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WiMAX trashed – and praised – in Australian trials

by Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Page 2 of 2 On the other side of the equation is Australian ISP Internode, currently trialling a fixed WiMAX network, as opposed to the mobile network in use by Buzz – which seems to be the key differentiator. Related stories Microsoft subtracts dollars from Xbox 360 add-ons Long term evolution promising 100Mbps on 3G, but Broadcom backs 60GHz ultra broadband networking group Fixed wireless focus boosts BigAir Optus: Telstra “threatened” by our rapid network expansion In Australia, OPEL networks (the joint venture between Australian telco Optus and Australian company Elders) will be using fixed WiMAX network technology – if they secure the Australian Federal Government’s near AUD $1 billion funding to build a rural and regional network. Internode CEO Simon Hackett, who appeared at the conference over a WiMAX connection, said his trials were showing consistent high performance, and said the platform was “proven”, effectively completely refuting the results claimed by Buzz Broadband. Both companies were using different versions of WiMAX technology supplied by Airspan. Based on the two contrasting reports, it would appear that fixed WiMAX technology is the most reliable at the moment, while also showing WiMAX technology still has a long way to go to catch up with 3.5G HSPA technologies rapidly being rolled out worldwide by major telecommunications companies, with many using Ericsson HSPA network equipment. Update: Once again, there appears to have been confusion over Buzz Broadband's WiMAX implementation. See the comments below for clarification, and thanks to our commenters. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to post your comment! Tags See All Tags 3.5G Alex ZaharovReutt Australia Broadband Ericsson Fixedmobile convergence HSDPA Internet Mobility Next generation networks Telecommunications WiMAX Wireless Wireless Carriers Wireless broadband Get stories like this delivered daily - FREE - subscribe now << First page < 1 2 Next page > Last page - Post your comment >>