Mobile WiMAX Acceleration Group to demonstrate real-world mobile WiMAX network in the UK
BARCELONA – 11th February 2008 – The Mobile WiMAX Acceleration Group (M-WAG), a collaboration of companies demonstrating the business case for mobile WiMAX, today announced that it will deliver the first ever UK mobile WiMAX pilot network over 2.5GHz in Maidstone, Kent. The network will go live in April and will be used to conduct multi-application user trials using mobile WiMAX.
Mobile WiMAX is an advanced technology that provides fast, robust and secure mobile broadband connectivity at a much lower cost than alternatives, enabling traditionally fixed-line only applications to become mobile.
The network will cover 7.5 square kilometres from the centre of Maidstone, which is home to over 75,000 people and 4,500 businesses. Once the network goes live in the spring, M-WAG will begin a range of trials encompassing services such as mobile VoIP, real-time high-quality video streaming and live broadcast. In addition, M-WAG will also be trialling WiFi to WiMAX handover and advanced charging systems to support any services that may be launched commercially.
Dave Lindsay, IT Manager of Maidstone Borough Council commented: “Maidstone Borough Council has always tried to be forward-looking and we are keen to be involved with new technologies that can help us to improve the delivery of existing services and allow us to launch others. M-WAG’s network in Maidstone is especially exciting for us as Mobile WiMAX can deliver robust, resilient and secure data transmission at a much lower cost than other mobile alternatives. Not only will our residents benefit indirectly through improved, lower cost services, but those within the network perimeter will be able to benefit directly through using mobile WiMAX at home or for business.”
Kerl Haslam, Chair of Mobile WiMAX Acceleration Group, said: “The Maidstone 2.5GHz network is the next step in M-WAG’s strategy to assemble the mobile WiMAX ecosystem and demonstrate the business case for the technology. By delivering a live network operating with real world applications, we can showcase and prove the benefits of mobile WiMAX while gathering vital information on the user experience. Mobile WiMAX is ready now and presents a great opportunity to operators, service providers, businesses and consumers alike.”
Three base stations with three sectors will be deployed in the area; delivering data upload speeds up to 2Mbps and download speeds up to 10Mbps within the network area. M-WAG member companies will be providing all network equipment (conforming to IEEE Standard 802.16e where relevant) and service integration. Specific service and application trial dates and details will also be announced shortly
The Mobile WiMAX Acceleration Group was conceived to prove the technology chain required for mobile WiMAX roll-out in the UK. With the announcement of user trials in Maidstone, the group has moved one step closer to assembling the multi-vendor end-to-end supply chain ahead of Ofcom’s impending spectrum auction.
The full press release can be downloaded here
