Bangkok--29 May--Taiwan Trade Center
Tatung InfoComm, a provider of wireless communications services held by Tatung Corp., has launched Taiwan’s first WiMAX service, which transfers data wirelessly at speeds twice as fast as other technologies.
WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a data telecommunications standard for notebook computers, mobile phones and other portable devices. The technology enables broadband speed without the need for cables.
As one of the world's leading technology manufacturers, Taiwan has been a key innovator of WiMAX devices. Taiwan has been a strong supporter of the WiMAX industry, and many local technology companies, with the support of the Taiwan government, have formed a alliance of suppliers aiming to tap this new market potentially worth billions of dollars. Manufacturers include Acer Inc., Accton Technology Corp., Mitac Inc., Tatung Co. and Tecom Co.
Taiwan's government has selected WiMAX for its M-Taiwan national program, which has invested more than US$1 billion in development of a network infrastructure. By 2012, Taiwan will invest about US$3 billion in the WiMAX industry, according to Taiwan’s Industrial Development Bureau.
Tatung InfoComm launched the service in the Penghu Islands off Taiwan’s western coast. The company is offering a preferential charge rate of NT$1,000 (US$29) for three months of service on the islands. The company aims to offer the service soon to consumers in Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city.
In the initial stage of operation, Tatung InfoComm is sourcing equipment for its service from Quanta Microsystems Inc. of the Quanta Group and Accton Wireless Broadband Corporation of Accton Technology Corp. Asustek Computer Inc. and Elitegroup Computer Systems Inc. will become suppliers as soon as Tatung InfoComm launches the service in Kaohsiung and southern Taiwan in July.
Tatung InfoComm’s WiMAX service beams data at up to 10 megabits per second (Mbps), faster than existing 3.5G technology in Taiwan and at a lower cost. 3.5G, also known as high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), enables downlink speeds of up to 14.4 Mbps. WiMAX can provide bandwidth of up to 70 Mbps and soon will reach up to 300 Mbps.
Tatung plans to sign up 60,000 subscribers to its service by the end of this year and one million subscribers in five years.
Founded in 2007 after winning a WiMAX operator license, Tatung InfoComm aims to become a leading provider of digital convergence and mobile broadband services, offering a comprehensive range of mobile telecommunications, mobile internet, mobile infotainment and mobile broadcasting services. The company aims to bring the convenience of broadband and the freedom of mobility to consumers, enterprises, government and home users.
Tatung InfoComm has access to over 300 retail chain stores throughout Taiwan and draws on parent Tatung for the design and manufacture of digital products, as well as system integration for existing customers.
By leveraging two years of experience in the deployment of a WiMAX network for the M-Taiwan project, Tatung InfoComm is focusing on offering innovative applications and services, building an advanced and quality network.
The name "WiMAX" was created by the WiMAX Forum?, which was formed in June 2001 to promote conformity and interoperability of the standard.