Previously reported Shinsei Corp devices already support Mac OS; but finally, UQ WiMax devices made by NEC access technica will add Mac OS support during August.
The devices mentioned are UD01NA and UD03NA.
[via itmedia – jp]
Intel Capital invests additional $43 Millions in UQ Communications
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 WiMAX Personal Experience Booth
UQ Communications will open a “Personal Experience Booth” in Akihabara during the Golden Week vacation.
The booth will be available from May 1st to May 3rd. Visitors will be able to experience UQ WiMAX download speeds, try it themselves in a designated “Try Corner”. “Original Goods” (giveaways) will be given to visitors particpating in a survey.
Via Itmedia (JP)
UQ WiMAX Covers Haneda Airport
UQ Communication released today that Haneda Airport was added to the trial WiMAX network. Current coverage includes Tokyo (23 wards), Yokohama City and one ward of Kawasaki City.
UQ communication reaffirms the plan to start commercial service in July, 2009 and plans to cover 90% of population by 2012.
UQ have also announced an increase of capital funds to finance deployment as required by the License granted.
UQ Communications announce MAC support
As I previously reported, UQ Communications’ Modacom devices were likely to support MAC OS; now it is official:
Both devices by Shinsei Corp (Modacom) now support MAC OS as well as Microsoft Windows:
UD01SS and UD02SS provide download links to Sofrware and Manual.
Update:
Screen captures of installation and Software are available here
via itmedia (JP)
UQ Communications Host Support – No Linux, No MAC
As I reported in UQ Communications Data Cards and Chip Vendors , UQ Communications UD01SS is actually Korean Modacom‘s device, using GCT Semi chipset.
None of UQ Communications devices support MAC OS or Linux, which caused discontent in the Japanese technical community (Early Adopters and Apple Fans).
But when checking Modacom website for similar WiBRO devices, they do support MAC OS, which makes me think Shinsei Corporation or UQ Communications didn’t want to deal with the complexity of supporting Operating Systems other than Windows (XP, Vista) at this time.
UQ Communications Devices Revisited – Certification Status
In a previous post, I have reviewed the data cards and Chipsets used by UQ WiMAX trial. UQ and Japanese companies in general usually insist on certification. Therefore, I decided to check the certification status of the data cards.
NEC Access Technica certified both the PCMCIA card and USB in January.
As for Shinsei Corp, there is no certification as they rely on Modacom (the actual Korean manufacturer of the devices) . Modacom has also certified both the Express Card, and the USB.
Confusing a bit, is the fact that the Modacom Express Card Certification page shows a USB device. Someone has mixed up the images:
UQ Communications MVNOs
UQ Communications business model has always been about MVNOs.
As UQ WiMAX trial beginns and deployment details start to unfold, MVNOs start to line-up.
- @nifty – one of the leading Japanese ISPs, announced today [JP] their plan to use UQ WiMAX network to provide data services to their customers.
- Softbank Mobile – Did not commit to the MVNO plan, but it is being considered [JP]. According to the news report, Softbank Mobile are waiting for UQ trial results before they can make a decision.
UQ Communications Data Cards and Chip Vendors
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).
UQ Communications and me
I have just posted on Asiajin the latest news from UQ communications. As the company prepares for the launch in July, an extensive trail period is expected. I am trying to enroll as a “Monitor”(a trial participant), but the chances are slim.
Every time I encounter a WiMAX deployment, I immediately check coverage. As I happen to move to Kawasaki in about 3 weeks, I decided to check if I can get a WiMAX signal at home.
Map is attached, but I am afraid I cannot conclude from the resolution provided if our house is in the pink (there is coverage) or white (no WiMAX for me).
