As India’s 3G/BWA Spectrum auction has surpassed the 50K Cr INR mark in last week, it wouldn’t be surprised to see equipment vendors are preparing for imminent battlefront to gain market share. And despite confusion over debut of LTE in India, Motorola is keeping its commitment to WiMAX line of devices and soon to launch low-cost WiMAX devices in India.
There’s already growing war of words between WiMAX & LTE proponents over preferred technology for India’s BWA Spectrum auction in 2.3 GHz band. But as said, Motorola has always believed that WiMAX & LTE targets different market segments and both will co-exist. In a recent interview to Light Reading Asia, Mr. Shubhendu Mohanty, Country Head for Home and Wireless Business, Motorola said that, Motorola is in talk with operators in India to launch low-cost WiMAX devices soon, which will cater to Indian market specifically. Though he declined to disclose the prices of devices, he maintained that, devices will be available in Indian market before the end of this year.
India’s BWA spectrum auction is likely to start within two days after current 3G auction is over and Motorola wants to reach to market on time. Initially Motorola’s WiMAX devices will be available through operators only, which includes CPE (Customer Premises Equipments) and WiMAX Dongles. Currently Motorola is conducting trials with two telecom operators, though Mr. Mohanty didn’t disclose their names.
Apart from Motorola, Alviron Ltd, a Israeli service provider, is eying WiMAX market in India. Alviron is one of the leading manufacturers of WiMAX products and services globally, with total global revenue of $245 million, of which $179 million came directly from WiMAX sales. Alviron is already active in Indian market and catering its services to Airtel & Aircel. In addition to that; company is one of the partners in BSNL’s rural WiMAX project and also planning to participate in operator’s urban WiMAX rollout project.
It seems that WiMAX devices market is going to heat up soon. Will Motorola gain grounds in India? Who will win the battle?We will have to wait and see…
