The new Wimax network is only tested with fixed service

4 enterprises, VNPT, FPT, VTC and Viettel, have just been issued a decision to grant trial licenses to provide fixed WiMax service (fixed Wimax).

Will fixed WiMax service replace the traditional landline network?

Accordingly, four businesses will be granted the bandwidth for fixed Wimax service from 3.3GHz to 3.4GHz, with the standard adopted by ITU in 2004 (802.16 version D). The time that businesses are allowed to test the service will be one year. After the trial period expires, the Ministry of Post and Telematics will continue to consider to be able to grant licenses to enterprises officially provided with services.

It is known that fixed WiMax systems use signal towers and WiMax routers to receive signals. WiMax access points allow signals to function well within a 45km radius. Therefore, this first version only replaced home wiring computer networks. Expected, "mobile WiMax" technology - Wimax wireless will be launched in 2007, WiMax-compatible laptops can receive signals directly from the signal tower, then WiMax connection will be available. longer distance as well as greater bandwidth.

Thus, up to this point, four businesses will only be offered a fixed WiMax service test. WiMax is a very new technology for Vietnam, the standard for mobile WiMax has only been approved by ITU in December 2005. It is expected that by the end of the third quarter early in the fourth quarter of this year, manufacturers in the world can launch terminals for mobile WiMax. Therefore, if nothing changes, it is not until the end of the year that the Ministry of Post and Telematics can license testing for mobile WiMax.

According to the Ministry of Post and Telematics's leadership, the ministry has not yet granted licenses for enterprises to test mobile WiMax services because there is currently no equipment for this service. After a year of testing, the Ministry will officially license Wimax provider to fixed. However, after the trial period expires, not all 4 businesses are officially licensed, but will have to consider and survey the test results to select about three businesses.

The reason is that the frequency band for fixed Wimax service is limited. In addition, in the opinion of businesses, the Ministry of Licensing for mobile Wimax service providers needs to be considered carefully. The licensing of WiMax services for some businesses will naturally add mobile networks using WiMax technology. Meanwhile, the market currently has 4 mobile networks and this year will be 6 mobile networks fiercely competitive.

Thuy Nguyen - Hoang Hung