The bid for the Taipei WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) deployment project was won by Qware, which obtained a nine-year operation license. Qware will be responsible for installing network infrastructure along 30 stations in the city's MRT system by the end of 2004, followed by deployment in business areas before June 2005. Citywide deployment is expected to finalize by the end of 2005 with 90% coverage. Other than investments of three billion for network installment, Qware is required to pay the City Government royalties, estimated at approximately NT$620 million over nine years.

 

According Qware's service proposal, the subscriber base is expected to reach 50,000 once the first-stage installment finishes at the end of 2004, and further expand to 1.1 million by the end of 2006. Four rate plans have also been proposed.

 

Qware won out on the back of experience in infrastructure installment and Uni-President's expansive channel systems. The company also solicited cooperation from numerous communications players. Mobile communications equipment vendors include Notel, Tropos, and Motorola. Fixed-line operators are Taiwan Fixed Network and Sparq. Asiacom and Zhongxing Xinye are undertaking deployment. System integrators are Seednet, Sparq, Vibo, and FarEasTone. Seednet will also be the primary ISP (Internet Service Provider). This web of alliances is predicted to generate business opportunities worth over NT$5 billion.

 

In a related development, Qware announced its plans to build a wireless platform, providing information on government services, cultural events, traffic, and tourism. By aggressively tapping into the channel of Uni-President-owned convenience store chain, Qware is also looking to bring services to these 24-hour stores.