|
Taiwan market: Global Mobile to launch WiMAX phone numbers
Chloe Yu, Taipei; Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES [Tuesday 4 January 2011]
Global Mobile has obtained 100,000 WiMAX phone numbers from the National Communications Commission (NCC), the first among the six WiMAX operators in Taiwan, and will launch such numbers for sale to subscribers for voice communications on January 5, according to the company. Global Mobile will offer free voice communications within its WiMAX networks, NT$3 and NT$1.2 per minute for voice calls from WiMAX numbers to 3G numbers and fixed-line local telephone numbers respectively, the company pointed out. To match the launch of WiMAX phone numbers, Global Mobile will seek Taiwan-based handset ODM makers for production of customized GSM/WiMAX dual-mode handsets for sale under its own brand, the company indicated. Among ODM makers, Inventec Appliances is thought to be the best candidate while Quanta Computer, Qisda and Foxconn also stand a chance, according to industry sources in Taiwan. Global Mobile expects the launch of WiMAX phone numbers to help add 160,000 subscribers in 2011, the company indicated. According to the industry sources, the other WiMAX operators have not yet applied with NCC for release of WiMAX phone numbers.
|
