MUNICH, Germany-Siemens AG announced an agreement with ZAO Start Telecom to construct a fixed WiMAX network in Russia based on the IEEE 802.16-2004 standard.
In the deal, Siemens will provide its SkyMAX solution, including base stations, end devices and its NetViewer monitoring and control system. ZAO Start Telecom will test the equipment in Moscow, where it plans to offer commercial WiMAX services starting next year.
“We have chosen Siemens as our partner for the implementation of this project in view of the unique functionality and high reliability of the SkyMAX solution,” said Pavel Kaplunov, managing director of ZAO Start Telecom. “In the nearest future, we expect the WiMAX standard to gain wide popularity owing to the cost reduction of the equipment due to the introduction of compatible standardized solutions supported by other manufacturers.”
“The construction of Russia’s first WiMAX network is a huge step in the development of wireless technologies and the entire telecommunications market, and we are proud that this network will be constructed on Siemens equipment,” said Christoph Caselitz, president of mobile networks at Siemens. “I am sure that WiMAX has good prospects in Russia and very soon the new broadband communication options will become as indispensable as DSL or WLAN today.”
ZAO Start Telecom is a telecommunications operator offering services to operators and corporate users in Moscow and elsewhere in Russia.
Terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.
