What is WiMax?

WiMAX meaning Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access is a telecommunications technology that provides for the wireless transmission of data using a variety of transmission modes. In 2002 WiMAX was identified by Intel as an alternative or complement to the wireless broadband. Eventually Motorola and Intel became its biggest champions. Its a relatively new standards-based wireless technology which is intended for large coverage areas on the order of several kilometers (instead of a few hundred meters, as is the case with Wi-Fi). With base stations transmitting signals and some equipment at customer location, it promises fast bandwidth for both fixed locations and mobile users. In this backdrop, Pakistan made headlines in 2006 when Wateen announced plans to work with Motorola to rollout Mobile WiMAX, the largest network of its kind in the world.

Is WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) the right technology for developing countries? In other words, will this new technology deliver the promise of broadband at affordable prices?
WiMAX comes with many theoretical advantages but its potential is yet unproven. Without getting too technical, it is purpose-built for Internet (IP) communication and is based on standards (as opposed to other proprietary solutions) endorsed by a respected world standards body, the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Even today the industry is full of discussions and debates, comparing WiMAX with technologies such as 3G. About 65 countries are experimenting with WiMAX and the results will vary by country depending on the spectrum availability, existing infrastructure and market conditions.

What is going in Pakistan?

Wateen Telecom is the Abu Dhabi Group's latest venture in Pakistan. After the successful launch of Warid Telecom in Pakistan, which has a subscriber base of over 10 million customers in 145 cities, Wateen Telecom has been set up to become the leading "Carrier's Carrier" providing services based on quality, reliability and affordability in the communication and media sector. Wateen - which is using WiMAX solution from Motorola and its cable/fiber network to offer triple play of phone, TV and broadband. Trials have been extended for over a year. Most aggressive to market their bundled solutions, they have started advertising without providing pricing and availability information.

Mobilink GSM
A subsidiary of Orascom Telecom, started its operations in 1994, and has become the market leader both in terms of growth as well as subscriber base in Pakistan Mobilink has 30 million subscribers, and growing. We pride ourselves on being the first cellular service provider to operate on a 100% digital GSM technology in Pakistan that also provides state-of-the-art communication solutions to its customers. Newest to the rank of life-changing innovative technologies is Mobilink Infinity, our revolutionary next generation wireless broadband network. And it gives us great joy to welcome you to experience Mobilinks evolution into a total telecommunications solutions provider. This holds great prospects for all our valued customers in terms of value-added services, Internet access, next generation of telephony through Voice over IP and exciting cutting-edge services.

Mobilink places high importance to its coverage, which is why we cover you in 9,000+ cities and towns nationwide, as well as over 120 countries through International Roaming service. Mobilink - has formed a new entity called Link Dot Net (LDN) to focus on broadband market. WiMAX infrastructure was piloted by Mobilink in 3 cities and a recently issued RFP has generated 7 proposals to cover 5 major metros, including in-building coverage for high value business areas. Malaysias Dancom, which conducted early trials of WiMAX in Karachi, was acquired by Mobilinks LDN in 2007. Mobilink also bought DV Com and its licenses.

Burraq Telecom Limited, founded in 2004 is an established operator licensed to offer a full range of telecommunications services across Pakistan, including long distance international and wireless local loop. The company also has associated spectrum at different frequencies. Burraq has recently completed a limited rollout of its Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) network in all of Pakistans 14 regions. The Qtel/ATCO investment in Burraq is a part of the joint ventures strategy to jointly develop and operate BWA services, including WiMAX and other complementary services, in markets in the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa. Qtel owns a 51% stake in the joint venture. In May 2007, Qatar Telecom (Qtel) acquired Burraq Telecom as its strategic business unit. Qatar Telecom is the exclusive telecommunications provider in the Middle East. Its principal activities include local and international fixed telephone, mobile, Internet, data and cable television services. Burraq Telecom - which was acquired by ACT consortium which includes Qatar Telecom and Clearwire Corporation, an American operator providing WiMAX services in 10 countries.

How WiMax is beneficial?

There are other potential benefits of WiMAX such as broadband access for rural areas or for areas that have no other reasonable broadband access. This is likely to be play an important role for developing countries. WiMAX can also reduce cost of transmission lines such as backhauls from cellular sites or cross-town links. To summarize, improved access and mobility are the major advantages promised by the WiMAX camp. For Pakistan, PTA, the communications regulatory body has allocated spectrum in 3.5 GHz range for WiMAX. The CDMA wireless phone operators such as PTCL (Vfone) and Worldcall, which offer limited mobility, also have licenses in the 3.5GHz range and they are also likely to offer WiMAX services after getting approvals from PTA.

Fact and figure of BB connection by PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication) The total numbers of BB connections in Pakistan are 170,000 (July 2008). Technology wise penetration is: DSL ~ 65% 25% 8% 2%

HFC ~ WiMAX ~ FTTx ~

Note: This report doesn't include BB connections through EDGE, EVDO, Wi-Fi etc

Is their any competition in wireless broadband technologies?

There are two competing wireless broadband technologies now with some network deployment, Wi-Max and EV-DO Rel-0 and Rev-A. One deployment is of Wateen in 3.5 GHz band and the other is only in Karachi by Mobilink. I have heard numbers as high as 25,000 Customers of Wi-Max and a 1000 customers being added every month. Unfortunately my skeptic nature gets the better of me there as well. In a recent conference in Beijing it was acknowledged that there are only two Wi-Max installations in the WORLD with =>25k customers. One is clear wire in US and Wi-Bro in Korea. On the EV-DO side I have no idea as how is Worldcall doing in Karachi; With DIALLOG in Islamabad there are 5000 CDMA 2000 1X (Equivalent to a better Dialup - 153 Kbps) customers and around 100 commercial EV-DO customers. There are some EV-DO offerings by PTCL but not widely available yet. So lots of technology out there already and more is coming, DIALLOG has a nationwide low frequency allocation that can be used for EV-DO Rev-A and B, similarly there is Wi-Tribe/Qtel in 3.5 GHz Wi-max and a few buyers of Wi-max frequencies like Augere. PTCL has 3.5 GHz as well. So it seems that there can be at least "6" nationwide wireless broadband networks very soon in Pakistan!

Short introduction of WLL Operators in Pakistan?

Vphone is a wireless phone service from PTCL (Pakistan Telecommunication Company). It is based on CDMA 2000 Technology. It offers flexibility with a wide range of features. This unique and innovative wireless, limited mobility service at PTCL rates is the beginning of a new era in connecting people. Operator PTCL 'V' Technolog y CDMA2000 1X Type of System WLL 1900 MHz Status CDMA

Coverage Commercial Coverage Pending

OCDMA is revolutionary concept where life revolves around a single goal: to bring people closer. TeleCard began its journey from a convenience-driven concept of the countrys first ever payphone operation. Today, TeleCard is a name that has become synonymous with a complete communication solution provider. Its products and services are entirely about providing effective communication with better connectivity whether it is voice or data. Operator GO CDMA Technolog y CDMA2000 1X Type of System WLL 1900 MHz Status Launch

Commercial Mar-2005

Worldcall Telecommunications Group began life in 1995 when First Capital Securities Corporation Ltd started incubating Worldcall Payphones, now Worldcall Communications Limited. In the next few years, the payphone network was extended across Pakistan, creating new businesses and drawing investor attention to the value of Worldcall businesses.

And now, Worldcall Communications Limited is the largest payphone operator in Pakistan. It is part of a larger conglomerate and along with First Capital Securities Corporation Ltd. owns a mix of telecom, print & media, technology, financial services, retail and property development businesses with national and international coverage. Operator World Call Technolog y CDMA2000 1X Type of System WLL 1900 MHz Status Launch

Commercial Jun-2005

Our mission is to employ a unique and innovative approach in providing WLL services for pervasive voice and data connectivity, using globally accepted standards and technologies that promise faster and better services at competitive rates. Operator Diallog Technolog y CDMA2000 1X Type of System WLL 450 MHz Status Launch

Commercial May-2004