| MCA refuses request for further extension to WiMAX rollout
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| Written by HiVoltage |
Monday, 02 April 2007
Most of you probably already know that last year, MCA gave the ISPs that have a license for wireless Internet on the 3.5GHz band a 6 month extension to their obligation to roll out their networks. This is because at the time, there were developments that led to the belief that 802.16e (mobile WiMAX) was just around the corner, and that if a short extension was given, the service providers would be able to adopt the new standard and be able to offer mobility rather than just fixed wireless broadband.
Unfortunately, however, the technology didn't advance as quickly as expected, and mobile WiMAX is still yet to see the light of day. Therefore, the service providers requested a further extension in order to wait for the new standard. However, the Malta Communications Authority refused this request on the grounds that no one knows when this new standard will be available, and apart from that, when the licenses were fist granted, they were granted for fixed wireless broadband. Mobility is just something extra. However, considering the fact that the deadline in order to have 50% of Malta covered was supposed to be this month (April), which is now impossible to achieve, MCA gave a 3 month extension for such coverage to be achieved. However, no further extensions for the 90% and 99% coverage were given.
Whether this is to be considered as good or bad news is up to you... This actually means that for the forseeable future, we will have to depend on GPRS/UMTS for mobile Internet access. On the other hand, this also means that competion for ADSL and cable Internet should be available in less than 3 months. Meanwhile, Vodafone has already began doing some field tests in WiMAX, while Go Mobile is testing UMTS which should launch this month.
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 02 April 2007 ) |
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