Aircel launches WiMax in Chennai

CHENNAI: Aircel Business Solutions, a part of mobile-service provider Aircel,
has announced the launch of wireless Internet services through Worldwide
Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) technology, which enables 'last
mile' connectivity using 'near line of site' (NLOS) wireless equipment.  

With this launch, ABS becomes the first company in India to launch WiMax and
one among the five global operators to achieve this feat.  

Launching the service, Ram Shinde, senior vice president, Aircel Business
Solutions, said: “Initially, ABS aims to make Chennai 'wire-free' using WiMax
technology enabling wireless Internet connectivity for SME, enterprise and
residential use.”  

He said that ABS was positive about the commercial viability and acceptance
of WiMax across varied user profiles and geographies considering the substantial
growth rate of Internet subscribers in recent time.  

“As of now, ABS would be offering WiMax based on 802.16d standards and the
forthcoming 802.16e standard will be even capable of mobile Internet,” he said
adding that the company is geared to provide coverage to 90 per cent across
commercial areas in Chennai.  

Shinde informed that the company has invested close to $1 billion in
setting-up the infrastructure for WiMax and would invest another $2 billion in
current fiscal.  

“After Chennai, we would be rolling-out our WiMax services to another 44
cities in three phases over the next six-months,” he added.