Motorola, Primus Canada and Mipps to trial WiMAX in Toronto

Motorola, Inc. is working with Primus Canada and Mipps Inc. on trials of WiMAX IEEE 802.16e-2005 in Toronto. The trial, using Motorola’s wi4 WiMAX solution, will provide valuable in-field experience and data to both service providers as they evaluate WiMAX technology for planned future deployments of innovative, high-speed wireless broadband services to their customers throughout Canada.

With WiMAX users can enjoy untethered access to Internet applications such as browsing and video streaming using customer premise equipment (modems), PCMCIA cards for laptops, and handheld devices at speeds greater than today’s cellular networks.

Mipps Inc. acquired 3.5 GHz licensed spectrum covering Toronto as well as similar spectrum in most major cities across Canada. It is building the WiMAX network infrastructure in Toronto and the companies will collaborate and share knowledge and expertise gained throughout the trial.

“Toronto, being a critical market for Primus, represents an ideal test-market for this initiative, which could lead to a roll-out in other centers across Canada in the coming months,” said Ted Chislett, president of Primus Canada, the largest alternative communications carrier in the country with over 1 mln customers.

“For markets like Canada that have readily accessible access to broadband connectivity, Motorola’s wi4 WiMAX solutions create a cost-efficient business model that can enable a new wireless operator to quickly realize the large revenue potential of corporate as well as residential users,” said Fred Wright, senior vice president, Motorola Home & Networks Mobility.

Motorola’s wi4 WiMAX solutions are part of its MOTOwi4 portfolio of innovative wireless broadband solutions and services that creates, complements and completes IP networks.  Delivering IP coverage to virtually all spaces, the MOTOwi4 portfolio also includes fixed broadband, mesh, and indoor solutions for private and public networks.