NEW DELHI: India, which is expected to have the world’s largest WiMAX deployment by 2012, offers great opportunity and some unique challenges to the wireless digital communications technology. It may perhaps be the market that would define the success of this technology as a solution to connect rural and untapped territories.
With ICT-enabled kiosks or common service centers (CSC) dotting India’s rural map, WiMax could play a major role in delivering various applications to rural India. These include online bill payment, delivery of agriculture, healthcare and entertainment services, solutions for e-commerce activities, including commodity price information, online trading and banking transactions.
Unlike the mobile front, the major initiative for WiMax is set to be from the state-owned telecom provider, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL). The company has already announced plans to install WiMAX base stations in 1,000 blocks across India by the end of this financial year and to provide high-speed internet access to 25,000 villages through CSCs.
“Villages will be equipped with infrastructure such as PCs, printers, software and staff for delivery of e-governance services pertaining to health, education and agricultural information,” a BSNL official said. BSNL has also partnered with Intel to promote WiMAX-based broadband access in rural India. Under the pact, Intel will review state-owned BSNL’s road map for the WiMAX rollout in the country and develop basic standards for the rollout and applications.
Private players have not shunned the WiMAX road either. Motorola is strengthening its presence in the hinterlands through extensive broadband wireless access (BWA) projects for state governments. Network major Alcatel-Lucent has set up a joint venture with C-DOT (the R&D arm of the telecom department) to focus on exclusive BWA/WiMAX solutions that are targeted towards rural connectivity.
The company has completed field trials using Aircel’s licensed WiMAX spectrum and the technology is ready for commercial deployment. “WiMAX has the potential to provide India with widespread broadband access that can usher in economic growth, better education and health care, and improved entertainment services,” Alcatel-Lucent chief marketing officer A Sethuraman said. Alcatel Research Centre is also in the process of developing a product that would act as a receiver for WiMAX services, which is expected to cost less than $100.
There remain challenges to these ambitious roll-out plans, including India’s low PC penetration. Players are also watching keenly how the WiMAX spectrum auction will pan out. “While low broadband penetration is a clear opportunity for BWA/WiMAX, the market take-off will require sufficient spectrum, very low cost consumer premise equipment (CPE) and affordable end-to-end connectivity, including the computing platform. A country where broadband’s average revenue per user (ARPU) is estimated at $8-10 requires very low equipment cost,” explains Nokia Siemens Network strategic solution sales head Kai Sahala. Besides Alactel, Nokia Siemens Networks and BSNL, too, are developing CPE costing less than $100. The price is expected to further come down to about $70, once WiMAX rolls out in the country.
Gauging the opportunity in the rural space, new players are also venturing in the arena. “We are developing cost-effective, ready-to-use base stations for rural space. We are attempting up to 70% reduction in base station prices in order to offer low capex to investors,” said Sloka Telecom CEO, Sujai Karampuri. Sloka Telecom is a Bangalore-based wireless infrastructure company.
While Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) or fixedline broadband services now cover 300 towns with a combined 1.5 million connections, broadband wireless subscriber figures are still negligible in the country. With respect to rural connectivity, the government’s objective is to reach about 80 million rural connections, or one phone per two rural households, by 2010.
Other significant players in WiMAX arena for rural connectivity are Bharti Airtel, Reliance, SIFY and Tata Communications (VSNL), who have acquired licenses in 3.3 GHz range and are in various stages of trials. VSNL has announced Phase 1 pre-WiMAX deployment of Aperto gear in 60 locations, extending to 200 locations within the year.
Source : EconomicTimes
Showing posts with label WiMax. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WiMax. Show all posts
Monday, September 8, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
BSNL seeks franchisees for WiMax rollout
NEW DELHI: State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), which has got spectrum for pan-India rollout of wireless broadband and WiMax services, will soon float expression of interest (EoI) for identifying potential franchisees for launching these services in 16 circles. BSNL will continue with the franchisee model for WiMax rollout in the country.
As first reported by ET, BSNL had already chosen US-based mobile WiMax systems provider Soma Networks as a franchisee to rollout WiMax services in three states including, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The alliance is expected to provide broadband data and voice services to more than 200 million people.
The deployment process in these states has already surpassed the deadline of August 15 this year, due to frequency issue, a BSNL source told ET. The current franchisee model has a revenue sharing structure of 70:30, with 70% of revenue reserved for the franchisee. This structure will differ from circle to circle, from state to state, according to the franchisee and the framework for bids, the BSNL executive added.
BSNL is also keen on following the franchisee model for rural WiMax deployment. It has floated a tender for 1,000 base transceiver station (BTS) and is expected to shortlist a potential player for deployment of 1 BTS by end of September this year. The operator expects to set up 500 BTSs by March 2009. BSNL has rights to 1,000 blocks.
With a rapidly growing middle class and highly educated population, India is seen as a country that will have enormous potential for broadband services. By deploying end-to-end mobile WiMax solution through franchisee model, BSNL will bring a full range of multimedia services to the entire country. India has 4.38 million broadband internet users as of June 2008, as per the latest report from telecom regulator Trai.
Source : EconomicTimes
As first reported by ET, BSNL had already chosen US-based mobile WiMax systems provider Soma Networks as a franchisee to rollout WiMax services in three states including, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The alliance is expected to provide broadband data and voice services to more than 200 million people.
The deployment process in these states has already surpassed the deadline of August 15 this year, due to frequency issue, a BSNL source told ET. The current franchisee model has a revenue sharing structure of 70:30, with 70% of revenue reserved for the franchisee. This structure will differ from circle to circle, from state to state, according to the franchisee and the framework for bids, the BSNL executive added.
BSNL is also keen on following the franchisee model for rural WiMax deployment. It has floated a tender for 1,000 base transceiver station (BTS) and is expected to shortlist a potential player for deployment of 1 BTS by end of September this year. The operator expects to set up 500 BTSs by March 2009. BSNL has rights to 1,000 blocks.
With a rapidly growing middle class and highly educated population, India is seen as a country that will have enormous potential for broadband services. By deploying end-to-end mobile WiMax solution through franchisee model, BSNL will bring a full range of multimedia services to the entire country. India has 4.38 million broadband internet users as of June 2008, as per the latest report from telecom regulator Trai.
Source : EconomicTimes
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Mobile Services on WIMAX - Internet Telephony to lift off in a big way!
Get ready to dial a new set of numbers in near future. WiMAX industry in the country received a major boost as the DoT has reportedly modified its policy on wireless broadband technologies including WiMAX services. For long, this medium stayed in the wings as mobile danced its way to glory in India. The earlier announced guidelines had specified that spectrum for broadband wireless can be used only for data services. However, the Telecom Commission, in its meeting on August 21 has taken a decision to remove the restriction.
Unfortunately, the new boost comes at a cost of increased reserve price for WiMAX spectrum in the auctioning process. The Commission now wants the base price to be 50 percent of the 3G base price as compared to earlier 25 percent. A pan-India WiMAX licence may now come at an estimated price of Rs 1010 crore.
It seems that such a decision did not go well with the existing GSM operators. A GSM industry representative echoed,
“The WiMax lobby had argued that reserve price should be lower to enable them to make broadband services affordable. If they are allowed to offer voice services also they should be treated at par with existing mobile operators bidding for 3G spectrum.”
Internet telephony will mean convergence of broadband for voice (calls), data (web surfing) and video (cable TV) for the masses. It will not only be a low cost option, but also a medium that can do much more than just web.
At present, telephony predominantly remains the main source of inter-business consultations and is widely considered a fundamental component in the on-going growth of effective customer service. The Internet today is changing every industry, with telephony being no exception. Traditional telephony is now being accompanied by IP based telephony in order to primarily reduce the cost of telecommunications and effectively provide more communication options.
Benefits of voice services over the internet :
The main advantage of Internet telephony is in the lowering of the costs. The only costs involved are in the setting up of the computer and the operating costs of a data network connection. And once this is in place, there is no additional charge for using it, unless of course the destination of the call is outside the IP network.
The integration of data network and voice can also reduce the number of lines needed to access both services.
Since voice and data can now share the same transfer channel, they can be combined, hence providing real-time applications such as interactive meetings, long-distance learning, and white-boarding. Multimedia applications can now be incorporated into commercial service more readily.
Wireless VoIP would mean that customers would have a single device for communication, unlike at present where we have a mobile, home phone and office handsets etc.
Well, it’s not all hunky dory for voice enabled WIMAX services. Here’s Why :
If you are using the Internet to make calls, then you cannot call up the emergency numbers since their location cannot be determined. For a user, this is one area that cannot be ignored - so this aspect is a major drawback of Internet telephony. Although emergency numbers are hardly as much regarded as in the west, it does provide a drawback.
Moreover, VoIP telephone services are mostly powered by mains electricity and shall turn to a brick in cases of load sheddings, just the way it is for cordless telephones.
Even though Internet Telephony is rapidly progressing, it still has some major issues with reliability and indeed sound quality to battle. These problems are primarily attributed to bandwidth limitation and current compression technology.
Security is obviously a major factor that has to be addressed. All the security problems we have faced with the internet would have to be faced again with VoIP. If it becomes more widely used it will become more attractive for hackers to attack Hackers could eavesdrop on conversations, interfere with audio streams, or disconnect, reroute or even answer other people’s phone calls.
Nonetheless, the decision of allowing voice telephony over the WIMAX networks is a very important step taken by the Department of Telecom in the direction of increased internet penetration and cheaper call rates which are already the cheapest in the world.
Source : WatBlog
Unfortunately, the new boost comes at a cost of increased reserve price for WiMAX spectrum in the auctioning process. The Commission now wants the base price to be 50 percent of the 3G base price as compared to earlier 25 percent. A pan-India WiMAX licence may now come at an estimated price of Rs 1010 crore.
It seems that such a decision did not go well with the existing GSM operators. A GSM industry representative echoed,
“The WiMax lobby had argued that reserve price should be lower to enable them to make broadband services affordable. If they are allowed to offer voice services also they should be treated at par with existing mobile operators bidding for 3G spectrum.”
Internet telephony will mean convergence of broadband for voice (calls), data (web surfing) and video (cable TV) for the masses. It will not only be a low cost option, but also a medium that can do much more than just web.
At present, telephony predominantly remains the main source of inter-business consultations and is widely considered a fundamental component in the on-going growth of effective customer service. The Internet today is changing every industry, with telephony being no exception. Traditional telephony is now being accompanied by IP based telephony in order to primarily reduce the cost of telecommunications and effectively provide more communication options.
Benefits of voice services over the internet :
The main advantage of Internet telephony is in the lowering of the costs. The only costs involved are in the setting up of the computer and the operating costs of a data network connection. And once this is in place, there is no additional charge for using it, unless of course the destination of the call is outside the IP network.
The integration of data network and voice can also reduce the number of lines needed to access both services.
Since voice and data can now share the same transfer channel, they can be combined, hence providing real-time applications such as interactive meetings, long-distance learning, and white-boarding. Multimedia applications can now be incorporated into commercial service more readily.
Wireless VoIP would mean that customers would have a single device for communication, unlike at present where we have a mobile, home phone and office handsets etc.
Well, it’s not all hunky dory for voice enabled WIMAX services. Here’s Why :
If you are using the Internet to make calls, then you cannot call up the emergency numbers since their location cannot be determined. For a user, this is one area that cannot be ignored - so this aspect is a major drawback of Internet telephony. Although emergency numbers are hardly as much regarded as in the west, it does provide a drawback.
Moreover, VoIP telephone services are mostly powered by mains electricity and shall turn to a brick in cases of load sheddings, just the way it is for cordless telephones.
Even though Internet Telephony is rapidly progressing, it still has some major issues with reliability and indeed sound quality to battle. These problems are primarily attributed to bandwidth limitation and current compression technology.
Security is obviously a major factor that has to be addressed. All the security problems we have faced with the internet would have to be faced again with VoIP. If it becomes more widely used it will become more attractive for hackers to attack Hackers could eavesdrop on conversations, interfere with audio streams, or disconnect, reroute or even answer other people’s phone calls.
Nonetheless, the decision of allowing voice telephony over the WIMAX networks is a very important step taken by the Department of Telecom in the direction of increased internet penetration and cheaper call rates which are already the cheapest in the world.
Source : WatBlog
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Intel in talks with telecom operators for WiMax rollout
MUMBAI: Betting big on WiMax in India, chip giant Intel is in talks with telecom operators to enable the growth of WiMax ecosystem through its products for boosting the penetration of wireless broadband in the world’s fastest-growing telecom market.
The US-based company is working with ODMs (original device manufacturers) to evolve new products like WiMax USB dongle, mobile internet devices (MIDs) besides WiMax notebooks with an aim to have wireless broadband networks running by the first quarter of 2009 in India.
“The idea is to utilise existing telecom tower, power and fiber backhaul infrastructure of operators to ensure faster roll out of WiMax networks at the lowest costs and time-to-market. Like the USB dongle, a similar PCM express WiMax card will come from Intel’s ODMs. It’ll be a PC add-on card. Laptops will also evolve to have mobile internet,” Intel’s MD, emerging market, Wimax program office, C S Rao said.
“We are talking to operators to evolve good device partnership models with them. India is the market for Intel. If we are able to add even one-tenth of the 8million-9million subscribers being added every month, it will be huge. Volumes in this market are going to be significantly high,” he said.
WiMax or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access is a wireless communication technology, which can offer high speed connectivity in about 50 km radius. Globally, 484 WiMax products are available for commercial use. While a customer premise equipment (CPE, which resides in the user’s premises) is available for around $100 (Rs 4200), a WiMax notebook from Taiwanese technology major ASUS can be bought for as low as $400 (Rs 16,800). An ecosystem of products and infrastructure is crucial for the success of any new technology and WiMax seems to be ready on these counts.
Right now, India has around 4.5 m broadband subscribers, mostly through copper wire. The targeted user base is 20 million by 2020. “With WiMax, the target may be achieved a little earlier because of high demand and existing ecosystem. Intel has strong distribution channels in India. All those will be used to proliferate WiMax devices,” he said.
In India, Tata Communications (earlier VSNL), Reliance Communications and public sector BSNL are strong proponents of WiMax. “Logistics of wireless broadband roll out are much more easier and cost effective. Telecom infrastructure, like towers can be used for WiMax, resulting in sharing of costs between more parties,” he said.
Comparing WiMax with 3G (third generation), which is a competing technology, Mr Rao said WiMax will offer three times more speed and will be cheaper. Operators like Bharti Airtel and Idea Cellular are betting big on 3G. While 3G-enabled handsets are already available in India, the launch of Apple’s 3G iPhone is expected to formally ring in the rollout of 3G in the country.
“3G has the capability to offer high-speed data services but doesn’t have the scalability. You need more base stations for offering 3G at the same capacity of total bandwidth and with this, the capex per subscriber goes up. And if you add more subscribers, the speed goes down. WiMax is a more cost-effective and efficient technology,” he added.
The US-based company is working with ODMs (original device manufacturers) to evolve new products like WiMax USB dongle, mobile internet devices (MIDs) besides WiMax notebooks with an aim to have wireless broadband networks running by the first quarter of 2009 in India.
“The idea is to utilise existing telecom tower, power and fiber backhaul infrastructure of operators to ensure faster roll out of WiMax networks at the lowest costs and time-to-market. Like the USB dongle, a similar PCM express WiMax card will come from Intel’s ODMs. It’ll be a PC add-on card. Laptops will also evolve to have mobile internet,” Intel’s MD, emerging market, Wimax program office, C S Rao said.
“We are talking to operators to evolve good device partnership models with them. India is the market for Intel. If we are able to add even one-tenth of the 8million-9million subscribers being added every month, it will be huge. Volumes in this market are going to be significantly high,” he said.
WiMax or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access is a wireless communication technology, which can offer high speed connectivity in about 50 km radius. Globally, 484 WiMax products are available for commercial use. While a customer premise equipment (CPE, which resides in the user’s premises) is available for around $100 (Rs 4200), a WiMax notebook from Taiwanese technology major ASUS can be bought for as low as $400 (Rs 16,800). An ecosystem of products and infrastructure is crucial for the success of any new technology and WiMax seems to be ready on these counts.
Right now, India has around 4.5 m broadband subscribers, mostly through copper wire. The targeted user base is 20 million by 2020. “With WiMax, the target may be achieved a little earlier because of high demand and existing ecosystem. Intel has strong distribution channels in India. All those will be used to proliferate WiMax devices,” he said.
In India, Tata Communications (earlier VSNL), Reliance Communications and public sector BSNL are strong proponents of WiMax. “Logistics of wireless broadband roll out are much more easier and cost effective. Telecom infrastructure, like towers can be used for WiMax, resulting in sharing of costs between more parties,” he said.
Comparing WiMax with 3G (third generation), which is a competing technology, Mr Rao said WiMax will offer three times more speed and will be cheaper. Operators like Bharti Airtel and Idea Cellular are betting big on 3G. While 3G-enabled handsets are already available in India, the launch of Apple’s 3G iPhone is expected to formally ring in the rollout of 3G in the country.
“3G has the capability to offer high-speed data services but doesn’t have the scalability. You need more base stations for offering 3G at the same capacity of total bandwidth and with this, the capex per subscriber goes up. And if you add more subscribers, the speed goes down. WiMax is a more cost-effective and efficient technology,” he added.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
ISPs too want DoT to review WiMAX policy
NEW DELHI: After telecom regulator TRAI and the finance ministry, the department of telecom (DoT) is set to face further opposition to its WiMAX auction policy. The Internet Service Providers Association of India, the body representing all standalone ISPs, has decided to ask the DoT to review the WiMAX policy, failing which it plans to haul the communications ministry to the telecom tribunal. “We will approach the DoT over this issue next week,” ISPAI president Rajesh Charia told ET.
First, standalone ISPs do not want the base price for the WiMAX auction to be linked to that of 3G. At present, the policy stipulates that the base price for WiMAX spectrum auction will be 25% of that for 3G radio frequencies — this implies, the reserve price of a pan-India WiMAX licence comes to about Rs 505 crore.
“WiMAX is predominantly for wireless high speed internet or broadband services where the platform of usage is computers. On the other hand, 3G is for mobile services,” explained Mr Charia. According to him, if the auctions are carried out as per the base price proscribed in the policy, no ISP would be able to bid. “A minimum of one slot must be reserved for standalone ISPs. Here only ISPs should be permitted to bid against each other,” he added. ISPAI wants an alternate formula where its members be charged only 25% of the highest bid that a telco makes for WiMAX spectrum in that particular circle during the auction.
Meanwhile, as reported by ET first, ISPs such as Sify and Spectranet are also planning to haul the communications ministry to the courts over the government’s decision to take back the 2.5 GHz WiMAX spectrum allotted to them. Any move by ISPs to go to the courts over these issues could delay the WiMAX spectrum auctions which are scheduled to take place by the year-end. Besides, the DoT can only go ahead with the auction if ISPs vacate the radio frequencies they hold in the 2.5 GHz band.
First, standalone ISPs do not want the base price for the WiMAX auction to be linked to that of 3G. At present, the policy stipulates that the base price for WiMAX spectrum auction will be 25% of that for 3G radio frequencies — this implies, the reserve price of a pan-India WiMAX licence comes to about Rs 505 crore.
“WiMAX is predominantly for wireless high speed internet or broadband services where the platform of usage is computers. On the other hand, 3G is for mobile services,” explained Mr Charia. According to him, if the auctions are carried out as per the base price proscribed in the policy, no ISP would be able to bid. “A minimum of one slot must be reserved for standalone ISPs. Here only ISPs should be permitted to bid against each other,” he added. ISPAI wants an alternate formula where its members be charged only 25% of the highest bid that a telco makes for WiMAX spectrum in that particular circle during the auction.
Meanwhile, as reported by ET first, ISPs such as Sify and Spectranet are also planning to haul the communications ministry to the courts over the government’s decision to take back the 2.5 GHz WiMAX spectrum allotted to them. Any move by ISPs to go to the courts over these issues could delay the WiMAX spectrum auctions which are scheduled to take place by the year-end. Besides, the DoT can only go ahead with the auction if ISPs vacate the radio frequencies they hold in the 2.5 GHz band.
27.5 mn WiMAX users in India by '12: Study
NEW DELHI: India will have over 27.5 million WiMAX users by 2012. About 70% of the WiMAX subscribers will use mobile and portable WiMAX devices to access broadband Internet services, according to a study by the WiMAX Forum. Interestingly, as on January 2008, India had only 3.4 million broadband subscribers, less than the target nine million by 2007 set by the broadband policy makers.
WiMAX, or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a telecom technology that provides wireless data in a variety of ways, ranging from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular-type access. According to the study, low operator capex, innovative return on investment (ROI) models combined with the economies of scale are the factors that will drive down the cost of the wide range of diverse WiMAX devices, fuelling the subscriber base in India.
“India is clearly making the commitment and taking steps to ensure wireless broadband services are a reality that enable operators to meet the needs of India’s diverse and growing population,” said WiMAX Forum president Ron Resnick.
However, research firm Gartner was more conservative in its projection of WiMAX users in India. In a report, it predicted that India will remain a niche market for WiMAX until 2009.
India will have just 6.9 million mobile and fixed WiMAX connections by the end of 2011 according to Gartner. The reason Gartner cites is the failure of the government to effectively motivate operators to roll out country-wide mobile broadband. WiMAX is still a niche technology and limited to enterprise and high-end residential users in urban India, according to Gartner.
Whatever the actual numbers in future, WiMAX does offer a compelling option to users to get broadband access. Last week, the WiMAX Forum complimented the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for the allocation of and upcoming auction relating to the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz frequency bands.
The auction will enable two 20 MHz blocks to be available for WiMAX in both the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz bands. The WiMAX Forum also lauded the government’s plans to auction blocks in the 700 MHz and 3.3-3.6 GHz bands. The Forum expects to certify the first 3.5 GHz WiMAX products by the end of 2008 and views 700 MHz as a strong contender for mobile Internet services, especially in India’s low-density rural areas.
“WiMAX technology has the potential to bridge India’s digital divide, offering broadband services in dense urban and suburban areas, rural broadband connectivity to enable high-speed wireless applications and services,” the study stated.
WiMAX, or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a telecom technology that provides wireless data in a variety of ways, ranging from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular-type access. According to the study, low operator capex, innovative return on investment (ROI) models combined with the economies of scale are the factors that will drive down the cost of the wide range of diverse WiMAX devices, fuelling the subscriber base in India.
“India is clearly making the commitment and taking steps to ensure wireless broadband services are a reality that enable operators to meet the needs of India’s diverse and growing population,” said WiMAX Forum president Ron Resnick.
However, research firm Gartner was more conservative in its projection of WiMAX users in India. In a report, it predicted that India will remain a niche market for WiMAX until 2009.
India will have just 6.9 million mobile and fixed WiMAX connections by the end of 2011 according to Gartner. The reason Gartner cites is the failure of the government to effectively motivate operators to roll out country-wide mobile broadband. WiMAX is still a niche technology and limited to enterprise and high-end residential users in urban India, according to Gartner.
Whatever the actual numbers in future, WiMAX does offer a compelling option to users to get broadband access. Last week, the WiMAX Forum complimented the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for the allocation of and upcoming auction relating to the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz frequency bands.
The auction will enable two 20 MHz blocks to be available for WiMAX in both the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz bands. The WiMAX Forum also lauded the government’s plans to auction blocks in the 700 MHz and 3.3-3.6 GHz bands. The Forum expects to certify the first 3.5 GHz WiMAX products by the end of 2008 and views 700 MHz as a strong contender for mobile Internet services, especially in India’s low-density rural areas.
“WiMAX technology has the potential to bridge India’s digital divide, offering broadband services in dense urban and suburban areas, rural broadband connectivity to enable high-speed wireless applications and services,” the study stated.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
ISPs cry foul over WiMAX spectrum
NEW DELHI: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like Sify and Spectranet are up in arms following the government's decision to take back the 2.5 GHz WiMAX spectrum allotted to them. ISPs claim they had already firmed up investment plans and ordered equipment when the Department of Telecom (DoT) shot a letter asking them to return the spectrum. The ISP Association is going to court over the government's decision.
"We had already started our commercial pilots and will incur a commercial loss due to the government's decision. Now, auctioning of the spectrum could lead to inflation in internet service charges, which is not a good thing for India as we are still poorly developed in terms of broadband penetration," says Sify's president for consumer infrastructure Naresh Ajwani.
The government had allotted 2.5 GHz spectrum (for mobile wireless broadband) in 2003 to seven players including Bharti, R-Com, HCL Infinet, Sify and Spectranet. But the government has asked them to return the spectrum. It plans to auction the 2.5 GHz spectrum for a base price of about Rs 550 crore. It will be about one-fourth the bidding price which is fixed at about Rs 2,200 crore for a pan-India licence, according to guidelines.
"The government should talk to industry players to resolve this tangle. Some players who have already started offering wireless broadband to corporate customers based on the spectrum allotted and ordered equipment will suffer a loss," says advisor to Spectranet Amitabh Singhal.
There's no way any ISP will be able to shell out Rs 550 crore for a WiMAX spectrum," says advisor to Spectranet Amitabh Singhal. "It's like changing the rules of the game just when a match is going to start. It will only lead to increase in valuations of universal access licence holders (UASL) or the telecom operators, who will hoard the WiMAX spectrum. We will be going to court against the DoT decision," said Internet Service Providers Association of India president Rajesh Charria.
Based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, WiMAX works on three licensed spectrum profiles: 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz. Currently, Pakistan has one of the largest functional WiMAX networks in the world, deployed by Wateen Telecom on Motorola hardware.
In India, the government had got 40MHz vacated from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 2003 which was allotted to seven ISP licence holders in 2003. Recently, the government got an additional 30 MHz vacated from ISRO. The government plans to put forth the entire 70 MHz for auction, which the ISPs are opposing.
WiMAX or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a wireless communication technology which can offer high speed connnectivity over a larger, about 50 km radius. It's important also for remote areas and tough terrain where setting up optical fibre cables is difficult.
"We had already started our commercial pilots and will incur a commercial loss due to the government's decision. Now, auctioning of the spectrum could lead to inflation in internet service charges, which is not a good thing for India as we are still poorly developed in terms of broadband penetration," says Sify's president for consumer infrastructure Naresh Ajwani.
The government had allotted 2.5 GHz spectrum (for mobile wireless broadband) in 2003 to seven players including Bharti, R-Com, HCL Infinet, Sify and Spectranet. But the government has asked them to return the spectrum. It plans to auction the 2.5 GHz spectrum for a base price of about Rs 550 crore. It will be about one-fourth the bidding price which is fixed at about Rs 2,200 crore for a pan-India licence, according to guidelines.
"The government should talk to industry players to resolve this tangle. Some players who have already started offering wireless broadband to corporate customers based on the spectrum allotted and ordered equipment will suffer a loss," says advisor to Spectranet Amitabh Singhal.
There's no way any ISP will be able to shell out Rs 550 crore for a WiMAX spectrum," says advisor to Spectranet Amitabh Singhal. "It's like changing the rules of the game just when a match is going to start. It will only lead to increase in valuations of universal access licence holders (UASL) or the telecom operators, who will hoard the WiMAX spectrum. We will be going to court against the DoT decision," said Internet Service Providers Association of India president Rajesh Charria.
Based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, WiMAX works on three licensed spectrum profiles: 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz. Currently, Pakistan has one of the largest functional WiMAX networks in the world, deployed by Wateen Telecom on Motorola hardware.
In India, the government had got 40MHz vacated from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 2003 which was allotted to seven ISP licence holders in 2003. Recently, the government got an additional 30 MHz vacated from ISRO. The government plans to put forth the entire 70 MHz for auction, which the ISPs are opposing.
WiMAX or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a wireless communication technology which can offer high speed connnectivity over a larger, about 50 km radius. It's important also for remote areas and tough terrain where setting up optical fibre cables is difficult.
Tata Comm to take WiMax services to 115 towns this fiscal
MUMBAI : Tata Communications, formerly VSNL, will take its WiMax services to 115 towns in this fiscal from the present 60 and it will look at taking broadband-WiMax services to four to five cities, a top company official said.
"The government has announced that it will auction spectrum. Once the spectrum is alloted, we plan to take the broadband-WiMax services to four-five cities," Tata Communications CEO and MD N Srinath told shareholders yesterday.
Presently, the company uses underground cable network to provide WiMax services. But it faces "quality problems" because of "last mile connectivity problems".
Using broadband would improve the quality of the WiMax service, he said.
WiMax is a telecommunication technology that provides wireless data.
The company would be investing USD two billion in the next three years as part of its capital expenditure, Srinath said.
The investments would go in laying submarine cable systems and rolling out WiMax services, he added.
Source : EconomicTimes
"The government has announced that it will auction spectrum. Once the spectrum is alloted, we plan to take the broadband-WiMax services to four-five cities," Tata Communications CEO and MD N Srinath told shareholders yesterday.
Presently, the company uses underground cable network to provide WiMax services. But it faces "quality problems" because of "last mile connectivity problems".
Using broadband would improve the quality of the WiMax service, he said.
WiMax is a telecommunication technology that provides wireless data.
The company would be investing USD two billion in the next three years as part of its capital expenditure, Srinath said.
The investments would go in laying submarine cable systems and rolling out WiMax services, he added.
Source : EconomicTimes
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Raja may announce 3G, WiMax, MNP policy on Friday
NEW DELHI: After settling differences with telecom regulator TRAI on reserve price of spectrum, the Government is likely to announce the much-delayed 3G and Wi Max policy on Friday, sources said.
The announcement may come amid indications that at least 10 players would be issued 3G licenses as against five proposed earlier.
According to highly-placed sources, the government has about 60 MHz of spectrum (radio frequency) for the next generation (3G) mobile services and this can accommodate at least 10 players.
The differences between DoT and TRAI also delayed the 3G policy announcement. The political uncertainty following the Left parties withdrawing their support to the UPA government also played a part in the delay.
The other key proposal which is likely to see the light of day is Mobile Number Portability which will allow subscribers to retain the mobile number even after changing the service provider.
On 3G proposals, TRAI has already agreed to the proposals of DoT for hiking pan-India licence fee for third generation mobile services to Rs 2,200 crore and pan-India broadband wireless access (BWA) spectrum, popularly known as WiMAX, to about 840 crore -- Rs 60 crore for five metros and category A circles, Rs 30 crore for category B and Rs 10 crore for category C circles).
DoT has also fixed the base price at Rs 160 crore for metros and category A circles, Rs 80 crore for category B, and Rs 30 crore for C circles, respectively for 3G spectrum auctions.
Source : EconomicTimes
The announcement may come amid indications that at least 10 players would be issued 3G licenses as against five proposed earlier.
According to highly-placed sources, the government has about 60 MHz of spectrum (radio frequency) for the next generation (3G) mobile services and this can accommodate at least 10 players.
The differences between DoT and TRAI also delayed the 3G policy announcement. The political uncertainty following the Left parties withdrawing their support to the UPA government also played a part in the delay.
The other key proposal which is likely to see the light of day is Mobile Number Portability which will allow subscribers to retain the mobile number even after changing the service provider.
On 3G proposals, TRAI has already agreed to the proposals of DoT for hiking pan-India licence fee for third generation mobile services to Rs 2,200 crore and pan-India broadband wireless access (BWA) spectrum, popularly known as WiMAX, to about 840 crore -- Rs 60 crore for five metros and category A circles, Rs 30 crore for category B and Rs 10 crore for category C circles).
DoT has also fixed the base price at Rs 160 crore for metros and category A circles, Rs 80 crore for category B, and Rs 30 crore for C circles, respectively for 3G spectrum auctions.
Source : EconomicTimes
Monday, July 14, 2008
Trai hits out at DoT, now over WiMax
NEW DELHI: Telecom regulator Trai has slammed the communications ministry for being secretive about the amount of wireless broadband (WiMAX) spectrum that is currently available in the country.
Trai has also accused the Department of Telecom (DoT) of keeping it in the dark, both on the availability of WiMAX spectrum as well as on the government’s efforts to get other users such as the department of space to vacate these radio frequencies.The regulator has also demanded that the government put in place a transparent and efficient spectrum management regime.
“The results of the efforts made by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC wing of the DoT) to get the required spectrum bands vacated/re-farmed from the incumbents are not available in the public domain. The Authority has time and again emphasized that in the times to come, the spectrum will become the most valuable and scarce resource as with the advent of new data centric applications, its demand will increase and there will be competitive users for the same band of spectrum. Therefore, there is a need to have a transparent, predictable and efficient spectrum management system for allocation and pricing of the spectrum,” Trai said in its communication to the DoT.
Trai has also point blank told the DoT that even as other countries had rolled out WiMAX services, the process in India had been delayed ‘due to uncertainty in the spectrum allocation policies’.
“Unless immediate action is taken for vacation of spectrum and its further allotment is done in a time bound manner with the clear-cut roadmap, little progress will be made in term of penetration of wireless broadband in the country,” the regulator warned.
Trai has also directed the DoT to work with the Department of Space (DoS) to get 100 MHz for broadband wireless spectrum vacated urgently in the 3.4 - 3.6 GHz band for wireless broadband services.
At the same time, the authority also took a dig at the DoT and said: “The Authority does not have any information regarding the efforts made by the DoT/WPC to coordinate with the DoS for spectrum in this band, and also results of the study done to find solution to the interference problem in this band between the satellite and terrestrial wireless services.”
Importantly, Trai has also decided not to make any recommendation for 3.4-3.6 GHz frequency bands unless the DoT assess the compatibility of satellite based services with WiMAX services in a transparent manner.
Again, in the case of 2.5 to 2.69 GHz frequency bands, Trai has asked the DoT to coordinate with the DoS and ascertain the feasibility of vacation of additional spectrum in this band within the next 45 days.
Trai has also accused the Department of Telecom (DoT) of keeping it in the dark, both on the availability of WiMAX spectrum as well as on the government’s efforts to get other users such as the department of space to vacate these radio frequencies.The regulator has also demanded that the government put in place a transparent and efficient spectrum management regime.
“The results of the efforts made by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC wing of the DoT) to get the required spectrum bands vacated/re-farmed from the incumbents are not available in the public domain. The Authority has time and again emphasized that in the times to come, the spectrum will become the most valuable and scarce resource as with the advent of new data centric applications, its demand will increase and there will be competitive users for the same band of spectrum. Therefore, there is a need to have a transparent, predictable and efficient spectrum management system for allocation and pricing of the spectrum,” Trai said in its communication to the DoT.
Trai has also point blank told the DoT that even as other countries had rolled out WiMAX services, the process in India had been delayed ‘due to uncertainty in the spectrum allocation policies’.
“Unless immediate action is taken for vacation of spectrum and its further allotment is done in a time bound manner with the clear-cut roadmap, little progress will be made in term of penetration of wireless broadband in the country,” the regulator warned.
Trai has also directed the DoT to work with the Department of Space (DoS) to get 100 MHz for broadband wireless spectrum vacated urgently in the 3.4 - 3.6 GHz band for wireless broadband services.
At the same time, the authority also took a dig at the DoT and said: “The Authority does not have any information regarding the efforts made by the DoT/WPC to coordinate with the DoS for spectrum in this band, and also results of the study done to find solution to the interference problem in this band between the satellite and terrestrial wireless services.”
Importantly, Trai has also decided not to make any recommendation for 3.4-3.6 GHz frequency bands unless the DoT assess the compatibility of satellite based services with WiMAX services in a transparent manner.
Again, in the case of 2.5 to 2.69 GHz frequency bands, Trai has asked the DoT to coordinate with the DoS and ascertain the feasibility of vacation of additional spectrum in this band within the next 45 days.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
BSNL Plans WiMax Testing In Vizag. BSNL, MTNL To Get 3G Spectrum
BSNL has plans to test WiMax in Vizag, along with Pune and Ahmedabad, reports The Hindu. In the recent times, broadband usage in Vizag has risen tremendously, and this new initiative, said Mr. G.V Ramakrishna, Deputy General Manager, BSNL, will help in meeting the rising demand for the broadband access.
In an interview, Mr. G.V Ramakrishna said,
In another news the Department of Telecommunication has decided to allocate one block of 3G spectrum to state owned carriers BSNL and MTNL , in the circles where they operate respectively, reports Business Standard. The spectrum will be allocated to these players at a price equivalent to the highest bid received for that circle.
A reserve price has been set up for different circles. The reserve price for Delhi, Mumbai and Category ‘A’ circles is Rs.160. And the reserve price for Category ‘B’ and ‘C’ circles is set at Rs. 80 crores and Rs.30 crores respectively.
Both of these things have been pending for ages now. I just hope we can get uniform and ubiquitous Internet connectivity via WiMax and my cell carrier finally offers me blazing fast downloads of Youtube videos.
Source : WatBlog
In an interview, Mr. G.V Ramakrishna said,
“Fourteen locations have been identified, including the special economic zone at Atchyuthapuram, to provide the facility. The cell towers will be used to install the equipment which will be arriving here by September-end. WiMax will take care of the demand for new broadband connections”
In another news the Department of Telecommunication has decided to allocate one block of 3G spectrum to state owned carriers BSNL and MTNL , in the circles where they operate respectively, reports Business Standard. The spectrum will be allocated to these players at a price equivalent to the highest bid received for that circle.
A reserve price has been set up for different circles. The reserve price for Delhi, Mumbai and Category ‘A’ circles is Rs.160. And the reserve price for Category ‘B’ and ‘C’ circles is set at Rs. 80 crores and Rs.30 crores respectively.
Both of these things have been pending for ages now. I just hope we can get uniform and ubiquitous Internet connectivity via WiMax and my cell carrier finally offers me blazing fast downloads of Youtube videos.
Source : WatBlog
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Ministry may reject TRAI draft on WiMAX too
After turning down TRAI’s recommendations on 3G and deciding to allow foreign players, the communication ministry now plans to throw out the regulator’s recommendations on Broadband Wirelss (also called WiMAX) spectrum auctions, too, and impose its own rules.
While TRAI had said that ISPs, who are successful in the broadband wireless (BWA) auctions, be given licences for five years, the Department of Telecom (DoT) wants to raise this time frame to 15 years. Again, TRAI had said BWA or WiMAX spectrum should be auctioned through a one-stage sealed bid for every circle, but the DoT plans to have a simultaneous ascending e-auction model instead.
Importantly, the DoT’s decision to double the reserve price for the 3G spectrum will have a direct impact on the WiMAX auctions. This is because; the reserve price for the WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) spectrum auction is likely to be set at fourth 3G spectrum price.
This implies, when the policy is announced, the reserve price for BWA auctions is set to be double of that prescribed by TRAI, which is yet another deviation from the regulator’s recommendations.
ET has also learnt that the DoT is set to make further changes to TRAI’s recommendations for BWA spectrum issues. For instance, while TRAI has said that each player must get WiMAX spectrum in contiguous blocks of 15 MHz each in the 3.3 - 3.4 GHz and 3.4 - 3.6 GHz bands, the DoT has a completely different plan in mind: “As per present estimate of availability of spectrum four blocks each of 10 MHz in the 2.5 GHz and 2.3 GHz to be allocated,’ the DoT note on the issue said.
On the auction procedure, the note said: “In place of the above (TRAI’s suggestion of a one-stage sealed bid), it is proposed to have a controlled simultaneously e-auction as similar to that in the case of 3G spectrum. Further, here also when the number of bidders left is equal to the number of blocks of spectrum being auctioned, in any service area, the auction will end.
All the bidders will have to match the bid of the highest bidder. In case they do not match, then that block would be offered to the next highest bidder at the highest bid price. If any block is left vacant, then the block would be re-auctioned”.
Source : EconomicTimes
While TRAI had said that ISPs, who are successful in the broadband wireless (BWA) auctions, be given licences for five years, the Department of Telecom (DoT) wants to raise this time frame to 15 years. Again, TRAI had said BWA or WiMAX spectrum should be auctioned through a one-stage sealed bid for every circle, but the DoT plans to have a simultaneous ascending e-auction model instead.
Importantly, the DoT’s decision to double the reserve price for the 3G spectrum will have a direct impact on the WiMAX auctions. This is because; the reserve price for the WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) spectrum auction is likely to be set at fourth 3G spectrum price.
This implies, when the policy is announced, the reserve price for BWA auctions is set to be double of that prescribed by TRAI, which is yet another deviation from the regulator’s recommendations.
ET has also learnt that the DoT is set to make further changes to TRAI’s recommendations for BWA spectrum issues. For instance, while TRAI has said that each player must get WiMAX spectrum in contiguous blocks of 15 MHz each in the 3.3 - 3.4 GHz and 3.4 - 3.6 GHz bands, the DoT has a completely different plan in mind: “As per present estimate of availability of spectrum four blocks each of 10 MHz in the 2.5 GHz and 2.3 GHz to be allocated,’ the DoT note on the issue said.
On the auction procedure, the note said: “In place of the above (TRAI’s suggestion of a one-stage sealed bid), it is proposed to have a controlled simultaneously e-auction as similar to that in the case of 3G spectrum. Further, here also when the number of bidders left is equal to the number of blocks of spectrum being auctioned, in any service area, the auction will end.
All the bidders will have to match the bid of the highest bidder. In case they do not match, then that block would be offered to the next highest bidder at the highest bid price. If any block is left vacant, then the block would be re-auctioned”.
Source : EconomicTimes
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Telecom companies waiting to launch Wi-max facilities in India
With the government set to announce guidelines for new broadband services, including Wi-Max, the industry has said that market friendly tariffs and a clear spectrum policy should form the bedrock of this much awaited technology to obtain its full benefit.
Once the government rolls out the framework on Wi-Max, this standard-based technology will enable delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternate to cable and DSL and also augment the country's flagship programmes of telemedicine, e-governance and e-education in rural areas.
"India has tremendous potential for Wi-Max. Improved spectrum options, low cost end user devices and market friendly tariffs can make Wi-Max a success", says Tata Communications VP, (Planning - Broadband and Retail Business) Prateek Pashine.
The company has already launched Wi-Max facility in various Indian cities and intends to enter another 115 enterprise and 15 retail cities by March 2009. "We are looking forward to hear from the government," Pashine added.
"The key reason for Wi-Max not taking off in the country is the absence of a policy decision on spectrum for operating. A clarity on this issue will help us to address the growth opportunity offered by the rural areas of the country", T V Sriram, VP-Technology, Bharti Airtel says.
The permission for mobility in the Wi-Max service will also play a role in determining the future of Wi-MAX services in the country, Sriram noted. Explaining the service providers' woes, Manesh Patel, Partner, Telecom Industry Practice, Ernst and Young says, "The companies that are building Wi-Max networks are doing so within narrow frequency bands- much less than what is recommended by the Wi-Max forum."
At present, these service providers are dependent on the incumbent operators for giving them the last-mile connectivity, he adds. Analysts, however, say that although the Wi-Max was traditionally focused on connecting computers to the internet, high cost of customer premise equipment also needs to be addressed.
The Wi-MAX has a communication range of up to 30 miles and sometimes it is enough to cover an entire city, Patel says. Wi-MAX also offers data speed that is around 10-30 times faster than 3G.
One of the equipment manufacturers for Wi-MAX technology, Motorola has recently said that it is planning to bid for BSNL's urban Wi-MAX project. With its 1.2 billion people, India is filled with opportunities and challenges for tech companies. Consumers are eager to stay connected, snapping up 8 million mobile phones per month, Pashine says stressing for an intrusive Wi-Max connectivity in the country.
Source : EconomicTimes
Once the government rolls out the framework on Wi-Max, this standard-based technology will enable delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternate to cable and DSL and also augment the country's flagship programmes of telemedicine, e-governance and e-education in rural areas.
"India has tremendous potential for Wi-Max. Improved spectrum options, low cost end user devices and market friendly tariffs can make Wi-Max a success", says Tata Communications VP, (Planning - Broadband and Retail Business) Prateek Pashine.
The company has already launched Wi-Max facility in various Indian cities and intends to enter another 115 enterprise and 15 retail cities by March 2009. "We are looking forward to hear from the government," Pashine added.
"The key reason for Wi-Max not taking off in the country is the absence of a policy decision on spectrum for operating. A clarity on this issue will help us to address the growth opportunity offered by the rural areas of the country", T V Sriram, VP-Technology, Bharti Airtel says.
The permission for mobility in the Wi-Max service will also play a role in determining the future of Wi-MAX services in the country, Sriram noted. Explaining the service providers' woes, Manesh Patel, Partner, Telecom Industry Practice, Ernst and Young says, "The companies that are building Wi-Max networks are doing so within narrow frequency bands- much less than what is recommended by the Wi-Max forum."
At present, these service providers are dependent on the incumbent operators for giving them the last-mile connectivity, he adds. Analysts, however, say that although the Wi-Max was traditionally focused on connecting computers to the internet, high cost of customer premise equipment also needs to be addressed.
The Wi-MAX has a communication range of up to 30 miles and sometimes it is enough to cover an entire city, Patel says. Wi-MAX also offers data speed that is around 10-30 times faster than 3G.
One of the equipment manufacturers for Wi-MAX technology, Motorola has recently said that it is planning to bid for BSNL's urban Wi-MAX project. With its 1.2 billion people, India is filled with opportunities and challenges for tech companies. Consumers are eager to stay connected, snapping up 8 million mobile phones per month, Pashine says stressing for an intrusive Wi-Max connectivity in the country.
Source : EconomicTimes
Friday, July 4, 2008
Govt to announce 3G, Wimax guidelines soon
The government said on Friday guidelines on 3G and Wimax will be out in a week and it is separately looking at third party solution to address security concerns attached to accessing Blackberry network.
"Broad guidelines for 3G have been devised and they need some inputs from the Finance Ministry and after that the guidelines will be sent to the Telecom Commission and I expect the norms to be announced within a week," Telecom Minister A Raja said on the sidelines of a function today.
He said the consultation with the Finance Ministry is necessary as the ministry has a say in the Telecom Commission, the policy making wing of the Department of Telecom.
After the consultation is over, the guidelines would be sent to the Telecom Commission for notification.
On the Blackberry issue, Raja said, "We cannot throw (out) Blackberry services but the question is how to keep this service, while taking care of security measures at the same time. We do feel security measures can be taken care of with wider consultations."
Asked where the discussion on security measures with Blackberry licensor RIM was headed, Raja said: "They are offering some solution. Notwithstanding their solutions we are finding other solutions from other companies."
Source: EconomicTimes
"Broad guidelines for 3G have been devised and they need some inputs from the Finance Ministry and after that the guidelines will be sent to the Telecom Commission and I expect the norms to be announced within a week," Telecom Minister A Raja said on the sidelines of a function today.
He said the consultation with the Finance Ministry is necessary as the ministry has a say in the Telecom Commission, the policy making wing of the Department of Telecom.
After the consultation is over, the guidelines would be sent to the Telecom Commission for notification.
On the Blackberry issue, Raja said, "We cannot throw (out) Blackberry services but the question is how to keep this service, while taking care of security measures at the same time. We do feel security measures can be taken care of with wider consultations."
Asked where the discussion on security measures with Blackberry licensor RIM was headed, Raja said: "They are offering some solution. Notwithstanding their solutions we are finding other solutions from other companies."
Source: EconomicTimes
India to have 15.8 mn WiMAX users by 2012: Springboard
India will be the leading market for WiMAX in the Asia pacific and is expected to have 15.8 million WiMAX subscribers by 2012.
With this, India will represent 46.7% of total subscribers in Asia-Pacific and 35.7% of revenues from the region, analyst firm Springboard Research said in a report released on Thursday. It must, however, be pointed out that India had only 3.4 million broadband subscribers as on January 2008, far short of the government’s target of 9 million.
India’s market leadership will be enhanced by support from the government, ambitious investment plans by players like BSNL and Tata Communications, and improvement in fixedline broadband infrastructure, the report explains.
“The next couple of years will be critical for WiMAX growth in Asia Pacific, and during that time, we are expecting services to be available for end users in over 10 countries,” said Springboard research director Bryan Wang.
According to the report, revenues from WiMAX services in Asia Pacific region will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 148% to reach an estimated $5.46 billion by 2012 compared to $58 million in 2007. The chunk of the revenues will be sourced from mobile WiMAX services during the forecast period, the report adds.
“The majority of WiMAX subscribers will be from Korea, Pakistan, India and Australia. At the same time, billions of dollars of investment is going to be spent on WiMAX infrastructures over the next five years, which also creates a big potential market for telecom equipment manufacturers. We see tremendous potential for WiMAX deployment in many emerging markets in the region,” Mr Wang added.
Source : EconomicTimes
With this, India will represent 46.7% of total subscribers in Asia-Pacific and 35.7% of revenues from the region, analyst firm Springboard Research said in a report released on Thursday. It must, however, be pointed out that India had only 3.4 million broadband subscribers as on January 2008, far short of the government’s target of 9 million.
India’s market leadership will be enhanced by support from the government, ambitious investment plans by players like BSNL and Tata Communications, and improvement in fixedline broadband infrastructure, the report explains.
“The next couple of years will be critical for WiMAX growth in Asia Pacific, and during that time, we are expecting services to be available for end users in over 10 countries,” said Springboard research director Bryan Wang.
According to the report, revenues from WiMAX services in Asia Pacific region will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 148% to reach an estimated $5.46 billion by 2012 compared to $58 million in 2007. The chunk of the revenues will be sourced from mobile WiMAX services during the forecast period, the report adds.
“The majority of WiMAX subscribers will be from Korea, Pakistan, India and Australia. At the same time, billions of dollars of investment is going to be spent on WiMAX infrastructures over the next five years, which also creates a big potential market for telecom equipment manufacturers. We see tremendous potential for WiMAX deployment in many emerging markets in the region,” Mr Wang added.
Source : EconomicTimes
Thursday, July 3, 2008
High 3G price spoils ISPs' WiMAX dream
NEW DELHI: The government’s decision to double the reserve price for the 3G spectrum auctions spells bad news for many of the country’s stand-alone Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
This is because, the reserve price for the WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) spectrum auction is likely to be set to be a fourth of that for 3G spectrum.
Put simply, this implies that reserve price for an ISP who applies for pan-India WiMAX spectrum will be over Rs 550 crore.
The final price could be several multiples of this depending on the outcome of the auction. ISPs say that a higher reserve price would create a scenario where they would not be able to enter a bidding war with telcos, who too are keen to launch WiMAX services.
Besides, this also implies that the reserve price for a telco, who wants to bid for both WiMAX and 3G radio frequencies will be about Rs 2,800 crore.
Confronted with this grin reality, the Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI), the body representing all stand alone ISPs in the country, will soon approach sector regulator TRAI demanding that their members be charged only 25% of the highest bid that a telco makes for WiMAX spectrum in that particular circle during the auction.
“We will tell TRAI that in order to have a competitive market, standalone ISPs must be charged a maximum of 25% of the highest bid that a telco makes for WiMAX spectrum. We will also seek that a few spectrum slots be reserved for ISPs during the WiMAX auction. This is perhaps the only way that government can address the dismal broadband penetration in the country. We (ISPs) will offer a much needed competition to telcos in the WiMAX space, without which they will not roll-out these services,” ISPAI president Rajahs Charier told ET.
Sources say that the DoT wants the WiMax launch be initially restricted to only three players who will operate this service in the 2.5 GHz frequency band where one of the slots is reserved for state-owned BSNL/MTNL.
This contradicts the recommendations of telecom regulator TRAI which had suggested that wireless broadband be rolled out in 3.3-3.4 GHz and 3.4-3.6 Ghz frequencies and up to 13 players be allocated spectrum to offer WiMax services.
At the same time, the DoT also wants to allot WiMAX spectrum to other service providers in the frequencies recommended by TRAI at a later stage after compatibility is established.
While WiMAX is still an evolving technology, it is still considered a threat to third generation mobile services. As per global industry experience, WiMax offers data speeds that are 10-30 times faster than 3G.
To put this in perspective, the data speeds of 3G networks are over five times faster than those offered by 2G cellular networks that telcos in India currently use
Source : EconomicTimes
This is because, the reserve price for the WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) spectrum auction is likely to be set to be a fourth of that for 3G spectrum.
Put simply, this implies that reserve price for an ISP who applies for pan-India WiMAX spectrum will be over Rs 550 crore.
The final price could be several multiples of this depending on the outcome of the auction. ISPs say that a higher reserve price would create a scenario where they would not be able to enter a bidding war with telcos, who too are keen to launch WiMAX services.
Besides, this also implies that the reserve price for a telco, who wants to bid for both WiMAX and 3G radio frequencies will be about Rs 2,800 crore.
Confronted with this grin reality, the Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI), the body representing all stand alone ISPs in the country, will soon approach sector regulator TRAI demanding that their members be charged only 25% of the highest bid that a telco makes for WiMAX spectrum in that particular circle during the auction.
“We will tell TRAI that in order to have a competitive market, standalone ISPs must be charged a maximum of 25% of the highest bid that a telco makes for WiMAX spectrum. We will also seek that a few spectrum slots be reserved for ISPs during the WiMAX auction. This is perhaps the only way that government can address the dismal broadband penetration in the country. We (ISPs) will offer a much needed competition to telcos in the WiMAX space, without which they will not roll-out these services,” ISPAI president Rajahs Charier told ET.
Sources say that the DoT wants the WiMax launch be initially restricted to only three players who will operate this service in the 2.5 GHz frequency band where one of the slots is reserved for state-owned BSNL/MTNL.
This contradicts the recommendations of telecom regulator TRAI which had suggested that wireless broadband be rolled out in 3.3-3.4 GHz and 3.4-3.6 Ghz frequencies and up to 13 players be allocated spectrum to offer WiMax services.
At the same time, the DoT also wants to allot WiMAX spectrum to other service providers in the frequencies recommended by TRAI at a later stage after compatibility is established.
While WiMAX is still an evolving technology, it is still considered a threat to third generation mobile services. As per global industry experience, WiMax offers data speeds that are 10-30 times faster than 3G.
To put this in perspective, the data speeds of 3G networks are over five times faster than those offered by 2G cellular networks that telcos in India currently use
Source : EconomicTimes
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Motorola eyes big Wi-MAX deals in India; to bid for BSNL proj
US-based telecom equipment maker Motorola is eyeing big Wi-MAX contracts in India and is planning to bid for state-run BSNL's urban Wi-MAX project.
"We are very much focused on Wi-MAX...we had bid for BSNL's rural Wi-MAX project and our bid is in the technical evaluation stage and after this proof concept would start," Subhendu Mohanty, Motorola India Country Head, Home & Network Mobility Business, said.
Wi-MAX is a standard-based technology enabling the delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL.
The rural project of BSNL includes offering broadband connection through the Wi-MAX network in 40,000 odd primary and secondary schools by 2008. Additionally, BSNL will set up 50,000 Wi-MAX kiosks.
The second tender valued at Rs 2,000 crore will see BSNL's plans for urban areas and will include roll out of Wi-MAX services in 70 cities across the country in 2008. Motorola is planning to bid for this as well.
These are opportunities in the range of 100-150 mn dollars, Mohanty said. The US-major is currently engaged in the trial run of Bharti's Wi-MAX project.
Motorola, which faces stiff competition from rivals like Nokia Siemens Network, Ericsson, was last year disqualified by BSNL from participating in its 3G network on technical ground. Although Wi-MAX contracts are much lesser in size, they can supplement a network vender's revenue.
Source : EconomicTimes
"We are very much focused on Wi-MAX...we had bid for BSNL's rural Wi-MAX project and our bid is in the technical evaluation stage and after this proof concept would start," Subhendu Mohanty, Motorola India Country Head, Home & Network Mobility Business, said.
Wi-MAX is a standard-based technology enabling the delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL.
The rural project of BSNL includes offering broadband connection through the Wi-MAX network in 40,000 odd primary and secondary schools by 2008. Additionally, BSNL will set up 50,000 Wi-MAX kiosks.
The second tender valued at Rs 2,000 crore will see BSNL's plans for urban areas and will include roll out of Wi-MAX services in 70 cities across the country in 2008. Motorola is planning to bid for this as well.
These are opportunities in the range of 100-150 mn dollars, Mohanty said. The US-major is currently engaged in the trial run of Bharti's Wi-MAX project.
Motorola, which faces stiff competition from rivals like Nokia Siemens Network, Ericsson, was last year disqualified by BSNL from participating in its 3G network on technical ground. Although Wi-MAX contracts are much lesser in size, they can supplement a network vender's revenue.
Source : EconomicTimes
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
TATA, Reliance, NOKIA & Motorola - All Ride High On WiMAX
WiMax is planning to ride high on the Indian Market. After TATA & Reliance, it’s Motorola’s turn to endorse WiMAX. Pundits believe that given the geographical features of India, WiMAX provides a much cheaper alternative for providing internet access to every nook and cranny of the country, as compared to the wired connections. More so, the fact, that mobile networks and data cards can also be configured to access te internet using the WiMAX networks, opens up a whole new world of opportunities. It seems watching movies over the internet, absolutely smooth sound and video streaming, video conferencing on the go are no more just ideas of desire.
If one thinks on it more intently, one can visualize how easy it could be for the public sector telecom company BSNL to oust all competition from the private sectors in the Internet market. The most important reason behind companies not setting up WiMAX infrastructure is the huge costs involved and also slim chances of being able to recover the costs in a hurry. This is where a goverment funded organization do the trick! If BSNL manages to WiMAXify (I hope Oxford takes up this word too, one day :-P) a whole metropolitan city, say some place as important as Mumbai, it’s going to a a huge slap on the face of other operators. Of course, with TRAI trying to be as unbiased as it is, it might prove to be quite an issue. Yet, what do you say? Do you think there might be some solid basis to my logic?
Recently, Anil Ambani’s Globalcom had acquired a 90% share in eWave World in his efforts of providing WiMAX connections in the country and abroad. Nokia also expects data traffic to increase by a significant 75% in 2008 with future devices offering better and better services. Now it’s Motorola backing WiMAX as the next broadband technology. Experts in the field say that the rate of data transfer in WiMAX has the potential of 100 megabits per second (using Long Term Evolution technology). However, after reading about an Australian WiMAX provider scrapping the technology, you might feel apprehensive. One just needs to approach the newest technology with some caution and since devices need special hardware to be able to access WiMAX, unless it comes fitted on devices by defualt, it might get a little tough for India to catch up. Today, India lags quite a few years behind in terms of technology. If we plan to take the roads that others have taken, we shall always trail. It’s high time we took a giant leap!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
BSNL seeks free WiMAX entry
NEW DELHI: State-owned BSNL has sought that telecom regulator TRAI exempt it from paying any entry fee or licence fee for its upcoming WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) as it planned to provide these services largely in rural India. For private telecom operators and internet service providers, BSNL has sought that the government auction WiMAX spectrum and set a reserve price of Rs 10 crore, Rs 5 crore and Rs 2 crore for A ,B and C circles, respectively.
BSNL was replying to the Trai consultation process to determine the allocation and pricing methodology for new WiMAX frequencies—2.3-2.4 GHz, 2.5-2.69 GHz and 3.3-3.6 GHz bands. BSNL also wants Trai to lay a framework that will allow both telcos and ISPs to bid for WiMAX spectrum.
Telecom regulator Trai too favours a reserve price of Rs 10 crore, Rs 5 crore and Rs 2 crore for A, B and C circles, respectively, for WiMAX spectrum. Trai had arrived at this figure by basing the reserve price for WiMAX auction to be a fourth of that for the 3G spectrum auctions. The world’s largest chip manufacturer Intel and telecom network majors too have also written to Trai endorsing their support for the reserve price proposed by Trai for WiMAX spectrum auctions.
However, other private operators GSM through their industry association — The Cellular Operators Association of India — have told Trai that regulator cannot discuss the pricing and allocation of spectrum in these new WiMAX bands until there is ‘complete clarity on the quantum of radio frequencies available’.
“It is also not clear at this stage how much is the quantum of spectrum that is expected to be available in each band, both in the short as well as medium term. It may be appreciated that the time frame for the availability of spectrum as also its quantum, would be relevant both for issues related to pricing as well as for determining the future plans of the operators,” the COAI said.
WiMAX is an evolving technology that is considered a threat to telecom services, especially third generation mobile services. As per global industry experience, WiMAX offers data speeds that are 10-30 times faster than 3G.
Source: EconomicTimes
BSNL was replying to the Trai consultation process to determine the allocation and pricing methodology for new WiMAX frequencies—2.3-2.4 GHz, 2.5-2.69 GHz and 3.3-3.6 GHz bands. BSNL also wants Trai to lay a framework that will allow both telcos and ISPs to bid for WiMAX spectrum.
Telecom regulator Trai too favours a reserve price of Rs 10 crore, Rs 5 crore and Rs 2 crore for A, B and C circles, respectively, for WiMAX spectrum. Trai had arrived at this figure by basing the reserve price for WiMAX auction to be a fourth of that for the 3G spectrum auctions. The world’s largest chip manufacturer Intel and telecom network majors too have also written to Trai endorsing their support for the reserve price proposed by Trai for WiMAX spectrum auctions.
However, other private operators GSM through their industry association — The Cellular Operators Association of India — have told Trai that regulator cannot discuss the pricing and allocation of spectrum in these new WiMAX bands until there is ‘complete clarity on the quantum of radio frequencies available’.
“It is also not clear at this stage how much is the quantum of spectrum that is expected to be available in each band, both in the short as well as medium term. It may be appreciated that the time frame for the availability of spectrum as also its quantum, would be relevant both for issues related to pricing as well as for determining the future plans of the operators,” the COAI said.
WiMAX is an evolving technology that is considered a threat to telecom services, especially third generation mobile services. As per global industry experience, WiMAX offers data speeds that are 10-30 times faster than 3G.
Source: EconomicTimes
Friday, May 23, 2008
Ahmedabad to be connected using WiMAX network
AHMEDABAD: For those wanting to access Internet on the move, the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is planning to connect the city using a wireless network that will provide seamless access to Net.
Under a pilot project, the state-owend telecom firm would soon introduce WiMAX technology - a digital communication system that is intended for wireless "Metropolitan Area Network" -- in the city.
The network would provide broadband wireless access upto 50 km, official sources said here.
Source : EconomicTimes
Under a pilot project, the state-owend telecom firm would soon introduce WiMAX technology - a digital communication system that is intended for wireless "Metropolitan Area Network" -- in the city.
The network would provide broadband wireless access upto 50 km, official sources said here.
Source : EconomicTimes
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