The wireless market in 2005 can be characterised as a range of very interesting activities, coming into the market from different angles and aimed at different opportunities. These developments are based on the particular position from which the players are coming.
Telstra has been locked out of certain spectrum areas and it is therefore in a more restricted position. Its main approach is based on EVDO over its CDMA network. This allows it to offer a range of limited wireless broadband applications in regional areas. It is not a true wireless broadband service but in certain markets, such as business users in regional areas, it is well received. The company also operates a large number of WiFi sites and is trialling a pre-WiMAX service based on the Flarion technology.
Optus is a latecomer in this market. It doesn’t have a focussed wireless broadband approach as yet and is currently trialling a variety of options. It is testing an IP Wireless technology with UT Starcom; it also launched a pre-WiMAX trial with Alvarion. It became a reseller on the PBA network and is considering rolling out its own network utilising the Unwired spectrum and technology. It also has a limited number of WIFI hotspots
AAPT (plus Optus) has been a user of the LMDS technology for several years, mainly using it in a corporate infrastructure environment. LMDS is poised to migrate to WiMAX in the not-too-distant future.
Unwired is the largest player in the market. Its pre-WiMAX service is based on Navini. It only has a system in operation in Sydney and is looking at ways to expand its network and the service.
PBA has the largest wireless broadband operation. Covering 70% of all businesses in the country, it is offering a premium ‘mobility’ service, mainly aimed at business users; it is also looking at retail market opportunities through resellers.
Then there are a number of regional operators – the largest being Norlink in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. Another wireless network is in operation in Albury and other smaller services have been launched – are being launched as we write this report – and will be launched during the 2005/2006 period.
An increasingly larger number of ISPs are installing a wireless broadband service in their areas.
