Motorola, in collaboration with UTStarcom, will deploy a WiMAX network for Fitel (First International Telecom), one of the first five mobile operators in Taiwan. This represents the third WiMAX deployment contract signed by Motorola with a Taiwan-based carrier.

Currently offering mobile services to more than 1 million subscribers, via its PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) network, the Taiwanese operator got a license to offer WiMAX services back in July 2007. Now, together with the two American companies, Fitel prepares to bring its customers WiMAX connectivity too.

WiMAX is a communications system capable of providing broadband wireless access at distances considerably greater than the ones the Wi-Fi technology can offer.

Fitel's first WiMAX base stations, located in downtown Taipei, should be ready to work in the summer of 2008 the latest. The WiMAX deployment is part of the M-Taiwan project, an initiative that comes from the Taiwanese government and has the purpose of creating a "city-wide broadband network" that will bring more advanced network services to end users.

Charlie Wu, the president of Fitel, declared: "The next generation personal wireless broadband service will enable rich media entertainment and high-speed data applications to be delivered to our customers. The new network will expand our service offerings and is critical to our future business growth,"

Furthermore, talking about Motorola, Mr. Wu said that the company "is a leading provider of WiMAX technology, and we are pleased to work with them in the design, supply and deployment of a high performance, reliable and scalable WiMAX network for advanced applications and future expansion. Working with Motorola has an added benefit in that we also become part of the global WiMAX ecosystem."

"The WiMAX network project with Fitel underscores Motorola's leadership in the industry. Our solutions and services enable Fitel to provide cutting-edge wireless broadband services to its customers quickly," declared Simon Leung, president of Motorola Asia Pacific.