Four Taiwanese WiMAX carriers plan to launch joint purchase of base station equipment in the first half of 2011, according to a December 21 CENS (China Economic News Service) report. Tataung InfoComm, Vee Time, Global Mobile, and First International Telecom (FITEL) are expected to participate in this joint procurement project, with an overall value estimated at more than NT$1 billion (US$33.6 million; US$1=NT$29.8).

As per the regulations of Taiwan's NCC (National Communications Commission), Taiwanese WiMAX carriers are required to reach a coverage of over 70% of Taiwan's area and 50% of population. It is estimated that it will take more than 1,000 base stations to achieve that goal, whereas there are roughly 100-plus at present.

Meanwhile, Vee Time announced on December 17 that it will launch a roaming service in cooperation with Clearwire of the United States, whereby Vee Time subscribers can access free roaming Internet service in 55 US cities using notebook PCs powered by Vee Time.