Thailand's TT&T deploys Cisco WiMAX

Mae Fah Luang University rolls out first production WiMAX network in Thailand.

Cisco Systems announced that TT&T is deploying its WiMAX network equipment at Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand. The rollout, to be completed in September, signifies Thailand's first production WiMAX network. The announcement is also a milestone for Cisco who has its first WiMAX win in the Asia Pacific market.
 

Mae Fah Luang University is located in the Chiang Rai province of north Thailand. "We chose Cisco because of its proven expertise and leadership in networking technology," said Prachuab Tantinon, managing director of TT&T Public Company Limited. Tests conducted in a Bangkok school delivered broadband speeds under non line-of-sight conditions at ranges of 5-7 kilometers.

Cisco's mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e-2005) offering combines two smart antenna techniques: adaptive beamforming and beamformed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO). The result is double the data throughput for mobile WiMAX, extending the effective range of coverage and enhancing the signal strength. By using both adaptive beamforming and MIMO technologies, Cisco offers base station and smart antenna solutions that enable data transmissions at rates up to six times that of systems not incorporating the capabilities. The networking equipment giant acquired the broadband wireless business of Navini Networks in October 2007.

The Southeast Asian Kingdom of Thailand is home to more than 67.3 million citizens. According to an ITU report, about 8.5 million have access to the Internet and only 600,000 have broadband services. The opportunity for broadband growth in Thailand is tremendous. Last week, NEC announced it is providing mobile WiMAX equipment to hospitals in Thailand.

By Jeff Orr, ORR Technology, LLC
 

Wednesday, August 27, 2008 in Deployments  | Permalink |  Comments (4)