Operators can use WiMax to offer broadband services to businesses and consumers in emerging markets, writes Ashish Sharma
 
 


Greenfield operators can deploy a network to compete with
existing mobile or wireline operators 


A base station can have enough capacity to address business
and residential users in the same area


Ashish Sharma: a network can allow enterprises
to “pay as they grow”
 
 
WiMax is proving to be an important tool for operators executing successful business models in emerging market. On one hand there are opportunities that are unrivalled in terms of potential growth and revenues. On the other hand there are challenges not experienced in developed nations.
In addition, the technology allows numerous vertical markets — such as public safety, video surveillance, utilities, mining, oil and gas — to provide services and do business with the advantages of an advanced broadband infrastructure.
 
 
Flexibility and choice in every setting
 
Operators in emerging nations must deploy in markets where the consumers’ ability to pay is lower than in developed countries, while facing a variety of deployment scenarios ranging from crowded city centres to vast rural areas.
In urban centres, a base station can be deployed with enough capacity to address both business and residential users in the same area, providing operators with flexibility in service level agreements. Furthermore, operators can offer advanced services and applications to maximize the return on investment from a market segment with higher average revenue per user.
WiMax enjoys distinct advantages over technologies such as cable and fibre in rural areas, allowing for ubiquitous coverage over a large area.
Base stations consume low power and can also use alternative sources such as solar panels in regions where mains power is either lacking or unstable.
The coverage area of each base station range can be adjusted to balance between capacity and range capability.
Solutions can assist various types of operators. Existing wireline operators can extend their reach into regions that would otherwise be uneconomical. Mobile operators can overlay their existing voice network with WiMax to deliver broadband and other value added services without disrupting voice services.
Greenfield operators can deploy a network to compete with existing mobile or wireline operators and differentiate themselves from incumbent operators. Finally, existing ISPs faced with congestion on their wifi networks can upgrade to WiMax, providing higher quality of service and expanded coverage.

 
 
Technology that makes a difference
 
In vertical markets, the advantages are clear. WiMax has the capacity to deliver simultaneously voice, data and video, all with the encryption security necessary to protect information. Alvarion’s all-outdoor solution enables a proven business case due to its low cost.
Using wireless broadband allows various enterprises to eliminate recurring fees for leased lines. Where there is no wired infrastructure, organisations no longer need to wait for government permits to dig and install cables, and the installation of a network is fast and easy.
Such a network is also very flexible, placing enterprises in a position to “pay as they grow”, adding to their networks as needed, without a large investment up front.
Alvarion has recently strengthened its role in the 5 gigahertz licence-exempt market, introducing the BreezeMAX Extreme 5000, the industry’s first 802.16e compliant, carrier-grade solution for various vertical markets, ranging from wireless service providers and municipalities to public safety and smart grids.
One vertical application receiving more and more attention is smart grids, where the technology can be a key enabler for efficient delivery of energy in emerging markets. Power utilities can more easily integrate alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind into their grid and effectively and quickly prevent and manage power outages. GTB

Ashish Sharma is Alvarion’s vice president of corporate development
Operators using WiMax
 
 


 
Alvarion, with more than 280 commercial deployments worldwide, boasts the industry’s largest installed base, including a wide range of operators and enterprises in both developing and developed markets
India: Bharti-Airtel, Asia’s leading integrated telecom service provider with approximately 100 million mobile subscribers, is the largest mobile operator in India. Bharti has used Alvarion to deploy WiMax to provide broadband services to businesses in 20 cities across the nation.
Brazil: More than 90 digital cities in Brazil have been connected with Alvarion networks. Examples of services offered include free Internet access for the public with a wifi mesh access, e-healthcare, e-classroom , e-government, and video surveillance for public safety and smart traffic control. Three cities, Feira De Santana (2009), Paulo Alfonso (2008) and Porto Alegre (2007) received the industry award for best digital city deployment in Brazil.
Kenya: Safaricom, a leading Kenyan mobile service provider, is engaging in a nationwide deployment of high-speed broadband at 3.5 gigahertz, enabling wireless broadband for residential and corporate users, rural areas, municipalities, banks, schools and universities.