WCAI Applauds President Obama’s National Wireless Initiative

U.S. President Barack Obama Thursday outlined his plan for expanding high-speed wireless Internet service to 98% of Americans as part of the Administration’s National Wireless Initiative. The speech came after President Obama viewed a demonstration of a WiMAX system operated by Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on EBS spectrum.

“WCAI applauds the Obama Administration’s commitment to bring wireless broadband service to all Americans, including in rural areas, and to promote investment in America’s broadband infrastructure,” WCAI President and CEO Fred Campbell said in a statement. “As the only broadband platform that is capable of providing access everywhere, all the time, and at affordable prices, wireless broadband is essential to improving education, creating new jobs and growing the American economy. We look forward to working with President Obama, the FCC and Congress to implement this initiative.”

The key elements of the administration’s plan are:

• Freeing up 500 MHz of spectrum, including the use of “voluntary incentive auctions” and more efficient use of government spectrum, estimated to raise $27.8 billion over the next decade.

• Provide at least 98% of Americans with access to 4G high-speed wireless via a one-time investment of $5 billion and reform of the Universal Service Fund.

• Catalyze innovation by devoting $3 billion of the spectrum proceeds to a Wireless Investment (WIN) fund supporting research and development of emerging wireless technologies and applications.

• A $10.7 billion commitment to support the development and deployment of a nationwide wireless broadband network to afford public safety agencies with far greater levels of effectiveness and interoperability. An important element of this plan is the reallocation of the D Block for public safety and $500 million within the WIN Fund.

• $9.6 Billion of spectrum auction revenue will be devoted to deficit reduction.
  

Further information may become available when the Administration releases its budget proposal next week.

WiMAX or TD-LTE: Addressing the demand for broadband services through a multi-technology approach

Author: Ashish Sharma, VP of Marketing, Alvarion

For the past couple of years, there has been growing debate in the industry press creating a “WiMAX vs. LTE” perception. This “either-or” narrative is a common phenomenon which makes it easier to conceptualize the market from a technological standpoint, but it is a disservice for service operators. The truth behind the hype is that a multi-technology approach is the most attractive and viable way for operators to grow their markets and grow within their markets.

As the U.S. continues to expand its broadband penetration, it is imperative for operators to evaluate a host of technologies that can provide broadband services throughout the country, including rural areas. Most operators desire for a platform that meets current requirements with the flexibility to accommodate future technologies, so that their investment is protected. WiMAX is already enabling a host of broadband applications for various types of service providers around the world. TD-LTE, on the other hand, is emerging as a new technology that has considerable momentum in a couple of key markets.

Broadband remains a key growth area that will be addressed by multiple wireless technologies including those that are OFDMA-based like WiMAX and LTE technologies. While these two technologies are derived from different ecosystems, there are many similarities in the underlying technologies that enable both standards. The similarities will enable migration, which some service providers are demanding in order to have freedom of choice in the future.

TD-LTE is a standard for TDD (Time Division Duplexing) spectrum and has gained momentum in China over the last year or so. WiMAX is also based on TDD and is very similar to TD-LTE.

WiMAX will continue to be a preferred technology for 4G wireless broadband for many types of service providers due to maturity of available solutions; vibrant ecosystem, including devices; and low IPR costs associated with the technology.

The ability to migrate from WiMAX should also be seen as a point of strength for the technology so that operators can take advantage of the spectrum available today and achieve a significant ROI with WiMAX. There is no doubt that WiMAX will continue to strengthen and grow while the other technologies begin to mature. The prospects for TD-LTE appear to be very positive today, and migration is possible. WiMAX, as a 4G technology for TDD, is also continuing to evolve its own development path to WiMAX 2 with advanced features and functionalities.

Depending on the business model, applications and timeline, operators may have a tendency to prefer one flavor of TDD technology versus another. Eventually both technologies will coexist as they are driven from two separate ecosystems and the demand for broadband services continues to grow around the world.

The bottom line for service providers is that they can quickly and cost-effectively provide 4G services today with WiMAX, with full confidence that regardless of how the market develops, their investment will be protected.

Enabling Smart Cities through a Unified Communication Platform

Ashish Sharma, VP Marketing, Alvarion

There is rapidly growing interest among municipalities and public safety agencies worldwide to invest in multi-purpose, city-wide broadband networks, thereby creating a “Smart City.” The goal for these “Smart City” initiatives is to provide a cost-effective and efficient approach for managing the city’s day to day operations. The technology of choice for the “Smart City” is the 4G WiMAX wireless network, which allows cities and municipalities to invest in a single scalable network infrastructure that can satisfy the diverse requirements of multiple city agencies. For a cost-effective “Smart City” solution, municipalities require a single, multi-purpose network for a wide range of applications and services including public safety and security, mobile broadband connectivity for first responders, intelligent traffic systems, connecting multiple city buildings and agencies and more.

The shift from multiple single-application solutions to a common platform that can be shared by multiple agencies for diverse citywide applications and services is a dominant trend among cities and municipalities. A common multi-purpose network approach based on Point-to-Multipoint (PMP), Mesh, and Point-to-Point (PtP) wireless topologies for optimal coverage leads to lower initial investment, lower operating costs and better overall performance.

WiMAX technology, based on the IEEE 802.16e standard, has the features and attributes necessary to meet the cost, performance and coverage demands required for a wide area cost-effective, all-inclusive broadband municipal network.

Alvarion’s complete portfolio of wireless broadband products are ideally suited to meet the demands and challenges of a broadband municipal multi-purpose network and support a full range of network topology options, including PMP, PtP and Mesh. This offers considerable flexibility in deploying a network for complete citywide coverage.

• PMP provides the majority of coverage with each base station supporting multiple stationary or mobile terminals. It is very easy to add or adjust terminal sites to address changing conditions. Even temporary terminals can be installed in a matter of hours within the base station coverage area to provide added surveillance for special events or planned gatherings or demonstrations.
• Line-of-site PtP links can be used to provide a dedicated high capacity link to a business or educational campus, a shopping center or any other venue where the traffic volume is expected to be high. A high capacity wireless PtP link is also a preferred option for the backhaul connection to the core network. This will most often be more cost-effective than leased lines.
• Coverage within the campus or shopping center environment can be achieved with a Mesh or Wi-Fi network.

In general, in most municipalities all three topologies along with Wi-Fi will be utilized for optimal coverage, performance and cost.

Municipalities have already realized many of the benefits of broadband connectivity for public safety applications and video surveillance with limited, application-specific solutions. To cost-effectively extend this capability, improve performance and support additional and more diverse citywide applications and services it is necessary to consider alternative network solutions. A citywide broadband wireless access network based on the 4G WiMAX global standard provides a common infrastructure with all of the attributes and features required for a high performance, cost-effective, multi-purpose municipal network.

If you’re interested in learning more about “Smart City” initiatives and the how to cost effectively build communication infrastructure, please sign up for our upcoming free webinar on Wednesday, September 15. The webinar will highlight a case study from City of Houston, a leading US city that is at the forefront of one such initiative. Additional details and registration information are available here: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/676764776.

Planning Your 4G Broadband Wireless Network

by John Celentano, Market Development Manager, TESSCO Technologies

There is much to consider when planning a 4G broadband wireless network.

Begin your planning by considering your customer, and asking yourself a few key questions. Who are your target customers -- residences or businesses? What services do you plan to offer to these customers?

With 4G broadband wireless technologies, whether WiMAX or Long Term Evolution (LTE), a service provider can offer a range of Internet Protocol (IP)-based services over very high-speed connections that are not possible with currently available 3G wireless technologies.


Consider the possibilities -- high-speed Internet access for homes and businesses alike, Voice over IP (VoIP), remote video surveillance, public safety and first responders’ unified communications, distance learning with video instruction, medical diagnostics at sites remote from hospitals, and other IP-based applications still to be developed. Will services be delivered to customers in a fixed location, or are they mobile? Fixed or mobile services determine the type of equipment that the customer will need to access the services.

Next, determine the size of your network. How big an area or territory do you plan to cover? How many customers, either homes or businesses, will you cover within this operating area?

To ensure reliable service, the base station transceivers (BTS) must be located to achieve maximum radio frequency (RF) signal coverage. Eradiated power levels and antenna heights determine the transmission quality. Antenna height must be sufficient to clear obstructions, and that height is determined by the terrain. Is it flat with few obstructions, or is it hilly, or even mountainous? Are there many trees and buildings in the way? These days, overcoming obstructions means mounting antennas on wireless towers or other heights such as rooftops, water or utility towers, even steeples.

Locating the BTS and calculating antenna heights are determined through RF propagation and interference studies that take into account terrain, transmit levels, and other radios operating in the same area. On what frequencies will you be transmitting? Are these in licensed or unlicensed bands? Are you going with WiMAX now, or waiting for LTE? This is important. Frequency and technology determine the RF propagation and interference characteristics, as well as data handling capabilities. Licensed or unlicensed operation also impacts the capital investment needed to build the network. Such studies generally are conducted by RF engineering and consulting firms.

Once the BTS sites are located, how will the antennas be mounted? Is there an existing tower or other suitable mounting point nearby that can be leased for the antennas and radio equipment? Or, do you need to construct your own tower? Online tools are available to calculate the necessary type and size of towers to support the antennas. Building a tower, however, means you must also buy land, apply for licenses, and obtain zoning approvals.

The other important consideration is how to “haul” customers’ connections from the BTS “back” to the network switching point. Backhaul circuits can be carried over either copper or fiber cable facilities leased from local wireline service providers. At the same time, owning your own point-to-point microwave systems for backhaul has become a cost-effective alternative to leased wireline circuits.

Once the BTS sites are established, the construction can begin. You will need to buy antennas, broadband wireless radios, cables to connect the radios to the antennas, microwave radios for backhaul, mounting hardware, DC power and backup batteries, and equipment cabinets along with tools and test sets. All of this equipment can be purchased from a variety of vendors, or through a single source provider such as TESSCO. You will need a professional contractor or construction company to do the actual installation.

The final step is to prove the system works as designed. After the BTS sites are activated, RF propagation and interference tests can be performed with spectrum analyzers. Signal quality and strength can be tested at selected locations around the entire coverage area.

Once the network is operational, your task is to market and sell the broadband services that it can support. Certainly, a sound network plan and design will yield profitable revenue streams for years to come.

Featured in The Wireless Journal, January/February 2010. Reprinted with permission from TESSCO Technologies. www.TESSCO.com

Editor’s Note: WCAI members who would like to be featured in the WCAI Member Spotlight section should contact Susan Polyakova at susan@wcai.com.

WCAI Summer Summit Kicks Off in DC

The WCAI’s Summer Summit kicked off today with a presentation on the National Broadband Plan by Phoebe Yang, General Counsel, Omnibus Broadband Initiative at the FCC. Ms. Yang addressed the packed room of industry representatives from across the U.S. and internationally who gathered in Herndon, VA this morning to hear about the innovation and opportunities presented by the plan.

Ahead is the day packed with informative panel discussions and networking opportunities. Among the topics that will be addressed are operational best practices and WiMAX migration paths toward 802.16m and TD-LTE. The day will wrap up with a networking happy hour and dinner at Jackson’s restaurant. So if you are in DC area, don’t wait, come join us for a productive day of networking and business development. More details are here:

WCAI Summer Summit: Learn, Network, Prosper!

The WCAI Summer Summit is less than two weeks away and we hope that you are just as excited as we are about all the perks that we filled the two-day program with. The event’s highlights include an FCC workshop on the National Broadband Plan, a keynote address by Clearwire Executive Vice President Gerry Salemme on what it takes to bring 4G to America, a presentation by Motorola Networks CTO Bill Payne on the WiMAX migration paths to 802.16m or TD-LTE, and a discussion of operator best practices for 4G networks. But that’s not all…

Did you ever want to take a peek at how industry leaders in the 4G marketplace run their operations? Well here is your opportunity! WCAI members Clearwire and DigitalBridge will be opening doors of their 4G lab and network operations center for Summit attendees to tour their facilities. Clearwire will also have a 4G-equipped vehicle onsite to demo its mobile network operation. The DigitalBridge tour will feature DBC’s network management systems, test WiMAX systems, and proprietary network optimization technology. Visitors will be able to see best practices in the following areas: WiMAX network operations and management, device interoperability, and network and subscriber optimization techniques.

There will also be plenty of opportunities for social networking, especially during the reception and dinner at the end of the first day of the event.

And the best part is that the Summit registration is absolutely FREE for WCAI members who register by June 25. After that, the rate goes up to $79. Non-members are also welcome at the event for $79.

The Summit will be held on June 30-July 1 at the NRTC Headquarters, 2121 Cooperative Way, Herndon, VA. See you next week!

Alvarion Joins WCAI Board of Directors

WCAI today announced the addition of Alvarion Ltd., a global leader in 4G wireless communications, to its Board of Directors. Representing the company on the WCAI Board is Dr. Mohammad Shakouri, Corporate Vice President, Innovation and Marketing.

“Alvarion has been at the forefront of delivering the true 4G broadband experience in the United States and around the world,” said WCAI President and CEO Fred Campbell. “WCAI welcomes Alvarion on Board and looks forward to working together to promote next-generation wireless broadband access in support of achieving ubiquitous broadband deployment and technology innovation.”

An industry visionary and well-known expert in the field, Dr. Shakouri serves on Alvarion’s executive management team. Instrumental in growing WiMAX into a multi-billion dollar industry, including through his involvement with WiMAX Forum, Dr. Shakouri is considered to be the leading voice for the WiMAX industry.

“We are pleased to become part of WCAI Board to help US market enhance the broadband services across the country,” said Dr. Shakouri. “WCAI is a world class industry organization that is at the forefront of developments related to wireless broadband and we look forward to collaborating on new industry initiatives.”

Alvarion continues to demonstrate leadership in the wireless broadband industry. As the world’s leading provider of 4G WiMAX solutions with more than 270 WiMAX networks deployed around the globe, Alvarion offers fully integrated end-to-end all IP WiMAX solutions.

Leveraging 802.16e WiMAX Technology in License-Exempt Bands

By Ashish Sharma, VP, Corporate Communications, Alvarion Ltd.

License-exempt spectrum bands make it possible for operators who do not have access to licensed spectrum to deploy wireless broadband networks. With Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.16e WiMAX technologies, license-exempt operators have access to the most advanced wireless broadband products on the market today and can take advantage of performance, ecosystem and volume of scale benefits in the same way incumbent, nationwide wireless operators (with spectrum licenses) do.

Today, 802.16e WiMAX supports fixed and nomadic services, and vertical applications in a range of license-exempt frequencies up to 6 GHz, including the 5.x GHz band. As 802.16e WiMAX products for license-exempt bands are introduced in the market, operators need to understand the value proposition of using these global standards-based wireless broadband solutions compared to alternatives. And, how do operators stand to gain from a proven license-exempt technology that was developed to support mobility? Finally, what are the extra features that 802.16e WiMAX offers that are key for operators to leverage?

Evaluating Performance Requirements

Now more than ever, wireless broadband operators are under intense pressure to achieve profitability rapidly and to provide data and voice services that can successfully compete with wireline services. To achieve these goals, operators need to clearly define their requirements and carefully select the technology that is best suited to meet them.

While some requirements depend on specific applications and services, there are a key common requirements that are independent of the applications and services supported and are crucial to all operators in license-exempt bands, including:

• High capacity. The technology used has to support high data rates, which effectively bring down the bit-based cost for the overall network. High data rates allow the operator to support a higher number of subscribers within the same sector, or to provide higher data allowances to subscribers.
• Robust coverage. Operators that deploy equipment in rural or low-density areas or support services requiring only limited bandwidth typically have coverage-driven networks. Establishing good coverage can be especially challenging in license-exempt bands because they typically have lower power allowances and higher frequencies than licensed bands.
• Interference management. While levels of interference vary by area and band used, wireless operators using license-exempt bands need tools to manage existing interference or to defend their investment from interference that may emerge in the future.
• Traffic management. Wireless broadband networks are increasingly used to support voice alongside data services, to serve customers with different service plans, access priority or allowances, and to support multiple types of vertical applications. A brute-force approach of providing more bandwidth than needed to avoid managing traffic is no longer cost effective or sufficient because traffic from individual users keeps growing at a fast pace. Quality of service (QoS) and traffic prioritization and management are needed to provide fair access to all subscribers, to support voice and video data, and, more generally, to provide priority access to those applications or services that require it, on the basis of the service level agreement (SLA) in place.
• Mobility support has not yet become a wide-spread requirement, but is a feature that many operators are interested in addressing today -- even if they do not yet plan to roll out services or vertical applications that require mobile access at launch.

Alvarion’s BreezeMAX® Extreme 5000 is the industry’s first license-exempt WiMAX solution to meet operators requirements and enable the applications such as voice, broadband data and video surveillance. The BreezeMAX was designed to help speed up the deployment of broadband infrastructure into multiple market segments such as public safety, municipality operations and services, smart power grids, and government.

The case for deploying 802.16e WiMAX-based equipment

Over the last three years, 802.16e WiMAX technology has reached a point where there is a well-established evolution roadmap, with strong industry backing and a rapidly expanding ecosystemof more than 500 technology providers. The 802.16e WiMAX has a path toward the next generation in the soon to be ratified IEEE 802.16m version, which 802.16d TDD WiMAX lacks. Operators with 802.16e WiMAX-based networks will be able to seemlessly upgrade their infrastructure to 802.16m WiMAX when the equipment becomes available.

Operators using 802.16e WiMAX-based equipment in license-exempt bands can take advantage of the economies of scale achieved in licensed bands because vendors can modify the existing network equipment and devices to operate in license-exempt bands. Furthermore, having launched commercial products in the licensed WiMAX bands (i.e., 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, and 3.5 GHz), some vendors are expected to extend their produce line to license-exempt bands rapidly.

Support for mobility is another major benefit of 802.16e WiMAX. The prevailing attitude among operators is that mobility is a ‘nice-to-have’ feature that gives them additional flexibility in how they market their services. From a business model perspective, operators in license-exempt bands have so far been focused on fixed services and applications. From a technology perspective, full mobility in high-frequency license-exempt bands has been a challenge.

The interest from wireless operators and vertical market players is mostly tied to the potential to offer nomadic access or limited mobility, which can be easily tied to the service currently available as an add-on service. Mobility will also enable operators to expand the range of services they offer their vertical customers within their coverage area, and to include applications that require, for instance, support for the mobile workforce or in-vehicle connectivity (e.g., for safety and security, government, utilities and transportation applications).

Finally, 802.16e WiMAX-based equipment supports advanced functionality that is conducive to improved performance compared to 802.16d WiMAX and other wireless broadband technologies. The spectral efficiency of the air interface in the two versions of WiMAX in their basic configurations is comparable, but several features that are available or required in 802.16e WiMAX are not implemented in 802.16d TDD WiMAX equipment. For example, QoS is available in both versions of WiMAX, but 802.16e WiMAX can provide better support for voice services though an additional QoS level that makes it possible to dynamically allocate capacity to voice traffic only when needed.

WiMAX deployed in license-exempt bands today

Towerstream

This operator has been providing symmetric dedicated connections to businesses in major metropolitan areas in the U.S. since 2001, accumulating deep experience in many pre-WiMAX wireless broadband technologies.

An early supporter of WiMAX, Towerstream has been conducting trials of WiMAX solutions for the last three to four years, but it was only when 802.16e WiMAX-based equipment became available that the operator decided to make the transition. Any 802.16d WiMAX-based solution would have been a temporary one, eventually requiring a forklift upgrade—most likely before the initial investment could be recouped.

Business considerations were the major drivers to select 802.16e WiMAX-based technology, but performance was also carefully assessed. QoS, for instance, is crucial to provide robust voice services. Advanced antenna technologies including MIMO A and MIMO B bring a substantial improvement in the signal strength in challenging environments.

Adam Internet

Australian operator Adam Internetis the first ISP to deploy a wireless network in partnership with the South Australian Government, which is providing partial funding for the infrastructure development costs. Adam Internet provides both broadband connectivity and VoIP services to its WiMAX subscribers at fees comparable to those for metropolitan ADSL services, which are still the core of the operator’s service offerings.

With no access to licensed spectrum at this time, Adam Internet has chosen to use license-exempt spectrum equipment. When 802.16e WiMAX-based products operating in the 5 GHz band became available, Adam Internet was eager to trial them, and has become one of the first operators to deploy a 5 GHz 802.16e WiMAX-based network, launching in Adelaide in November 2009. The network rollout is done in close collaboration between Adam Internet network engineers, who have experience in point-to-point links used to connect business users and Alvarion engineers. A combination of wireless links and fiber provide the backhaul to the Adam Internet network.

802.16e WiMAX: A Clear Technology of Choice

Whether it’s a wireless operators plan to expand their residential or business service or seeking to grow their vertical market applications, or looking for a future-proof technology, 802.16e WiMAX is becoming an increasingly compelling option for license-exempt bands. Equipment based on 802.16e WiMAX supports full mobile access, but it also supports high-performance fixed networks. Today, Alvarion’s BreezeMAX Extreme 5000 is becoming the solution of choice because of its ability to lower the cost of high-bandwidth, carrier-class broadband connectivity for a variety of applications that fit market’s specific needs.

Thanks to the wide industry support for the 802.16e version of the standard, operators using 802.16e WiMAX-based equipment will be able to rely on a stronger ecosystem than available based on limited 802.16d TDD solutions, which in turn will translate into more robust interoperability and the availability of a wider range of affordable subscriber devices.

India Is Close to Completing Technical Work on the 2.5 GHz Band

I’m back in the office this week after yet another trip to India (followed immediately by a trip to the NEBSA conference) to meet with the expert committee dedicated to resolving MSS/WiMAX sharing issues in the 2.5 GHz band. Although the work of the committee is not yet concluded, the committee has narrowed things down to just a handful of remaining technical issues (largely surrounding WiMAX antenna design and MSS mobile filters). Most importantly, the committee concluded that additional testing is not necessary at this time (although it is always possible that the issue could be reopened). If all goes well with the remaining issues, the BWA spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band could be made available as early as this spring.

Harris Stratex Networks Changes Its Name to Aviat Networks

By Stuart Little, Director of Corporate Marketing, Aviat Networks

On January 28, Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. will become Aviat Networks, Inc. Our new name and brand represent a culmination of our company’s transformation over the last three years from that of a specialized microwave backhaul equipment vendor to a world-class wireless IP network solutions provider, with a comprehensive portfolio of wireless access, backhaul and core networking products and lifecycle services.

OUR MARKETS

Wireless public and private telecommunications operators need to be able to offer leading edge services and expand into new and emerging markets in order to position themselves for the future. Unfortunately they lack the time, resources, or local expertise to tackle new opportunities, while protecting their existing business given constrained resources and ROI pressures.

Mobile service providers also have a new sense of urgency to invest in their backhaul network to avoid the capacity crunch that is being driven by the explosion in bandwidth demand as a result of the introduction of new smart devices and the evolution of networks to LTE. At the same time these operators must address the so-called ‘Revenue Gap’ – the widening divergence between increasing network operational costs and flat subscriber revenue.

All around the world service providers and network operators are also now planning to introduce new broadband services or simply lower network operational costs to strengthen their competitive position. From Africa throughout Asia and in the USA, operators are building networks that extend simple voice or new broadband data services to un-served or under-served communities, and are seeking to implement new technologies such as Smart Grids, often funded by government stimulus funds.

OUR SOLUTIONS

Aviat offers best-of-breed transformational broadband solutions that provide operators with the speed and agility to seize new service and market opportunities, while optimizing legacy investments which fuels sustainable growth, as well as operational peace of mind.

With a rich legacy of innovation and technical expertise, we deliver complete wireless solutions to build, expand and evolve communications networks globally. Our products and services extend from the core to the edge, private and enterprise networks to broadband mobility, planning to execution.

Our LTE-ready microwave backhaul solutions provide the most comprehensive IP transport features of any other wireless backhaul solution in its class, giving operators the peace of mind that the solution that they deploy today will provide a smooth migration path to all-IP networks needed tomorrow, extending life of their existing infrastructure and without having to make a risky early leap to all-IP.

Our WiMAX access portfolio provides an immediate and cost-effective solution to deliver high speed broadband wireless data services. Our solution includes everything an operator could need, from access, high speed wireless backhaul, to core services and umbrella service assurance, all backed by a broad range of deployment options and services, including end-to-end managed services that address multi-vendor, multi-protocol environments.

OUR ADVANTAGE

Our global reach and strong portfolio accelerates time to market and ensures a scalable, high performance network. Unlike monolithic telecommunication vendors who subscribe to a “one size fits all” approach to serving operators – large and small – which results in vendor lock-in, Aviat is known for its highly individualized transformation experience which net better results.

In an environment of uncertainty and unrelenting competitive pressures, Aviat has the experience and agility to anticipate what’s coming to help our customers make the right choices so that their investments today aren’t left stranded tomorrow. Because we’re thinking ahead, our products and services are designed for flexible evolution, so no matter what the future brings operators will have all options that they need to move forward and thrive.

And with local presence on the ground worldwide, our migration experts understand specific local requirements and customs. We work by the side of our customers with personal attention and collaboration to understand and meet the unique challenges of their business and markets.

WE MAKE BROADBAND NETWORKS WORK

Aviat Networks is enabling the broadband future. From fixed networks to broadband mobility, from TDM to all Ethernet/IP, from public to private, from planning to managed services, from the core to the edge – we help customers create, expand and manage the best networks for their markets and their bottom lines.

For more information visit www.aviatnetworks.com.

2010 Prediction: A Mix of WiMAX Smartphones and Low-Cost Devices to Emerge

By Guest Blogger Pascal Deriot, Senior Analyst & Partner, WiMAX & LTE Equipment, Maravedis

In a recent interview, Sprint CEO Dan Hesse commented that not only was its network up and running, but its compelling and cool devices, such as dual-mode 3G/4G smartphones, will make WiMAX a successful adoption. On the same front, Clearwire CEO Bill Morrow explained that the second stage of Clearwire’s business model, targeting the PDA/smartphone market, is to happen in the second half of 2010. Although Yota has proved that smartphones can be a great vehicle to promote the fantastic bandwidth capability of the first 4G technology, we also project that the cost of the WiMAX platform is another angle that needs to be considered.

As previously seen in Wi-Fi or 3GPP/3GPP2 markets, WiMAX chipset vendors have leveraged their first or second generations to further reduce chipset costs by migrating to a smaller geometry process node, and/or by introducing monolithic dies. At the same time, new packaging approaches, such as System-in-Package and optimized Bill Of Material (BOM), have significantly reduced the footprint of the WiMAX platform, allowing device manufacturers to launch a new generation of products that are more appealing, integrated, and that combine 3G and 4G standards.

The new research report released by WCAI member Maravedis in partnership with Reveal Wireless, “WiMAX Wave2 Subscriber Station Chipset Vendors Competitive Analysis” provides a detailed comparison of the key WiMAX chipset vendors, identifying system architectures, estimating chipset and system BOM, and cost of available devices such as CPEs, USB dongles or Express Cards. One of the report’s major findings is that WiMAX mass-market adoption may require sub-US$10 chipsets that are power and performance optimized for each application-specific segment. Maravedis and Reveal Wireless have identified three chipset vendors best positioned to achieve the US$10 price target through base-band and RF monolithic die integration in 65-nm.

Although most of the available chipsets are not highly optimized because they were compelled to cover a broad range of application segments, an additional study revealed that device manufacturers could build a basic WiMAX USB dongle solution for as low as sub US$50, while maintaining healthy profit margins. The figure below presents the breakdown of the cost of the USB dongle: the electronic BOM (eBOM) is composed of all the platform components, excluding the chipset. A basic USB dongle platform can be divided into 3 main sub-systems: base-band, RF and power management sub-systems, bringing the component count to 150-200 components. The rBOM, also called sometimes mBOM, defines the mechanical Bill-Of-Material. It contains the non-electronic components such as connectors, USB plug, antennas, PCB, housing, shielding or screws. Our total manufacturing cost estimation includes the labor cost, profit and SG&A. According to our research the WiMAX chipset, by its complexity and silicon die size, represents 44% of the total cost.

Moreover, our analysis shows that a combination of an aggressive Bill-Of-Material reduction by 20-30%, combined with a second generation chipset and higher production volumes, could further shrink the cost of the USB dongle by roughly 20%, providing a sub-US$40 product in 2010 time-frame.

We believe that WiMAX mass-market adoption requires a ubiquitous coverage and technology maturity, a mixed portfolio of appealing, integrated and low cost devices, and competitive WiMAX chipsets. We have no doubt that all these ingredients will be ready next year contributing to a fantastic growth of the WiMAX market, in all regions.

MARAVEDIS is a leading analyst firm focusing on disruptive technologies including smart networks using WiMAX, IEEE, and 3GPP/LTE. For more information about Maravedis, please visit http://www.maravedis-bwa.com/ or contact info@maravedis-bwa.com.

Airspan 3.65 GHz Band FCC Certification Redefines U.S. WiMAX Arena

By Guest Blogger Dori Erann, Senior Director of Marketing Communications, Airspan

Due to recent Airspan developments, wireless operators are now able to take advantage of the full 50 MHz (lower and upper) 3.65 GHz frequency band. Until now, the lightly licensed frequency band made only the lower 25 MHz available for WiMAX operation. But earlier this week, Airspan, a WCAI member, announced that it has received the first-ever certification for a WiMAX system to operate in the upper 25 MHz (3675-3700 MHz).

Airspan has been a dominant player in the 3.65 GHz band in the U.S., with a majority market share as well as the first WiMAX system to be certified by the FCC for both portions of the band.

Implementing the FCC’s contention protocol, the Airspan HiperMAX system is now certified for use in the full 3.65 GHz. Existing Airspan customers can take advantage of this certification and can immediately apply for use of the upper 25 MHz. New operators will be able to apply for the full spectrum in their FCC registrations.

The certification applies to both fixed 802.16d as well as 802.16e applications.

There have been many speculations by industry players as to whether the upper ‘unrestricted’ band would be made available by the FCC. Operators nationwide have expressed strong interest and support for this move in order to allow added capacity and range, enabled by the additional spectrum.

Airspan clearly has a market advantage with this surprise certification. And, with double the amount of spectrum, Airspan 3.65 GHz customers will benefit greatly with the ability to integrate more cost effective business models, while better serving their customer base.

The timing of this new Airspan certification is ideal, allowing Broadband Stimulus applicants to incorporate new deployment and business models into their network plans, better meeting agency requirements by extending coverage with double the capacity and/or double the range.

For more information on Airspan’s equipment, please visit http://www.airspan.com/ or contact Declan Byrne, Chief Marketing Officer for Airspan at dbyrne@Airspan.com.

WCAI Congratulates Airspan on Industry-First FCC Certification for Upper 25MHz of 3.65GHz

WCAI member Airspan Networks announced today that the FCC certified its WiMAX equipment to operate over the full 50 MHz of the 3.65 GHz lightly licensed band in the United States. The certification for the first time allows U.S. 3.65 GHz operators to use the upper "unrestricted" 25 MHz of this lightly licensed frequency band.

The announcement is a major first step on the way to unleashing the potential of the 3.65 GHz band in the United States. This industry-first certification unlocks 25 MHz of valuable spectrum and opens the door to hundreds of licensees who stand ready to bring advanced wireless broadband services to rural America.

Led by some of the major players in the band, WCAI recently launched an effort to harmonize the 3.65 GHz frequencies by addressing its remaining regulatory and technical challenges. Airspan is an active member of the WCAI’s 3.65 GHz Working Group, which is also supported by major manufacturers and licensees in the 3.65 GHz band. We look forward to working with the FCC and the industry to unleash the value in the band to the benefit of operators, equipment vendors and the public.

Clearwire’s Barry West Keynotes WCAI’s International Operator Breakfast at Symposium

Barry West, President, International at WCAI member Clearwire kicked off the WCAI’s International Operator Breakfast as part of the WCAI’s International Symposium at 4G World last week. Organized by the WCAI’s Global Development Committee (GDC), the breakfast brought together wireless broadband service providers from around the world to discuss the future global expansion of 4G and the ways new and emerging technologies will transform our lives going forward. Addressing the operators, Mr. West delivered a spirited talk about WiMAX technology and said he was optimistic the company would be able to raise more money to complete the construction of a national network, according to TR Daily coverage. “I know there’s a lot of speculation about where WiMAX is and will it survive. Is it the Betamax of mobile broadband? I am telling you - we are past the tipping point,” Mr. West said. “Will LTE come along? Of course it will, but it’s not a case of, ‘Will it come along and crush WiMAX?’ WiMAX is here to stay.” Later, he predicted that WiMAX would grab “the lion’s share” of the 4G market.

Hands-On with WiMAX at XOHM's Launch Event in Baltimore

I was lucky enough to get invited to XOHM's launch event today in Baltimore and try out the service. It's fast - really fast. I watched a Hulu video on a WiMAX-enabled laptop, and the video never stuttered, even though there were numerous other users nearby. I walked away convinced - WiMAX in the 2.5 GHz band is real and its here now.

Impressions from WiMAX World

I was at WiMAX World in Chicago last week, where I spent almost as much time talking as listening. At the 4G Executive Summit, a developing theme was whether LTE would predominate or the LTE and WiMAX standards would eventually merge. This theme ultimately took a backseat to the even bigger news at WiMAX World surrounding the launch of Sprint Nextel's Xohm WiMAX network in Baltimore. No matter where the 4G ecosystem goes in the years to come, WiMAX is here now, and according to most reports, is working very well. I'm going to have a chance to see the network on Wednesday at the official launch party, and I hope to have a report here soon. That is not to say we won't see significant LTE deployments too. I stand by what I said at the 4G Executive Summit: "each one can play an important role." The WiMAX party is just starting a little earlier.