iBurst applies for more WiMax spectrum
Broadband provider, iBurst, has applied to ICASA to extend its WiMAX allocation to 30MHz of frequency spectrum in the 2.6MHz and 3.5MHz ranges. This allocation will be used to support its plans to increase download speeds and to roll out nomadic WiMAX services. iBurst was originally issued with 15MHz of WiMAX spectrum by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) in July 2006.
WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability Microwave Access) is a new generation technology that is a wireless alternative to leased line and ADSL services, and offers connectivity to small, medium and large businesses.
iBurst was one of the first providers in South Africa to launch a commercial WiMAX service when its network went live in 2008. The company currently has over 200 base stations in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town, making it the largest commercial WiMAX network in South Africa. The company further plans to roll out additional base stations over the next 12 months.
The company says that an additional 15MHz of spectrum is key in deploying nomadic WiMax services which are faster to install and uses cheaper embedded equipment.
“The fixed WiMAX offering from iBurst has seen widespread adoption in the parts of South Africa where it is available, giving users a high-speed alternative to fixed-line technologies,” said iBurst CEO Jannie Van Zyl.
“But provided we are able to secure additional frequency spectrum from ICASA, we will be able to make this technology even more accessible by activating the nomadic version of the WiMAX standard across our network. The network is ready, we are ready. Now we just need the spectrum.”
iBurst’s parent company, Wireless Business Solutions (WBS), recently signed a commercial agreement to jointly roll out WiMAX products with international technology giant, Intel. Although the agreement has been signed, the network and WiMAX enabled laptops will only be available later in 2009.
“Recent compatibility tests conducted with Intel showed that these devices are now ready to be deployed if the spectrum allocation is increased to 30MHz,” said Van Zyl.
iBurst wants more WiMax spectrum – do you support it?
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