The WiMAX Forum, the global body that certifies that certifies and promotes the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products, hosted the South Asia Conference 2012 at the Marriott Hostel in Islamabad, Pakistan. the event was held under the patronage of the country’s regulatory body, Pakistan telecommunication Authority (PTA) and co-organized by Wateen Telecom, Pakistan’s leading converged communications service provider.
The aim of the conference was to create awareness about how WiMAX is a cost-efficient, sustainable and easily scalable solution for broadband distribution. It can help improve the country’s economy by helping industries such as electricity, aviation, oil & gas, agriculture, healthcare amongst other in becoming more efficient, transparent and vertical through its various applications. For instance, WiMAX can help resolve Pakistan’s electricity crises through smart grid applications, through efficient and secure electricity distribution.
Mr. Declan Byrne, President of WiMAX Forum said, “WiMAX technology has achieved a penetration rate of 50% of all broadband connections in urban centers in Pakistan. This success of the technology is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. I am delighted to come to Pakistan and look forward to returning to continue supporting the success of WiMAX operators in the country.”
The conference included speakers from AWB, Purewave, Airspan, Fanoos telecom, Gemtek Technology and Banglion among others, who discussed various go-to-market strategies, planning considerations and applications for WiMAX operators. Alepo, a leading provider of WiMAX solutions shared how broadband and mobile networks can collaborate for better provisioning of data services for consumers.
Pakistan has four WiMAX operators in the country, namely Wateen, Qubee, Mobilink Infinity and Wi-Tribe who account for around 29% of the total broadband market share. Consumers in the country are showing their preference for wireless broadband, which offers a lucrative untapped broadband market.
Pakistan is the first country in the world to have rolled out a nationwide WiMAX network, established by Wateen Telecom, making the country a perfect setting for WiMAX community to host it’s South-Asia Conference.
Naeem Zamindar, CEO of Wateen Telecom has the honour of being the first Pakistani to join the Board of Directors of the WiMAX Forum. He said, “Wateen Telecom is focused on proliferating broadband internet in Pakistan and we are firmly committed to the idea that WiMAX can change every aspect of life in Pakistan for the better. being one of the pioneers for the technology in the world, Wateen believes WiMAX is the solution of choice of emerging countries and can leapfrog Pakistan to progress.”
