Wateen and Mobilink about WiMax in Pakistan, Wateen, Mobilink, LinkDotNet

What is WiMax?

WiMAX meaning Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access is a telecommunications technology that provides for the wireless transmission of data using a variety of transmission modes.

In 2002 WiMAX was identified by Intel as an alternative or complement to the wireless broadband. Eventually Motorola and Intel became its biggest champions.

It’s a relatively new standards-based wireless technology which is intended for large coverage areas on the order of several kilometers (instead of a few hundred meters, as is the case with Wi-Fi).

With base stations transmitting signals and some equipment at customer location, it promises fast bandwidth for both fixed locations and mobile users. In this backdrop, Pakistan made headlines in 2006 when Wateen announced plans to work with Motorola to rollout Mobile WiMAX, the largest network of its kind in the world.

Is WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) the right technology for developing countries?
In other words, will this new technology deliver the promise of broadband at affordable prices?

WiMAX comes with many theoretical advantages but its potential is yet unproven. Without getting too technical, it is purpose-built for Internet (IP) communication and is based on standards (as opposed to other proprietary solutions) endorsed by a respected world standards body, the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

Even today the industry is full of discussions and debates, comparing WiMAX with technologies such as 3G. About 65 countries are experimenting with WiMAX and the results will vary by country depending on the spectrum availability, existing infrastructure and market conditions.

WiMax Providers in Pakistan?

There are two WiMax Providers active in Pakistan

Wateen Telecom Pakistan

Wateen Telecom is the Abu Dhabi Group's latest venture in Pakistan. After the successful launch of Warid Telecom in Pakistan, which has a subscriber base of over 10 million customers in 145 cities, Wateen Telecom has been set up to become the leading "Carrier's Carrier" providing services based on quality, reliability and affordability in the communication and media sector.
Wateen - which is using WiMAX solution from Motorola and its cable/fiber network to offer triple play of phone, TV and broadband. Trials have been extended for over a year. Most aggressive to market their bundled solutions, they have started advertising without providing pricing and availability information.

Mobilink GSM

A subsidiary of Orascom Telecom, started its operations in 1994, and has become the market leader both in terms of growth as well as subscriber base in Pakistan Mobilink has 30 million subscribers, and growing. We pride ourselves on being the first cellular service provider to operate on a 100% digital GSM technology in Pakistan that also provides state-of-the-art communication solutions to its customers.

Newest to the rank of life-changing innovative technologies is Mobilink Infinity, our revolutionary next generation wireless broadband network. And it gives us great joy to welcome you to experience Mobilink’s evolution into a total telecommunications solutions provider. This holds great prospects for all our valued customers in terms of value-added services, Internet access, next generation of telephony through Voice over IP and exciting cutting-edge services. Mobilink places high importance to its coverage, which is why we cover you in 9,000+ cities and towns nationwide, as well as over 120 countries through International Roaming service.

LinkDotNet

Mobilink - has formed a new entity called Link Dot Net (LDN) to focus on broadband market. WiMAX infrastructure was piloted by Mobilink in 3 cities and a recently issued RFP has generated 7 proposals to cover 5 major metros, including in-building coverage for high value business areas. Malaysia’s Dancom, which conducted early trials of WiMAX in Karachi, was acquired by Mobilink’s LDN in 2007. Mobilink also bought DV Com and its licenses.