Proxim to introduce 802.16a wireless devices in mid-2004
Daniel Shen, Taipei; Steve Shen, DigiTimes.com
[Wednesday 5 November 2003]
Wireless networking device vendor Proxim is expected to begin providing wireless solutions complying with 802.16a standards in mid-2004, according to Joshua Chao, vice president for sales for the Asia-Pacific region of the California-based company.
The WiMAX Forum, which sets technical standards for wireless solutions for broadband wireless networks, will help finalize the 802.16a standards soon, allowing WLAN suppliers to introduce standardized products in 2004, Chao said.
As a market leader, Proxim has seen significant growth of WLAN markets in China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea, Chao said.
Korea Telecom (KT), which has been promoting Neospot’s WLAN services, has acted as a driving force to help South Korean enterprises build in-house WLAN networks. Meanwhile, the WLAN market in China is growing rapidly, with WLAN vendors establishing sales outlets and Chinese enterprises beginning to install wireless networks, according to Chao.
Proxim is developing voice over Wi-Fi devices with Motorola and switch maker Avaya that will be able to allow enterprises around the world to change their corporate networking environment to wireless LAN from the current cellular network, Chao said.
Proxim currently outsources all of its WLAN equipment from Taiwan-based companies. Among them, Universal Scientific Industrial (USI) produces 802.11b devices using Agere Systems chipsets, while Ambit Microsystems and Accton Technology manufacture 802.11a and 802.11g devices using Atheros Technologies chipsets.
Through resellers, Proxim takes up about 90% of Taiwan’s WWAN market by selling its devices to Taiwan’s mobile phone and broadband operators including Chunghwa Telecom (CHT), Taiwan Cellular Corporation (TCC), Far EasTone Telecommunications and Eastern Broadband Telecommunications. Meanwhile, the company sells its WLAN equipment to Taiwanese government agencies and private enterprises through system integrators.
Proxim has conducted a feasibility study for setting up an R&D center in Taiwan but finalization of the plan still depends on the technology capabilities and cost efficiency of the island, Chao said.
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