Lest you think WiMAX’s success hinges on Sprint not making an utter mess of their roll-out, Motorola has recently completed a trial implementation of the network in Thailand that local partner United Information Highway Company Limited (UIH) are calling “outstanding”.  Intended to demonstrate WiMAX’s suitability for low-cost and targeted network expansion, UIH selected two areas - Bangkok and Phuket - with high demand for broadband but insufficient network infrastructure.

“The successful trials with UIH affirms WiMAX as a feasible wireless technology for the roll-out of cost-effective broadband services to urban and remote areas within a short deployment timeframe”Eric Starnes, general manager and regional director of South East Asia, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility

“The Internet penetration rate is currently around 15% in Thailand, and we believe there is huge potential to market affordable broadband services to consumers and corporate users”Vichai Bencharongkul, president of Benchachinda Holding Company Limited and chairman of executive committee of UIH

The scheme was operated under a trial WiMAX licence, and UIH are looking into developing a permanent network that would offer business customers and travellers access to VPN, online entertainment, video streaming, Internet telephony and online gaming.