WIMAX is here. From Moscow to Kuala Lumpur - WiMAX is delivering the Internet at true broadband speeds and with true mobility to people around the world.  The WiMAX networks being deployed by VMAX and Tatung Infocomm here in Taiwan are the newest chapters in this global story of a new era of connectivity. 

WiMAX has the Internet in its DNA.  Developed jointly by the computing and Internet communities, WiMAX technology is the product of an international standards-body effort to accelerate broadband adoption in all markets.   In mature markets, WiMAX un-tethers consumers and offers them a truly mobile, multi-megabit Internet experience.  In emerging markets, WiMAX offers people living in rural and under-served communities their chance to access the Internet at an affordable cost.

Demand for the mobile Internet

The demand for broadband data access has exploded worldwide.  Consumers in mature markets are demanding a fast, mobile Internet experience that has been unavailable until now.  The emergence of 3G dongles and smartphones have given people a taste for mobility but are pushing mobile Internet usage to levels that current networks cannot support. It is estimated that a single laptop generates more mobile data than 450 standard cell phones!

At the same time, the digital divide has been widening.  Whole communities - students, teachers, businesses, doctors - are still unable to access and contribute to the world's knowledge bank that resides on the Internet.  WiMAX has proven that it can cost-effectively bridge the digital divide and enable emerging markets to get online. 

Global deployments

WIMAX is the only solution available today that is meeting the demand for the mobile Internet.  Today, WiMAX service providers can reach 430 million people globally and are on a path to nearly double to reach 800 million by the end of 2010.  The WiMAX Forum is currently tracking over 500 WiMAX network deployments in more than 145 countries with more than 50 countries on their way to national buildouts.  The technology is providing affordable, multi-megabit, mobile Internet services in the US, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, and now, Taiwan.  

o   In Malaysia, Packet 1 celebrated its first year in commercial service by announcing it had reached 80,000 subscribers.  And as an example of the explosive demand unleashed by WiMAX, Packet 1 is targeting 250,000 subscribers by the end of 2009.

o   In Russia, just 4 months after commercial launch, Yota announced its 100,000^th subscriber and is adding 2000+ new customers per day. In addition to modems, dongles and multi-mode handsets, 65 notebook models with embedded WiMAX have been introduced to the market since April 2009 so consumers have a broad choice of devices to use on the network.

o   In Tokyo, with WiMAX, people can now drive through the city running multi-megabit applications, experiencing speeds beyond any commercial wide-area wireless system ever deployed!

o   In the US, there are currently over 35 certified notebooks and five certified netbooks available.  A Clearwire customer recently blogged about streaming three standard definition quality videos from the Internet to three different machines, while conducting a VoIP call - noting it worked "perfectly."

o   In India, BSNL has declared their intention to connect 25,000 rural villages and 70 cities with WiMAX.  The country is targeting close to 6 million WiMAX subscribers by 2012, and 10 million WiMAX subscribers by 2015.

Mature ecosystem support

WiMAX is supported by a mature mobile Internet ecosystem and a rich choice of devices. There are close to a hundred unique equipment manufacturers offering WiMAX devices today.

Intel mobile computing platforms are embracing WiMAX and will be at the foundation of delivering the mobile Internet with new notebook, netbook, and mobile Internet devices.  To date, 16 PC and device manufacturers have announced WiMAX support including Acer, ASUS, Clarion, Dell, Epson, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, MSI, NEC, Onkyo, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, and Toshiba.  At that rate, we can expect 100 certified notebooks & netbooks with Intel's embedded WiMAX solution by the end of 2009.

Taiwan's technology industry is a critical part of the broad, open, and innovative WiMAX ecosystem.  Taiwan has recognized that WiMAX represents the next growth opportunity and Taiwanese hardware, services and network infrastructure companies are developing WiMAX solutions for use worldwide. 

I am delighted and proud that people all around the world are using Intel platforms embedded with WiFi and WiMAX to enjoy a rich digital lifestyle and to fulfill their dreams of being connected.  

The Mobile Internet is here. Innovate and enjoy!

 

Navin Shenoy

Vice President, Sales and Marketing Group
General Manager, Asia-Pacific Region
INTEL CORPORATION