Two Taiwanese WiMAX carriers Global Mobile and
FarEasTone Telecom have made significant progress in launching WiMAX services
by the end of 2009, according to local media reports. On December 23 Global
Mobile launched commercial WiMAX services in Hsinchu of northern Taiwan, where
the carrier has been conducting service trials of late, Economic Daily News
reported. Global Mobile has reached 96.8% outdoor coverage in Hsinchu at
present and projects its subscriber base at 20,000 to 30,000 in 2010. Following
the commencement of commercial service in Hsinchu, Global Mobile plans to roll
out WiMAX services in Taipei City starting in the first quarter of 2010.
Moreover, the carrier has projected a total investment of approximately NT$3
billion (US$92.3 million; US$1=NT$32.2) over a period of three years in
expanding WiMAX services, with the procurement of terminal devices estimated at
40,000 to 50,000 units in 2010.
Meanwhile in Taichung of central Taiwan,
FarEasTone Telecom led off WiMAX trial services in the city on December 22,
United Daily News reported. Initially FarEasTone will offer two flat-rate plans
of NT$399 (US$12.4) and NT$599 (US$18.6) per month. Furthermore, in 15 selected
public areas, users will be able to experience WiMAX-powered mobile broadband
Internet access for free. Thus far FarEasTone has deployed approximately 100
base stations in Taichung and has reached nearly 90% population coverage.