Malaysia’s Packet One Networks readies billing for WiMAX Launch

Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (P1), a subsidiary of Green Packet Berhad and WiMAX license-holder, has selected Oracle Billing and Revenue Management. The move completes yet another important building block in the progress towards P1's commercial launch of WiMAX services in Malaysia by June 2008 and longer-term goal of becoming Malaysia's No.1 converged telecommunications service provider.

As the first out of the four Malaysian WiMAX 2.3Ghz license-holders to deliver on its commitment to deploy WiMAX to enrich the lives of Malaysians and bridge the digital divide, P1 is leading the pack by becoming the first to commercially deploy mobile WiMAX in the 2.3GHz band in Malaysia, and to establish one of the world's largest mobile WiMAX 2.3Ghz networks.

Deployment is already underway in Klang Valley, Penang and Johor, and will expand rapidly throughout West Malaysia in phases. P1 plans to provide WiMAX coverage for 25 percent of the population in Malaysia (6.5 million people) by the end of 2008 and 40 percent of the population in Malaysia (10 million people) by the end of 2010. P1 expects to provide WiMAX coverage to 60 percent of the nation's population, including urban, suburban and rural areas -- within five years.

Oracle Communications Billing and Revenue Management is a unified platform that enables service providers to improve time to market of new services, build stronger brands and lower operational costs.

The P1 implementation is being done by Accenture, a Certified Advantage Partner of the Oracle PartnerNetwork, who will continue to help Packet One Networks manage the effective day-to-day operations of the new system. The system is one of several key building blocks employed by P1 to ensure an unparalleled customer experience.

P1's CEO Michael Lai said, "The advent of wireless broadband has revolutionized communications and WiMAX is set to change the broadband landscape, transforming the way we live, work, learn, and play. Malaysians will soon have access to advanced services such as voice over IP (VoIP), high-speed Internet access, and other rich data services instantly and reliably via WiMAX.

"WiMAX will effect a sea change in people's lifestyles, from connecting people and sharing content, to mobilizing the Internet via Web 2.0. We need the right DNA -- that is device, network and application - to be a successful and popular wireless platform," Lai added. "Oracle provides P1 with a proven application and advanced, flexible real-time billing capabilities. This equates to efficiencies which help us monetize our services quickly and also to enhance customer satisfaction."

The new WiMAX 2.3Ghz service will facilitate significantly faster wireless communications and provide a strong foundation to support the further development and growth of information and communications technology in Malaysia. It also supports the Government's National Broadband Plan to foster economic progress through the establishment of a knowledge-based economy.

Source: http://www.enterpriseinnovation.net/article.php?id_article=6339

ASUS Unveils Plans for Mobile WiMAX 802.16e CPE Solutions

Surprise... ASUS Eee PC™ and WM series CPE Incorporates Intel Mobile WiMAX Technology for High coverage, High speed and Affordable Last Mile Solutions

ASUS has announced its plans to exhibit Mobile WiMAX CPE solutions at the WiMAX Summit Taipei 2008. On inaugural display is the new ASUS WiMAX Eee PC™ 901, along with the ASUS WMV25E1+, WMNV25E2+, WUSB25E2V2 and WEXP25E2V2 – which all support this latest technology, and guarantee fast WiMAX connectivity and compatibility. These top-notch products provide extremely high speeds and exceptional last mile usage; supplying a wireless broadband device solution to enable portable and mobile network access, and dramatically reduced deployment costs for the last mile.

Fast and Reliable Connectivity with WiMAXIn order to provide for a 4G network infrastructure, ASUS has been dedicated to WiMAX CPE development since 2005. With solid and in-depth product experience in the fields of Computing, Communications and Consumer Electronics, ASUS' excellent design technology has implemented numerous best-selling products. Building upon such experience, ASUS plans to launch the next-generation network device – to provide users with high performance, exceptional quality, high reliability, simple design and easy configuration for a highly reliable WiMAX infrastructure.

Highly portable and shockproof, the world popular Eee PC™ combines excellent wireless capabilities with broadband wireless WiMAX connectivity to provide users with fast and reliable connectivity anytime, anywhere. At the WiMAX EXPO, ASUS will unveil the new WiMAX Eee PC™ 901, which will fulfill the concept of "connectivity without boundaries" for the new era of Internet connectivity.

"Imagine carrying the Eee PC™, and while travelling or at a café, connect to the world in just 20 seconds – just like carrying a portable gateway to the world." said Jonathan Tsang, Vice Chairman of ASUS, while holding aloft the lightweight Eee PC™. He also says, "Combining the Eee PC™ with WiMAX will surely provide revolutionary and unique user experiences for everyone."

In order to allow users to personally experience this unique combination, ASUS will be displaying a WiMAX Eee PC™ 901 on the WiMAX EXPO VIP Bus. This will allow users to experience firsthand quick Internet connections anytime, anywhere during the travel from the Xinyi district to the Nangang exhibition area. There is the official grand launch of the next generation Eee PC™ 901 at the ASUS Computex 2008 booth, located at booth no. TF1L & 101Bat TICC (Taipei International Convention Center), from June 3 – 7.

The ASUS WM series CPE incorporates Intel Mobile WiMAX technology, which has been applied to numerous WiMAX network deployments around the world – and ushers in the 4G network. This high coverage, high speed and low cost last mile solution has been proven to create different business models that will herald in the new age of Network deployment.

Benefits of Flexible Product Design CapabilitiesASUS’ flexible design capabilities help implement different frequency support based on different models – which in turn enables scalable network deployments. The high RF output power of 27dBm and different antenna options enables flexible planning for link budget; while over-the-air firmware updates applies a low cost network upgrade plan. Additionally, bandwidth selection for 3.5~10MHz offers different applications such as Video streaming, instant messaging, Voice over IP and high-speed file transfer scenarios.

ASUS WiMAX Products Features and BenefitsASUS WMV25E1+The ASUS WiMAX WM25E1+ is the best indoor penetration WiMAX standalone Wave 1 CPE. It provides:

• High gain and high powerExcellent Link Budget 27dBm output power for excellent link budget
• High receiver sensitivity-84 dBm @ 16QAM ¾
• Supports up to three antenna with switch diversity to receive the best signalsTwo patch and one dipole antenna
• Easy SetupPlug and play with Web-based Setup function
  Easy-to-use configuration, easy-to-identify LED display5 LEDs for strength signal indication
  
• Features:
• Frequency support: 3.4~3.6GHz, 2.5~2.7GHz (different SKU)
• Adaptive modulation: QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM
• Standard: IEEE 802.16e WAVE 1
• High output power up to 27dBm ± 0.5 (tolerance = 0.5dBm)
• Provides complete network applications that are ready for network deployment
• Power Supply: AC Input – 100~240V (50~60Hz); DC Output – +12V/1.0A (12 Watt)
• Size: 170 x 53 x 127 mm
• Weight: 310g
  

ASUS WUSB25E2V2WiMAX USB Dongle for notebook or PC. Just connect with WiMAX base stations to enjoy the WiMAX network.It provides:

• User friendly interfacePlug-n-Play for easy set up; and an easy-to-use interface for easy access to WiMAX
• Sleek design with mirror-polished surfaceElegant design with fashionable and exquisite style, ASUS’ WiMAX client card is not only an accessory, but also a part of your lifestyle
• Effortless remote control management Simple management process that readily upgrades functions with remote provisioning – allowing for smart management with the remote control
• Flexible-angle USB dongle180º rotatable dongle that aids in searching for better signals and improved receiver sensitivity – providing an optimized mobile application
  Enrich your mobile Internet experienceUse the ASUS Mobile WiMAX card to expand internet applications anytime, anywhere
  
• Features:
• Host interface:USB2.0
• Modulation: QPSK, 16/64QAM, OFDMA
• Standard: IEEE 802.16e WAVE2
• Frequency Support: 2.5~2.7GHz
• RF Output Power: 23dBm+1
• Power Supply: Average 3.3V/750mA
• Size: 105x36x10.6
• Weight: 70g

ASUS WMNV25E2+WiMAX Integrated Access Device that connects with WiMAX BS as a WAN source and then provides Internet connection to the end-user via a 1 port RJ45.It provides:

• User friendly interfacePlug-n-Play for easy set up; and an easy-to-use interface for easy access to WiMAX
• Sleek design with mirror-polished surfaceElegant design with fashionable and exquisite style, ASUS’ WiMAX client card is not only an accessory, but also a part of your lifestyle
  Effortless remote control management Simple management process that readily upgrades functions with remote provisioning – allowing for smart management with the remote control
• Easy SetupPlug and play with Web-based Setup function
• Easy-to-use configuration, easy-to-identify LED display8 LEDs for strength signal indication for different levels of signal reception
• VoIP supportSupports RJ11 and provides high quality voice service with lower costs compared to traditional PSTN lines.
  

Features:

• Standard: IEEE 802.16e WAVE2
• Frequency Support: 2.5~2.7GHz
• RF Output Power: 27dBm
• Provides complete network applications that are ready for network deployment
  ASUS Achievements for 2007ASUS saw the year 2007 filled with accolades from across the globe with 2568 awards. It was also ranked in Business Week's "InfoTech 100" for the 10th straight year; and named the "Number One in Quality and Services" by the Wall Street Journal Asia.

Source: http://asus.com/news_show.aspx?id=11577

Tata Claims World's Largest WiMAX Deployment

Tata Communications launched a massive WiMAX network in India, one the operator claims is the largest WiMAX network deployed in the the world.

In the initial phase, Tata's WiMAX network will offer access and content services to enterprise and residential customers in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Cochin, Chandigarh, and Kolkata.By the end of 2008 Tata plans to have enabled WiMAX retail broadband service in about 15 cities.

Tata, aiming to bring broadband to the masses, is using fixed WiMAX in the 3.3 GHz band. Some 5,000 enterprise and residential customers have been using the network in beta phase.Vendor Telsima provided the WiMAX solution including base station and subscriber station systems, customer provisioning system and Network Management System.

Source by :[FierceBroadbandWireles]

Intel Says WiMAX and LTE Should be Combined

Vodafone's Arun Sarin was one of the first to say it.

Now Intel's Sean Maloney is touting the idea. Should competing standards WiMAX and LTE be unified into one standard?Maloney, who is the executive vice president, general manager, sales and marketing group at Intel, says that two standards should be harmonized because they are about "80 percent" similar but that WiMAX is a couple years ahead of LTE.

He also said that customers will be confused by the competing 4G technologies. Maloney says that Intel is looking into ways to integrate the two technologies and it is technically possible for Intel to create a chip set that could be used for WiMAX and LTE.Of course, this news comes just a day after Intel announced that it is preparing to re-enter the mobile-phone market. Intel's CEO Paul Otellini told the Financial Times that as mobile devices become more powerful and adoption of computer-like applications rises, Intel is in a position to make inroads into the mobile-phone market.

Source by: FierceWireless.

By Sue Marek

Is WiMAX the New CDMA?

Yesterday, Dan Jones posed the question: “Is WiMAX the New CDMA?" My view and experience is that WiMax is way lamer than CDMA was at this phase.

Here's a little history lesson: By 1995-1996, in the year before and the year of CDMA launch (Hong Kong in October 1995, Korea in early 1996, then Sprint PCS, and PCS PrimeCo in fall '96), all the dirty laundry around standards issues, interop issues, RF issues, hardware issues, political/IP issues, etc., were being very vocally aired in public and in the press. Conferences were awash in PowerPoint presentations on what didn’t work -- which is a good thing, because when engineers start publicly talking about what doesn’t work, and share that information, it usually means that people will be fixing things.

Contrast this with WiMax today: To be in mid-2008 and have the world’s leading proponent of WiMax talk about it working "in my house" should scare the crap out of any WiMax proponent. Gee, just what would be the career longevity of the field engineering team if Xohm did not work in Barry’s house? And service plans not likely to be "north of $60"? Whatever happened to four -- or even ten! -- times the performance at one-tenth of the cost?

When talking about the overall challenges of WiMax, folks often overlook the amazing advantages Sprint saw when they first made the WiMax decision -- they got spectrum cheap and allegedly got huge equipment subsidies from their vendor base. Given those dynamics, where does that leave any intrepid greenfield operator looking to launch mobile WiMax in developing parts of the world -- having to buy spectrum, deploy huge amounts of capital/infrastructure, fund immense opex, and start with Subscriber No. 1 up against fully deployed HSDPA or EV-DO networks and a massive, fully developed device ecosystem?

Mobile WiMax will work, it will take time after real launches to mature, and will most likely be less spectrally efficient or at best spectrally equivalent -- megahertz to megahertz -- with HSPA evolutions as well as LTE. Hate to say it, but there’s no more "free lunch" in radio performance anymore. Owning lots of spectrum is a good thing, will always be a good thing, regardless of what radio you throw in there. I’m going to write a piece -- probably three or four pieces down the road -- on what I call “just another radio."

Here we are in mid-2008, and there just ain’t much "there" there in the WiMax world. I can -- and will, if you want -- dissect a bunch more of the lame and spurious claims/arguments of the Sprint/Clearwire guys, but they have a long way to go before they can be the next CDMA.
Korea launched nationally in 1995, albeit with a lot of growing pains, and PCS PrimeCo launched in 16 cities in the autumn of 1996. Sprint PCS also did real launches in 1996. Given Barry’s comment that the “standard was baked in 2005,” mobile WiMax is right on track for real launches in 2008 and 2009 -- when, in 2005, I suggested that real mobile WiMax might be 2007/2008 I got pilloried! -- but my guess is 2008 will be a stretch unless we start seeing WiMax’s dirty laundry thoroughly aired.

That being said, the other frame of reference of Dan’s discussion was: Will WiMax end up in a market share position analogous to the cdmaOne, CDMA2000, and EV-DO world? That’s rather a stretch, because for the WiMax guys to ever get to CDMA2000 market share levels there will need to be a massive degree of "reality execution" that has been sorely lacking in the last few years. WiMax will launch and get real, it will gain share, but will it ever reach the 25 to 30 percent global market share of CDMA at its peak?

That’s going to be a tough mountain to climb, especially as the existing ecosystems coalesce around their current network paths and future migrations to LTE. Oh yes, and all this discussion is on 802.16e… When exactly is equipment for 802.16m going to ready for operators and consumers? (See Wireless Camps Prep Fresh 4G Battle.)

Source by: Michelle Donegan, European Editor, Unstrung
http://www.unstrung.com/document.asp?doc_id=152397