First Commercial WiMAX (Rev-e) Network for Germany

Alcatel-Lucent says that it is deploying Germany's first commercial WiMAX network - based on the 802.16e?2005 standard (also known as Rev-e) - in the Saar region for VSE NET, a regional telecommunications service provider in Saarbrücken. The project is being conducted in cooperation with Inquam Broadband -- a nationwide license holder in Germany. VSE NET is establishing the first regional WiMAX network in an area not covered by conventional DSL technology. Work on the network will start in the autumn of 2007, and commercial operation is set to commence in January 2008.

In the initial stage of the deployment, wireless broadband will be made available to residential and business customers in the sparsely populated northern Saar region, where it is not economically viable to build a conventional DSL infrastructure.

"Alcatel-Lucent's advanced WiMAX solution will enable us to deliver a wide range of broadband services, including high-speed Internet access and voice over IP (VoIP), in areas of the Saar region that are currently under-served," said VSE NET Director Michael Leidinger at the signing of the agreement.

Under the agreement, Alcatel-Lucent will provide WiMAX base stations as well as wireless access controllers to support the seamless handover of mobile broadband subscribers between individual base stations, allowing VSE NET's customers to benefit from the service while moving. Alcatel-Lucent also will be responsible for installing, commissioning and maintaining the network.

Posted to the site on 28th August 2007