TMCnet News

Southern Europe Set to Receive First Pre-Mobile WiMAX Commercial Network
[February 20, 2006]

Southern Europe Set to Receive First Pre-Mobile WiMAX Commercial Network


TMCnet Communications and Broadband Columnist
 
Codium Networks, an independent integrator specializing in ‘WiMAX-driven’ network solutions, has announced that it will use equipment from Navini Networks to deploy a broadband wireless network in South Eastern Spain.


 
Thousands of subscribers for the alternative telco Voz y Datos, SL will receive service via the new network. Voz y Datos is considered the number one alternative service provider in the region with many years of wireless experience.

 
Kiriako Vergos, chief executive officer of Codium Networks stated that making a Broadband Wireless Access network profitable is all about avoiding both the elevated costs of professional subscriber terminal installation and the extremely slow market penetration rate that such an installation process entails.
 
With Codium Networks’ technology and network design formula, Vergos added that the company is finally permitting small to medium-sized operators, such as Voz y Datos, to develop their own broadband access infrastructure not only affordably, but more importantly, in a profit-guaranteeing manner.
 
Providing portable, non-line-of-sight high-speed Internet access with plug-and-play activation and retail friendly distribution, Navini’s products deliver personal broadband to customers. Navini’s Ripwave™ provides the access technology while the backhaul is supplied by InfiNet Wireless Radio Router P-P Solution.
 
According to Jesus Fernandez, chief executive officer of Voz y Datos, the provider has tried line-of-sight or near line-of-sight BWA systems from various vendors but now is seeing sales truly taking off because the network infrastructure does not put a brake on the sales momentum. Additionally, Voz y Datos’ customers are extremely excited by the idea that they can pick-up a subscriber terminal from a local retailer or from the direct sales division and in minutes, have a high-speed broadband connection up and running.
 
As the economics of a Smart Beamforming system are realized, this is a significant step forward for Southern Europe, as stated by Roger Dorf, president and chief executive officer, Navini Networks. With the forward movement of the mobile WiMAX 802.16e standard and the fact that Navini’s equipment already provides 802.16e-like capabilities, Voz y Datos can continue to drive the market in Spain.
 
By providing Voz y Datos the ability to offer customers the ability to access high-speed broadband almost instantly, Codium Networks is not only strengthening its position in the European market, but also giving Voz y Datos the necessary tools to ensure growth and profit. While the provider is expected to continue to drive the market in Spain with the new deployment, the reliability of the service has to be emphasized as much as the ease and speed in which installation can happen. The ease of access can win the sale, but it is the confidence in the service provided that keeps the customer and guarantees long-term growth.  
 
Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMC and has also written for eastbiz.com. To see more of her articles, please visit Susan J. Campbell’s columnist page.
 

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