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Taiwan readies for 2008 Mobile WiMAX launch
WiMAX Telecom announces plans to begin 802.16e-2005 trials during mid-2008 in northern Taiwan
WiMAX Telecom announced that the first phase of a 2.5 GHz WiMAX network roll-out is to be readied by June. Service trials in the north of Taiwan will commence thereafter. The first phase will utilize 100 base stations in the north of Taiwan. The company predicts that up to 500 base stations could be in place by the end of 2008. Company president Teddy Huang forecasts an initial surge of 30,000 subscribers on the operator's service by year-end.
Around half of the base stations will be supplied by Taiwanese equipment manufacturer and WiMAX Telecom investor, Tecom. Tecom is also part of the Wei Mai Si Telecom joint venture with Vibo Telecom who secured a WiMAX operator's license.
Taiwan's National Communications Commission issued six licenses for the 2.5 GHz band in July 2007. The winners were:
Northern Taiwan
First International Telecom (Fitel)
Global On Corp.
Wei Mai Si Telecom (WiMAX Telecom)
Southern Taiwan
Far EasTone
Tatung
Vastar Cable TV System
Global Mobile recently announced delays launching its mobile WiMAX services in Taipei City and Taipei County due to excessive base station prices that it called, "way too high." Recipients have 18 months to launch a commercial service in the spectrum. Licensees may apply for an extension of up to one year on that requirement.
WiMAX Telecom also discussed plans to expand its capital position from NT$1 billion to NT$1.5 billion as president Huang said they would welcome equity investments from strategic partners like Intel.
By Jeff Orr
ORR Technology, LLC
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