The Prime Minister has officially issued a document allowing three enterprises to provide mobile and fixed WiMax services.
These enterprises are the Vietnam National Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), FPT Telecom, and the Multimedia Communications Corporation (VTC). WiMax technology is emerging as a new trend for wireless broadband access standards for both fixed, portable, and mobile devices.
WiMax offers advantages such as high data transmission speeds, reaching up to 70 Mb/s over a range of 50 kilometers, service quality tailored for each connection, robust security, and support for both multicast and mobility, utilizing both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands.
WiMax transmits high-speed wireless data using ultra-high frequency waves according to the IEEE 802.16 standards, covering very large distances. It is developed on the basis of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing technology. The benefits of WiMax lie in its high multiplexing capability, allowing service providers to easily deliver wireless access services to customers.
Currently, the first version of WiMax based on the complete IEEE 802.16-2004 standard is being tested and chipsets are being developed. The next phase of WiMax development will be based on the IEEE 802.16e standard, which is planned for deployment in 2006. Similar to Wi-Fi, WiMax can provide broadband connectivity for customers using laptops within the range of access points or inside buildings while maintaining a wide connection.
The use of WiMax technology brings numerous benefits, especially in rural areas, remote regions, and densely populated places where it is challenging to deploy wired broadband infrastructure. Therefore, WiMax is viewed as a cost-effective technology for rapid deployment in areas where other technologies struggle to provide broadband services.
According to experts, WiMax is expected to quickly surpass existing technologies such as Wi-Fi or 3G due to its ability to deliver high-speed broadband connectivity over vast areas.
Following the government’s directive, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications will grant licenses to these three enterprises in February this year.
Hoàng Hùng
