Nortel Improves WiMAX Ecosystem

Nortel announced Thursday that it is broadening the scope of its end-to-end Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) ecosystem, to include more innovative applications and a variety of devices. This will enable network operators to deliver quality services to businesses and consumers in the underserved broadband markets.

 

As a strategic step, Nortel has entered into a WiMAX agreement with Alvarion, a WiMAX equipment provider, in June this year. Nortel joined hands with a number of major players in the industry, including IBM, WiChorus, Quanta Computer and Accton Wireless Broadband, to facilitate faster and cost-effective deployment of WiMAX.

 

Nortel’s existing alliance with IBM helps the company deliver unified communications capabilities for Lotus Notes users over Mobile WiMAX technology. Through this alliance, Nortel gains access to a range of services such as Internet Protocol (IP) telephony, instant messaging, Web conferencing and video chat capabilities. The service is available everywhere and on any device. Having this offer from Nortel, WiMAX service providers can explore new avenues to expand their addressable markets.

 

Nortel is working with Quanta Computer and Accton Wireless Broadband in Taiwan to deliver Nortel-branded 802.16e devices including PCMCIA cards, USB adapters, indoor gateways, window mount antennas and outdoor gateways working in the 2.3, 2.5 and 3.5 GHz frequency bands.

 

Nortel believes that the path of success in WiMAX technology greatly depends on the open model with best-in-breed partnerships, according to Scott Wickware, general manager, WiMAX, Nortel.

 

"For Nortel, our sweet spot is the integration of a complete solution and the ability to enable operators to squeeze the highest revenue out of their WiMAX network with our business and consumer applications,” added Wickware.

 

The majority of WiMAX operators are new to wireless technologies, so they need assistance in delivering an end-to-end solution. Nortel, with its expertise in backhaul, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) application, professional services, devices and enterprise offerings, can help operators achieve their target.

 

Continuing its challenging efforts in WiMAX field, Nortel is also launching the "VoIP to the MAX," campaign to enable service providers to offer advanced IP voice and multimedia services while de-risking their technology deployment, achieving faster time to market and unlocking new revenue opportunities.

 

Another new offering from Nortel is its WiChorus Home Agent, which will be included as part of the core of its WiMAX network solution. WiChorus Home Agent provides subscriber and content management services as well as network optimization capabilities to network operators.

 

Nortel’s international customers for commercial deployment of WiMAX technology include Comstar in Russia, Wind Telecom in the Dominican Republic, Quad-Cities Online and ITT in the United States, Chunghwa Telecom and Far EasTone in Taiwan, and the Alberta Special Areas Board in Canada.

 

To further expand its reach, Nortel is engaging in WiMAX trials with many customers including Golden Telecom in Russia, Korea Telecom, TVA in Brazil, and Charles Street Partners in the United States.