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Fiji’s first independent wireless internet service provider, Unwired Fiji has launched its new $2.6 million WiMAX network in Suva. The new Motorola WiMAX 802.16e network will combine extreme speed and fourth generation (4G) internet services with the flexibility of mobility. Executive director William Parkinson said the WiMAX network would allow customers to access the internet using a variety of modems, plus providing Unwired Fiji with the ability to deliver different levels of service ranging from the home user to the high end corporate. He said the new network would create a platform to provide a huge range of new services, quite apart from the delivery of pure internet. "With this new platform, Unwired Fiji will be able to deliver a level of internet service unmatched in Fiji," Parkinson said. "This new network is designed to be able to take advantage of the rapid growth of WiMAX technology across the region. "Major PC manufacturers will shortly commence imbedding WiMAX chips so users can access our network without an external modem just like they access Wi-Fi," director Sundar Ramamurthy said. "This opens up a whole new world of possible uses ranging from lap tops to devices like power meters". Parkinson said Unwired Fiji would be one of the first ISP’s in the Australasian/ Pacific region to deliver a full 802.16e based WiMAX network. He said company has partnered with Motorola, one of the world’s leading communications companies, to deliver WiMAX for the first time to the region. "With our leading end-to-end WiMAX solutions and expertise, we are able to design, supply and deploy a world-class network for Unwired Fiji to enable its future growth", said Eric Starnes, Motorola Asia’s vice president sales and operations. "We are currently reviewing results from the first round of development then we will embark on a second round of expansion increasing coverage of Suva and surrounding areas," Parkinson said. This new development was funded by investment from new shareholder Data Nets LTD ($2.0 million), one of Papua New Guinea's largest internet service providers and IT engineering firms. Currently Data Nets Ltd holds 35 per cent shares and CFM 33 per cent.
