Pacific Internet, Intel Collaborate on Mobile WiMax in
Singapore
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Wirelessiq.com
April 24, 2006
Pacific Internet Limited or PacNet, the largest telco-independent
Internet communications service provider by geographic reach in the
Asia-Pacific, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with
Intel Technology Asia Pte Ltd to work towards Singapore's first
mobile WiMax infrastructure.
Based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers'
(IEEE's) 802.16e standard for mobility, the companies believe
mobile WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is
poised to be the next market disrupter, offering fixed, nomadic and
mobile access to data, voice and video applications at broadband
speeds. With nomadic access, users are not restricted to a single
Internet access point but are able to tap multiple access points
within the same network. With mobile access, users can stay
connected even when on the move.
Through the collaboration, PacNet and Intel look to advancing
wireless adoption in Singapore and the region, bringing
wide-ranging benefits to businesses, residents, content and
application providers as well as government agencies.
The interoperability of mobile WiMax will allow access via various
devices and global networks that are running on the WiMax standard,
enabling users to tap into a wide range of solutions and
services.
Individuals will be able to enjoy the freedom of network
accessibility across the island for communication, entertainment
and commerce. Business applications supporting a mobile sales
force, field maintenance, asset management, security and marketing
among others can benefit from the mobile broadband capabilities of
WiMax.
The network is also key in public safety and emergency situations
where critical responses are required. For example, a police
officer can access a database within a moving vehicle, and hospital
staff can view real-time images of a patient in an ambulance before
it reaches the hospital, to make the necessary preparations in
advance.
''Mobile WiMax is an exciting development for Singapore. It is
personal broadband on the move, providing access to a wide range of
applications and information. It will empower a mobile workforce,
bringing about stronger communication and higher business
efficiency. The network will also open up exciting opportunities
for content and application providers," said Kevin Lim, Managing
Director of PacNet Singapore.
Under the MOU, the two companies will conduct studies, including
market trials, to better understand market needs and behavior.
PacNet will leverage on Intel's know-how and worldwide experience
in WiMax and wireless access technology, including its strategic
partnerships along the value chain, to build new business models in
offering differentiated wireless services that will benefit
operators worldwide. The two companies will also look to sharing
some of the insights gained through the release of educational
white papers.
''Our collaboration with PacNet once again shows that WiMax is
real,'' said Patrick Liew, Singapore country manager, Intel
Technology Asia. ''Intel continues to work with the ecosystem to
supply cost-efficient WiMax-based solutions around the world. The
future deployment of mobile WiMax will complement with the other
wireless technologies to achieve ubiquitous broadband wireless
access. It is going to change how governments and enterprises are
run, how students learn and how people communicate.''
''This MOU represents a shift in the way PacNet will bring
increased value to our customers,'' said Teck Moh Phey, President
and Chief Executive Officer of PacNet. ''Through strategic
partnerships with leading technology companies such as Intel,
PacNet will offer differentiated services by combining our strong
regional knowledge and presence with next-generation products and
solutions from these vendors. Such services will be offered to all
applicable countries in the PacNet network.''
PacNet's joint trial with Intel is expected to start in the middle
of 2006 for select customers. PacNet will test the performance of
both nomadic and mobile access, such as ensuring a smooth handover
so that the connection and quality of service are maintained as
users move from one place to another within the mobile WiMax
network.http://www.wirelessiq.com/content/topstories/1307.html