WiMAX heating up in Asia
April 24, 2008
Attending and chairing the WiMAX Forum Congress Asia recently in Singapore provided an opportunity to take the pulse of the WiMAX industry in Asia Pacific.One of the most significant developments at the event was the momentum WiMAX is gaining in India, one of the top future markets for the technology, according to our WiMAX Broadband Convergence report. Four of the country’s major operators are deploying or close to deploying the technology, including Tata Communications, Reliance, BSNL and MTNL.
Tata Communications (previously VSNL) has already launched wireless broadband services using 802.16d-2004 Fixed WiMAX equipment running in the 3.3GHz band and sourced from WiMAX vendor Telsima. Tata is aiming to deploy at least 1,000 base stations by year-end to support enterprise broadband services in 110 cities and consumer services in at least 18 cities. Tata says it aims to have 200,000 consumer subscribers by 2009-10.
The operator has a shot at hitting the target given that India had a broadband penetration of just 1.5% of households at end-2007, according to Informa Telecoms & Media’s World Broadband Information Service. That represents just over 3 million subscribers in a country with a middle class population of near 50 million and total population of more than one billion.
Reliance Communications is also deploying WiMAX fixed services in 3.3GHz spectrum, although it has not yet detailed the extent of its rollout.
At the WiMAX Forum Congress Asia, BSNL chairman and managing director Kuldeep Goyal noted that the state-owned operator currently has 3.3GHz 802.16-2004 services in ten cities. He added that the group expects to get 20MHz of 2.5GHz spectrum this year, which it will use to deploy Mobile WiMAX services in 21 circles across the country. The operator expects to start deployment by end-2008 and expects 3 million subscribers by 2010.
State-owned MTNL is also understood to be evaluating deployment of Mobile WiMAX in the 2.5GHz band, although the plans of both BSNL and MTNL obviously hinge on the timely award of 2.5GHz spectrum, which has been delayed in the past.
Among other developments at the event, the WiMAX Forum announced the first Mobile WiMAX products to receive WiMAX Forum Certified approval. The products are built to the relatively niche 2.3GHz profile used in Korea, but the first Mobile WiMAX product certification is nevertheless an important milestone in the WiMAX industry. This is partly because 2.3GHz product certification will help clear the way for certification of more mainstream 2.5GHz and 3.5GHz products.
KT also announced that its WiBro service had more than 140,000 customers a year after full commercial launch in April 2007, and almost two years after the initial launch in mid-2006. Critics at the event noted the subscriber numbers were well below initial expectations and highlighted the challenges WiMAX will face in highly competitive broadband markets. WiMAX backers cited the recent growth in KT WiBro subscriber numbers as evidence that the service had turned a corner, and highlighted the operator’s goal of landing 410,000 subscribers by end-2008.
WiMAX may have less competition from other broadband systems in emerging markets, but as a new technology it still faces challenges. Rizwan Tiwana, chief technical officer of Wateen Telecom, said the operator now had Mobile WiMAX coverage in 22 cities in Pakistan using equipment from Motorola operating in the 3.5GHz band. However the deployment started in early 2007 and commercial launch took place in mid-December 2007, with one of the key challenges being delivering good in-building coverage. Nevertheless, the operator plans to continue improving indoor coverage and to expand services to at least another 70 cities by end-2008, in the process increasing its Mobile WiMAX network from 460 to 1500 base stations, Tiwana said.
As of mid-April the operator had 15,000 consumers on a broadband plus VoIP bundle, in addition to 1,400 business subscribers. “Our CPE costs are a problem-they’re currently too high to spark mass adoption,” Tiwana said, citing WiMAX CPE costs of $150-200 compared to DSL modem costs of $25. He rightly added that “the only way to drive down WiMAX CPE costs is faster adoption globally,” which will generate the economies of scale necessary to significantly reduce equipment costs.
Pakistan regarded one of growing telecom markets
February 24, 2008
Pakistan has been regarded as one of the fastest growing telecom markets.
This was announced in statement of the Wateen telecom issued here on Thursday.
It pointed out that the Wateen Telecom has placed one of the World’s largest orders for WiMAX devices with Motorola. 198,000 CPE units being ordered to keep pace with the demand of WiMAX users in Pakistan.
The statement further stated that the Wateen Telecom uses Motorola’s 802.16e WiMAX infrastructure to power its subscribers’ connectivity.
The CPE units are used by Wateen customers for wireless access to high speed, affordable data and voice services.
It was pointed out that Pakistan has been regarded as one of the fastest growing telecom markets and adding to it, Wateen has been experiencing promising growth since its consumer launch in December 2007.
Wateen has placed an order with Motorola to provide 198,000 CPE units for the unprecedented demand. This order has been recognized as one of the largest orders for WiMAX CPEs in the world. [Read more]
Pakistan Telecom Authority to start 3-G mobile phone licensing process
February 15, 2008
Pakistan telecommunications authority is set to start 3-G mobile phone licensing process in order to activate the service in the country by 2009. The process will be initiated through auction of the spectrum this year and licenses would be awarded through competitive bidding. Pakistan currently has 77 million mobile phone subscribers, 2.1 million Wireless Local Loop (WLL) and 4.7 million fixed line consumers. With 3-G generation mobile services, the customers will be able to use internet with high speed, make video calls and other value-added data services. Five mobile companies have got the license for AJK (Azad Jammu and Kashmir) and northern areas. [Read more]
Wateen Telecom-Pakistan Awards Motorola
February 1, 2008
Motorola, Inc. today announced a contract with Wateen Telecom-Pakistan for the supply of 198,000 end-user WiMAX customer premises equipment (CPE) devices for both indoor and outdoor use.
Complementing Wateen Telecom’s nationwide WiMAX network which is built using Motorola’s award-winning 802.16e WiMAX and IMS solutions, the CPE units will provide subscribers in Pakistan with unprecedented wireless access to agile and affordable data and Voice over IP (VoIP) services in one of the world’s most rapidly-growing telecoms markets. The CPEs will provide consumers, small businesses and Pakistan’s largest enterprises access to wireless services, from basic telephony and fast internet access to high-end data services such as virtual private networks (VPN) for banks and other organizations.
“The availability of our WiMAX network is a major milestone for Wateen Telecom and for the telecommunications potential of developing economies. Our network puts Wateen at the global forefront of the WiMAX telecoms industry. Motorola’s capabilities to effectively deliver WiMAX 802.16e solutions and CPEs ahead of the industry and our early adoption of this technology has given us the opportunity to be the first to offer WiMAX 802.16e-based broadband voice and data services in Pakistan,” said Tariq Malik, chief executive officer, Wateen Telecom.
With Pakistan’s impressive growing economy and rising user demand for data access, Wateen Telecom-Pakistan anticipates a rapid demand for residential connections for its Motorola-based WiMAX broadband services during its first year of operation.
“Wateen Telecom’s nationwide WiMAX network is set to bring in a new era of connectivity and access for Pakistan. This initial CPE order, which enables subscriber access to the network for services from basic wireless telephony through to secure data connectivity for the country’s largest corporations, is part of the expansive WiMAX eco-system further demonstrating to other markets the reality and viability of WiMAX and Motorola’s ability to deliver” said Ali Amer, vice president sales, Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility.
In addition to one of the most comprehensive deployments of Motorola’s WiMAX/IMS core solution in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan region, Wateen also benefits from Motorola’s managed services expertise to focus critical resources on empowering efficiencies and keeping ahead of rapidly advancing technologies. With the network now operational, Motorola’s wi4 family of feature-rich award-winning CPE devices for WiMAX networks will enable consumers and businesses in Pakistan to plug in a device and receive an instant and reliable network connection.
About Wateen
Wateen Telecom is the Abu Dhabi Group’s latest communication investment in Pakistan, after the successful launch of Warid Telecom which provides mobile GSM services to over 10 million customers in 145 cities across Pakistan. Wateen Telecom is set up to become the leading “Carrier’s Carrier” providing services based on quality, reliability and affordability in the communication and media sector. Wateen is committed to bringing next generation services to your doorstep…today. For more information about the company, please visit www.wateen.com.
About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications. The company develops technologies, products and services that make mobile experiences possible. Our portfolio includes communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility solutions, digital set-tops, cable modems, mobile devices and Bluetooth accessories. Motorola is committed to delivering next generation communication solutions to people, businesses and governments. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.6 billion in 2007. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit www.motorola.com.
MOTOROLA and the stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. (C) Motorola, Inc. 2008. All rights reserved.
Motorola signs major contract on WiMAX supplies to Pakistan
February 1, 2008
Global technology giant Motorola on Monday entered into an agreement with Wateen Telecom-Pakistan on the supply of 198,000 end-user WiMAX customer premises equipment devices, marking one of the largest orders placed worldwide, a statement said. Wateen Telecom, the Abu Dhabi Group’s latest communication investment in Pakistan, is providing the subscribers with affordable high-end wireless services, both voice and data. “The availability of our WiMAX network in a major milestone for Wateen Telecom and for the telecommunications potential of developing economies. Our network puts Wateen at the global forefront of the WiMAX telecoms industry,” Wateen Telecom’s chief executive officer Tariq Malik was cited as saying.
The telecommunication service provider anticipated a rapid demand for its WiMAX broadband services in the wake of Pakistan’s rapidly growing economy and telecom market. “Wateen Telecom’s nationwide WiMAX network is set to bring in a new era of connectivity and access for Pakistan,” said Ali Amer, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility vice-president (sales) for Middle East, Africa and Pakistan.
According to government figures for 2006-07, Pakistan’s telecom sector attracted 1.8 billion US dollars foreign direct investment (FDI), which was 35.6 per cent of the total FDI. The country has an overall teledensity of 50.88 per cent, while the density of cellular phone users is 47.4 per cent.
Young Entrepreneurs Soaring High With Wateen Telecom!
January 30, 2008
The Young Leaders and Entrepreneurs Summit (YLES) 2008 will be inaugurated tomorrow, on 31st January, 2008. The six day event has been organized by the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) Entrepreneurial Society (LES), and sponsored by Wateen Telecom.
The six day summit has been developed with the sole purpose of highlighting the potential of the Pakistani youth. It is aimed at improving their understanding of their skills and has been organized by the youth, for the youth.
The summit consists of several formal and social events such as workshops, business idea competitions, bonfires and concerts. The aim of these activities and events is to motivate the youth to bring out their best abilities and skills, and help them tap their true potential.
It will be attended by over 800 delegates and more than 3500 students from all major schools and colleges of Pakistan. The activities lined up for the summit have been designed to motivate the attendees to bring out their potential and showcase their skills. [Read more]
Punjab Polo Club 2008: Riding the National Colors!
January 30, 2008
The Punjab Polo Cup 2008 starts off today amidst sounds of galloping and trotting competitive horses. The cup is aimed at promoting the sport and is one more step in building Pakistan’s positive image abroad. The event is being held at the Golf Polo Club in Lahore, and is scheduled to start today and continue until Sunday, February 3, 2008. The event has been organized by Wateen Telecom in conjunction with ACE Polo.
Some of the best polo players and equestrians of the country will be participating in the event, including Shah Shamyl Alam and Shah Qubilai Alam. The event will be carrying the national colors, green and white, and is expected to draw equestrian and polo lovers from all across the country. The event is designed to promote polo events at the national level, and pay homage to Pakistan’s rich heritage.
For more details, please log onto www.wateen.com
About Wateen Telecom
Wateen Telecom is the Abu Dhabi Group’s latest venture in Pakistan. After the successful launch of Warid Telecom in Pakistan, which has a subscriber base of over 10 million customers in 145 cities, Wateen Telecom has been set up to become the leading “Carrier’s Carrier” providing services based on quality, reliability and affordability in the communication and media sector. Wateen is committed to bring Next Generation services to your doorstep… today.
Wateen Launches WiMAX Nationwide for Consumers!
December 15, 2007
Wateen Telecom, an Abu Dhabi Group venture in Pakistan, launches its WiMAX and HFC services for the consumer markets tomorrow, December 16, 2007. The launch will allow Wateen customers to have voice, telephony and broadband internet.
Wateen Telecom has been working on establishing a wireless network infrastructure since early 2006, and installed the network in early 2007. Their WiMAX service is a major breakthrough in the Pakistani broadband market as it will be a fast and cost-effective alternative to existing broadband services.
The development of the network has been carried out by Motorola, and is the largest WiMAX network ever installed. The project is a milestone for both the companies, as well as the nation, as it is expected to herald a broadband revolution in Pakistan, catering to more than one million users.
Tariq Malik, CEO, Wateen Telecom, “We are providing Pakistani consumers with complete communication solutions. Services such as high speed broadband internet and voice telephony will have a direct impact on the number of broadband users online. We are contributing to the growing market.”
Wateen Telecom’s launch is Pakistan’s first and the world’s largest WiMAX deployment. The team is confident of the market’s growth and of the long term benefits these services and solutions will bring to Pakistan.
For more details, please log onto www.wateen.com
About Wateen Telecom
Wateen Telecom is the Abu Dhabi Group’s latest venture in Pakistan. After the successful launch of Warid Telecom in Pakistan, which has a subscriber base of over 10 million customers in 145 cities, Wateen Telecom has been set up to become the leading “Carrier’s Carrier” providing services based on quality, reliability and affordability in the communication and media sector. Wateen is committed to bring Next Generation services to your doorstep… today.
‘IT’ Might Be The Fuel To Pakistan’s Growth Engine
December 1, 2007
Industries have continued to grow at a steady pace illustrating positive signals such as profitability, expansion and efficiency in operations (using IT); and this is where DADEX stands out – a company wise enough to discard the traditional methods of management, operations and book keeping and implementing modern technology (which is rare in the Pakistani scenario). However; Dadex was able to do that with the help of Wateen Telecom.
Wateen Telecom has done an exceptional job in the field of Information Communication Technology; of which, the introduction of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) are just a few of the services from their wide arsenal.
What needs to be done at present is to introduce and educate the industries and companies operating in
So, why stick to out dated and primitive methodologies, when other third world countries like
Release courtesy Communiqué Collective