What’s Unwired Fiji thinking? New pricing for business Internet service falls way short of the mark

In an earlier post, Unwired Fiji was praised for deploying a next-generation WiMAX network. A loyal reader forwarded me me an email sent out by Unwired that details new services that take advantage of their new network infrastructure and this news should be greeted with much less enthusiasm. Unwired would have benefitted from waiting for the July 17th announcement of the liberalisation of access to the international gateway to  go to their customers with much more attractive pricing terms.

The company has unveiled two new service offerings for business users. Axxcess is a shared solution aimed at small and medium-scale enterprises. SkyFibre is a dedicated option for larger corporate outfits.

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood: Unwired Fiji’s WiMAX move and news from Asia-Pac

Unwired Fiji has selected Motorola to deploy its next-generation WiMAX network in Fiji. A very positive development. Coming in front of the July 17th announcement, it’s proof that operators are willing to invest in considerable upgrades that expand network coverage and increase performance.

From Communications Direct:

Motorola announced today that it has been selected by Uniwired Fiji to design and deploy an end-to-end 8012.16e-based WiMAX network to upgrade and provide increased capacity to the operator’s existing network for expansion of network coverage and capacity.

In the Philippines, The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has allowed Globe Telecom to ‘make permanent its mobile internet service for post-paid subscribers’. The company offers monthly subscriptions starting at PHP149 (USD3.1), giving ten hours of mobile internet. A low-priced introductory service option is critical for expanding Internet usage in the population.

Governments are reassessing regulations toward telecommunications as they look for investment in next-generation wireless networks. In Vietnam, significant reforms are being put in place, including provisions for foreign-ownership of network infrastructure. According to a  Telegeography update:

… the country’s draft Bill of Law on Telecommunication has been put forward for discussion at the National Assembly Steering Committee. If passed, the bill will allow private companies to build network infrastructure for the first time and will open up the telecoms market to foreign investors, as part of Vietnam’s commitment to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

In the Asia-Pacific region, there’s a great deal of activity that impacts the deployment of wireless networks and services. Again we see governments taking steps to change policies and increase investment in next-generation networks.  A nation like Vietnam opening itself up to outside investment in telecom infrastructure is a sign of how old attitudes  are making way for new pragmatism.

WiMAX Deployment in India

GigaOm reports equipment manufacturers are gearing up to battle it out over a substantial contract to deploy WIMAX networks in India:

WiMAX, despite losing attention and mindshare in the U.S., seems to be thriving across the planet. Business Standard, an Indian newspaper, reports that Huawei, Telsima and Alvarion are three of the companies shortlisted for the $1 billion WiMAX network being built by BSNL, the state-owned Indian telecom company.

via State of WiMAX: Will Huawei Win It All?.

WiMAX Facts:

• Global WiMAX subscriptions will reach more than 85 million by the end of 2013, according to In-Stat.
• According to Infonetics Research, the total WiMAX equipment and device market in the fourth quarter of 2008 was about $275 million.
• In 2008, the number of fixed and mobile WiMAX subscribers hit 3.9 million.
• Total global deployments are around 460 in more than 135 countries,  including fixed, portable and mobile networks

Sources: In-Stat, Infonetics Research, WiMAX Forum (via GigaOm)