- Taiwanese fabless semiconductor company
MediaTek has rolled out three second-generation 802.16e WiMAX chips, M7117,
M7118, and M7119, according to a June 1 press release by the company. Of the
three new chips, M7117 and M7119 are for use in WiMAX CPE (Customer Premises
Equipment) , while M7118 is designed for mobile phones, USB (Universal Serial
Bus) dongles, and embedded devices. All three chips feature two transmitters
and receivers, as well as support for uplink and downlink MIMO (Multiple Input
Multiple Output) and Beamforming. MediaTek's WiMAX chips have already been used
in CPE developed by Malaysian WiMAX carrier Packet One Networks, according to
the press release.
- India's BSNL has aborted its WiMAX tender for
franchise partners in a number of telecom circles and is expected to invite
fresh bids under new terms and conditions, according to a June 3 report by The
Economic Times of India. Earlier this year, more than 20 companies participated
in the tender for the franchise to act as BSNL's WiMAX partner. The franchisee not
only will obtain an exclusive long-term contract with BSNL but will also be
able to share a certain portion of the revenues generated by commercial
services. The state-run was prompted to cancel the original tender after
investigations that five of the shortlisted companies - WiExpert
Communications, SV Telecom Systems, Digitelco Communications, Spectrus
Communications, and Technotial Infoways - are actually fake companies that
exist only on paper.
It is reported that BSNL has therefore cancelled
the WiMAX rollout tender in three key circles: Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and
Maharashtra. However, BSNL said the cancellation will not affect the company's
plan for WiMAX rollout and further expansion, according to a June 3 report by Press
Trust of India.