In preparation for future large-scale deployment of wireless broadband access services across Latin America’s largest market, TVA, one of the leading pay TV companies in Brazil, is building a WiMAX trial network based on innovative 4G solutions and services from Nortel.
The two companies announced a trial agreement at a press event held in São Paulo today. Nortel’s mobile MIMO-powered WiMAX (802.16e) solution will allow carriers like TVA to quickly and cost-effectively deliver true high-speed broadband access, mobile TV and video, VoIP, streaming media, data applications and mobile electronic commerce.
“With 4G/WiMAX, Nortel is changing the economics of the game and positioning carriers to deliver true mobile broadband and a hyper-connected communication experience to businesses and consumers,” said Juan Chico, president, Nortel Brazil. “Our trial agreement with TVA will allow us to demonstrate the technology’s ability to replicate the user’s fixed PC capabilities, such as blogging, video and VoIP, from any location.”
Nortel will provide an end-to-end solution including consumer devices, base stations, ASN gateway and professional services for the trial. Testing is scheduled to start in second quarter of 2007 in the city of São Paulo on the 2.5 GHz frequency band. Under the agreement, Nortel will provide the equipment and will be responsible for the deployment, support and maintenance of the entire infrastructure for the trial network.
“TVA has been working to maximize use of the Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service spectrum. The first step was video digitalization, which allows us to offer over 100 channels. Through this trial with Nortel, we can reinforce our efforts to increase our service portfolio moving forward”, said VirgC-lio Amaral, director Strategy and Technology, TVA.
The advantages provided by a WiMAX network are many compared to traditional broadband systems. An example is its flexibility, enabling hybrid connectivity both for wireline and wireless services. Because it does not require fixed lines, deploying a WiMAX network requires one-third the investment of a wired network and improves operator profitability through reduced deployment time, operation and maintenance costs. In addition, WiMAX delivers superior data throughput and mobility, allowing users to stay connected and experience true broadband - even while on the move.
Nortel’s 4G WiMAX solution (standard 802.16e) delivers the highest performance in the smallest footprint with the most competitive cost-per-mega-bit in the industry. It is built on a foundation of OFDM-MIMO, a combination of innovative transmission and antenna technologies that maximizes spectrum to deliver the lightning-fast speeds and high bandwidth essential to high-quality mobile video and TV.