Wifi Revolution

A development agreement has been announced between Kyocera Wireless Corp., a global supplier of CDMA wireless devices and accessories, and Runcom Technologies, a pioneer in OFDMA enabling technologies for Mobile WiMax.

 

The agreement is aimed at leveraging Kyocera’s expertise in wireless device development and Runcom’s chipset technologies. The two companies are working closely to develop new customer electronic devices that will employ the latest in broadband Mobile WiMax technology.

 

WiMax provides the benefit of being able to deliver high-speed broadband fixed and mobile services wirelessly to large areas using considerably less infrastructure than previous wireless protocols. WiMax, when paired with new MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) technology, is estimated to deliver mobile services three to five times faster than today’s 3G standards at a lower cost.

 

As a result, a growing number of wireless service providers worldwide are planning to use WiMax’s multimedia capabilities to complement existing cellular networks and service offerings.

"Mobile WiMax devices and their diverse capabilities will change the landscape of wireless services available to consumers, truly offering a 'quadruple play' of cable television, broadband Internet, home telephone and mobile telephone functionality," said Dave Carey, vice president of strategic planning for Kyocera Wireless Corp, in a statement.

"Users will enjoy an unprecedented combination of productivity, connectivity and entertainment that's as mobile as they are. Kyocera is determined to be at the leading edge of this evolution and we are pleased to be working with Runcom, a company that clearly shares this vision."

Kyocera and Runcom have been in close collaboration over the last several months in the early development of multiple classes of Mobile WiMax terminals, such as PC cards, customer-premises equipment (CPEs), residential gateways and others. The companies anticipate incorporating Runcom’s RNA 200 Mobile WiMax baseband ASIC with MIMO capability at the heart of these devices.

According to Israel Koffman, vice president of marketing at Runcom Technologies, Runcom is proud to offer the world’s first MIMO-powered WiMax chipset. The company is confident that it will lead the wireless industry into true 4G services.

Kyocera and Runcom appear to be ultimately on the leading edge of wireless technology. While many wireless providers, Cingular (News - Alert) in particular, have completed significant investments in 3G technologies, these two companies are plowing on to 4G technologies.

 

This drive for innovation is not a bad thing and this level of performance will soon be in high demand. However, how long until wireless providers step up their investments to include 4G capabilities?

 

Kyocera and Runcom are surely looking to the future and are working to remain on the forefront of these technological innovations. Let’s just hope they don’t miss the opportunities of today while looking to tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMC (News - Alert) and has also written for eastbiz.com. To see more of her articles, please visit Susan J. Campbell’s columnist page.

 

 

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