- Malaysian WiMAX solution provider Green Packet
announced on October 22 that the company has obtained an FBO (Facilities-Based Operator)
license and WBA (Wireless Broadband Access) spectrum right in Singapore,
Bernama reported. The FBO license and WBA spectrum right will be transferred from
independent telecommunications service provider Pacnet to Packet One Networks, Green
Packet's WiMAX subsidiary, for 6.91 million Ringgits (US$2.04 million; US$1=3.38
Ringgits). The transfer is still pending final approval from the IDA (Infocomm
Development Authority) of Singapore.
- India's state-run telecom carrier BSNL
recently announced the four lowest bidders for its rural WiMAX tender: Gemini
Communications of India, ZTE of China, Harris Stratex of the United States, and
Alvarion of Israel, according to an October 19 report by the Hindu Business
Line. Among the four bid winners, Chennai-based Gemini emerged with the lowest
bid of 9.83 billion Rupees (US$211.67 million; US$1=46.44 Rupees). ZTE quoted 10.65
billion Rupees (US$229.33 million) for 7,000 WiMAX base stations required by
BSNL. Bidding through its subsidiary Telsima, Harris Stratex quoted 10.94
billion Rupees (US$235.57 million), and Alvarion 11.01 billion Rupees (US$237.08
million). The other three bidders Huawei, Samsung, and Motorola failed to make
the cut on price.
In addition to the rural WiMAX rollout, BSNL
also plans to launch WiMAX service in the urban regions. Huawei has been
selected by BSNL as the equipment provider for WiMAX launch in Punjab, while
Harris Stratex will assist BSNL in the Kerala project.