WiMAX in RP: Info you need to know

By melvin G. calimag, mb

The news is out that Intel and Globe subsidiary Innove Communications are collaborating on the pilot deployment of WiMAX in the Philippines. This revolutionary wireless broadband technology, if it lives up to its hype, has the potential to alter the current IT landscape of the country.

Here is a rundown of things that Pinoy mobile warriors may want to know on the coming of WiMAX on local shores:

What is WiMAX?

WiMax is short for Wireless Interoperability for Microwave Access.

How different is it from WiFi?

WiFi technology was designed and optimized for Local Area Networks (LAN), whereas WiMAX was designed and optimized for Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN). This means that WiMAX has a much larger coverage than WiFi. However, both technologies will coexist as WiMAX complements WiFi by extending its reach and providing a "WiFi like" user experience on a larger geographical scale (www.wimaxforum.org).

How many WiMAX trials are being done?

Carriers and WiMAX proponents are conducting around 150 test runs around the world. The Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia to test WiMAX.

Where is the pilot deployment in RP?

The test and assemble plant of Intel Microelectronics Philippines in Trece Martirez, Cavite is the site of the trial deployment. Radio antennas (called customer premise equipment or CPE) that can transmit WiMAX signals as far as 10 kilometers will be installed in 100 houses of participating Intel employees.

How long is the trial period?

The trial deployment will run for about three months.

When is the commercial roll-out of WiMAX of RP?

The availability and pervasiveness of WiMAX-compliant equipment and communication tools will play a major role in determining the timetable for its commercial deployment. According to Intel, the main advocate of WiMAX technology, outdoor and indoor CPEs will be available between now and next year, costing between $350 and $400. The second-generation CPEs, which will be indoor self-installable modems similar to a cable or DSL modem and will be priced around $250, are expected to be available in early 2007. Eventually, CPEs will be integrated in laptops which should become available in 2007-08, while cellphones with CPEs inside should come out in 2008-09.

Who makes the CPEs?

Third-party manufacturers such as Alvarion make the CPEs with a WiMAX chipset provided by Intel. So far, Intel is the only company currently producing the WiMax chipsets. But since WiMAX is standards-based technology, other chipset providers can supply WiMAX chipsets to CPEs manufacturers.

What frequency band will WiMAX use in RP?

For the trial test, it will be on the 3.5GHz, but it will shift to 2.5Ghz when it is deployed commercially.

What will be the local pricing model for WiMAX?

Innove Communications head Gil Genio said they haven’t devised a pricing scheme yet for the WiMAX service but it is likely that they will adopt the WiFi model wherein establishments can charge a fee or offer it for free as a value-added service.

Will 3G phone technology compete with WiMAX?

Yes, in some instances. But since 3G is a broader technology, it is expected to fill the areas which WiMAX cannot cover.

How is the WiMAX technology being promoted?

A group called the WiMAX Forum, composed of operators and communications component and equipment companies, is tasked to promote and certify the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless access equipment

 

 

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