plans the launch of a $300 million dollar WiFi network in its core markets of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.  The company has already spent $20 million between May and June of this year adding WiFi Network capability.  Plans are to fixture the company's entire service footprint initially with Internet service and later to deliver voice, video and data products to customers. 

Cablevision's key areas include parts of Long Island and Westchester.  So why Wi-Fi; and why now? Well, Cablevision as most cable companies these days likely feels some pressure from its chief rival Verizon which is busily rolling out its FIOS fiber optic service which also can deliver video services.  And this is likely a direct response to Verizon competition. 

Cablevision likely hopes that this service can cut into Verizon wireless services which are among Verizon's most profitable products.  There are other existing Wi-Fi deployment plans going on in Cablevision's area.  In Suffolk county for example a Florida company named E-Path has been planning to deploy a free wireless network for the county.  But that project has been slowed by unproductive contract talks over pole access with the Long Island Power Authority. 

Could this be a great service and really leverage Cablevision? Absolutely, but using Wi-Fi for a project of this scale seems a bit problematic to me.  That doesn't mean it can't work of course. 

Tim Sanders
www.TheFinalMile.net

Tuesday, August 05, 2008  | Permalink |  Comments (0)

AT&T Says WiMAX may be a Primary Choice for Rural Broadband

AT&T is apparently considering using WiMAX to help leverage broadband to its rural customers outside affordably deployable DSL coverage zones.

Massive telco AT&T, which is a major player in mobile wireless considers WiMAX to be among its top options to affordably deliver broadband wireless service to rural customers.

While fixed WiMAX is not the only technology AT&T is considering extending or replacing copper in rural areas (with cellular femtocells being one), it is amongst the bet alternatives.  So how would AT&T deploy?  The company currently holds 22 licenses in the 2.3 GHz spectrum range, mostly in Southern States.  There are deployments in Alaska and in Nevada as well in this spectrum.  Through the old BellSouth company, AT&T has already deployed a number of Southern towns with service using Navini radios.  Its Alaskan operation uses Alvarion and its Pahrump, Nevada system is being run on SOMA networks radios.

Would AT&T have enough spectrum assets to deploy widely in its rural markets? Likely not in the 2.3 GHz range.  However AT&T could consider using some of its wide footprint of 700 MHz frequencies as well although the use of those bands for this purpose might not be ideal.

As a rural broadband wireless specialist (well sometimes anyway) I have to applaud AT&T for considering this.  There are still many Americans in small towns that have little or no broadband option at all, and a fixed WiMAX solution could be ideal for service delivery in these markets.  One of my big frustrations is to see so much licensed spectrum in these areas lie fallow because carriers don't see a good business case for deploying it, or they are just focused on more customer dense markets.

Kudos to AT&T.

Tim Sanders

The Final Mile

Saturday, August 02, 2008 in Business | Deployments  | Permalink |  Comments (1)

Killer App 2.0 for mobile broadband? VoIP.

Internet access was essential for driving awareness to mobile broadband. Now, voice services over the mobile Internet are poised to define the next wave of adoption.

Performing a task efficiently or enabling new functionality is fundamental to emerging communications technology. Compelling applications are driving the adoption of mobile technology as they have for desktop computing. An application determined to be core to the success of a service or hardware platform is commonly referred to as a "killer app". For cell phones, the killer application has been a high-quality voice phone service without restriction to location. The first attraction to mobile broadband was open Internet access becoming available anytime and anywhere. That was Mobile Broadband Killer App 1.0. As adoption of mobile broadband continues to rise, what applications will lead to continued growth?

VoIP use on a mobile broadband device is both an opportunity and a concern for the global telecommunications market. Proponents are looking for ways to lower customer costs associated with voice and data services. VoIP operates as an application over an Internet-connected device. Opponents fear a competitive service that impacts their core revenues from voice minutes. Newer mobile operators, such as Hutchison 3G UK (known as "3"), that don't have the legacy cell phone baggage of their competitors saw the opportunity to deliver voice using VoIP. The operator offers mobile phones that use the Skype voice application over a 3G connection.

The South Korean government is considering permitting voice communication over broadband wireless networks. Officials have expressed concern that the WiMAX-powered WiBro service has not exceeded subscriber adoption goals due to a lack of "killer application". VoIP could be the catalyst that permits consumers to converge mobile voice and data needs into a single handheld device instead of carrying a cell phone along with a separate data-centric unit. A researcher with Korea's Information Society Development (KISDI) mentioned that lowering mobile phone call rates is being studied along with the concept of issuing voice numbers for WiBro subscribers. WiBro operators KT and SK Telecom could find themselves mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) as soon as this year if the proposal gains government approval. A final report with recommendations from KISDI is expected by October.

While voice phone service on a mobile device is borrowed from the success of the cellular phone, it provides new opportunity to combine the frequency of voice and data communications into a single platform, which cannot be accomplished on existing data-constrained cellular networks. First generation mobile broadband systems that offer data services on-the-go are evolving to provide greater functionality, making VoIP the second killer application for mobile broadband.

By Jeff Orr

ORR Technology, LLC
 

Friday, August 01, 2008 in Applications  | Permalink |  Comments (0)

Alvarion to Provide WiMAX for Kenya

Alvarion announced that it has won a contract to supply a WiMAX network for AccessKenya, the leading ISP and carrier in Kenya.

The politics of broadband wireless radios come and go with standards wars and jockeying to and fro between proponents, but Alvarion is still doing what it has always done---winning business with the products it has.

This week Alvarion announced that Kenya's top ISP provider AccessKenya Group has chosen it to provide a mobile WiMAX (802.16e) network for its 3.3 GHz frequency spectrum.

The new service will target middle and upscale customers in Mombasa and Nairobi. AccessKenya plans to offer the usual slate of broadband products as well as specialty offerings such as Virtual Private Networks, targeted to users shifting service between their home and office.

AccessKenya picked Alvarion after six months of what it described as "extensive" trials.
 
Tim Sanders

The Final Mile

Thursday, July 31, 2008 in Deployments  | Permalink |  Comments (0)

Sify selects Redline for five-city WiMAX business network

Businesses gain broadband access choice as India’s Sify expands services to enterprise market.

Redline Communications Group Inc. and Sify Technologies Limited announced that Redline's RedMAX products have been selected for a multi-city business-to-business WiMAX network in India. Sify has deployed business-class Internet services using Redline's fixed wireless products in Delhi and Mumbai.

Sify has also begun its WiMAX network expansion to Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai. "The launch of our WiMAX services in these five cities will further our mission of being an enabler and catalyst of the Internet for positive change in India," said Arvind Mathur, Chief Architect, Sify Technologies Limited. The incremental regions are scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

Connecting India's masses is a popular government initiative where a goal of 20 million broadband users by 2010 is in place. Tata Communications (formerly known as VSNL) announced it plans to blanket 115 cities with consumer WiMAX services using Telsima radio gear by March 2009. Bharti Airtel, state-owned BSNL (with a focus on rural and small town coverage) has partnered with SOMA Networks, and government telco MTNL have also announced Indian WiMAX plans.

The new wireless network is intended to deliver reliable, managed last mile solutions to enterprise customers that support business critical applications over Sify's IP-MPLS network. Enterprise customers include banks, manufacturers, retailers and other enterprises that require reliable and secure communications networks.

The operator will use Redline's RedMAX products operating in the 3.3~3.4 GHz frequency band. Decision criteria for the WiMAX equipment included WiMAX Forum certification, high subscriber capacity, support for Service Level Agreements (SLAs), security and cost-effectiveness.

India has an estimated population of 1.148 billion with only 60 million Internet subscribers (5.2% penetration). India's TRAI telecom regulator recently reported that 3.13 million citizens have broadband Internet access. Visiting local Internet cafés (many of which are operated by Sify) for email, VoIP, and even web conferencing is an increasingly popular activity. India is one of four emerging markets for broadband wireless communications, often abbreviated as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China). The BRIC countries are some of the most populous in the world, while also representing the least "connected" societies for Internet access and communications.

By Jeff Orr, ORR Technology, LLC

Wednesday, July 30, 2008 in Deployments  | Permalink |  Comments (0)