Runcom to add WiMAX support to Windows mobiles

Stuart Corner
Monday, 06 November 2006 23:46

Business IT - Technology

Israeli company, Runcom Technologies, has signed a collaboration agreement with Microsoft with the goal of giving mobile devices using the Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system 'plug and play' access to future WiMAX networks.

Users of these devices will be able to connect to mobile WiMax (802.16e) networks simply by inserting a mobile WiMax CF or USB card using Runcom WiMAX chipsets without the need to install or download any drivers, Runcom claims.

Runcom is pioneering OFDMA based chipsets for user terminals and base stations that comply with the IEEE802.16e-2005 standard for WiBro (the Korean WiMAX variant) and mobile WiMax applications, Runcom products include the PHY and MAC communication layers. The company claims that its RNA200 ASIC was the first mobile WiMax compliant ASIC onto the market.

"Choice in how you connect is an essential part of our partner ecosystem philosophy," said Chris Hill, group product manager, Microsoft. "We are pleased to have a pioneer in OFDMA technology like Runcom expand connectivity options on Windows Mobile powered devices through their mobile WiMax solution."