Wi-MAX, a wireless internet service, promises to conquer Georgia. Experts are hailing the introduction of Wi-MAX, saying the system will finally put an end to the arguments about shortages of copper cables which have marred relations between consumers and providers lately.
The Wi-MAX system does not need pairs of cables or United Telecom of Georgia communication hubs.
Wi-MAX provides fixed and mobile broadband wireless communication and data exchange over great distances. Thus it becomes usable as feedback technology for various types of digital TV and so called "Video on Demand" services, where a user places an order for a movie or TV programme which they can watch at a time convenient for them.
This is the feature that makes Wi-MAX an optimal technology for providing vast territories with internet and fixed telecommunications. It is more efficient to use in places where wire communication is either economically unjustified or actually impossible.
The National Commission of Communications has announced an auction for the Wi-MAX radio frequency license. Geo Max + and Warid Telecom have already bid for the license. The bid deadline is October 29 and the frequencies will be auctioned in November. The starting price for the license is about 1.7m GEL.
Black Sea Telecom is already a holder of Wi-MAX technology frequencies. Its competitors are likely to be Bee Line and MagtiCom which are going to set up the system by the end of 2008. MagtiCom thinks it has advantages over the other companies since it can use some of its existing infrastructure for the operation.
According to the Magti action plan, Wi-MAX will be available in all the major cities in Georgia by the end of 2008 and in every settlement in Georgia a year later. One station can provide a 40mgb internet service. Besides the internet Wi-MAX can provide a fixed-wireless telephone service.
