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Starent Networks Demonstrates IMS and WiMAX Solutions at Global MSF Interoperability (GMI) 2008

2008-11-11T05:14:00.001-08:00

Starent Networks announced it has successfully participated in the MultiService Forum’s GMI 2008 interoperability tests, which were held October 20-31, 2008.

Demonstrating continued leadership in support of open and standards-based solutions, Starent Networks took part in testing on-site at the BT Ipswich Lab in the U.K. and at the Verizon Lab in Waltham, Massachusetts. This is the second GMI event in which Starent Networks was a key participant.

Starent Networks successfully participated in more than 120 test cases run across multiple global operator networks. For the event, Starent provided numerous access and IMS core products including its Session Control Manager (for Call Session Control Functionality), Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN), Home Agent (HA), Access Service Network-Gateway (ASN), Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) products. At the Verizon testing site under the 3GPP2 Access Tile, Starent provided the central IMS core with its Session Control Manager and PDSN/HA functionality.

At the BT Ipswich testing site, Starent provided its SGSN/GGSN for the 3GPP Access Tile as well as its ASN Gateway/HA/Session Control Manager solution for the WiMAX Access Tile.
The purpose of GMI 2008 was to provide an opportunity for vendors to show customers how their solutions operate, interoperate and meet the challenges faced everyday within the network. GMI 2008 offers operators the third-party validation that the products they buy meet the interoperability standards set forth by the global standards that are the basis for MSF Implementation Agreements.

From a technical perspective, GMI 2008 demonstrates multi-vendor interoperability for emerging next-generation architectures that deliver converged services across wireless and wireline access networks, from traditional voice services to emerging broadband technologies. Building on previous GMI Events in 2002, 2004 and 2006, GMI 2008 provides an opportunity for equipment vendors to validate key service concepts that leverage an IP Multimedia Subsystem/Next Generation Network (IMS/NGN) infrastructure.

There were 22 GMI 2008 member participants, including Acme Packet, Alcatel-Lucent, Codenomicon, Empirix, Fujitsu, Huawei, Ixia, JDSU, Motorola, MuDynamics, NEC, Nokia-Siemens Networks, Nortel, OSI, Sonus, Spirent, Starent Networks, Tekelec, Tektronix, Telchemy, Teles and ZTE.

Alvarion® Expands Altitude’s Mobile WiMAX™ Network in France

2008-11-11T05:13:00.001-08:00

Alvarion Ltd. announced the expansion of its frame agreement with the French WiMAX operator Altitude. Alvarion’s Mobile WiMAX™ 4Motion solution will be used by Altitude to extend its coverage and provide voice and data services at 3.5 GHz to corporate, ISP and residential users in the Jura and Deux Sevres districts.

The rollout of this commercial network is already underway, with plans to be completed in early 2009. The new network will offer an enhanced portfolio of high quality wireless broadband services over Alvarion’s Mobile WiMAX solution, including indoor and outdoor CPEs.

“Building on our success throughout the region of Aveyron, we see an increase in demand for WiMAX broadband services,” said Fabrice Ballart, Managing Director of Altitude Infrastructure. “As always, we are committed to provide the best services and cost effective solutions to our customers, and therefore growing with Alvarion was the natural choice for moving forward and enabling seamless connectivity to the residents of France. This expansion will allow us to reach more customers and offer them the benefits of WiMAX at competitive rates.”

“A pioneer of WiMAX in France, we congratulate Altitude on the expansion of its network and look forward to our long-term partnership,” said Tzvika Friedman, President and CEO of Alvarion. “Increasing network capacity with our Mobile WiMAX solution enables Altitude to maintain a competitive position in the challenging market while ensuring quality of service and innovation for future expansions.”

Alvarion’s end-to-end 4Motion solution is the foundation of the company’s OPEN™ WiMAX ecosystem, which combines BreezeMAX® and other best-in-class systems. A complete all-IP Mobile WiMAX solution, 4Motion is designed to enable service providers to offer subscribers fixed and mobile Personal Broadband services anytime, anywhere. The 4Motion solution is comprised of core network elements, IP radio networking elements and end user devices.

Research and Markets: A Global Overview of the WiMAX Market Reveals That the Future Outlook of WiMAX Remains in Niche and Emerging Markets

2008-11-11T05:12:00.000-08:00

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global - WiMAX - Overview & Statistics" report to their offering.

BuddeComm's analyses of the 2008 WiMAX market finds that there may be some good fixed wireless opportunities for WiMAX in regional markets and opportunities for WiMAX also exist in the enterprise segment.

This report also finds that the future of WiMAX remains in niche markets and emerging markets. Operators in well developed telco markets should be talking about the business models used, rather than appropriating the technology.

In the emerging markets, the reason WiMAX is being deployed is simple: in most cases it is the only way to get a broadband connection. This report includes BuddeComm's analyses of the future of WiMAX and includes recent developments. The report also includes WiMAX statistics and forecasts.

Key Topics Covered:
- Synopsis
- The future of WiMAX
- Recent developments
- Industry consortia
- WiMAX statistics and forecasts
- Conclusion: WiMAX a boon for developing markets
- List of Tables
- List of Exhibits

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/d3c35a/global_wimax_o

Multi-Mode WiMAX/LTE Chips to Hit Markets in 2009, Says ABI Research

2008-11-04T06:10:00.000-08:00

2009 will see the introduction of a new class of wireless communications chip that features dual-mode support for both WiMAX and LTE, according to ABI Research. The thrust of demand for such chips comes from those wireless device makers seeking to reduce the number of their SKUs; they will welcome the economies of scale that come from creating devices that support both 4G standards.

“Some mobile operators are showing interest in dual-mode chipsets,” says ABI Research principal analyst Philip Solis, “and they are backing it with cash. Vodafone, for example, has a foot in both WiMAX and LTE camps. They will use LTE in industrialized regions, and WiMAX in developing nations. In Japan, KDDI may deploy LTE on its own, but as an investor (along with Intel and others) in WiMAX operator UQ Communications, KDDI has an interest in both standards.”

These chips are destined for any and all mobile devices, although given that most of the early usage of both LTE and WiMAX will be for data transmission, USB modems, laptops, netbooks, and MIDs are likely to be the first products to include the dual-mode chips.

“Because WiMAX networks will be deployed sooner than LTE, for competitive reasons these dual-mode chips are generally being created by WiMAX chip vendors, particularly the smaller, more agile ones,” Solis adds.

ABI Research’s study The WiMAX Chipset Market (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/market_research/WiMAX_ Semiconductors) examines chipset vendors’ activities and products. Forecasts include shipments and revenue by a variety of segmentations including device CPE, mobile devices by type, region, main frequency band, and 802.16e/16m.

It forms part of the firm’s Wireless Semiconductors Research Service (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/Wireless_Semiconductors_ Service) which also includes other Research Reports, ABI Insights, an ABI Vendor Matrix, and analyst inquiry support.

Intel, Taiwan Government to Establish Mobile Device Open Source Software Development Center, Intel Capital Intends to Invest NT$386 Million in VMAX fo

2008-10-30T06:37:00.000-07:00

Intel Corporation today announced agreements with government and industry in Taiwan intended to extend Taiwan’s position as a leading center for developing and deploying the world’s next generation of connected devices and related technologies.

Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini announced that Intel has signed an agreement with the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to jointly establish an enabling centre for Moblin, open source software and applications optimized for Intel® Atom™processor-based devices. New software and applications are needed to deliver a richer, on-the-go Internet experience on the next generation of connected devices including Atom-based mobile Internet devices, netbooks, nettops and in-vehicle-infotainment systems.

Otellini also announced that, subject to closing conditions, Intel’s global investment organization, Intel Capital, intends to invest NT$386 million (US$11.5 million1) in Taiwanese carrier VMAX. Intel Capital’s intended investment and Intel’s accompanying business engagement will enable VMAX to deploy Taiwan’s first mobile WiMAX network, intended to be commercially available within the first half of next year.

With Intel and the MOEA’s support, the Moblin Enabling Center’s laboratory and its engineers will train and consult to device and software vendors, resulting in faster time to market for Moblin-based devices powered by Intel Atom processors. Intel’s support of the center includes engineering talent, software development resources and software contributions to moblin.org.

Taiwan’s First 4G Wireless Network

Intel Capital’s intended investment in VMAX and Intel’s accompanying business engagement reflect its focus on accelerating the proliferation of WiMAX globally. More than 350 operators worldwide have deployed WiMAX networks. Through Intel Capital, Intel has invested in 30 WiMAX technology companies and service providers worldwide. Intel is a leading enabler of service providers as they deploy WiMAX, including Sprint and Clearwire in the United States, Packet 1 in Malaysia, UQ Communications in Japan, and others globally.

Redline and Alianza offer Hosted Voice over WiMAX Solution

2008-10-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

Alianza and Redline Communications Group Inc. announced that the companies have validated interoperability of products and services to accelerate voice offerings to WiMAX service providers.

Alianza and Redline tested Alianza’s hosted voice platform with Redline’s WiMAX Forum Certified® RedMAX systems as part of the Redline Ecosystem Verification (REV) program. The REV program verifies connectivity and performance between Redline's RedMAX™ and RedMAX™ 4C Mobile WiMAX products and other WiMAX devices, enabling carriers to accelerate the deployment of interoperable networks. The program also includes Redline's RedCONNEX™ and RedACCESS™ families, which are used by carriers around the world to support high-bandwidth voice, video and data services. Several WiMAX equipment companies, including base station, customer premise equipment and chip manufacturers, as well as WiMAX peripherals vendors, are now taking part in the REV program.

Alianza’s fully integrated hosted voice platform is specifically designed for WiMAX service providers. Alianza's platform is a robust, multi-functional and highly scalable solution that offers service providers the fastest, simplest and most economical way to provide advanced telephony services to their residential or business customers. It allows WiMAX service providers to focus on generating revenue instead of managing the expense and operational details of building a voice solution.

“We are pleased to partner with Redline, who is a leader in establishing WiMAX networks throughout the world,” said Brian Beutler, Alianza CEO. “We look forward to working closely with them to expand globally and provide superior quality voice services with simple, plug and play implementation.”

“Service providers deploying full-service WiMAX networks can leverage Alianza’s easy to install voice platform to add voice services to their networks at lower costs than what’s currently offered by proprietary vendors,” said Kevin Suitor, vice president of marketing and business development, Redline Communications. “High quality voice services based on open standards are an important element in the roll-out of successful Mobile WiMAX networks. The combination of Redline’s WiMAX technology and deployment expertise and Alianza’s voice-over WiMAX platform will benefit the operators’ business model.”

Interest in WiMax and 3G Related Patent Auction Heats Up

2008-10-28T07:40:00.001-07:00

Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc. announced that they are receiving an unexpected amount of interest in their sale of three patents at The Ocean Tomo Live IP Auction in Chicago on October 30. US Patents 5,959,982; 6,693,890; and 5,745,480 are all directed to the field of telecommunication and will be offered as Lots 59, 60 and 61, respectively.

“We have had an unexpected number of inquiries into this sale which is very encouraging. This is an exciting time for the IP marketplace and Carlson Wireless,” said Jim Carlson, founder and CEO. “With WiMax, 3G and 4G markets holding their own in these uncertain times, interest in Intellectual Property (IP) like this seems to be increasing.” This assessment is buoyed by the very recent sale of wireless IP by Conexant Systems Inc. of Newport Beach CA for approximately $15 million.

“There are a lot of very cash rich institutions out there who are not interested in investing in equities at the moment, but which have money to burn. This presents the IP market with a tremendous opportunity,” writes Joff Wild recently in his IAM Magazine blog where he discusses the potential ups and downs of IP investment in the current financial climate. “We could be about to enter a defining period in the development of the IP market place.”
The broad application of the WiMax and 3G standards to these patents seems to be fueling the interest. A forward citation analysis found a long list of companies holding patents that cite one or more of the Carlson patents to be auctioned.

This includes companies such as, Alcatel-Lucent, Broadcom Corporation, California Institute of Technology, Cisco Systems, Inc., CommScope Inc., DDi Corporation, DirecTV Group Inc., Honeywell International, Inc., International Business Machines Corp., L-3 Communications Corporation, LG Electronics, Inc., LM Ericsson Telephone Co., LSI Corporation, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Nokia Corporation, Nokia Siemens Networks Oy, Nortel Networks Corp., Phonex Corporation, QUALCOMM Incorporated, Qwest Communications International Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Sony Corporation, Sprint Spectrum L.P., Summit Wireless, LLC, Tachyon Networks Incorporatedand Texas Instruments Inc.

Alvarion® and ECI Telecom to Expand ELRO’s Nationwide WiMAX™ Network

2008-10-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

ECI Telecom, a global provider of networking infrastructure solutions, and Alvarion Ltd. the world’s leading provider of WiMAX™ and wireless broadband solutions, today announced the expansion of ELRO’s nationwide Mobile WiMAX™ network, increasing coverage and capacity for voice and broadband Internet services as part of ELRO’s SkyLine offering.

ELRO’s network has grown significantly since its initial launch with ECI and Alvarion, in Randers last July. Building on this successful deployment, ECI and Alvarion are enabling ELRO to maintain the momentum of rapid network rollout with ECI’s XDM®and BroadGate® Multi-Service Provisioning Platforms (MSPP), and Alvarion's field-proven BreezeMAX® base station. The network expansion at the 3.5 GHz and 3.6 GHz frequency bands will allow current and new customers to benefit from faster Internet speeds and high quality voice services.

"Demand for high speed Internet services in Denmark is constantly increasing, and with the challenging goal of covering Denmark with WiMAX by 2010, we feel confident with ECI and Alvarion at our side.” said Søren Møller CTO Broadband of ELRO. “The network in Randers has proven to be a great success, and the extension of our service in other regions will bring an affordable solution to the various communication needs of all Denmark residents.”

“With the expansion of ELRO’s nationwide network, consumers in Denmark will be able to experience the advantages of a robust WiMAX solution,” said Mickey Wilf, Director of Nordic Regional Sales, ECI Telecom. “Our Multi-Service Provisioning Platforms together with Alvarion’s market leading radio access network technology offers a cost-optimized, one-stop-shop solution for simplified administration, maintenance and provisioning.”

“ELRO’s unique competitive position is impressive,” said Tzvika Friedman President and CEO of Alvarion. “By choosing an OPEN™ WiMAX solution based on ECI’s integrated WiMAX and transport network, coupled with our BreezeMAX platform, ELRO will be able to quickly connect the residents of Denmark with high speed broadband access. Furthermore, ELRO can benefit from the global scale of feature rich Mobile WiMAX technology and our extensive deployments.”
Mobile WiMAX technology provides an efficient and fast rollout of broadband services for mass consumers. The wide channel bandwidths, as well as extended coverage offered by Mobile WiMAX, make this an ideal technology for ubiquitous broadband access. Mobile WiMAX is the only next generation technology commercially available today that can provide broadband access on the go to mass market.

SkyCross Antennas Power the First Client Device for WiMAX Launch by Sprint XOHM

2008-10-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

SkyCross, a global antenna solutions company, announced that its antennas power the Samsung SWC-E100 ExpressCard, the first client device for the recent WiMAX launch in Baltimore. The WiMAX service, provided through the XOHM division of Sprint Nextel, delivers much anticipated 4G mobile broadband service across the city.

The WIMAX standard requires multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) operation, meaning each device must include multiple resonators. Placement and interference issues can make this a tricky engineering challenge in sleek mobile devices such as the SWC-E100. However, experienced engineers at SkyCross optimize small antennas on a system level to provide faster data rates for users and maximum coverage for network operators.

Independent tests prove the superior link performance provided by WiMAX antennas from SkyCross. Brian Nadel, Freelance Writer and former Editor in Chief of Mobile Computing & Communications magazine, confirmed that the SWC-E100 “works like a charm for accessing the network” in his recent Computerworld article.1 Mr. Nadel’s tests were conducted while stationary as well as at highway speeds.

This announcement follows a series of important milestones since SkyCross launched its WiMAX product line in November 2006. Last quarter, SkyCross antennas were recognized for their performance in the first USB device certified by the WiMAX Forum. SkyCross is also the exclusive provider of isolated mode antenna technology (iMAT), which enables a single structure to behave like multiple, high-performance antennas. Perfectly suited for the MIMO requirement of WiMAX, iMAT received recognition fromFierceWireless, Portable Design, and EE Times.

“Our job is to provide device manufacturers with unique antenna solutions that will not only meet network operators’ requirements but also provide an extra level of differentiated performance,” said Joe Gifford, Executive Vice President of SkyCross. “The SWC-E100 demonstrates that SkyCross solves technical challenges while satisfying time-to-market pressures of both Samsung and Sprint. As Sprint combines XOHM assets with Clearwire, we look forward to providing additional antenna products for the network.”

WiMAX Forum® Announces Keynote Speakers for Latin America Congress in December

2008-10-22T05:58:00.000-07:00

The WiMAX Forum and Informa Telecoms & Media today announced the keynote speakers for WiMAX Forum Congress Latin America Conference and Exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on December 3 - 4, 2008.

As part of WiMAX Forum’s series of global tradeshows, this event is the largest WiMAX focused tradeshow for the Latin American region and will bring together thought leaders from across the industry to focus on the WiMAX adoption and deployment.

Keynote speakers for WiMAX Forum Congress Latin America include:
Ronaldo Sardenberg, President, ANATEL (Brazil)
Teresa Kellett, Director Global Development, Sprint (USA)
Alex Ternero, CTO, Movilmax/Omnivision (Venezuela)
Henry Fuentes Lain, Network Director, Radiografica Coastarricense S.A. RACSA (Costa Rica)
John Xiong, Marketing & Solutions Director, Huawei (Brazil)
Gonzalo Dona, Strategic Technology Director, VTR (Chile)
Carlos Marino, President, Avantel (Columbia)
Dr. Frank Perthel, Head of Business Development Broadband Wireless, Nokia Siemens Networks (Brazil)
Francisco Varela, Head of Mobile Operator Relationships, YouTube (USA)
Ron Resnick, President, WiMAX Forum® (USA)

The WiMAX Forum Series Tradeshows has shown great success generating over 5,300 attendees and 130+ sponsors and exhibitors at WiMAX Forum Global Congress Asia and WiMAX Forum Global Congress. For more information on the WiMAX Forum Congress Series, please visit the WiMAX Forum event homepage at http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wimax-vision.com&esheet=5809685&lan=en_US&anchor=www.wimax-vision.com&index=1.

WiMAX Deployment in South Africa for 2008

2008-10-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "WiMAX in South Africa 2008" report to their offering.

WiMAX is both loved and hated in the IT and telecommunications sectors, depending on vested interests, experience in pilot projects, and the impact of case studies. This groundbreaking research report examines expected impact among South African corporations and small and medium enterprises, and factors behind those expectations.

Delays in the award of licenses for providing the new WiMAX high-speed wireless broadband service to businesses and consumers and the limited roll-out of services that have been licensed has resulted in dampening of its potential impact.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/e22b8a/wimax_in_south_afr

LTE and WiMAX Lead the Way to the Road to 4G Worldwide

2008-10-21T06:50:00.001-07:00

4G technologies are considered those which are expected to meet the ITU’s IMT-Advanced requirements, i.e., LTE Advanced and IEEE 802.16m WiMAX, with LTE Advanced and 802.16m WiMAX being the enhanced versions of LTE and 802.16e WiMAX, respectively. Both LTE Advanced and 802.16m WiMAX are being specially crafted to offer 100Mbps mobile throughput and 1Gbps stationary throughput. These extremely high throughput capabilities are expected to be a critical part of the ITU’s IMT-Advanced requirements.

With 802.16e WiMAX deployments already launched worldwide, LTE proponents have jumped up their efforts to speed up development so they are not left behind. Overall, the author believes that mobile WiMAX will, ultimately, outpace LTE over the forecast period, due to timing of network roll-outs. Mobile WiMAX effectively came on the scene in 2006 with South Korea’s WiBro. Comparatively, the earliest commercial LTE deployment will be in 2009; Japan’s NTT DoCoMo is expected to launch its LTE commercial services in the late 2009/2010 timeframe.

The author expects that mobile WiMAX and LTE subscriptions will represent only a miniscule portion of the total 2G/3G/4G subscriptions over the next five years. Even in 2013, the author expects that GSM/GPRS/EDGE will account for nearly 2.8 billion subscriptions, representing more than 55 percent of the total 4.8 billion 2G/3G/4G subscriptions expected in 2013.

For more information visit http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchandmarkets.com%2Fresearch%2F7a6212%2Fthe_road_to_4g_lt&esheet=5807657&lan=en_US&anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchandmarkets.com%2Fresearch%2F7a6212%2Fthe_road_to_4g_lt&index=2

Digifriends, NextWave Wireless Announce WiMAX Device Collaboration

2008-10-17T04:49:00.001-07:00

On a mission to accelerate global WiMAX adoption, Digifriends Co. Ltd., one of Korea’s leading mobile WiMAX and portable multimedia device makers and NextWave Wireless Inc. (NASDAQ: WAVE), a global provider of wireless broadband and mobile multimedia products, announced today the development of a sophisticated, WiMAX-enabled Mobile Internet Device (MID) – the M3 – powered by NextWave’s NW2000 WiMAX chipset. Expected to debut in 2H 2009, the much anticipated MID will bring new mobile multimedia features to the palms of global users, by tapping the power of WiMAX to deliver higher-speed access to next-generation content and services.

The Digifriends—NextWave relationship symbolizes the innovation WiMAX will bring to the international marketplace. By focusing on the development of robust, feature-rich devices that leverage the advantages of WiMAX connectivity, the two companies expect to advance end-users’ mobile multimedia experiences, expand operator service innovation, and spur WiMAX adoption, globally.

Embedded with NextWave’s Wave 2-ready “No Compromise” NW2000 WiMAX chipset, the M3 MID is optimized to deliver outstanding performance of bandwidth-intensive mobile multimedia applications, including advanced gaming, streaming video of user-generated content, video conferencing/chat, Voice-over-IP (VoIP) and, where supported by operators, NextWave’s MXtv™ mobile broadcast over WiMAX feature. The M3 also allows for high-speed Internet browsing, integrated WiMAX-WiFi-Bluetooth connectivity and offers a number of distinctive add-on accessories and peripheral components, including a keyboard, stand and speakers, to further extend WiMAX-powered service opportunities

NextWave’s NW2000 family of advanced mobile WiMAX chipsets is ideally suited for high-volume, small form-factor wireless broadband devices. The chipset includes an 802.16e-based mobile subscriber baseband System-On-a-Chip (SoC), and complementary single-chip, highly integrated, multi-band Radio Frequency (RF) transceivers, offering optimized dual independent receive chains for mobile applications. Evaluation/System Development Kit samples were made available in Q2 2008, enabling wireless device manufacturers the opportunity to quickly and cost-effectively develop mobile WiMAX products.

Other exciting features of the M3 MID include: a 1.3-inch hard disk drive with capacities rated at between 30 and 60GB, and two built-in digital cameras – a 2MP camera for capturing still images and a 0.3MP Webcam on the screen side – empowering users with mobile video chat functionality.

Additional information about Digifriends or NextWave can be found online, respectively, at: www.digifriends.net, www.digifriendsusa.com, or at: www.nextwave.com.

Lenovo Adds WiMAX Wireless Connectivity to ThinkPad and IdeaPad Notebook PCs

2008-10-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

Lenovo today announced it is bringing the latest high-speed wireless connectivity to its customers through a broad offering of WiMAX-enabled1 Lenovo ThinkPad and IdeaPad notebook PCs. Lenovo’s WiMAX lineup addresses all types of users, from business users needing ultraportability with the thin and light ThinkPad X301 notebook to mainstream business users with the ThinkPad T400 notebook to small-to-medium businesses with the ThinkPad SL300 and SL500 notebooks. WiMAX-enabled1 models of these notebooks are available immediately. The announcement comes at the launch celebration of the nation’s first next-generation 4G WiMAX wireless network today in Baltimore.

In addition, Lenovo will be expanding its notebook offerings with built-in WiMAX1 later this year to include models of the business-focused ThinkPad W500, W700, SL400 and X200 notebooks. Lenovo will also offer WiMAX-enabled1 models of the IdeaPad Y530 notebook designed for consumers.

Lenovo designed the notebooks for a simple and easy to use WiMAX experience. For example, with the ThinkPad notebooks, Lenovo added the ability for Access Connections, a part of the Lenovo suite of ThinkVantage Technologies, to recognize WiMAX networks. This helps users locate and securely connect to available wireless connections.

Although in its beginning stages, WiMAX has a number of potential uses such as serving as the primary wireless connection for consumers and businesses, enabling WiMAX devices to synch up for an enhanced communications experience and becoming the backup connectivity for companies. First rolling out in Baltimore, WiMAX coverage is expected to be operational in other cities - including Chicago and Washington, D.C. - in the coming months.

The Intel® Centrino™ 2-based Lenovo ThinkPad and IdeaPad notebooks are shipping with the combined WiMAX/Wi-Fi module, formerly codenamed “Echo Peak,” as part of the Intel WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5050 Series.

With the announcement, Lenovo extends its menu of wireless connectivity options to include WiMAX, along with notebook models that include options for WWAN1, or 3G, through AT&T and Verizon, 1WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity as well as Ultra-Wideband functionality. These technologies offer customers choices of the latest ways for fast and convenient connectivity to fit their mobile lifestyle.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for the notebooks vary with WiMAX-enabled1 models starting at approximately $720. Select notebooks will be available starting immediately through www.lenovo.com and business partners.

Acer Leads the Industry with the Introduction of the First Wireless 4G WiMAX-Enabled Notebooks for the U.S. Market

2008-10-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

Acer America, part of the world’s third largest PC company (source: Gartner data, 2Q 2008), today unveiled its first WiMAX-enabled notebooks – Aspire 4930-6862 and Aspire 6930-6771 – in support of the nation’s first U.S. WiMAX wireless broadband network launched by XOHM in Baltimore. Demonstrating the company’s focus on delivering innovative technology solutions, the Aspire 4930-6862 and Aspire 6930-6771 are WiMAX-enabled Intel®Centrino 2-based notebooks with the first-ever combined WiMAX/Wi-Fi module, previously codenamed “Echo Peak,” part of the Intel WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5050 Series.

WiMAX is a flexible wireless broadband technology that has the ability to deliver rich data experiences for mobile users. With the potential to help bridge the digital divide, WiMAX has the capacity to unwire entire cities, including the most remote and poor communities across the globe. In the U.S., WiMAX offers a third broadband alternative to DSL or cable in the home, with the addition of broadband data and a voice network, which users can utilize on-the-go. WiMAX promises to be the highest performing mobile network in the United States with average downlink speeds of 2-4 Mbps and uplink rate of 1-2 Mbps.

"With the launch of WiMAX in the United States, Acer is building on its commitment to deliver first-to-market cutting-edge PC technology for mobile customers," said Sumit Agnihotry, director of notebook product management for Acer America. "By leveraging Intel Centrino 2 mobile technology and the XOHM wireless network capabilities, users will have the availability for anytime, anywhere wireless connectivity. The Acer Aspire notebooks provide users with perfect combination of mobile and multimedia functionality."

WiMAX subscribers in the Baltimore area can now enjoy free-range wireless connectivity utilizing the Aspire 4930-6862 and Aspire 6930-6771 notebook PCs, with new markets to follow in the coming months. The Aspire 4930-6862 is designed for users seeking portability and power in an eye-catching notebook PC. The 14-inch widescreen multimedia notebook offers portability, style and performance for demanding applications.

The Aspire 6930-6771 is a 16-inch widescreen dream multimedia machine for digital media with exceptional performance. The Aspire 6930-6771 brings a true cinematic experience to movies and gaming, with a 16:9 screen ratio. It also delivers amazing performance for demanding applications with Intel Centrino 2 and Core 2 Duo processor technology, 3GB of memory and a fast 320GB hard drive.

“Intel is pleased to see WiMAX-enabled notebooks available today from Acer that leverage the accessibility of this powerful 4G wireless network,” said Julie Coppernoll, director of marketing for WiMAX at Intel Corporation. “By offering these systems with the Intel WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 505 Series module, residents of Baltimore have the ability to share and download videos and photos, as well as access social media networks seamlessly anywhere they go in the coverage area.”

The Aspire 4930-6862 and Aspire 6930-6771 will be available to customers in Baltimore through Newegg.com and TigerDirect.com.

ZTE Achieves XOHM Certification for WiMAX Modem

2008-10-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

ZTE USA, a subsidiary of ZTE Corporation, a leading global telecommunications equipment and network solutions provider, today announced that Sprint’s XOHMTM WiMAX business unit has certified its TU25 USB modem after extensive evaluation in the XOHM Herndon, Va. lab environment. The USB modem is the first certified for use with XOHM’s Mobile WiMAX service, the company’s next-generation broadband service now commercially available in Baltimore and planned elsewhere.

WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a wireless internet technology designed to provide broadband connections over large areas - even in challenging city environments. ZTE’s TU25 USB Modem provides XOHM’s subscribers with reliable, high speed broadband wireless connection for laptops and desktop computers with a USB port.
XOHM’s certification of the ZTE TU25 USB Modem signifies the product’s interoperability with other elements of the WiMAX network including back-office provisioning and customer relationship management systems and infrastructure. In addition to the XOHM certification, ZTE’s modem has also achieved Microsoft’s WQHL certification, USB Forum certification and FCC certification, marking it ready for commercial usage.

“With our newly achieved certification, consumers and enterprises everywhere are one step closer to realizing the promise of WiMAX technology which we see as the next-generation of broadband wireless access,” said Dr. George Sun, CEO, ZTE USA.“The certification of our USB modem proves that XOHM has chosen a high quality and reliable product that is a key component of the Baltimore launch, as well as future service roll-outs. We are proud to be working hand-in-hand with XOHM and its other vendor partners to help pioneer WiMAX in the United States.”

XOHM launched its first commercial service in the Baltimore area on September 29th. ZTE’s USB modem is the only USB modem presently certified for use. ZTE worked closely with XOHM to complete the testing and certification in the XOHM ND-ADE lab.

Toshiba Supports Introduction of Mobile WiMAX with the Launch of WiMAX-Enabled Satellite U405 Laptop

2008-10-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

Toshiba’s Digital Products Division (DPD) today announced its support of Intel® and WiMAX(1) 4G wireless broadband technology to deliver extended broadband on-the-go. In support of the launch of the first mobile WiMAX network in the US, and the beginning of a new era of wireless broadband, Toshiba announced the Satellite® U405-ST550W laptop PC will be WiMAX enabled to offer users a rich, immersive mobile Internet experience over entire metropolitan areas. The initial WiMAX rollout is within the city of Baltimore.

“WiMAX wireless technology is built for the future,” said Jeff Barney, vice president and general manager, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. “With the incorporation of WiMAX technology into Toshiba laptops, we are confident we will provide users with the opportunity to explore a new era of wide spread connectivity and productivity.”

WiMAX broadband technology lays the foundation for next-generation wireless connectivity, and empowers Toshiba laptop PC users with the capability to access data-intensive applications, including media streaming, live video conferencing and mobile TV, through a broadband-speed wireless Internet connection with a geographical range that far exceeds what’s possible via a Wi-Fi™ wireless hotspot.

Enabling next-generation wireless capabilities, Intel Centrino 2-based Toshiba laptops are now shipping with the first-ever combined WiMAX/Wi-Fi module, formerly codenamed “Echo Peak,” as part of the Intel WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5050 Series.

“WiMAX is a game-changing and disruptive technology for a world that is rapidly shifting to an unwired, always connected Internet,” said Sean Maloney, executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer of Intel Corporation. “Intel has worked closely with Toshiba to deliver one of the first and most innovative WiMAX-based laptops based on our Intel Core™2 processors, unwrapping a gateway to new 4G speed experiences.”

The Satellite U405-ST550W will be available soon for purchase exclusively from Toshiba at www.ToshibaDirect.com. Learn more about the Satellite U405-ST550W laptop at www.ToshibaDirect.com/WiMax.

Terremark Provides Infrastructure for WiMAX

2008-10-08T03:48:00.000-07:00

Terremark Worldwide, Inc. announced it was selected to provide core infrastructure solutions to WiMAX, a 4G network solution which delivers extended wireless broadband Internet beyond Wi-Fi. With wireless high-speed broadband connectivity, WiMAX-enabled laptops and mobile devices provide the freedom to connect to the Internet as easily as with a cell phone service.

Laying the foundation for broad and cost-effective deployment of WiMAX technologies, companies including Intel® are helping to deliver unprecedented mobility for Internet-connected devices. With speeds similar to DSL or cable and faster than using cell phone service to connect, WiMAX will allow access to data-intensive applications, including streaming media on the Internet, live video conferencing, mobile TV and more.

“The selection of the NAP of the Americas for the back-end infrastructure of WiMAX further validates our facility as one of the most important Internet exchanges in the world,” said Manuel D. Medina, Terremark’s Chairman and CEO. “We are excited to help revolutionize the way people access content on the Internet.”

Examine the Essential Developments in the Solar and WiMAX Powered Video Surveillance Revolution

2008-10-07T04:06:00.000-07:00

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Solar and WiMAX Powered Video Surveillance Revolution: The Really Wireless Solution" report to their offering.

There have been numerous wireless and solar powered video surveillance solutions on the market over the last few years. The Really WirelessTM platform changes the equation for wireless video surveillance for a variety of reasons. This paper evaluates the systems and its practical application as well as the opportunities for self-sufficient wireless video surveillance via WiMAX.

Key Findings

It is now possible to deploy "really wireless" remote video surveillance solutions at remote sites (construction projects, borders) where the power grid and telephone networks may not exist. New IP video surveillance cameras using H.264 technology provide high resolution imagery using one-fourth the bandwidth of conventional cameras.

WiMAX provides an ideal wireless backhaul solution for those cameras, given its qualities for security, quality of service (QoS), reliability, and range. Solar power stations are inexpensive and easy to deploy and provide reliable power to both the security camera and the WiMAX subscriber device. Video surveillance over WiMAX services in the US markets could be a $3.6 billion market by 2014.

Target Audience
- WiMAX vendors: this will prove to be a very lucrative niche market for those willing to focus on it and adjust their sales and marketing strategy accordingly

- Video encoding equipment vendors, including vendors of IP video surveillance products
Federal, military, state and local governments (police and fire)

- Security service providers

- Network devices vendors: WiMAX deployments to service a $3.6 billion market will drive demand for a wide range of network devices Insurance industry: How many billions of dollars in claims can be avoided via video surveillance via WiMAX?

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/a16ee0/solar_and_wimax_po.

Enfora and Motorola Collaborate on WiMAX Vertical Market Platforms

2008-10-06T04:47:00.000-07:00

Enfora, a leading global supplier of intelligent wireless networking solutions, today announced their WiMAX wireless platform, based on Motorola’s WMP1000 technology, and targeted to the growing demand for WiMAX enabled devices within vertical markets such as automotive, healthcare and energy for WiMAX connected solutions.

Bringing together key hardware and software elements from its industry leading portfolio of wireless solutions, Enfora’s WiMAX platform provides the capability to build intelligent connectivity directly at the edge of the network. The platform is also designed to work with the Enfora Service Gateway, enabling businesses to directly control and manage mobile assets from existing enterprise applications.

Enfora will demonstrate its latest platform innovations at WiMAX World 2008, booth 601, via a live, over the air demo connected to production WiMAX Access Point.
The WiMAX platform and Service Gateway are part of Enfora’s eWiDE™ suite of wireless networking solutions.

Sequans Powers a Majority of Mobile WiMAX™ Devices

2008-10-06T04:43:00.000-07:00

Sequans Communications, leading WiMAX chipmaker, announced today that its chips are in more than 50 percent of the Mobile WiMAX mobile station devices with MIMO capabilities recently certified by the WiMAX Forum®. Three Sequans-based devices were initially certified in June when the first six certified products were announced, and as of today a total of fifteen products have been certified, eight of which are based on Sequans technology. Products from Sequans customers Alcatel, Airspan, Huawei (two products), Redline, Telsima and ZyXEL are now WiMAX Forum Certified™.

The eight certified devices are based on Sequans’ SQN1130 SOC for Mobile WiMAX™ mobile stations, an award-winning solution that delivers industry-leading high throughput with low power consumption, the two most important capabilities necessary for truly useful Mobile WiMAX devices.

More OEMs and ODMs are building Mobile WiMAX devices based on Sequans chips than on any other. Sequans has delivered eight WiMAX chips to market since the company’s inception in 2004 and its chips, for both base stations and subscriber stations, have been certified by the WiMAX Forum for fixed WiMAX and both profiles of Mobile WiMAX (2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz). The WiMAX Forum expects certification for 3.5 GHz products to begin before the end of the year.

picoChip: Redline adopts picoChip for its RedMAX 4CTM Mobile WiMAX basestations

2008-10-06T04:41:00.000-07:00

picoChip announced that Redline Communications, a leading provider of standards-based WiMAX access and broadband wireless infrastructure products, has selected picoChip’s PC8532 modem to power its next generation RedMAX 4C™ Mobile WiMAX basestations. picoChip’s industry leading, complete and robust reference designs are the market’s only solutions to deliver true IO-MIMO with uplink CSM – a critical feature of mobile WiMAX.

The agreement gives Redline access to a software defined radio (SDR) platform with best-in-class performance/cost ratio. As an example of the flexibility, Redline has added its low-complexity maximum-likelihood receiver to the picoChip design in order to increase uplink system performance for coverage and capacity. The software-defined system supports upgrades to future standards, such as LTE, 802.16e Release 1.5 and 802.16m.

Redline sells to carrier and enterprise level organizations in both developed and key high-growth markets around the world, and has more than 166 deployments of its WiMAX Forum Certified™ systems to date. The company has previously delivered mobile broadband to UK and Silicon Valley train networks and created North America’s largest education sector wireless network.

The Redline RedMAX 4C Mobile WiMAX platform, which is based on the WiMAX industry’s 802.16e-2005 standards for mobile WiMAX, supports a wide range of fixed, portable and mobile wireless services including support voice and video over IP, broadband Internet access used to support high value education, medical, transportation and municipal applications, VPNs (virtual private networks) and other advanced communications services.

The RedMAX 4C is designed to enable operators to maximize the reach and customer density required for a profitable carrier business model. It includes a modular, standardized µTCA (micro Telecommunications Computing Architecture) chassis basestation that is small, lightweight and easy to deploy. RedMAX 4C will also include a suite of indoor and outdoor fixed and portable end-user devices including laptops, mobile handsets and PDAs. Redline’s new WiMAX offering is also designed to facilitate the integration of its existing RedMAX products with its RedMAX 4C technologies, providing operators a path to true mobility.

picoChip is the leading supplier of multi-core DSP delivering extremely high performance at competitive cost points. It offers a powerful platform to develop products for emerging global wireless communications markets such as WiMAX, WCDMA, LTE, TD-SCDMA and 4G. picoChip’s products scale from femtocell access points and picocells to sophisticated multi-sector carrier macrocells.

Redline and Starent Networks Join Forces to Deliver Complete Mobile WiMAX Solution

2008-10-06T04:40:00.000-07:00

Redline Communications Group Inc. , a leading provider of WiMAX and broadband wireless infrastructure products, and Starent Networks, Corp. (Nasdaq: STAR), a leading provider of infrastructure solutions that enable mobile operators to deliver multimedia services, today announced the two companies have formed a strategic alliance for the co-development of a complete Mobile WiMAX solution.

The joint solution will incorporate Redline’s RedMAX 4C™ family of Mobile WiMAX radio access network products and Starent Network’s ASN Gateway and Home Agent (HA) solution for mobile WiMAX networks, resulting in a complete carrier class solution. Redline’s RedMAX products and Starent’s ASN Gateway and HA are designed to enable service operators to expand their networks to support various access technologies and provide subscribers with 4G mobile services based on best-in-class equipment.

Redline’s agreement to partner with Starent Networks on a complete Mobile WiMAX solution is part of the Redline Ecosystem Verification (‘REV’) program, which ensures interoperability and support of advanced network management and communication services between Redline’s RedMAX 4C™ Mobile WiMAX and RedMAX™ family of WiMAX Forum Certified® products with devices and applications being developed by other companies in the WiMAX and communications ecosystems.

Introducing World’s First Integrated ‘Voice & Data’ Solution for WiMAX Devices

2008-10-06T04:39:00.000-07:00

Beceem, a leading supplier of high-performance chips for Mobile WiMAX devices, today announced the release of the world’s first full-featured WiMAX Voice and Data solution for Customer Premise Equipment (CPE), the BCS5200.

The BCS5200 is the industry’s first, complete, single chip WiMAX with integrated voice and gateway router functionality. The BCS5200 combines Beceem’s high-performance WiMAX solution with an applications processor that supports a complete suite of VoIP codecs and IP network protocol stacks. Thus the BCS5200 enables Beceem’s customers to design one platform and productize a wide variety of CPEs that are targeting different deployment needs while meeting the most stringent performance and interoperability criteria set by Operators. Providing all the features of a Voice and Data gateway in a single chip significantly reduces the external component count and lowers the Bill of Materials for voice and data gateways by at least 20% over existing solutions.

The BCS5200 enables more than 30Mbps data throughput with simultaneous support for 2 voice streams. Moreover, on-chip IPSec processing as well as VPN and Security acceleration engines ensure that high data throughput can be maintained under all conditions. The BCS5200 further includes popular voice codecs including G.711 and G.729 and is optimized to enable simple low cost ‘data only’ desktop modems as well as high performance voice and data gateways.

The BCS5200 is fully software compatible with Beceem’s BCS200 Wave 2 chipset, which was among the first to be certified for 2.5GHz by the WiMAX Forum. As a result, BCS5200 based CPEs should be able to achieve WiMAX Forum certification in the most expedient manner, reducing development risk and time-to-market. In addition to 2.5GHz spectrum the BCS5200 chipset also supports 2.3GHz and 3.5GHz all in one chipset.

Availability: The BCS5200 is sampling now with production availability in the fourth quarter of 2008. Pricing is available upon request.

SOMA Networks to Showcase FlexMAX Mobile WiMAX System at WiMAX World

2008-10-06T04:37:00.000-07:00

Join SOMA Networks (www.somanetworks.com) at WiMAX World 2008, booth #826, to learn about the latest developments in the Mobile WiMAX industry. In addition to hosting individual media and customer briefings, SOMA Networks will examine “Value-Add Services (Residential & Business)” and “Mobile WiMAX for ‘Short-Term’ Evolution” in two separate speaking engagements.

Building on its leadership in the global 700 MHz market, SOMA is announcing another carrier partner, Ronan Telephone Company (RTC), which serves rural subscribers in North Western Montana, has selected SOMA’s FlexMAX™ Wireless System to deliver broadband data and voice-over-IP (VoIP) services. The FlexMAX system will also be on display at the SOMA booth, and will feature SOMA’s mobile WiMAX products — the MS-G100 CPE with multi-antenna, FlexMAX ABS-1000 Base Station, and tower-top radio system.

SOMA will also discuss the industry’s largest Mobile WiMAX deployment. As a select partner with Bharat Sanchar Nigam, Ltd (BSNL), India’s state-owned and largest telecommunications provider, SOMA is helping India realize its “Vision 2010” to close the digital divide and bring broadband services to the country’s underserved markets, while also deploying the largest Mobile WiMAX system in the world. SOMA is a pioneer in bringing WiMAX technology to India, and throughout the deployment will deliver a range of multimedia services to an area serving more than 200 million people.

During the show, SOMA will take center stage at the WiMAX Solutions Theater, which will be located on the exhibition floor. This dedicated solutions stage will feature product briefings from more than 20 of the world’s leading solution providers, including SOMA Networks, enabling attendees to evaluate competing technologies in an educational setting.