Alcatel Testing WiMAX in Norway

Alcatel has signed an agreement with Norway's NextGenTel to conduct its first field-trial of WiMAX in Oslo and Bergen. Under the terms of this agreement, Alcatel will supply, install and support NexGenTel with its WiMAX end-to-end solution. Selected customers will benefit from wireless broadband internet access with a symmetric or asymmetric data throughput of several Mb/s per user, within a distance of up to 20 kilometers from the WiMAX base station.

WiMAX is a new set of standards aimed at providing broadband connectivity through wireless networks for fixed and nomadic use in both urban and rural areas. Thus, it can offer broadband access where DSL is unavailable for technical or economic reasons or a last-mile alternative to unbundling for operators who are offering a combination of voice and broadband access offers.

Olav Stokke, Managing Director of NextGenTel stated: "We see great potential in the WiMAX technology, and have therefore acquired nearly one third of the licences throughout Norway. Alcatel has been selected because of its complete broadband access solution, and its strong commitment to the development and integration of WiMAX equipment."

Posted to the site on 12th October 2005