BigAir's first WiMax network

ASX-listed wireless broadband provider BigAir Group Limited has announced one of its first metropolitan WiMAX networks, deploying Airspan Networks’ 5.8GHz MicroMAX base stations to Sydney and Melbourne.

The decision to go with Airspan’s products came after a six month extensive technical trial of proprietary wireless, and WiMAX technologies in the 5.8 GHz band, said BigAir CEO, Jason Ashton.

“WiMAX will allow us to offer, symmetric, business grade broadband at speeds of up to 30 Mbps today with far greater range and reliability than is currently available with proprietary wireless systems. In the very near future we will offer even higher speeds as WiMAX technology evolves,” he said.

The Airspan WiMAX equipment selected by BigAir contains high performance Intel WiMAX chipsets in the CPE products that BigAir is deploying.

BigAir has already commenced upgrading its existing Sydney network to WiMAX and intends to switch on its Melbourne WiMAX metropolitan network next month. The company has also targeted its Brisbane WiMAX network to be operational before the end of the year.