Wireless Connectivity: Wireless Connectivity in India with WiMAX

Wireless Connectivity in India with WiMAX

Written by Riley Martin on 4:42 AM

The increasing problems looking into the eye of this country’s internet connectivity scene have propelled the internet provider companies to start looking for alternative and more efficient solutions. Moreover, with the success of iPod Touch and iPhones, more and more companies are realizing the power of wireless internet connectivity. To top it all, problems created by the varied geographical and demographical conditions of India also highlight the importance of connecting the masses wirelessly.

What is WiMax Technology?
WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is basically a telecommunications technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances in a variety of ways, from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular type access. It is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, which is also called WirelessMan.
More recently, mobile WiMAX, based on 802.16e and the WiMAX Forum’s NWG specification, has emerged as a compelling solution for high-performance, mobile broadband applications. Vendors are integrating this technology into CPE devices as well as into laptops and a variety of handset devices, thus enabling service providers to offer a premium mobile Internet experience to their customers.

Current Situation of Wireless Connectivity in India
Wireless connectivity is already on the rise in the country, thanks to cheap availability of Wi-Fi hardware resources. Moreover, the need for mobile computing and the rise of Indian economy has also lent their fair share of helping hands.
According to Mr. K Surender, Country Manager, Dax, the overall growth in Wi-Fi is considerably higher than the average growth of the networking industry. He estimates the growth in the Wi-Fi segment at 60%.
To add to the growth of the Wi-Fi segment, many hotspots have been erected by service providers like TATA Indicom, Sify, Reliance Telecommunications and BSNL.

However, unfortunately, Wi-Fi is not a viable solution for every nook and cranny in the country and this is where WiMAX comes to the rescue. WiMAX or 802.16 is an extension of Wi-Fi, the difference being that the former has better reach and can potentially solve the last-mile problem to bring broadband connectivity to remote areas.

Nevertheless, Wi-Fi and WiMAX address different needs, hence they should be able to co-exist. Says Rajesh Sahore, country manager of Allied Telesyn, “Wi-Fi and WiMAX are part of the same underlying technology, but have different applications. Wi-Fi provides seamless access within a small radius such as campus or airport lounge, whereas once WiMAX hits the market it will provide enterprises the ability to connect at speeds as high as 70 Mbps over a range of up to 48 km. Since WiMAX would be a fairly new technology, WiMAX will be comparatively expensive, therefore it is safe to assume that both the technologies have a role to play in the Indian market.”

This growing demand for unfettered access to the open internet and its associated services will perhaps be the largest driver for WiMAX. With WiMAX’s extensive support for QoS , we also see demand for VoIP services, IP TV and interactive video services.
Who & What is WiChorus?
Rehan Jalil, 37, started WiChorus in 2005 after leaving Aperto Networks because he wanted to create low-cost broadband technology for the developing world. WiChorus quickly outgrew the garage, where it was first set up, and got a new sprawling headquarters in San Jose where Jalil leads 50 engineers in creating product innovations relating to WiMAX.

WiChorus helps service providers build scalable & profitable WiMAX and LTE networks. WiChorus recognized that the wireless carrier marketplace is migrating to flatter, all-IP network architectures leveraging higher-performance OFDMA air interfaces. These emerging wireless architectures, such as WiMAX and LTE, require a new class of wireless core infrastructure.

WiChorus focuses on this area of the network, providing high-performance, intelligent, wireless core solutions that enable service providers to efficientlyne deliver IP-based services, manage and monetize internet traffic, optimize network resources, and provide advanced subscriber management. In essence, WiChorus enables the mobile Internet experience.

What is the big deal about WiChorus and WiMAX?
Jalil’s firm, which holds 19 patents in the wireless spectrum, has just launched a pilot program in India to offer WiMAX through phone companies he didn’t wish to name.
WiChorus says that its gear can help offer Internet connectivity without the phone lines for as little as $15 per month. “Through WiMAX, you are using the same frequency to send a lot more data. Thus, the cost per unit goes down,” says the engineer from Purdue University.
Another reason why phone carriers using WiChorus’s equipment will be able to charge so little is that the company has simplified products such as cell phone base stations which serve as hubs to let the phones commute.
“State-run phone companies have shown interest in our work. They have the mandate to provide broadband services to the masses… and we have the equipment & technology to make it happen,” said Jalil who received $25 million in funding last year from the Mayfield Fund, Redpoint Ventures and Accel Partners.

Other Companies in the Scene
Cordia Corporation, a global communications service provider of traditional CLEC and Voice over Internet Protocol (”VOIP”) technologies announced on the 25th of February that Cordia LT Communications Pvt. Ltd., its joint venture with LT Overseas Ltd., has been granted a fifteen year nationwide license to sell IP telephony and ISP services throughout India. Cordia LT expects to begin selling VoIP services on February 27, 2008. In conjunction with the launch, Cordia LT has deployed an initial network node in New Delhi that will be integrated with Cordia’s international network. Cordia LT is also licensed to provide ISP and broadband services and is currently analyzing wireless network options including WiMAX and mobile WiMAX.

India’s Tata Communications, formerly known as VSNL has also announced plans to spend up to US$2 billion over the next three years on expanding its network. About half the expenditure will be on a WiMAX network which will cover 15 cities by 2009. Currently, its WiMax services are available only in Bangalore.
Author’s Note
As things can be perceived, from an enthusiast’s point of view, the day ain’t too far when one shall be able to chat with one’s mates or be able to sync official data and work effortlessly from any corner of the country. In a way, the demographical challenges poised by India’s terrains have worked as a boon since it helped in the early deployment and acceptance of wireless technologies among the common masses.

About the Autor
The Refreshing Blog on Web, Advertising and Technology in India!