Two more WiMAX networks by end of year
By the end of this year another two broadband wireless access (BWA) high-speed internet networks will be rolled-out, i-Tech has learned. However, this will be more two years behind the original schedule issued in 2005. Cellcom and Go Mobile have...
By the end of this year another two broadband wireless access (BWA) high-speed internet networks will be rolled-out, i-Tech has learned. However, this will be more two years behind the original schedule issued in 2005.
Cellcom and Go Mobile have always argued that they need more time to get the latest WiMAX technology standards for their networks. In early 2006 they managed to obtain an extension of the deadline from the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) but their second attempt last year was unsuccessful. In the meantime the third licensee, Vodafone Malta, launched its WiMAX network last June.
This breach of the license led the MCA to impose a daily 'administrative' fine of €127.63 (Lm 54.79) on Go Mobile and Cellcom until they comply with the conditions of the revised time-table of network roll-out. The sanction has been running since August 1 last year and related dues are being settled upon request, the MCA confirmed.
A spokesman from Go Mobile confirmed that the company is "aware of its BWA licence conditions and has been working actively to start rollout BWA by end of year. The Malta Communications Authority is also kept abreast of all the developments and they are constantly monitoring the project."
Go Mobile is bound by its license to provide 99 per cent coverage by October next year, the last one of the three licensee scheduled.
A spokesman from Cellcom also confirmed that the company is paying the fine and will start the roll-out of its network in the coming months to "protect its license". However, the company said it is committed to achieve 99 per cent national coverage by next April as stipulated by the revised timetable.
"We urge the MCA to better understand our position. We want to give our customers the best service based on the latest technology and the original license conditions preclude us from doing so. We are literally paying a price for this in the form of a daily fine," said the spokesman from Cellcom, which is consortium of local internet service providers which are trying to survive in a market dominated by the large ISPs, namely Go, Vodafone Malta and Melita Cable. In the meantime Vodafone Malta continues to promote its WiMAX service launched in June last year. It was one of the first members of the Vodafone Group to launch WiMAX and according to its license should have achieved 99 per cent coverage last month.
While attempting to buy time vis-à-vis the roll-out of its BWA network on the WiMAX standard, Go Mobile continues to actively promote internet access over its enhanced 3G network, called HSDPA. "We pride ourselves to be the first and only local operator with a fully fledged HSDPA network offering our subscribers nationwide, seamless mobile access to high speed internet," the operator said.
Vodafone Malta is also providing HSDPA connectivity and Melita Cable is expected to provide the same service when it launch its mobile network in the coming months. However, Melita Cable had unsuccessfully bid for a BWA/WiMAX license.
Cellcom and Go Mobile have always argued that they need more time to get the latest WiMAX technology standards for their networks. In early 2006 they managed to obtain an extension of the deadline from the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) but their second attempt last year was unsuccessful. In the meantime the third licensee, Vodafone Malta, launched its WiMAX network last June.
This breach of the license led the MCA to impose a daily 'administrative' fine of €127.63 (Lm 54.79) on Go Mobile and Cellcom until they comply with the conditions of the revised time-table of network roll-out. The sanction has been running since August 1 last year and related dues are being settled upon request, the MCA confirmed.
A spokesman from Go Mobile confirmed that the company is "aware of its BWA licence conditions and has been working actively to start rollout BWA by end of year. The Malta Communications Authority is also kept abreast of all the developments and they are constantly monitoring the project."
Go Mobile is bound by its license to provide 99 per cent coverage by October next year, the last one of the three licensee scheduled.
A spokesman from Cellcom also confirmed that the company is paying the fine and will start the roll-out of its network in the coming months to "protect its license". However, the company said it is committed to achieve 99 per cent national coverage by next April as stipulated by the revised timetable.
"We urge the MCA to better understand our position. We want to give our customers the best service based on the latest technology and the original license conditions preclude us from doing so. We are literally paying a price for this in the form of a daily fine," said the spokesman from Cellcom, which is consortium of local internet service providers which are trying to survive in a market dominated by the large ISPs, namely Go, Vodafone Malta and Melita Cable. In the meantime Vodafone Malta continues to promote its WiMAX service launched in June last year. It was one of the first members of the Vodafone Group to launch WiMAX and according to its license should have achieved 99 per cent coverage last month.
While attempting to buy time vis-à-vis the roll-out of its BWA network on the WiMAX standard, Go Mobile continues to actively promote internet access over its enhanced 3G network, called HSDPA. "We pride ourselves to be the first and only local operator with a fully fledged HSDPA network offering our subscribers nationwide, seamless mobile access to high speed internet," the operator said.
Vodafone Malta is also providing HSDPA connectivity and Melita Cable is expected to provide the same service when it launch its mobile network in the coming months. However, Melita Cable had unsuccessfully bid for a BWA/WiMAX license.