WiMAX News & Opinion

Intel, WiMAX and Africa

Looks like Intel wants to bring WiMAX to Kenya and Nigeria to promote African business.

Happiest of Birthdays

Happy Birthday Sennheiser

Free Webinar Tomorrow

So you want to add speech to your IT infrastucture?

Perhaps you should attend "Developing the Enterprise Voice Channel", a free webinar that will discuss how you can capitalize on the convergence of voice and data.

Speakers include TMCnet's Rich Tehrani, Steve Weissman of Kinetic Information, LLC and Marie Jackson, vice president of marketing, Edify Corporation.

"Today, Automated Speech Recognition systems are improving both the customer experience and operational efficiency. The more natural, intuitive Speech interface not only creates a more satisfying, interactive experience, it is also much faster and more efficient. Callers can complete their transactions by simply talking. Your customers will like that, and so will you. "

Registration is free. Webinar is free. You should register here:

http://events.interwise.com/?p=500464&t=1&s=tmc

Thursday WiMAX News

Nortel Unveils Fixed, Mobile WiMAX Strategy, New Strategic Relationships; Technology Designed to Deliver Lightning Fast Wireless Broadband Access 'Anytime Anywhere'

TORONTO--(Sep 15, 2005)

Nortel today announced plans to offer fixed and mobile WiMAX products based on the latest industry standards, and to work with WiMAX leaders Intel and Airspan Networks in bringing these products to market.

These efforts are expected to complement work already underway with the LG-Nortel joint venture.

Nortel's WiMAX products will be designed to allow wireless and wireline carriers, cable providers, media companies and other ISPs to deliver broadband connectivity to consumer and enterprise users by leveraging existing networks and 'last mile' wireless links. They will also complement and extend the reach of existing 3G cellular networks.

WiMAX is a long-range wireless broadband access system that can deliver large amounts of bandwidth very economically. It will give businesses and consumers uninterrupted access to a rich variety of high bandwidth applications like networked gaming, streamed digital music, TV, videoconferencing, and other real-time services.

Fixed WiMAX (IEEE 802.16-2004) is anticipated to operate in the 3.5GHz and 5.8GHz bands of spectrum and to deliver end-user data rates greater than 1 Mbps, comparable to many North American cable broadband and DSL connections. Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e) will initially operate in the 2.5GHz band and provide even higher speeds and the added convenience of 'anytime, anywhere' access.

"We will be a technology leader in WiMAX, just as we have been with UMTS/HSDPA, CDMA, VoIP and wireless mesh," said Mark Whitton, vice president and general manager, WiMAX and Wireless Mesh Networks, Nortel. "Nortel is an expert in all the foundation technologies for both wireless and broadband, something we believe no other company can match."

"Nortel's WiMAX solutions will be based on our years of experience building practical, profitable, leading-edge networks," Whitton said. "We're taking the best of what we've learned from our successful cellular, Internet, and voice businesses and combining it to create industry-advancing solutions designed to meet the growing demand for wireless broadband."

"There is no denying the attraction of having automated broadband connectivity whenever and wherever you power up your laptop," said Phil Marshall, vice president, Wireless Mobile Technologies, Yankee Group. "Promising new technologies often fail, however, for lack of a viable business model or a weak value chain. Support of major networking companies like Nortel is a strong and positive sign that WiMAX intends to compete vigorously for its place in the industry."

Nortel is collaborating with Intel to promote deployment of wireless broadband based on WiMAX.

"As WiMAX-Certified products enter the market, cities and regions around the globe are planning for and deploying WiMAX networks," said Scott Richardson, general manager of Intel's Broadband Wireless Division. "We are very pleased to be working with market innovators like Nortel to develop and deploy end-to-end mobile broadband solutions for both businesses and individuals around the world."

Nortel will work with Airspan Networks to market and evolve WiMAX solutions in the higher frequency bands for implementations that do not require full mobility. These solutions will also be used to eliminate the need for expensive wired T1/E1 or DSL circuits for wireless backhaul, creating a simpler path to profitability for service providers.

"We are combining Nortel's wireless and mesh technology leadership and ability to execute large network build-outs with Airspan's market-proven WiMAX portfolio to provide high-speed access for people living in areas where access via cable or DSL may not be available," Whitton said. "Beyond that, Nortel will build on its key intellectual property and standards contributions in OFDM, MIMO, and wireless mesh networking to deliver mobile WiMAX products in time for trials in mid 2006. The key to an operator's success in WiMAX will be the real-world implementation of networks, an area where Nortel has vast experience and the resources to back it up."

"Interest in our WiMAX portfolio is at a high level and continues to grow," said Eric Stonestrom, president and chief executive officer, Airspan Networks. "We are very pleased that Nortel, a recognized leader in wireline and wireless technologies, has chosen to add our WiMAX solutions to its product line. Nortel is already a leading supplier of switching and mobility products to many of the world's largest carriers, and together we can bring truly innovative access solutions to service providers across the globe."

Nortel's optical backhaul technology, data networking solutions, and full suite of wireless services will be integrated with Airspan's WiMAX base transceiver stations (BTS) and subscriber terminals (ST).

Nortel will work in the development of WiMAX/WiBro solutions based on the 802.16e standard though the LG-Nortel joint venture. Nortel's fixed WiMAX solutions are expected to be commercially available in Q1 2006. Nortel's WiBro solutions are scheduled for commercial availability following the 2005 field trial deployment in Asia with the LG-Nortel joint venture, with additional mobile WiMAX solutions set to be commercially available following the 2006 trials in North America.

Nortel has contributed to the 802.16 standard by helping to develop underlying technologies like OFDM and MIMO for more than six years, and holds several key patents in these areas. In March 2004, Nortel completed a MIMO/OFDM lab demonstration of large data transfers with peak data rates at 37 Mbps over a standard 5MHz PCS band under conditions found on real-world cellular networks. Nortel is a member of the WiMAX Forum, an industry-led organization that promotes interoperability and certification of broadband wireless products for delivery of faster, more affordable data, voice and video services to businesses and consumers.
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Incumbent Bezeq Pilots WiMAX Services in Israel Using Alvarion's BreezeMAX; Broadband Services Being Provided to Underserved Community in Negev Desert

TEL AVIV, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 15, 2005--Alvarion Ltd. (NASDAQ:ALVR), the world's leading provider of wireless broadband solutions and specialized mobile networks, today announced that Bezeq, the Israel Telecommunication Corporation incumbent, has purchased and deployed a pilot using its WiMAX-ready equipment, BreezeMAX 3500, to provide broadband in the southern Israeli city of Rahat, an underserved community located in the Negev desert. The first WiMAX system in Israel, operating in the 3.5 GHz range, is initially serving public institutions, such as schools and medical facilities where the need for broadband is greatest, and it will have the most impact on people's daily lives. Bezeq is now developing plans to extend the network to other communities in southern Israel.

This WiMAX pilot builds on an already strong relationship between the two companies. Over the years, Alvarion has supplied Bezeq with wireless systems to deploy thousands of wireless connections for voice and data services throughout Israel.

"We are pleased to supply Bezeq with our industry leading BreezeMAX system to bring broadband services to the underserved areas of Israel," said Zvi Slonimsky, CEO of Alvarion. "We are encouraged by the fact that spectrum was expressly allocated for this purpose and are optimistic about additional uses and more spectrum in 3.5 GHz."

BreezeMAX is Alvarion's WiMAX-ready platform that uses OFDM technology for advanced non-line-of-sight (NLOS) functionality to enable operators to offer broadband IP-based data and voice services over a large service area. Its carrier-class design supports broadband speeds and quality of service (QoS) to enable carriers to offer multiple services to thousands of subscribers from a single base station. BreezeMAX networks are already installed with over 100 operators in more than 30 countries.

VoWiMAX (Video, that is)

The acronyms are going to get longer and longer and longer.....

Some interesting Video (not voice) over WiMAX news from IBC Amsterdam for your Friday reading pleasure:

WiNetworks Demonstrates Broadcast Quality Video Over WiMAX at IBC Exhibition in Amsterdam

WiNetworks Inc. presented today an application of real-time streaming video over WiMAX integrated with an existing DVB infrastructure. The WiNetworks patented Hybrid WiMAX DVB (HWDV(TM)) technology creates a two-way broadband network with an always-on return channel for interactive TV services such as Video on Demand and interactive gaming and polling.

The WiNetworks' solution enables the customer to order a streaming video from a typical DVB set-top-box. The request is transmitted in real-time to the DBS regional VoD server, over the always-on return channel provided by the WiMAX network. Once the IP video content is delivered through the WiMAX connection, the Hybrid WiMAX DVB (HWDV(TM)) technology converts it into the DVB format and delivers it to the existing set-top-box for customer viewing. The embedded QoS algorithm assigns higher priority to the video content over the other WiMAX-delivered data services allowing high quality viewing.
The WiNetworks solution enables DBS operators to deliver Interactive TV and VoD over the large installed-base of customers' set-top-boxes eliminating the need for expensive equipment replacements.

"There is growing competition on core TV service offerings, which is intensifying as a result of the overall shift to bundled, triple-play service offerings in the marketplace," says Anette Schaefer from the Yankee Group, "In order for DBS operators to remain competitive, they must offer triple-play services over their own networks. WiNetworks fills a gap by delivering a solution that enables DBS Operators to attach equipment to an existing infrastructure and immediately offer interactive services to their customers."

WiNetworks' solution leverages the installed customer premise infrastructure (e.g., dish, existing coax wiring, existing STB, etc.). DBS operators are able to upgrade their one-way network to a two-way broadband infrastructure for a low CAPEX and a fast ROI. This eliminates the need for cooperating with other networks and creates a new revenue stream from interactive services such as VoD services, polling, gaming, local advertisement insertion, video conferencing, etc.

"This first-time ever demonstration of VoD over WiMAX is a turning point for one-way network infrastructures," states Mr. Effi Atad, WiNetworks' CEO, "By capitalizing on the existing infrastructure to create a two-way broadband network and offer bundled Triple Play services with little investment costs, DBS operators are immediately equipped to compete with the new challenges in the market ".
WiNetworks is presenting its fully-operational DBS Triple-Play solutions including VoD, Home Networking, and Multi-Tenant Unit solutions during IBC2005, Amsterdam, Sept. 9-13, Booth 3.324.

ROKR Not So Rockin'?

Thanks to Al Bredenberg for pointing my attention to Merrill Lynch's disappointment in the ever-anticipated Motorola ROKR phone, a new mobile handset launched in conjunction with Apple. Since the inception of the iPod, it was a matter of time before the iPod would take to the airwaves, but really, it's just a phone/iPod combo. Because guess what? You can't download wirelessly. Just like the iPod, the ROKR requires a connection to a PC. Oh boo.

TMC president Rich Tehrani said  I should include in my bio that I am anticipating the day when I can download songs (particularly, my fiance's band) via WiMAX to my iPod/wireless device. It's true. I am waiting for that blessed moment. 

Al B. speculates that "Apple is just getting its feet wet in the puddle of mobile wireless" and honestly, I couldn't have said it any better. This is just the first move on the chess board. I don't think the buck is going to stop here. Apple has been pretty busy this year in the digital music industry, what with revenue increase thanks to the iPod, the release of the new iPod nano, and now an iPod phone (and those are just recent!). There is no doubt in my mind that Apple will come up with a better, stronger, sexier device that is not only a wireless phone, but will have the ability to download music sans PC. Who knows? Maybe Apple is already planning to introduce themselves not only as a computer/digital music monster, but a wireless carrier as well.

ML shouldn't be so harsh on the ROKR. But I do have to agree that it's disappointing that the service is only offered by Cingular. I'm a Verizon Wireless gal - I'd like to combine my iPod and phone into one device, thank you very much.

Wireless LAN/WiMAX Report

A release on a new report for your reading pleasure....

* * * * * * * * * *

New Wireless LAN Report Chronicles Major Technology Changes and the Effect of WiMAX as Sales Continue to Climb

Forward Concepts has announced the publication of a new in-depth study of the WLAN and WiMAX equipment and chip markets.

The new report, "Beyond Wi-Fi: 802.11n, VoWi-Fi & WiMAX" provides a comprehensive analysis of worldwide equipment and chip markets. The report also profiles the ODMs, OEMs and chip vendors serving these markets.

Based on product reviews and interviews with numerous companies involved in the WLAN and WiMAX markets, the report provides detailed forecasts through

2009 of all market segments, including Access Points (APs) and base stations (WiMAX), Network Interface Cards (NICs), Wireless Router Gateways (WRGs), and the chipsets enabling the entire WLAN and WiMAX networks.

Units, average selling prices (ASPs), and total revenue are forecast for every market segment.

The author of the report, Carter L. Horney, pointed out, "The growing WLAN market is a classic example of how a market can continue to expand as costs and prices ride down the learning curve, opening up new applications and market opportunities. Specifically, in spite of a predicted 23% average selling price drop, worldwide shipments of WLAN equipment products will increase 6% to the $5.2 billion level in 2005." The report also predicts that WLAN equipment will continue growing at a higher rate in 2006 to the

$5.9 billion level as new IEEE 802.11n and VoWi-Fi equipment is introduced and the infrastructure for traditional Wi-Fi expands.

In the report, the WiMAX and pre-WiMAX equipment market (including both 802.16d and 802.16e) is forecast to grow from $72 million in 2005 to just over $2 billion in 2009, for an annual compound growth rate of 130%. Mr.

Horney went on to say, "We view WiMAX as complementary to both Wi-Fi and 3G cellular. Fixed 802.16d systems can provide backbones for Wi-Fi hotspots where DSL or cable is unavailable or impractical. When emerging 802.16e provides a mobility WiMAX capability, it will augment the Wi-Fi infrastructure that will remain dominant for several years."

Early views were that mobile WiMAX would be a threat to 3G, but now cellular equipment vendors such as Nokia are saying that WIMAX will be complementary. Preliminary analyses indicate that 802.16e data delivery costs can be significantly cheaper per megabyte than HSDPA or 1xEV-DO when provided as an overlay to a cellular network.

Pure WiMAX chipsets, beginning with 802.16d-compliant fixed-operation units, are beginning to ship in 2005 for estimated revenues of $5.4 million. However, mobility-capable 802.16e chipsets will begin sampling next year and the combined chip market is forecast to grow at a 209% compound annual growth rate to $489 million in 2009.

In addition, the report includes WLAN profiles of all major equipment providers, including Taiwan ODMs. Profiles of chip vendors for both WLAN and WiMAX are provided for baseband/PHY and MAC suppliers as well as those of RF and power amplifier chips. Uniquely, the report not only provides details of chip vendor market shares for each chip class, but also indicates which chip vendor's products are shipping to what equipment vendors, and which equipments are re-branded and sold under other vendor's names.

The report also discusses many new markets enabled by WLAN technology, including VoWi-Fi phones and the growth of converged WLAN/cellphones and Home Multimedia TV Networks. And it also forecasts the embedded WLAN markets for those applications, along with Notebooks, PDAs, security cameras, and much more.

The 392-page report, "Beyond Wi-Fi: 802.11n, VoWi-Fi & WiMAX" includes 82 figures and 49 in-depth tables and is priced at $3,650 in North America. A global enterprise license for the electronic version is priced at $7,300.

Details of the report and ordering information is available on the company's website at

Apple Is Busy Today

Not only did Apple just release the iPod nano today, but it looks like what we've all been speculating is true: the iPod phone has finally been unveiled.

According to AP, The phone is being launched as part of a partnership with Motorola. It comes loaded with iTunes software and can hold about 100 songs.

And here I was thinking that the iPod nano was the big news for today. The phone was something I had expected, considering the events in February. iPod nano? Not so much.

iPod nano - Big Apple News

Perhaps this is the big news that Apple has been gearing up for?

Why, hello iPod nano!

From the Web site:

Take everything you love about iPod and shrink it. Now shrink it again. With 2GB (500 songs) and 4GB (1,000 songs) models starting at $199, the pencil-thin iPod nano packs the entire iPod experience into an impossibly small design. So small, it will take your music places you never dreamed of.

Looks like the iPod and iPod Shuffle had a baby!

Is the iPod Phone Arriving?

A big announcement is in the works from Apple and this iPod fan is patiently waiting (really...biting my nails) ......

The official launch of the iPod phone is expected today -- at least, that is what the media is speculating. Motorola, along with Cingular and Apple will debut the iPod phone which will allow users to download iTunes songs directly to their mobile handset via PC, not from a wireless connection.

This news comes as a sort of surprise since the news was leaked back in February from Motorola, but quickly removed because Apple is all about keeping secrets until the finished product is, well, finished.

Stay tuned to this blog to see what's up with the iPod phone.....

NETGEAR Joins WiMAX Forum

The WiMAX Forum has a new member!

NETGEAR Inc., provider of networking products has just announced that they have joined the WiMAX forum as a principal member. Not only are they a principal member, the group is among the first for vendors that provide networking solutions for homes and small- and medium-sized businesses.

"As with MIMO and OFDM, WiMAX is another example of how NETGEAR positions itself ahead of the technology curve in developing solutions for emerging wireless standards," said Patrick Lo, NETGEAR's chairman and chief executive officer. "WiMAX is a potentially significant technology that could revolutionize the way people get broadband access. NETGEAR's commitment to providing innovative and affordable devices for the home and business will be instrumental in driving a faster adoption of this new and open standard."

"We welcome NETGEAR to the WiMAX Forum," said Ron Resnick, president of the WiMAX Forum. "It's important that we include equipment vendors such as NETGEAR that have a close affiliation with home and small business networking users. By applying to join the organization, NETGEAR has reinforced its commitment to industry standards for product compatibility."

From the release:

By joining the WiMAX Forum, NETGEAR will design and manufacture innovative solutions tailored for portable and mobile use in a WiMAX environment, including routers, gateways, cards, and other access devices, enabling users to receive data at speeds comparable to fixed T-1 lines and at distances of several miles.

When In Rome....

Take pictures!

Thought I'd share a few pictures from the Roman adventure with the TMCnet readers. Readers will know I am an avid iPod fan, so therefore, I had to take a picture of myself in front of the Mac center just a stone's throw from our hotel:

No technology will ever amaze me half as much as the structures that are still standing after millenia.....here is a picture from the Roman forum:

A picture of my fiance, James in front of Il Coloseo:

Did you know that Michaelangelo actually took seats from the Coloseo and used them here at the Vatican? Well, now you do! Here is the Piazza San Pietro:

My most favorite picture: taking a break on one of the many fountains in Rome....