UQ WiMAX is Failing

UQ WiMAX Logo

Finally, some figures on WiMAX adoption in Japan are available.

Number of subscribers: 21,700.  That’s an average of about 7000 users per month since the official launch date. Quite sad, isn’t it?
The article continues to review the technology, laptops supporting the technology and the competition (Emobile), which came out with the 100 Yen Notebook campaign a few months before the official WiMAX launch.

UQ WiMAX did create a lot of hype around the WiMAX technology and the speed it supports, signed multiple MVNOs, but that was not enough to attract customers.

Yours truly decided not to use UQ WiMAX services, as my house was not covered , coverage around Tokyo is growing, but still cannot beat Emobile service.

UQ still plans to continue to deploy WiMAX around Japan, which means more  investment in infrastructure and Base Stations. These are obviously bad news for KDDI and Intel (biggest investors in UQ) as well as for Mobile wiMAX technology.

Via Yahoo Japan Facta (JP)

Israeli WiMAX Map

Trying to collect a list of all companies and Start-Ups in Israel developing WiMAX Silicon/Systems as well as in the WiMAX Eco-System.

  1. Intel – WiMAX R&D center is in Israel (result of Envara acquisition).
  2. Runcom – Develops MS and BS Silicon as  well as Systems.
  3. Altair Semiconductor – 4G silicon for LTE, WiMAX and XGP.
  4. DesignArt Networks – WiMAX BS Silicon as well as backhaul solution.
  5. Alvarion – WiMAX Systems.
  6. Airspan – WiMAX Systems – Biggest R&D center is located in Israel.
  7. Comsys Mobile – WiMAX, LTE MS Silicon.
  8. WiNetworks – WiMAX Systems.
  9. Gilat – Resell WiMAX Systems (By Airspan).
  10. Ceragon – Mobile backhaul.
  11. Redbend – WiMAX device Management.

Intel Capital invests additional $43 Millions in UQ Communications

UQ WiMAX Logo

From Intel’s PR:

“Intel Capital, Intel Corporation’s global investment organization, invested $43 million (JP ¥4.15 billion) in Japan-based UQ Communications, a provider of WiMAX mobile services. UQ Communications will utilize the funding to continue the nationwide expansion of UQ WiMAX service in Japan, with the commitment to provide WiMAX coverage to 90 percent of the country by 2012”

UQ’s Official launch is planned for July 1st; coverage maps become more appealing to business customers, though still limiting.

While I am an avid supporter of WiMAX Technology and follow UQ Wimax rollout, I use an Emobile HSDPA USB. The price is almost the same, around ¥5000 (~$50), while Emobile has more customers, better coverage and experience. Would love to switch to WiMAX in the future, but can’t afford no-connectivity.

UQ Communications Data Cards and Chip Vendors

UQ USB

As previously reported, UQ communications will start Mobile WiMAX trial on the 26th of February.

Since I am familiar with the WiMAX technology and Chipset vendors, I decided to research the devices to be used during the trial and Chipset vendors selected by UQ and it’s suppliers.

UQ has currently two suppliers:

1) Shinsei Corporation – Supplying the UD01SS USB and the UD02SS Express Card. Accoring to UQ website, these products are actually from a Korean company – Modacom. Modacom has a complete portfolio of devices for the Korean WiBRO network (WiBRO is almost identical to WiMAX). These devices use GCT WiMAX chipset. This screen capture displays device driver information, which clearly indicates GCT.

2) NEC Access Technica – Supplying the UD-01NA USB and UD-02NA PCMCIA Card type. NEC uses Beceem chipset.

Missing from the list are:

1) Samsung – which supplied the data cards to Sprint’s XOHM WiMAX deployment in Baltimore.

2) Sequans Communications – which power Zyxel’s CPE for the same Xohm deployment.

3) Intel – As Intel Capital invested in UQ, I am certain we will see Intel powered WiMAX laptop within a few months.

I cannot avoid mentioning the UQ connection manager, which in my opinion looks very similar to the KT connection Manager. (And I must admit that also Airspan’s MiMAX USB, which I developed, had the same look and feel).