Qualcomm targets WiMax with 3G technology for laptops

In its strategy to counter WiMax, Qualcomm has announced [InformationWeek] a 3G chipset that provides connectivity to laptops on UMTS HSPA and CDMA2000 EV-DO networks worldwide. Along with 3G connectivity the Gobi chipset also has support for GPS.

Qualcomm claims it is enough that laptops are equipped with the Gobi chipset for 3G connectivity clearly taking a potshot at Intel-backed WiMax.

Qualcomm has the support of laptop maker HP and telcos Vodafone and Verizon Wireless all of whom have come out with statements welcoming the Gobi chipset.

For the telcos the chipset is an exciting prospect with possibilities of tying in the laptops with data plans a la mobile phones. However it has to be seen as to how the chipset will be bundled -with both the HSPA and EV-DO options together or if the users will have to choose one of them.

Intel would have an edge in persuading laptop vendors to bundle WiMax chipsets and Qualcomm would have to forge more deals with laptop vendors to take its Gobi chipset forward.

3G is just happening and if telcos roll out more of UMTS HSPA and EV-DO networks then it is good news for companies like Qualcomm and Ericsson. On the other hand if it were WiMax networks that get rolled out the most by telcos then Intel and Nortel would benefit the most.

Nokia, Motorola, Qisda gear up to launch WiMax devices in 2008

Digitimes reports that Nokia, Motorola and Qisda (formerly BenQ) are gearing up to launch WiMax devices in 2008. Motorola has plans to release a dualmode CDMA/WiMax handset in the first half of 2008. Nokia is expected to launch an Internet tablet around the same time supporting WiMax. Taiwan-based Qisda plans to launch an EDGE/WiMax device in 2008.

In most markets 3G spectrum auctions are around the corner and service providers in some countries such as India have already thought to have completed trials of WiMax technology.

Handset manufacturers are gearing up for the launch of their devices in time for availability when the 3G rollout happens.

BSNL's broadband, WiMax moves

I read a story in LightReading about BSNL, the state-owned telecom service provider calling for a tender to supply GEPON (Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Network) for its planned broadband network. GEPON is a popular network access technology delivering 1Gbit/sec over ethernet on a passive optical network and would be an essential part of the triple-play services rollout planned by BSNL. If we go by past business record with the ADSL rollout, UTStarcom Inc is considered to have a good chance of landing the deal.

Coming to WiMax, BSNL is all set to call for a wireless broadband tender very soon according tot the same story. For this tender there are many vendors who could fit the bill including Alcatel-Lucent, Motorola Inc, Nokia-Siemens Networks, Nortel Networks and the Indo-US vendor Telsima. Telsima has already supplied WiMax equipment to Reliance Comm and Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited.

So you can see the pace gathering and we can watch out for more news on the infrastructure deals that would start the 3G rollout in India.

WiMax gets nod as a 3G standard

WiMax has been approved as a standard for 3G services by ITU as reported by IHT, WirelessWeek. What this means is that WiMax technology can be now deployed in the 2.5 - 2.69 GHz licensed spectrum bands. This announcement will push forward 3G spectrum auctions in many geographies at a rapid pace.

WiMax technology brings broadband to wireless offering data applications 10 megabits per second to 40 megabits per second speeds under most conditions. Intel has been promoting WiMax for sometime now and the approval is seen a shot in the arm for the technology's adoption in devices ranging from laptops to mobile phones.

WiMax had been contending for approval with at least two other technologies - LTE ( long term evolution ) promoted by Ericsson and Ultra Mobile Broadband promoted by Qualcomm. WiMax had gained momentum by the backing of personal computer makers - Acer and Lenovo and mobile phone leader Nokia among others.