- Taiwan's Vmax Telecom, a joint venture between local telecom operator Vibo and equipment maker Tecom, has amassed a total of NT$1 billion (US$30.8 million; US$1 = NT$32.4) for its first-phase fundraising. The company plans to put out an initial bid of 200 WiMAX base stations by year-end 2007, which makes it the first licensed service provider to launch purchase orders.

- Japan's Fujitsu and Taiwan's III (Institute for Information Industry) have signed a memorandum of understanding to set up a WiMAX joint venture in Taipei, Taiwan.

Tentatively named WiMAX Solution AE Center, the new venture is projected to act as a WiMAX R&D center, developing application platforms and providing related technical support. Fujitsu is expected to hold a 51% stake in the joint venture, while III and other Taiwanese partners share the remaining 49%.

 

WiMAX Solution AE Center is scheduled to begin operations in March 2008, and staff will comprise members from both companies. In the initial phase, the new venture aims to focus on the development of applications for the WiMAX industry, including mobile WiMAX devices, as well as femtocells and pico base stations.