Tecom, a Taiwanese communications equipment manufacturer, expects to begin shipment of dual-mode mobile phones based on the WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) system in 2009, according to Taiwan Economic News.

Dual-mode phones to be delivered consist of various combinations, including Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)/WiMAX, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)/WiMAX, or CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)/WiMAX, according to the same source.

Meanwhile, Tecom has also teamed up with other makers, such as Dmedia System, to jointly develop MID (Mobile Internet Device) and WiMAX-based multimedia equipment. In addition, the company has engaged in the development of base stations and CPE (Consumer Premises Equipment) as well. Aside from Tecom, other Taiwanese mobile phone makers currently developing dual-mode WiMAX devices include Wistron NeWeb, HTC, Asus, BenQ, and Inventec.