14 DAY TRIAL // Motorola announced it has completed the first successful trial of WiMAX technology in Thailand. Conducted in cooperation with United Information Highway, the trial is the first in a series of WiMAX engagements planned by Motorola in Thailand.
The event follows United Information Highway's acquisition of a trial license from the National Telecommunications Commission last year. Using Motorola's WiMAX solution, United Information Highway tested the broadband technology in Bangkok and Phuket to evaluate WiMAX traffic channeling capabilities in these areas.
"The successful trials with United Information Highway affirms WiMAX as a feasible wireless technology for the roll-out of cost-effective broadband services to urban and remote areas within a short deployment time frame," said Eric Starnes, general manager and regional director of South East Asia, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility. "We believe that mobile WiMAX solutions will give United Information Highway differentiating advantages in expanding wireless broadband offerings and other value-added services to their customers."
Bangkok and Phuket were selected for the trial because of the high demand for broadband services in these areas. WiMAX technology will enable service providers to offer their users better wireless broadband services, such as Virtual Private Networks, video streaming, VoIP and online games. United Information Highway is currently assessing the use of Motorola's mobile WiMAX technology to provide low-cost broadband services to corporate users and travelers.
"The Internet penetration rate is currently around 15% in Thailand, and we believe there is huge potential to market affordable broadband services to consumers and corporate users," said Vichai Bencharongkul, president of Benchachinda Holding and chairman of executive committee of United Information Highway. "United Information Highway is delighted to work with Motorola, a leading provider of wireless broadband with numerous successful WiMAX trials and deployments worldwide. We are impressed with the outstanding results achieved in the trials and the efficiency of Motorola's services professionals who set up the trials within a short time frame."